Brands
Agoda ropes in Ayushmann Khurrana as AI-powered Mr. Vacaywala for travel planning stunt
MUMBAI: Agoda has packed its bags and brought Hindi cinema to the boarding gate. The travel-tech brand launched its limited-time AI Vacation Planner for Indian travellers, fronted by actor Ayushmann Khurrana who plays a charming new character — Mr. Vacaywala, chief wellness officer.
Built in collaboration with Google, the platform promises holiday solutions on command. It combines Gemini and Imagen technologies with Agoda’s travel inventory to generate tailor-made itineraries, complete with dazzling visuals and Ayushmann’s AI-voiced commentary — calling users by their first name, no less. The AI Vacation Planner is live on AgodaVacationPlanner.com till 30 June.
“Travel is all about discovery and inspiration. Agoda’s use of AI to create personalized recommendations and stunning visuals makes it easier for people to dream, plan, and book their next adventure”, said Khurrana. “We take away the stress of putting together an itinerary, because we do it for you!”
Users enter their preferences, and within seconds the platform assembles custom plans, cherry-picked from Agoda’s five million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities. Imagen renders this into an interactive visual story, and Mr. Vacaywala narrates the itinerary using text-to-speech.
Agoda country director for India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, Gaurav Malik said, “We’ve redefined the travel planning experience to be both personal and inspiring”.
Google’s Pulkit Lambah added, “We collectively embark on a journey to truly reimagine travel – moving beyond simple bookings to instantly personalized, vividly inspiring journeys”.
The campaign also showcases the work of Kulfi Collective and AI studio Truefan, with promotional pushes planned across Youtube and Meta. Through hyper-targeted ads and a Hindi cinema twist, Agoda’s AI-powered journey into Indian hearts is already on the runway.
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
