MAM
Vodafone’s much-loved pug and zoozoos appeal to Indians to #StayHomeStaySafe’
MUMBAI: In these trying times of social distancing and stay-at-home lockdowns, citizens have been confined to their homes and are completely dependent on telecom networks to study, work, access essentials, source information and entertainment. Vodafone has brought its endearing pug and ZooZoos back to convey critical messages on safety and urging customers to carry on daily tasks from home through Vodafone network.
Vodafone has been communicating with its customers under two broad themes – #StayHomeGoDigital and #HereForYou. Under the first theme, Vodafone has been communicating about the various ways customers can utilize the benefits of the brand’s digital touchpoints. While #HereForYou is all about various initiatives that VIL has undertaken to ensure that its customers remain connected in all circumstances.
Vodafone has now launched a public service campaign and brought back zoozoos to reinforce the need for social distancing. The three videos under this campaign impart some critical messages, in a lighter note:
Wash your hands
Link: https://youtu.be/QizBJnrjNU8
Social distancing
Link: https://youtu.be/-uIRfR3QavA
Fake news
Link: https://youtu.be/4i3uEluSCUk
Vodafone recently released a new video featuring the pug with the #StayHomeStaySafe’ message. Telecom networks are the only window to the outside world, to just being in touch with other human beings, to staying connected to anything at all. Pug reinforces the importance of staying at home and staying connected with Vodafone in these difficult circumstances. The pug beautifully conveys the message – Our network is at home with you. Stay home, stay safe. Stay connected with Vodafone. #StayHomeStaySafe.
Video Link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p95cuOuqYg
Explaining the rationale behind bringing back the iconic pug and Zoozoos to convey an important social message, Vodafone Idea Limited chief digital transformation and Brand officer Kavita Nair said, “In the current circumstances, telecom networks are our only window to the outside world, to just being in touch with other human beings, to staying connected to anything at all. While VIL has been going the extra mile to keep the nation connected, we thought it’s time to bring back our best loved icons – Pug and Zoozooz – to reinforce the importance of staying home, staying safe and staying connected with Vodafone in these difficult circumstances. We felt that these much-loved icons would be perfect to appeal to the emotions of Indians, urging them to stay safe at home and stay busy on Vodafone network.”
Ogilvy India CCO Kiran Antony said, “People tend to seek familiarity in uncertain times to feel comfortable. And that is where loveable brand properties can play an important role. More than for the nostalgia factor, we also brought back the pug to stand out from rest of the ads delivering the same message. With some clever editing, we managed to re-purpose an old ad to deliver this important message.”
With retail outlets being inoperational due to the lockdown, Vodafone is helping its 2G customers using feature phones, to access Quick Recharge through SMS and Missed call. The process is simple and easy to understand. Customers just need to send a SMS from their registered mobile number.
Vodafone has also been creating awareness among customers on accessing and taking the benefit of digital platforms through ‘how to’ video links, GIFs, dockets that explain the process for undertaking recharge and effecting bill payments on MyVodafone App and website. Recharge process details are also being communicated via my Vodafone app, and enabled via digital wallets. Pre-paid customers can also undertake recharges through their nearest Bank ATM. Additionally, Vodafone is requesting digital savvy prepaid and postpaid customers to #RechargeforGood and help their friends, relatives and neighbors who are not familiar with digital platforms. Each #RechargeforGood is being rewarded with flat cashback.
While customers stay safe at home, Vodafone is ensuring that they are able to go about their activities through Vodafone 4G network, whether it be facilitating online study for students, access to news on developments around the world, access essential services online, learn a new skill, workout from home and a window to a world of entertainment through Vodafone Play.
Despite the restrictions on movement during the lockdown, Vodafone has been acknowledging the invaluable sacrifices and contributions of its ‘network heroes’ the field engineers who have been working tirelessly to support customers stay safe at home and connected through Vodafone 4G network. There are innumerable examples of these network heroes travelling long distances day and night, putting a brave front, weaving through police blockages to attend to faults and restore connectivity at the earliest.
MAM
Filmcity Media CFO Mohit Jain quits; CEO Kirti Vishnu Tiwari takes charge of finance
Board appoints Prabhat Modi as additional director and approves Rs 1.9 crore preferential share issue
MUMBAI: Filmcity Media has reshuffled its top deck. Chief financial officer Mohit Jain has stepped down, prompting the board to hand the finance reins to chief executive Kirti Vishnu Tiwari even as the company lines up fresh capital and new boardroom muscle.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE, Filmcity Media said Jain resigned from the roles of director and chief financial officer with effect from March 11, 2026, to pursue another career opportunity. He ceased to be a key managerial personnel of the company at the close of business on that date.
The board swiftly moved to plug the gap, appointing Kirti Vishnu Tiwari as chief financial officer from March 12, 2026. Tiwari, who already serves as executive director and chief executive, will now hold the combined role of executive director, CEO and CFO, taking charge of the company’s finance function while continuing to lead operations.
The leadership changes were approved by the board following recommendations from the nomination and remuneration committee, with the audit committee also backing Tiwari’s appointment as CFO to ensure governance oversight. Under the arrangement, Tiwari will continue as a key managerial personnel under Section 203 of the Companies Act, 2013.
Filmcity Media also expanded its board, appointing Prabhat Modi as additional director with effect from March 13, 2026, for a term of five years. The appointment, categorised as a non-executive non-independent directorship, will require shareholder approval at the next general meeting.
Modi brings capital market experience to the role. He holds a B.Sc in accounting and finance from the University of Essex in the United Kingdom and a PGDM from the National Institute of Securities Market. His professional experience includes stints at SBI Mutual Fund, BSE India and Morningstar India, where he worked on market research, financial analysis and capital market operations.
Tiwari, meanwhile, brings experience spanning finance, marketing and hospitality. A graduate of Lucknow University, she has previously worked with Hotel Holiday Inn, Hotel Leela Kempenski and Hotel Sea Rock, along with roles at Pawan Hans Helicopter and CBRE South Asia.
Separately, the board also approved a preferential issue of equity shares to members of the promoter and promoter group as well as non-promoter investors. The proposed fundraising, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to raise up to Rs 1.9 crore.
The company said both appointees meet all regulatory requirements under SEBI regulations and the Companies Act and are not barred by any regulatory authority from holding their positions.
With a new board face, a CEO doubling as CFO and fresh capital on the table, Filmcity Media appears to be tightening its leadership and balance sheet in one swift move.
