MAM
1702 Digital taps Vishal Dhar to lead digital charge
MUMBAI: 1702 Digital is betting on experience to fuel its next growth spurt. The Mumbai-based consultancy, which bills itself as one of India’s fastest-growing full-service digital transformation shops, has appointed Vishal Dhar as vice president of digital—a move designed to muscle up its strategic firepower in an increasingly crowded market.
Dhar will lead digital strategy, performance marketing and innovation initiatives, working alongside the leadership team to sharpen the agency’s integrated offerings. His brief: drive large-scale campaigns that marry data-driven insights with creativity whilst delivering measurable results.
The appointment comes as 1702 Digital pushes to redefine how brands connect with audiences through what it calls a blend of creativity, technology and measurable impact. Translation: no fluff, all outcomes.
“I’m thrilled to join 1702 Digital at a time when the digital space is evolving faster than ever,” said Dhar. “The agency’s bold approach, creative agility and focus on impact-driven results resonate deeply with my own vision. I look forward to contributing to the next phase of 1702’s growth and driving success for our clients.”
1702 Digital co-founder Mihir Joshi welcomed the hire as a strategic upgrade. “Vishal’s experience and strategic mindset will further elevate our digital capabilities and strengthen our position as a leading partner for brands looking to achieve transformative growth through digital innovation.”
Founder & managing director Aanchal Arora doubled down on the sentiment. “His experience and understanding of the evolving digital landscape make him a perfect fit for our next phase of growth. As we continue to expand our digital ecosystem, Vishal’s leadership and strategic insight will play a pivotal role in elevating our capabilities and reinforcing 1702 Digital’s position as a creative powerhouse.”
The hire marks a key milestone in 1702 Digital’s expansion trajectory, signalling ambitions to move beyond fast-growing upstart status into established player territory. Dhar brings extensive experience across marketing, digital transformation and business growth—credentials the agency clearly believes will help it punch above its weight in pitches and delivery.
Whether 1702 Digital’s bet on seasoned leadership translates into the transformative growth its founders promise remains to be seen. But in an industry where digital expertise is currency and results are king, hiring someone who’s driven large-scale campaigns before is a sensible play. Now Dhar just needs to prove he can do it again—this time with 1702’s name on the work.
MAM
Navi releases new ‘Hurrypur’ film focused on speed and simplicity
Auto breakdown turns F1-style pit stop in campaign film set to Baalti’s track
MUMBAI: When life’s in the fast lane, Navi wants even your breakdowns to be over in a blink. Navi has rolled out a new film under its ongoing ‘Hurrypur’ campaign, doubling down on its core pitch speed and simplicity in everyday transactions.
The film opens on a familiar hiccup, an autorickshaw breaking down mid-ride. But what follows is anything but ordinary. The repair unfolds like a Formula 1 pit stop swift, precise, almost cinematic. Within seconds, the tyre is replaced, the vehicle is back on the road, and even the fare negotiation wraps up in record time.
Set to US-based musical act Baalti’s track “123”, the film uses rhythm and pacing to mirror its central idea, in a world that moves fast, everything around it must keep up.
The narrative builds on Hurrypur, a fictional world where time is treated as currency and delay is almost obsolete. Through exaggerated yet relatable scenarios, the campaign reflects a broader behavioural shift consumers increasingly expect instant responses, whether from people, platforms or payments.
Navi Limited MD and CEO Rajiv Naresh said the Hurrypur universe is designed to highlight the company’s focus on delivering seamless, time-efficient experiences. Meanwhile, creative agency Sideways and director Ayappa KM leaned into humour and visual energy to push the story beyond a typical product-led narrative.
Instead of listing features, the campaign sticks to storytelling turning a routine inconvenience into a high-speed spectacle.
Because in Navi’s world, even a pit stop refuses to slow things down.
