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DDB Mudra creates star studded TVC for McDowell’s No. 1 soda
MUMBAI: McDowell‘s No. 1, the beverage brand from the house of United Spirits, has launched a new television commercial for its soda extension.
The TVC features Farhan Akthar, who is the brand ambassador for McDowell‘s No. 1. He is the brand‘s first celebrity endorser in its 40 year existence. It also features Purab Kohli, Cyrus Sahukar, Zoa Morani and Meiyang Chang.
Titled ‘Dosti ka No. 1 spirit‘, the commercial has been created by DDB Mudra, Bangalore.
Additionally, the brand is also organizing activations including multicity musicals with music composer duo Vishal and Shekhar.
DDB Mudra South executive creative director Vipul Thakkar said, “McDowell‘s No.1 soda is all about getting together and having fun. The brief we received from the brand was to highlight the fact that McDowell‘s spreads the spirit of friendship, which is the brand proposition. So we went about creating a campaign around these friends.”
DDB Mudra president Ranji Cherian believes that the campaign will drive a greater level of interest among the younger consumers. He said, “With this campaign the brand hopes to capture the friendship space from which memorable moments are born.”
United Spirits president and managing director Ashok Capoor said, “McDowell‘s No. 1 represents the social aspirations of today‘s youth. Spending time with friends is paramount for them. The McDowell‘s No.1 group of friends – our new brand ambassadors from Bollywood – echo these sentiments and situations that anyone can easily identify with. McDowell‘s No. 1 has set benchmarks for the alco bev industry – be it be the unmatched sales of 17 million cases this year, innovations in packaging, large unique events, activations and promotions. McDowell‘s No.1‘s association with Farhan, Purab, Zoa, Chang and Cyrus will set a similar benchmark for friends wanting to have a good time together. The new TVC is themed on the ‘No.1 spirit of friendship‘ and showcases interesting friendship moments appropriately for McDowell‘s No. 1 given its stellar performance in the industry.”
DDB Mudra, Bangalore also handles the creative duties for USL‘s Power Brands such as McDowell‘s No.1 Platinum, Bagpiper, McDowell‘s No.1 Celebration, McDowell‘s No.1 Cariba and Louis Vernant XO Brandy.
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TIME100 2026 list names Sundar Pichai, Vikas Khanna, Ranbir Kapoor among global icons
Indian leaders across tech, cinema and cuisine feature on TIME’s list
MUMBAI: TIME has unveiled its 2026 TIME100 list, spotlighting some of the world’s most influential figures, with a strong Indian presence cutting across technology, entertainment and culinary arts.
Among those featured are Sundar Pichai, Vikas Khanna, Ranbir Kapoor and Neal Mohan, alongside public figures such as Zohran Mamdani.
The profile of Pichai highlights his role in taking artificial intelligence to the masses, with Andrew Ng noting that few leaders have expanded access to AI at such scale. Since becoming CEO in 2015, Pichai has steered Google towards a more agile, innovation-led approach, rolling out products like AI Studio and Gemini that are now used by billions globally.
Chef Vikas Khanna is described as a cultural bridge-builder, with Eric Ripert praising his ability to connect people through food while championing Indian traditions on a global stage. His New York restaurant, Bungalow, is positioned not just as a dining space but as a storytelling platform rooted in heritage and memory.
In the entertainment space, Ranbir Kapoor earns recognition for reshaping cinematic storytelling with restraint and emotional depth. Writing his profile, Ayushmann Khurrana notes that Kapoor’s performances quietly redefine audience sensibilities, making him a cultural voice for a changing India.
The annual TIME100 list brings together leaders, innovators and changemakers across sectors, from politics and business to science and the arts. This year’s edition also features global figures such as Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, alongside creators, athletes and entrepreneurs shaping the future.
With influence increasingly spanning industries and geographies, the 2026 list reflects a world where impact is not just about scale, but about shaping conversations and culture in meaningful ways.
