MAM
DDB Mudra elevates Iraj Fraz Batla to creative head-North
Mumbai: DDB Mudra has elevated Iraj Fraz Batla to the position of creative head – North, in order to strengthen its creative leadership structure. Prior to this, he served as executive creative director (ECD) – West for over three years in the company.
As ECD, Fraz successfully led the creative mandate for brands like Kwality Walls Kids, Meesho, Cars24, and Protinex. In his new role, he will drive the creative output from the North office under the leadership of DDB Mudra Group chief creative officer Rahul Mathew, said the statement.
In a career spanning over 18 years, Fraz has worked with some of the biggest creative agencies in the world including Scarecrow M&C Saatchi, Y&R Dubai, JWT, Lowe Lintas, among others. He brings in a wealth of knowledge from his experience of working with 35+ Indian and international brands. His work has won several accolades at Spikes Asia, Adfest, Kyoorius, Effies and Goafest.
“As we grow our creative ambition and reputation, it’s critical for us to have leaders who possess the same vision and standards across the group,” stated Rahul Mathew. “Having worked with us at our hugely celebrated West office for 3 years, Fraz is just the person to carry forward our torch for creative excellence. His blend of creativity and resilience will surely help us reach our creative potential in North and touch even greater heights as a Group.”
Talking about his new mandate, Fraz said, “DDB Mudra’s North office is producing strong advertising and is headed in the direction to be the agency of the future. And I am lucky to be part of this exciting phase. From here on, may the best work win.”
MAM
Mangaldeep partners with Vrindavan Vibes at ISKCON Vrindavan event
Fragrance brand backs youth led kirtan gathering that drew 4000 plus devotees.
MUMBAI: If devotion had a soundtrack, Vrindavan recently turned the volume up. Mangaldeep Incense has partnered with Vrindavan Vibes at ISKCON Vrindavan, an emerging devotional gathering that blends traditional kirtans with a youthful, community driven atmosphere. The first day of the celebrations alone drew more than 4000 devotees, signalling the growing appeal of participatory spiritual events among younger audiences.
More than a festive collaboration, the association reflects a broader cultural shift in how spirituality is being experienced today. Vrindavan Vibes Jamming, described as a kirtan utsav, brings together youth, families and devotees for collective singing within a sacred temple setting, turning devotion into a shared, immersive experience.
For Mangaldeep, the partnership positions the brand as a long term enabler of community led devotion. Vrindavan, long regarded as the spiritual home of Lord Krishna, remains a vibrant centre for bhajans, temple gatherings and devotional music that attracts pilgrims and visitors from across the country.
As part of the collaboration, Mangaldeep has introduced a fragrance led experience within the venue. This includes ambient fragrance pillars designed to enhance the devotional ambience, a curated Khusbhoo Path experience, a selfie booth for visitors to capture shared memories, and specially designed souvenirs for devotees attending the event.
Mangaldeep divisional CEO of the matches and agarbatti division Rohit Dogra said the initiative reflects the changing ways in which faith is being expressed.
“At Mangaldeep, devotion has always been at the heart of everything we do. Today we are witnessing a beautiful shift in how spirituality is expressed, particularly among young India where bhajans and kirtans are becoming vibrant collective experiences of faith and belonging. Our partnership with ISKCON Vrindavan for Vrindavan Vibes reflects this evolution,” he said.
Bhajan and kirtan gatherings are increasingly emerging as spaces for emotional connection and cultural identity, especially for younger audiences looking for a sense of grounding in an otherwise fast paced world. Participants at the event described the gathering as a moment of calm and shared joy, as chants and music brought thousands together in a collective expression of faith.
By aligning with Vrindavan Vibes, Mangaldeep is positioning itself not just as an incense brand, but as a facilitator of shared spiritual experiences, extending its presence from homes and temples to large scale community led devotional platforms.
