MAM
How Cinema influences Culture & Marketing: Mahesh Bhatt and Stuart Sender
MUMBAI: The International Convention Hall at the iconic Bombay Stock Exchange towers played host to the second edition of the IAA Young Turks Forum on Tuesday, August 6. Well-known film-makers Mahesh Bhatt and Stuart Sender participated in a discussion that was moderated by Hungama Digital Media MD and CEO Neeraj Roy. The topic of the discussion was ‘How Cinema influences Culture and Marketing’.
“The question is how we can put some star power and thinking in terms of how we market media, culture and ideas – to work for some other issues and causes that will make people think and make an impact in meaningful ways,” said Stuart Sender.
Director and Producer Mahesh Bhatt in turn was matter-of-fact. He said, “Having believed that movies do not influence human nature and bring any change, I discovered that some movies that came from my heart did have a significant impact on the lives of people; therefore, it had an impact on culture.”
The evening ended with well-known singer and musician Joi Barua regaling the audience with his foot-tapping songs.
Welcoming the gathering and speakers, Srinivasan K. Swamy, President, IAA India Chapter & Vice President, Development, Asia/Pacific region of IAA, said, “Young Turks Forum initiative attempts to bring global captains face-to-face with the youth so that they can get first-hand knowledge on issues that concern us all.”
“Given our strong connect with the youth, HBO is delighted to be associated with the Young Turks Forum, an excellent thought exchange platform for future leaders,” said Monica Tata, Managing Director HBO South Asia, Presenting Partner of the IAA Young Turks Forum.
“The response to this edition of the IAA Young Turks Forum was phenomenal with an audience of over 800 people. We promise to come back with an equally enriching Young Turks Forum event in two months,” added Manish Advani, Head, Marketing and Public Relations, Mahindra Special Services Group, and Chair of the IAA Young Turks Forum series.
Brands
Apollo Tyres names Neha Agarwalla as divisional head – marketing comms & sponsorships
Former Paytm AVP to steer brand, comms and Team India tie-ups
MUMBAI: Neha Agarwalla has taken the wheel at Apollo Tyres, stepping in as divisional head of marketing communications and sponsorships for India and Asia’s commercial business.
In her new role, she will oversee marketing communications, brand activations and go-to-market strategies, while also managing the company’s high-profile association with the Board of Control for Cricket in India as part of its Team India sponsorship.
Agarwalla arrives with nearly two decades of experience across media, marketing and business strategy, bringing a blend of analytical sharpness and brand storytelling to the table.
Before joining Apollo Tyres, she spent close to eight years at Paytm, where she last served as associate vice president. During her tenure, she led media buying and business planning, and earlier held the role of general manager marketing, heading the company’s media business.
Her career arc also includes stints at Initiative, where she worked as business director and media director, and at GroupM, where she was associate director. Across these roles, she built expertise in media strategy, data analysis and integrated marketing.
An alumna of the Delhi School of Communication, Agarwalla now takes on a role that blends sport, strategy and storytelling, with cricket as a powerful pitch.
