Brands
65 per cent women start credit early, 76 per cent show confidence: mPokket survey
mPokket survey highlights rising financial independence and purposeful borrowing
NEW DELHI: A quiet financial shift is underway across India, and women are at the centre of it. A new survey by mPokket suggests that young Indian women are entering the credit system earlier, with greater confidence and a sharper sense of purpose than ever before.
Based on responses from 10,000 women across the country, the study finds that more than 65 per cent took their first loan before turning 30. Far from hesitation, confidence appears to be the norm, with nearly 76 per cent saying they felt assured when taking that first step into formal borrowing.
The findings point to more than just access. They reflect a broader shift in financial independence. Nearly 79 per cent of respondents believe women today are more financially empowered than the previous generation, a view supported by rising workforce participation and easier access to digital finance tools.
What stands out is the diversity of borrowers. While 48.6 per cent of respondents are salaried, close to 40 per cent are self-employed, running small businesses or working independently. This signals that credit is no longer limited to traditional employment structures but is reaching India’s expanding micro-economy, including gig workers and entrepreneurs.
The intent behind borrowing also tells a story. For 41.6 per cent, loans are a safety net for emergencies. Another 20.8 per cent use credit to support their families, while 15.7 per cent borrow for education or skill development. In short, borrowing is less about impulse and more about planning.
Financial discipline is keeping pace. Around 40 per cent of respondents report saving monthly, 28.4 per cent use autopay to manage EMIs, and over a quarter maintain a monthly budget. For many, financial health is defined not by wealth, but by reliability, with 45.7 per cent ranking timely EMI payments as their top priority.
The survey largely captures women under the age of 29, a group entering formal credit systems for the first time. Their habits, the report suggests, could shape how India approaches borrowing in the years ahead.
Commenting on the findings, mPokket CEO and founder Gaurav Jalan said the shift is structural rather than temporary. “It is not just about borrowing, it is about agency. Women are confident, they borrow with clear purpose, and they follow through. The responsibility for platforms like ours is to build products that are accessible, transparent, and designed for such a cohort.”
As India’s credit culture evolves, this new generation of women borrowers appears to be rewriting the rules, proving that financial confidence and responsibility can go hand in hand.
Brands
Beardo unveils new film for Godfather fragrance
Danish Pandor leads cinematic campaign spotlighting power and comeback narrative.
MUMBAI: Power doesn’t always shout sometimes, it just walks back in and takes its seat. Beardo has rolled out a new campaign film for its flagship Godfather fragrance, bringing a cinematic lens to one of its most recognisable products. The film stars Danish Pandor, fresh off his portrayal of Uzair Baloch, and leans into a narrative built on quiet authority, tension, and a long-anticipated return.
Set in an abandoned den with an unclaimed throne, the film unfolds through whispers and restrained drama, culminating in a reveal that favours presence over proclamation. The storytelling mirrors the positioning of the Godfather fragrance itself, an enduring bestseller in the men’s grooming category, known for its bold, woody-spicy profile and appeal across age groups.
Rather than opting for a traditional feature-led approach, the brand leans into mood and mythology. Pandor’s performance anchors the film’s central idea of an anti-hero reclaiming control, aligning with the fragrance’s identity as a symbol of dominance and self-assured masculinity.
Conceptualised by Beardo’s in-house team, the campaign has been released across Instagram and Youtube, reflecting a broader shift towards content that blurs the line between advertising and entertainment particularly for digital-first audiences.
The fragrance itself blends mint, lemon, geranium, vetiver, and musk, designed to be long-lasting and versatile. But the campaign makes it clear: this isn’t just about scent notes, it’s about signalling presence.
In a category crowded with claims, Beardo’s latest play doesn’t try to be louder. It simply leans into the idea that the real ‘OG’ doesn’t announce itself, it’s felt.
