MAM
Dentsu creates Dainik Bhaskar’s new ad campaign
MUMBAI: Dainik Bhaskar has launched a new advertising campaign, created by Dentsu Communications.
The campaign is about how if we keep saying Na – and persistently, chances are, we will become a naya jahan. :Na se banega naya jahan”, that is the core message of the campaign.
The film shows several people in our country caught in tough situations like boys being ragged in hostels, a young housewife going to be burnt alive, a government officer who is tempted with hard cash, a young lonely woman in the middle of the night being chased by a ruffian. They all refuse to cow down and say na. The several Nas are then strung together in an edit pattern that helps emerge a collective hum of a familiar tune. Saare jahan se achcha. The film ends with the message – Buraiyon ko na kaho, naya jahan banao.
The campaign will run across TV, Print, Radio, Outdoor, cinema and digital.
Dainik Bhaskar Group VP Sanjeev Kotnala said, “NA is perhaps the most important and certainly the most powerful word in any language. Every day we find ourselves in situations where we need to say NA – at work, at home, and in our communities – because it is our prerogative to decide if I as an individual will protect and be the change agent for everyone and everything that matters to me. Dainik Bhaskar Group does believe that for change to come around you may not need a crowd or a revolution – it can be brought about even by simple acts of individuals”
“At one level, the film uses irony. Because while everyone is collectively seen to be saying that our country is Saare Jahan se Achcha, what we are seeing is a world that is far from good. Historically, we have seen that it did not take long, beautifully crafted speeches to cause great movements. If we recall the freedom movement, there were just two words: Quit India. In this campaign, there are no long speeches that ask us to change ourselves and make our world a better place. Dainik Bhaskar wishes to continue its crusade with the thought of Zidd. One of the simplest things that illustrate Zidd is saying no or na. When we hum a song, we usually do it using a syllable. I thought if that syllable was a Na and if we string several Nas together, a song would emerge – a song that can show us the path to a Naya Jahan. That‘s how Na se Naya Jahan came about” says Titus Upputuru, National Creative Director, Dentsu Communications.
Ad film storyboard
The film shows three boys being ragged in a hostel. While two of the boys are made to strip, the third boy stands firm and refuses saying Na. We next see a young woman about to be burnt alive with kerosene oil by a husband and her mother-in-law. But she screams her lungs out with a Na. Elsewhere a creepy looking husband wants to find out if the child his wife is carrying was a girl child by passing on a chit to the doctor, through his wife. The doctor looks at him and firmly says Na. Next, a young woman is chased by a ruffian at a lonely bus stop.
She turns back and gives him a resounding slap before screaming Na. Similarly, we see an official refusing bribe, a child refusing to become a bride by hiding herself behind her mother and so on and so forth. We then cut to see several people saying Na in different parts of the country. Young, old, children, men, women, and the film is cut such that a familiar tune emerges. Saare Jahan se achcha.
Starting a business is one of the most financially demanding transitions a person can make. In the early months, expenses are immediate and often unpredictable, while revenue streams may take time to stabilise. For first-time entrepreneurs, securing small business loans can feel like a paradox: lenders expect a clean financial track-record before approving a loan, but the business cannot establish that track record without funding. Understanding the start-up lending environment in India and knowing the realistic funding options make this process far less daunting, allowing entrepreneurs to plan strategically.
Why Traditional Business Loans Are Harder for Start-ups
Most financial institutions require a minimum business vintage of 2 to 3 years before approving a term loan. This is because the first two years of operations carry the highest risk of failure. For start-ups less than 12 months old, traditional loan options are limited, and lenders often ask for substantial collateral to mitigate risk.
The vintage requirement is not arbitrary. Businesses that have survived their first two operating cycles demonstrate market viability, which significantly lowers the lender’s risk. Until this milestone is reached, entrepreneurs often rely on bootstrapping, personal savings, or alternative financing to build a stable business foundation. Understanding this reality helps first-time entrepreneurs set practical expectations when seeking funding.
