MAM
Hindustan Times forges classified ads alliance with Mid Day
MUMBAI: The Delhi-based Hindustan Times, part of the KK Birla group group and managed by Shobhana Bharatiya (one of the few woman CEOs and probably the youngest running a leading publication), is creating its on-ground alliances in place before launching in the commercial capital of the country. The Hindustan Times and Mumbai’s leading tabloid newspaper Mid Day have announced an alliance for classified advertisements.
Formally announcing this launch at Taj Land’s End Mumbai were top executives from the two publications: The Hindustan Times group vice president (VP) Suresh Balakrishnan and assistant VP Rohit Adya; Mid Day Multimedia newsgroup COO Bikash Bannerjee and general manager Yunus Siddiqui.
While speaking to the indiantelevision.com team Mid Day Multimedia Newsmedia COO Bikash Bannerjee said, “Mid Day is the market leader in the classified segment in Mumbai and this alliances with the Hindustan Times should help us consolidate our position. The two publications have a lot in common and are compatible.”
While addressing a select group of Mid Day’s top classified agency representatives, The Hindustan Times group VP Suresh Balakrishnan (earlier with Lowe Initiative Media) said, “With this alliance, it almost seems as if The Hindustan Times is getting married into the Mid Day family. The Hindustan Times, the largest selling single edition English newspaper, has a classified ad volume average of 45 pages a week; 2,000 ads a month; and 300,000 ads every year. In fact, on Sundays, we carry nearly 22 pages of matrimonial ads — this is surely a record!”
Mid Day Multimedia general manager Yunus Siddiqui sought the support of Mid Day’s top performing classified agencies in making this new alliance a great success. He also mentioned that there was sharp increase in volume of Mid Day classifieds for the first quarter of 2003. The combined rate of The Hindustan Times and Mid Day classied package starts at Rs 875 for 30-word ad and Rs 600 per cc for display.
When asked about the impending launch of The Hindustan Times in Mumbai, Balakrishnan mentioned that the date hasn’t been finalised. Industry sources, however, say that the publication is making elaborate and exhaustive preparations to gear up for mid-late 2004 Mumbai launch. Meanwhile, it would be interesting to see how the lady of Boribunder reacts to all these initiatives!
Brands
Malaika Arora launches Maejoy accessories brand with Myntra partnership
New label debuts with 250 plus handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery.
MUMBAI: When style meets sparkle, a new brand is ready to take centre stage. Actor and entrepreneur Malaika Arora has launched a lifestyle accessories label called Maejoy, developed in collaboration with Exceed Entertainment and Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL), the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra. The brand enters the market with a debut collection of more than 250 styles spanning handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery, two categories that continue to define everyday personal style for modern consumers.
The handbag lineup includes crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, backpacks, clutches and workwear inspired designs. The pieces are crafted using materials such as synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestones and metallic finishes.
Alongside the bags, Maejoy has introduced a jewellery range featuring lab grown diamond rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets. The pieces are set in 925 sterling silver bases with gold, silver and rose gold tones, and include diamonds certified by IGI and GCI.
Positioned as a premium yet accessible accessories label, Maejoy is built around the philosophy “The Joy of Being Me”, aiming to blend aspirational fashion with everyday usability. The brand’s positioning centres on three pillars: authenticity, empowerment and accessibility.
Arora described the venture as a natural extension of her long association with fashion and personal style.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business or through personal style, I have always believed fashion should feel empowering yet effortless. The Joy of Being Me celebrates individuality while making global fashion trends more accessible,” she said.
MJIPL, CXO and head of house of brands Suman Saha said the brand brings together Arora’s style perspective with a strong opportunity in the accessible premium accessories segment.
“Maejoy combines Malaika Arora’s distinctive style sensibility with fashion forward designs that we believe will resonate strongly with consumers looking for elevated yet wearable accessories,” he said.
Exceed Entertainment CEO Afsar Zaidi added that building celebrity led brands requires balancing authenticity with market viability.
“Malaika commands respect both as a fashion icon and a businesswoman. Bringing her creative vision together with Myntra’s brand building expertise creates a strong foundation for Maejoy,” he said.
The collection is available exclusively on Myntra through its website and mobile app, making the brand accessible to millions of shoppers across India as it steps into the competitive lifestyle accessories space.
