MAM
Disney Channel & Microsoft unite for “Start your story” contest
MUMBAI: Disney Channel and Microsoft have come together to offer Indian kids a unique opportunity to unleash their creativity with “Start your story” contest.
Kids across India are invited to script their original creations in less than 1000 words using Microsoft Windows XP.They could even add some colour using illustrations and pictures to create prize-winning stories. The contest begins today and entries will be accepted till 20 December, 2005.
Walt Disney Television International (India) director – marketing and communications Tushar Shah said, “Storytelling is Disney’s foundation. We continuously stretch the boundaries of our imagination to tell compelling stories with unique appeal. Disney Channel inspires young viewers to fire up their creativity and write their own stories. I would imagine that using Windows XP to pen their plot makes it a perfect proposition for our young writers.”
Microsoft India director Windows client business group Rishi Srivastava said, “We are excited about this initiative with Disney Channel. It truly brings out the spirit of our ‘Start Something Global Marketing’ campaign, which showcases how people can explore, enhance and pursue their personal interests using Windows XP. As we enter the third decade of Windows, this program is designed to inspire kids and their parents to start something new with Windows and use it to open up a new world of creativity and convert their imagination into a reality.”
The best story will fly the lucky winner of the Grand Prize to the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, USA.The first 100 prizes will have the winners names featured on Disney Channel and will receive a Microsoft Encarta CD. The top 10 story-writers stand to win Media Center PCs and their stories will be featured for a week on the channel’s website to be reviewed and voted by users.
Five reviewers whose choice matches that of the jury also stand to win Media Center PCs. The top 10 winners will additionally be flown into Disney Channel Studio in Mumbai to be featured on the channel. The Grand prize winner’s story will be featured on Disney Channel and besides the Grand Prize, there will also be a Viewer’s Choice Award.
To enter the contest kids have to post a hard copy of the story to: ‘Start Your Story’ Contest, Disney Channel, PO Box No.16304, Delisle Road Post Office, Mumbai – 400013 or drop it into a Disney box at their schools.
Along with their creation, kids need to send in their complete details including name, age, school and residence address. Kids can email their stories to mail@disneychannelindia.com and the subject of the email should read “Start your story contest.”
Brands
Aptronix unveils ‘Big & Beyond’ campaign, opens largest store in Hyderabad
Naga Chaitanya, Sobhita front push as retailer expands premium Apple experience
HYDERABAD: Aptronix has rolled out its most ambitious brand push yet with the launch of the ‘Big & Beyond Aptronix’ campaign, alongside the opening of its largest retail store in India.
The campaign features actors Akkineni Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala as brand faces, signalling a sharper focus on aspirational, experience-led retail as the company scales its presence in the premium Apple ecosystem.
At the centre of the rollout is a new 8,000 sq. ft. flagship outlet at Sarath City Capital Mall, now the largest Aptronix store in the country and among the biggest Apple Premium Reseller formats in India. The space is designed to offer immersive product discovery, personalised guidance and integrated service support, positioning the store as more than just a point of sale.
The campaign itself leans into themes of scale, ambition and accessibility, aiming to connect with a younger, increasingly design-conscious generation of Apple users. By pairing celebrity appeal with in-store experience, Aptronix is looking to deepen emotional engagement while reinforcing its premium positioning.
A key pillar remains its ‘Limitless Aptronix Exchange’ programme, which offers customers simplified upgrade paths, transparent pricing and wider access to Apple devices. The initiative has been central to driving adoption by making high-end technology more approachable for a broader audience.
Premium Lifestyle and Fashion founder & owner Sutinder Singh said the new store reflects a long-held belief that Indian consumers should have access to the best Apple retail experience without compromise. He added that the campaign’s celebrity faces mirror the brand’s core values of elegance, ambition and confidence.
Aptronix CEO Meghna Singh said the ‘Big & Beyond’ theme reflects how the company operates, with a focus on building a best-in-class retail experience. She noted that the Hyderabad launch and the campaign together signal Aptronix’s intent to set new benchmarks in the category.
With this dual push of scale and storytelling, Aptronix is not just expanding its footprint but also redefining how premium tech retail is experienced in India.
