MAM
Karan Johar joins The Bridal Retreat to help brides-to-be script their inner fairytale
MUMBAI: Karan Johar’s latest role doesn’t come with a megaphone or a film set—it comes with a mirror. The renowned Hindi cinema filmmaker has been named the official brand ambassador for The Bridal Retreat, India’s first immersive platform designed to help brides-to-be navigate the emotional terrain of marriage beyond the glitz of the big day.
The announcement marked a unique crossover of cinema, self-reflection and ceremonial celebration. The Bridal Retreat, conceptualised by E-Factor Experiences Limited, aims to offer brides a five-day wellness-infused journey with movement therapy, communication coaching, identity workshops and cultural reflection sessions. The idea is simple: prep for the vows, yes, but start with a vow to oneself.
“I’ve spent years telling love stories through cinema—but The Bridal Retreat is about the story behind the scenes”, said Johar. “It’s not about perfect weddings—it’s about preparing women for what comes after. This retreat offers a rare opportunity: a chance for brides to meet themselves before the world meets the bride”.
Johar’s involvement brings cultural cachet and emotional heft to the project. Known for his cinematic takes on love, longing, and personal evolution, the partnership aligns with his interest in identity and introspection—this time, off-screen.
The first-of-its-kind initiative is led by co-founders Manika Garg and Sonali Thakore, and will span key Indian metros including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, and Goa through 2025. Participation is capped to ensure each bride receives one-on-one guidance and deep personal engagement.
E-Factor Experiences MD Samit Garg explained the intent behind the venture, “The Bridal Retreat is not just a concept—it’s a commitment. It recognises that while weddings are important milestones, what truly shapes a woman’s journey is how she enters this new phase—mindfully, emotionally equipped, and in tune with her sense of self”.
Designed to create meaningful change, the retreat will feature thought leaders from fashion, mental health, storytelling, and relationship coaching. It aims to offer not only tips for trousseau but tools for transformation.
What started as an elevated bridal experience is quickly shaping into a social movement. The Bridal Retreat signals a shift from choreographed dances and couture fittings to inner clarity and emotional grounding. As Johar puts it, the real story starts not at the altar but within.
MAM
Deepraj Hegde joins Publicis Groupe as SVP, strategic solutions
Data-led marketer takes on growth mandate, blending analytics and creativity
MUMBAI: Deepraj Hegde has joined Publicis Groupe as senior vice president, strategic solutions, marking a return to the fast lane after a brief career break.
In his new role, Hegde will be tasked with driving strategic growth, sharpening data-driven marketing capabilities, and deepening client partnerships across the organisation. His mandate centres on blending analytics, consumer insight and digital innovation to deliver measurable business outcomes in an increasingly competitive landscape.
“Thrilled to join Publicis Groupe as senior vice president, strategic solutions. Looking forward to working with brilliant people as we turn data, creativity, and strategy into measurable outcomes. Let’s make great work together,” Hegde said in a statement.
Hegde brings over a decade of experience across data, analytics and digital strategy. Most recently, he served as chief strategy officer at Ethinos, where he led strategic frameworks to drive client acquisition and revenue growth, while also building proprietary tools such as a brand positioning study and a digital asset valuator. He also represented the company at industry forums hosted by Google and Meta.
Prior to that, he was head of customer success and consumer insights at Ethinos, and earlier spent over six years at MediaCom, where he worked across roles including senior business director and business director, insights and analytics. There, he focused on social intelligence, business intelligence solutions and data-led campaign optimisation.
His career also includes stints at Everymedia Technologies as VP strategy and analytics, and at Hansa Cequity, where he handled analytics, campaign strategy and client delivery for major accounts. He began his journey in business intelligence roles at Hungama and Robust Designs.
With a career rooted in data but shaped by creativity, Hegde’s move signals Publicis Groupe’s continued push to fuse insight with impact as brands chase sharper, faster and more accountable marketing outcomes.
