MAM
Dabur launches Vatika – Honey and Saffron soap
MUMBAI: Dabur India has entered the personal wash segment with the national launch of its new Vatika – Honey & Saffron Soap. This launch marks Dabur’s entry into the Rs. 47 billion Indian soap market.
Vatika is one of the five master brands of Dabur India with a turnover of over Rs 1 billion and the distinction of being awarded “Super brand” in 2003-2004. This brand currently has products in the hair oil, shampoo and Skin care categories.
Dabur India markeing VP D Garg said, “The soaps segment is amongst the biggest FMCG category in India with 98 per cent of urban and 88 per cent of rural Indians using soap for bathing. Amongst these, the beauty and skin care sub-category ranks the largest and comprises almost 50 per cent of the total soap market. Vatika – Honey & Saffron soap will be positioned as a natural offering to the consumer who is looking for good looking beautiful skin.”
The 100 gm Vatika Honey & Saffron soap is priced at Rs 13 in comparison to other beauty soaps that are priced between Rs 6 to Rs 25.
The company has signed actress Isha Sharvani Kisna to star in the commercials of Vatika Honey & Saffron soap. Garg adds, “She was chosen because we felt she was a promising and talented young actress who fits well with the benefit of Natural Glowing Skin”.
The soap continues Vatika’s promise of offering premium personal care products while using traditional natural ingredients for the modern women. Vatika Soap presents the combination of natural ingredients – Honey and Saffron Honey for a clear skin with natural glow.
Building on a legacy of quality and experience for over 100 years, Dabur has brands in diverse categories of health and personal care such as Dabur Chyawanprash, Dabur Amla, Vatika, and Hajmola, Anmol & Real. The company has a wide distribution network, covering 1.5 million retail outlets, with a high penetration in urban and rural areas.
Brands
Pocket FM elevates Lalit Gangwar to COO to drive global growth
Founding member to lead operations, monetisation and expansion across markets
MUMBAI: Pocket FM has elevated Lalit Gangwar to chief operating officer, tasking the founding team member with leading global business operations as the company sharpens its international growth strategy.
In his new role, Gangwar will oversee end-to-end operations across markets, including growth, monetisation and execution for the company’s audio business. The appointment comes as Pocket FM looks to strengthen its operating foundation and build a more predictable, scalable global business.
Gangwar has been closely involved in shaping the company’s trajectory from its early days. He played a key role in building the growth and marketing playbook in India, helping the platform scale to over 150 million users within its first year and establish a strong foothold in the audio storytelling category.
He later led Pocket FM’s expansion into the United States, where he set up teams, defined market strategy and drove scale, contributing significantly to the company’s international ambitions.
Pocket FM co-founder and CEO Rohan Nayak said, “Lalit has been central to Pocket FM’s journey from the very beginning. He has built our growth engine and scaled our business across markets.” He added that the company’s focus on nurturing internal talent makes Gangwar a natural choice to lead the next phase.
Gangwar said, “Pocket FM has always been driven by a simple belief that powerful stories can travel across borders and create meaningful impact.” He noted that the company will continue to focus on scaling markets, investing in AI-led storytelling and strengthening monetisation.
As COO, Gangwar is expected to bring greater operating discipline while building systems, talent and processes to support long-term growth.
With leadership continuity and a clear global focus, Pocket FM appears to be turning the page to its next chapter, one that aims to take its storytelling playbook well beyond home turf.