Government-Linked Schemes for Startups
India offers several government-backed schemes to support first-time entrepreneurs. One such scheme is the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), which provides collateral-free loans for micro and small enterprises in three categories:
● Shishu: up to Rs. 50,000
● Kishore: Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5 lakh
● Tarun: Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh
These loans are available through eligible lending institutions, making them suitable for early-stage businesses. For first-time entrepreneurs, a Mudra loan not only provides initial working capital but also helps establish a credit history. Repaying a Mudra loan on time strengthens the entrepreneur’s profile and increases the chances of securing larger loans in the future.
Using Personal Loans to Fund Early-Stage Needs
When business loan eligibility is not yet established, a personal loan can serve as bridge funding. These loans are assessed on the individual’s credit profile and income rather than the business’s financial history, making them accessible to salaried individuals or those with a strong personal credit record.
Personal loans have limitations: the loan amount is capped based on personal income, and the interest rate is typically higher than secured business loans. Nevertheless, taking out a personal loan during the first 12 to 18 months can provide crucial support as the start-up builds its financial profile. It is especially useful for covering immediate expenses such as inventory, marketing, or office setup costs.
Alternative Financing Options for Startups
For start-ups that are not yet eligible for traditional business loans, other financing options are available through financial institutions. Many lenders offer startup-focused or small-business loans designed for early-stage businesses. These loans evaluate the entrepreneur’s personal credit profile, business plan, and projected revenue rather than relying solely on business vintage. Financial institutions such as Tata Capital provide these loans with minimal documentation and fast disbursal, enabling entrepreneurs to manage operational expenses, purchase equipment, or fund early growth initiatives without pledging collateral.
Some lenders also offer flexible loan amounts, quicker approvals, and streamlined processes, making them well-suited for first-time entrepreneurs. Exploring these options early allows start-ups to access working capital while gradually building a credit history that will support larger loans in the future.
Building the Right Financial Profile Before Applying
For entrepreneurs planning to apply for a business loan in 12 to 18 months, the preparation period is critical. Key steps include:
● Filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) consistently and accurately from the first year
● Maintaining a clean current account with regular deposits and no overdraft patterns
● Keeping the promoter’s CIBIL score above 750
Lenders assess start-ups by examining these signals. Entrepreneurs who maintain financial discipline from the start will have stronger loan applications after two years. Additionally, tracking cash flow and avoiding irregular withdrawals can further enhance the business’s credibility.
Collateral-Based Options for Larger Requirements
Startups requiring larger amounts beyond government schemes can consider loans against property. These loans allow entrepreneurs to access larger amounts of funding at lower interest rates, as the property secures the lender’s risk.
This option carries significant risk: using personal or family assets as collateral can result in a loss if the business does not perform as expected. Such loans should be considered only when the business plan is validated, the entrepreneur has clear cash flow projections, and the repayment strategy is realistic. Careful assessment of risk versus reward is essential before pledging assets.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Loan Application
To maximise the chances of approval, entrepreneurs should:
● Maintain accurate financial statements, bank records, and GST returns.
● Avoid over-borrowing; apply for realistic amounts that match business needs.
● Keep personal and business credit profiles in good standing.
● Explore lenders that offer startup-friendly products.
● Be transparent and complete in all documentation.
Taking these steps early ensures a smoother and faster loan process when the business is ready for formal financing. A well-prepared application reduces processing delays and demonstrates professionalism to the lender.
Conclusion
First-time entrepreneurs often face a funding gap in the early stages, but it is usually smaller than it appears. Maintaining clean banking records, filing ITRs consistently, and exploring personal loans, government schemes, and alternative financing options help build a strong financial profile. Entrepreneurs who plan systematically from day one are better positioned to access formal credit sooner, giving their start-ups financial stability through small business loans.
The ideal time to start building a credit-worthy business profile is the very first month of operations, not when applying for a loan. By understanding available funding options and acting proactively, first-time entrepreneurs can confidently apply for a business loan and set their businesses on a path to long-term growth.
