MAM
Brooke Bond India’s transgender band sizzles Cannes stage
MUMBAI: After bringing glory to India by winning the Cannes Grand Prix Glass Lion at one of the world’s most prestigious advertising and creativity awards, India’s first transgender band, the Brooke Bond Red Label 6-Pack Band set the stage ablaze, with their live concert at Cannes this evening. Performing for an international audience encompassing some of the biggest names in entertainment, media and advertising in the world, this is the first time the 6-Pack Band has taken their act on the international arena.
After the success of their debut album, and winning the Glass Lion Grand Prix at Cannes last year, the band truly stands for the message of Change. The band was invited to the festival to share their success story and the journey that brought them all fame and glory.
Focusing on the message of inclusivity, the Brooke Bond red Label 6-Pack band has become a household name and a global example of addressing prejudice and bringing in change in society and this initiative through music has helped break these social barriers.
Speaking about the event, Brooke Bond Red Label spokesperson and Hindustan Unilever category head – Tea Shiva Krishnamurthy said, “It is a wonderful feeling to see the Brooke Bond Red Label 6 Pack band getting acknowledgement and accolades at the Oscars of advertising. It feels great to know that through our association with the campaign, we have been able to spread our message of inclusiveness, encourage people to become more accepting, break barriers and bond over a cup of tea.”
The campaign is also a ‘best-in-class’ example of Unilever’s Unstereotype initiative in action. Unstereotype, launched last year at the 2016 Cannes Lion Festival of Creativity, aims to advance advertising away from stereotypical portrayals of gender; delivering fresh campaigns that are more relevant to today’s consumer. The Brooke Bond Real Label 6-pack Band was formed in response to the insight that deep-rooted stereotypes hold us back from forming new relationships.
Hindustan Unilever head media south Asia Gauravjeet Singh said, “We are grateful to the committee at the Festival of Creativity, Cannes to recognize the Brooke Bond Red Label 6-Pack Band. The journey of the band has been challenging as they have fought social barriers throughout their lives without losing hope. The strength of these 6 individuals is truly inspiring and today we see them perform on a global platform.”
Mindshare CEO – south Asia Prasanth Kumar said, “The journey for all involved has been a bold one and it had challenges, excitement and passion. At the centre of this journey has been an incredible team of talented individuals from Unilever, Mindshare and YRF, Music boutique who executed this out-of-the-box idea and added scale to the social message. Watching them perform at the Cannes Glass Lion ceremony was truly delightful, and another milestone in our continuing journey to breaking barriers.”
Expressing his delight, Fulcrum, Mindshare south Asia leader Amin Lakhani said, “It is indeed a proud moment for India as our work is showcased at Cannes – the mecca of creativity. We are grateful to the Festival of Creativity, Cannes and to the Mindshare global leadership to recognize the Brooke Bond Red Label 6 Pack band, and invite them to perform for a global audience. This is a testimony and belief in our work that began almost two years ago at the HUL Content Day in June 2015. The band faced a lot of challenges throughout their journey, which now culminates to the Cannes stage. Their inspiring performance today is symbolic to their determination and ‘make it happen’ spirit. Truly a collaborative effort between Unilever, Mindshare, Yash Raj Films & Music boutique- who have partnered in this magnificent journey.”
Brooke Bond Red Label 6-Pack Band Producer and Head of Y-Films Ashish Patil said, “We have always known that music can change the world because it can change people. We are super thrilled that our little band,India’s 1st Transgender band, the Booke Bond Red Label 6-Pack Band is on such a massive platform at the prestigious Cannes festival. Here’s hoping we can take this important message of love and equality out to as many people in the world as possible. Full power to them!”
The Brooke Bond Red Label 6-Pack Band was an iconic campaign that sang a song of inclusion and acceptance in mainstream media. Using the universal language of music, and engaging the entertainment industry in this endeavor, the campaign took a quantum leap not just transgenders but for anyone who has ever been ostracised.
MAM
BLR Airport Launches ‘Connections’ Service to Ease Transit Travel
New initiative targets smoother transfers as Bengaluru hub traffic rises 30 per cent.
MUMBAI: Missed connections may be a traveller’s nightmare but Bengaluru is trying to make them a thing of the past. Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has rolled out ‘Connections by BLR’, a new transfer programme designed to take the friction out of connecting journeys. Built around three pillars ease, efficiency and experience,the initiative aims to simplify what is often the most stressful leg of air travel.
The move comes as transfer traffic at BLR Airport climbs sharply, up more than 30 per cent year-on-year. Transfers currently account for around 15 per cent of total passenger traffic and are projected to touch 20 per cent by 2026, signalling a clear shift in how the airport is positioning itself within airline networks.
At its core, the programme focuses on making navigation intuitive and downtime more comfortable. Dedicated transfer desks have been set up across terminals, supported by colour-coded wayfinding blue and yellow signage designed for quick recognition. Inter-terminal movement is being streamlined through complimentary shuttle services with predictable wait times, while designated transfer zones aim to reduce passenger confusion.
Beyond logistics, the airport is leaning into experience. Travellers in transit now have access to a wider choice of lounges, curated retail and food and beverage options, as well as sleeping pods for short stays. For longer layovers, transit hotels in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer boutique in-terminal accommodation, an increasingly sought-after feature as global travel patterns evolve.
The timing is strategic. BLR Airport now connects to 114 passenger destinations 80 domestic and 34 international with key routes spanning Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune domestically, and Singapore, London Heathrow, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur internationally. Recent additions such as Hindon, Bidar and Silchar within India, alongside Dammam, Hanoi and Riyadh overseas, are further expanding its reach.
Infrastructure is also catching up with ambition. Developments including the West Cross Taxiway, Terminal 1 refurbishment and Terminal 2 expansion are laying the groundwork for higher capacity and smoother operations critical for any airport aiming to become a serious transfer hub.
Bangalore International Airport Limited chief operating officer Girish Nair framed the initiative as both a response to demand and a forward-looking play. He pointed to the growing depth of the airport’s network and the opportunity to build a more reliable transfer ecosystem that benefits both passengers and airline partners.
In an era where travel is as much about transitions as destinations, BLR Airport is betting that a seamless connection might just be the journey’s most important upgrade.
