MAM
Industry grieves Anand Halve’s death
MUMBAI: November 23, the Indian advertising community woke up to the bitter truth that the veteran brand consultant and Chlorophyll founder Anand Halve or Andy, as he was lovingly called, is no more. Halve was not keeping well for long and finally succumbed to pneumonia the previous day.
It was Chlorophyll’s MD and Halve’s dear friend Kiran Khalap who broke the news first on twitter, saying: “The Chlorophyll community grieves the untimely death of its co-founder, father of brand planning in India & friend to millions: Anand Halve.”
Following this, the industry poured in with their messages of condolences, and Twitter was flooded with ‘Rest In peace’ messages addressed to him, some even quoting lines from verses he had penned.
Harsha Bhogle: Am in agony at the passing of Anand Halve,one of the finest minds in advertising & someone who was always very kind to me when I started out.
Journalist Sucheta Dalal : Just heard the really sad news that our friend @anandhalve is no more. #RIP U will be sorely missed Andy … and your guidance & support.
MasterCard head of MasterPass Monica Jasuja: R.I.P. Anand Halve, I miss his positive motivational friendly self on Twitter. Pls keep him in your prayers.
OgilvyOne SVP Namrata Balwani: Very sad to hear of the passing away of a legend. What a mind. Still remember Anand Halve teaching us at MICA. And his shairi tweets.
Addressing Halve as ‘first of the planning tribe’ Ambi Parameswaran also took to social media to express his shock.
Often credited as the pioneer of account planning in Indian advertising, Halve’s influence in the advertising world runs far and deep that even those who didn’t know him in person expressed their shock upon hearing the news.
“It is unfortunate that I didn’t know him too well in person but I can attest that his contribution to the advertising fraternity will be forever cherished. As a person, he was well-liked by his peers and he will be dearly missed,” shared Publicis south Asia CEO Nakul Chopra.
Before setting up Chlorophyll in 1999, Halve was associated with Enterprise Nexus for close to a decade. He has also closely worked with the legendary adman Mohammed Khan. Halve started his advertising journey way back in 1977 by joining Lintas, post that he spent a short time at the start-up Fulcrum with Kersy Katrak.
Lintas grieved his loss by releasing a creative tribute to remember the genius that Halve was.
“Andy was one of the finer minds in advertising, always ready to share his insights with both, the journalistic and the advertising community, whether junior, senior or peer. He was a futuristic thinker who embraced brand understanding, research and planning way ahead of others in that glorious period of advertising in the late eighties and early nineties. I remember Mohammed (Khan) relying on him greatly in those days. May his soul rest in peace,” said Indiantelevision.com founder, CEO and editor-in-chief Anil Wanvari.
The Advertising Club president Raj Nayak said: “Anand Halve was one of the first account planning person I had heard of during the early days of my career. Humility was his biggest asset. Was always warm and probably one of the best strategic minds in the advertising industry. We will miss him.”
Brands
Disney Cruise Line launches Disney Adventure as Robert Downey Jr. christens ship in Singapore
Star studded ceremony marks line’s first Southeast Asia ship
SINGAPORE: Disney Cruise Line has officially welcomed its newest and largest ship, the Disney Adventure, with a glittering, music filled christening ceremony in Singapore, marking the brand’s first ever vessel to homeport in Southeast Asia.
Held inside the ship’s grand Walt Disney Theatre, the celebration unfolded as a theatrical spectacle worthy of Broadway. Regional vocalists and musicians were joined by a 23 piece orchestra, while sweeping video projections wrapped the stage in classic Disney, Pixar and Marvel moments. Special appearances from captain Mickey Mouse and captain Minnie Mouse added a touch of nautical charm.
Among the headline performers were Jed Madela, hollywood performing arts hall of fame inductee, and Dami Im, international recording artist known for Eurovision. Together, they led a soaring tribute to Disney’s musical legacy.
On stage to mark the milestone were Josh D’Amaro, chairman of disney experiences and incoming chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, and Joe Schott, president of disney signature experiences.
D’Amaro described the ship as a new chapter for the company in Asia, saying it would bring Disney storytelling to audiences who may be experiencing the brand’s magic for the first time.
The ceremonial highlight came from Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr., who serves as the ship’s godparent. With characteristic flair, he declared, “You bring the theme and I’ll bring the thunder,” before delivering the traditional blessing: “I christen thee, Disney Adventure, may God bless this ship and all who sail upon her.”
The ceremony closed with a jubilant rendition of “Let’s Set Sail”, a long standing Disney Cruise Line tradition designed to stir excitement for the voyages ahead.
Drawing on more than a century of storytelling from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, the Disney Adventure promises a floating world of fantasy. Guests can wander through seven immersive themed areas, including San Fransokyo Street inspired by Big Hero 6.
On board highlights include a brand new Broadway style musical titled Remember, immersive dining, signature fireworks at sea, imaginative children’s clubs and a vibrant collection of bars and lounges for adults. Thrill seekers can also take on Ironcycle Test Run, the cruise line’s first roller coaster at sea.
The Disney Adventure is the eighth ship in the fleet and sets sail on its maiden voyage on 10 March, launching an inaugural season of three and four night itineraries. It forms part of an ambitious expansion plan that will see five more ships join the fleet by 2031.
For Disney, the magic is no longer just on stage or screen. In Singapore, it now sails.
