MAM
Sobhita Dhulipala set to walk for Magnum India at Cannes Film Festival
Mumbai: Building on the illustrious heritage of crafting exquisite premium ice creams, Magnum India has geared up to dazzle at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival alongside – Sobhita Dhulipala. The collaboration promises to merge indulgence with elegance, promising an unforgettable experience of luxury and style.
With a legacy deeply rooted in fashion and luxury, Magnum believes a day without pleasure is a day lost. Through this association, Magnum aims to dive deeper into the realms of passion, pleasure, creativity, and versatility.
In addition to Sobhita’s captivating appearance on the brown carpet, she will be attending the exclusive Magnum party and the Magnum lounge with celebrated names like Troye Sivan and Mura Masa. It is a night of custom-dipped decadence, mind-blowing installations and pleasure stations designed to transport Pleasure Seekers to immerse in a world of indulgence and allow themselves to go Wherever Pleasure Takes You.
“Partnering with Sobhita Dhulipala for this year’s Cannes Film Festival embodies everything Magnum ice cream stands for—sophistication, boldness, and the pleasure of indulgence,” said HUL– Foods & Refreshment executive director Shiva Krishnamurthy. “Cannes not only celebrates cinematic art but also serves as a showcase for timeless elegance and daring creativity, much like Magnum’s ice creams. Sobhita’s vibrant presence and fashion-forward style beautifully align with our pursuit of crafting experiences that are as visually stunning and delectable. This association at Cannes highlights our continuous commitment to being at the forefront of pleasure and luxury, delighting our audience in new and exciting ways.”
Speaking on the occasion Sobhita Dhulipala added “Taking my journey with Magnum a notch higher with the Cannes Film Festival is both exciting and symbolic of my relationship with the brand, where we progress alongside creating colourful memories. This experience allows me to create these moments of pleasure as this association is a perfect blend of fashion, film and flavour. I’m looking forward to showcasing how Magnum ice cream transforms everyday indulgence into something truly spectacular.”
This collaboration at Cannes marks a momentous occasion for both Magnum India and Sobhita Dhulipala, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of creativity and luxury. With a blend of fashion, film, and flavour, this partnership sets a new standard for indulgence, ensuring that the ‘Magnum experience’ remains unforgettable long after the festival lights dim.
MAM
Aparna Bhawal steps down as KFC India CMO after three years
Set to exit by May 2026, launches AB Advisory Group for growth strategy.
MUMBAI: From brand buckets to building her own playbook, Aparna Bhawal is swapping the CMO seat for the founder’s chair. Bhawal has resigned as chief marketing officer of KFC India and its partner markets, drawing the curtain on a three-year stint with the Yum! Brands portfolio. She is currently transitioning responsibilities through March and is expected to complete her exit by May 2026.
The move marks a shift towards entrepreneurship, with Bhawal setting up AB Advisory Group, a venture aimed at working with founders and scaling businesses on growth strategy, execution and commercial focus. The decision, she indicated, has been a long-considered one centred on building a platform that helps companies navigate growth with sharper strategic direction and stronger marketing fundamentals.
With over two decades of experience, Bhawal’s career spans leadership roles across HT Media, The Coca-Cola Company and Procter & Gamble, covering brand building, consumer engagement and business growth across categories.
Beyond corporate roles, she has remained closely involved with the industry ecosystem. She is part of the managing committee of The Advertising Club of India for 2025–26 and serves as an advisory board member at the Indian Influencer Governing Council.
Her contributions have also earned recognition, including features in BW’s Top 100 Marketers list and BW Marketing World’s Most Influential Women list in both 2024 and 2025.
As Bhawal steps into her next chapter, the shift reflects a broader trend in marketing leadership where seasoned operators are increasingly moving from building brands to building businesses.
