Brands
Asian Paints Sharad Shamman turns 40
MUMBAI: Kolkata’s iconic taxi has just been given the ride of its life, thanks to ‘Asian Paints Sharad Shamman,’ which this year celebrates 40 colourful years of Pujo pride. Marking the milestone, Asian Paints has unveiled ‘Choltey Choltey Chollish,’ a cinematic campaign and travelling installation that transforms the city’s beloved yellow cab into a rolling time machine. The film zips through four decades of Durga Pujo, blending nostalgia and newness in equal measure.
The journey begins in the 1980s, with bamboo pandals and radio melodies, cruises into the ’90s with the rise of themes, steers into the 2000s spotlight of global attention and social messaging, and finally parks in today’s world of AR, VR and digital-first celebrations. Each era is splashed across the taxi’s changing surface: hand-painted motifs and designs shining in royale glitz, capturing the essence of Kolkata’s creativity.
Music, too, gets a seatbelt moment. From retro tunes to modern beats, every decade’s soundtrack weaves into the storytelling, making the cab not just a carrier of memories but a jukebox of Pujo.
“Festivals mirror their times, showing how societies evolve,” said Asian Paints, md & ceo, Amit Syngle. “With ‘Choltey Choltey Chollish,’ we wanted to honour 40 years of artistry while resonating with today’s generation. The yellow taxi embodies that timeless journey.”
Ogilvy North, chief creative officer, Sujoy Roy added, “This is more than a tribute. It’s a love letter to Kolkata: its traditions, its imagination and the enduring spirit of Pujo.”
With its stylised visuals, vibrant music and a fresh, youthful tone, the campaign doesn’t just celebrate ‘Sharad Shamman,’ it reaffirms Asian Paints’ place as Pujo’s unofficial custodian, turning art, culture and community into a living, moving canvas.
Because in Kolkata, even a cab ride can feel like a festival.
Brands
Disney Cruise Line launches Disney Adventure as Robert Downey Jr. christens ship in Singapore
Star studded ceremony marks line’s first Southeast Asia ship
SINGAPORE: Disney Cruise Line has officially welcomed its newest and largest ship, the Disney Adventure, with a glittering, music filled christening ceremony in Singapore, marking the brand’s first ever vessel to homeport in Southeast Asia.
Held inside the ship’s grand Walt Disney Theatre, the celebration unfolded as a theatrical spectacle worthy of Broadway. Regional vocalists and musicians were joined by a 23 piece orchestra, while sweeping video projections wrapped the stage in classic Disney, Pixar and Marvel moments. Special appearances from captain Mickey Mouse and captain Minnie Mouse added a touch of nautical charm.
Among the headline performers were Jed Madela, hollywood performing arts hall of fame inductee, and Dami Im, international recording artist known for Eurovision. Together, they led a soaring tribute to Disney’s musical legacy.
On stage to mark the milestone were Josh D’Amaro, chairman of disney experiences and incoming chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, and Joe Schott, president of disney signature experiences.
D’Amaro described the ship as a new chapter for the company in Asia, saying it would bring Disney storytelling to audiences who may be experiencing the brand’s magic for the first time.
The ceremonial highlight came from Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr., who serves as the ship’s godparent. With characteristic flair, he declared, “You bring the theme and I’ll bring the thunder,” before delivering the traditional blessing: “I christen thee, Disney Adventure, may God bless this ship and all who sail upon her.”
The ceremony closed with a jubilant rendition of “Let’s Set Sail”, a long standing Disney Cruise Line tradition designed to stir excitement for the voyages ahead.
Drawing on more than a century of storytelling from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, the Disney Adventure promises a floating world of fantasy. Guests can wander through seven immersive themed areas, including San Fransokyo Street inspired by Big Hero 6.
On board highlights include a brand new Broadway style musical titled Remember, immersive dining, signature fireworks at sea, imaginative children’s clubs and a vibrant collection of bars and lounges for adults. Thrill seekers can also take on Ironcycle Test Run, the cruise line’s first roller coaster at sea.
The Disney Adventure is the eighth ship in the fleet and sets sail on its maiden voyage on 10 March, launching an inaugural season of three and four night itineraries. It forms part of an ambitious expansion plan that will see five more ships join the fleet by 2031.
For Disney, the magic is no longer just on stage or screen. In Singapore, it now sails.
