AD Agencies
G-SHOCK India unveils ‘Rise Above the Shocks’ with Shubman Gill
Mumbai: G-SHOCK, the trailblazing force in unbreakable watches unveils an exciting new chapter in the iconic history through the premiere of an inspiring campaign ‘Rise Above the Shocks’ with its newly appointed brand ambassador, Shubman Gill. With an illustrious 40-year legacy, G-SHOCK transcends beyond being just a watch brand; it is an iconic symbol deeply embodying the spirit of adventure and resilience. The brand unveiled a series of new films, bringing together G-SHOCK’s unyielding dedication of crafting tough and trend-setting timepieces and Shubman Gill’s inspiring persona, encompassing both physical resilience and mental fortitude.
The campaign unveiling was spearheaded by Casio India MD Hideki Imai, along with Casio India head of sales & marketing division Eklavya Neogi, and G-SHOCK’s brand ambassador, Shubman Gill.
The 2100 series represents a new-age renaissance in G-SHOCK, laying the bedrock foundation for G-SHOCK’s empowering 40 years of evolution in the world of timepieces. The series stands out with its contemporary design, featuring an octagonal bezel with slimmer construction and utilizing lighter materials like carbon core guard, which makes the watch extremely high in aesthetics yet heavy in durability. This design caters to the preferences of a younger, fashion-conscious audience. These features make the 2100 series an attractive choice for individuals who value both ruggedness and style.
GA-2100-1A1, the watch worn by Shubman Gill in the campaign is the all-black embodiment of the 2100 series and is extremely popular among both new buyers and G-SHOCK aficionados alike.
The idea of “Rise Above the Shocks” revolves around celebrating the indomitable spirit of individuals who overcome challenges and adversities with determination, much like the iconic G-SHOCK watches that withstand shocks and extreme conditions. The creative idea blends the spirit of cricket, stories of resilience, and digital engagement with Shubman Gill at the forefront to connect with every watch and streetwear enthusiast and establish G-SHOCK as an emblem of tenacity, style, and triumph.
Talking about the momentous occasion, Casio India MD Hideki Imai said, “We mark a pivotal moment in the journey of G-SHOCK in India, inspired by the core values of Absolute Toughness and the spirit of ‘never giving up’. Our ‘Rise Above the Shocks’ campaign with Shubman Gill taps into the Indian ethos of perseverance and resilience, aligning seamlessly with G-SHOCK’s reputation for toughness and durability. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary globally, this strong synergy also commemorates the brand’s unwavering pursuit of precision, imaginative design, and stylish aesthetics in the watchmaking realm. We couldn’t be happier to spearhead this campaign with the reigning Youth Icon from the cricketing world, Shubman Gill, who embodies the same unyielding character emblematic of our timepieces. Collectively, our mission is to galvanize the next wave of resilience and grit amongst the GenZ and millennial audiences in India by being a talisman for their ability to persist through life’s trials and emerge stronger and brighter, just like the G-SHOCK brand.”
G-SHOCK brand ambassador Shubman Gill expressed his thoughts on this partnership. He said, “I am excited to be a part of the G-SHOCK family. They have made a mark among the Gen Z and Millennials for their trendy yet durable designs. As a cricketer, I acknowledge the value of a good partnership. A durable partnership can change the course of the game. I believe G-SHOCK watches prove to be reliable in the ‘partnership’ of timekeeping, along with their innovative designs. It is this shared belief that makes me happy about this collaboration.”
“Shubman is called ‘The Prince of Indian Cricket’, for a reason. He has overcome challenges, won battles, and shattered perceptions to earn this title. In a similar vein, the G SHOCK watch has gained its reputation as one of the toughest watches for good reason. Its toughness is a result of rigorous testing and an exceptional ability to endure any shock. We thoroughly enjoyed working on this campaign. It’s a celebration of Shubman’s and G SHOCK’s shared ability to rise above any shock, presented in a visually captivating way.”- Wieden + Kennedy India national creative director Kapil Batra.
The event was graced by the presence of experts in horology, watch enthusiasts and brand loyalists. The event included a special product showcase area highlighting G-SHOCK’s exclusive 40th-anniversary collections, the Masterpiece series, and other highly coveted product lines. As attendees marveled at the brand’s impressive four decades of innovation, influencers seized the opportunity to capture their memories next to the life-sized GA-2100-1A1 installation, symbolising innovation, authenticity, and a significant cultural revolution.
AD Agencies
Prakash Nair reportedly quits Ogilvy after 23 years
One of the agency’s longest-serving leaders has moved on, with his next destination still unknown
MUMBAI: After more than two decades at one address, Prakash Nair has left the building. The president and head of office, north at Ogilvy has moved on from the agency, according to highly placed industry sources. His next move remains unknown. Ogilvy did not respond to requests for comment.
Nair spent over 23 years at the agency, making him one of its longest-serving senior figures. He was elevated to lead the Gurugram office in April 2022, a role that put him at the helm of Ogilvy’s northern operations at a time of considerable churn across the advertising industry.
Before taking charge in the capital, Nair served as associate president at Ogilvy Mumbai, where he worked on some of the agency’s most prized accounts, including Mondelez, Tata Motors, and BP Castrol. Over the years, he built a reputation for driving modern, integrated, and award-winning work, the kind that wins metals at Cannes and keeps clients from straying.
His departure was marked in style. A farewell gathering was held in Delhi, attended by senior figures from across the advertising fraternity, a signal of the regard in which Nair is held in an industry that does not always pause to say goodbye properly.
Where he goes next is the question the industry is now asking. After 23 years at one of the world’s most storied agencies, the answer, when it comes, will be worth watching.
