MAM
Goafest: FCB Ulka designs ‘Gods Of Advertising’
MUMBAI: The gates are open to the biggest festival in the religion of Advertising! The campaign marking the onset of the 12th edition of Goafest, has been unveiled, under the theme- “Gods of Advertising”. The campaign has been conceptualized and designed by FCB Ulka in line with grandeur of the festival, where the Gods come together, celebrating the Gods within us.
Under the campaign, the Gods of Advertising have been depicted like the Greek Gods, to give the entire campaign a unique identity. The campaign is built on clever canvas paintings of Greek Gods with a subtle integration of the elements of their times. The art purely showcases ancient Church art style that can also be seen in the design and the font. Everything together shows the grandeur and antiquity of the festival, lending strength to the theme.
Commenting on the occasion, Goafest 2017 chairman and AAAI vice president Ashish Bhasin said, “Goafest 2017 is going to be at a level it has never been before and the campaign announcing that, Gods of Advertising, designed by FCB Ulka, has captured the feel very well. Goafest is about the Industry coming together and celebrating Creativity, sharing bonhomie within the industry participants and learning from experts, not just from our industry but from other fields as well, at a global scale. This year we have introduced several new initiatives, which will add to a lot of excitement and I thank and congratulate FCB Ulka for kicking off South Asia’s largest festival of advertising with a beautifully crafted campaign”.
Shedding light on the premise of the campaign, FCB Ulka NCD south Mahendra Bhagat said, “‘Gods of Advertising’ as a phrase is something we hear often in the advertising industry. Goafest is a fun event, that’s given. But we wanted to talk about it being an enriching event too. Which is why, we directed our communication to the youngsters, telling them that the who’s who of advertising will surely be there – imparting knowledge and sharing ideas and an event that you surely can’t afford to miss.”
“What I particularly like about this campaign is the treatment that’s given by our young creative team. Instead of repeating the typical imagery that’s associated with Goa, they thought of recreating these old frescos you see in some of the churches. Very distinct and very relevant. So, even though, it’s western in its content, it’s a little Indian in its outlook and execution,” he added.
FCB Ulka is creating promotional posters, mailers and Press communication for Goafest 2017. The first leg the campaign kicks off with a series of promotional content highlighting the God of various divisions of advertising. Each of the Gods have been given a name and their specific characteristics and inviting people to not miss it, because even the Gods won’t give it a miss.
Brands
Nykaa eyes majority stake in Deepika Padukone’s 82°E brand
Deal could help scale premium label as Nykaa sharpens its beauty play
MUMBAI: Nykaa is in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in 82°E, the premium skincare label founded by Deepika Padukone, according to media reports.
The proposed deal signals Nykaa’s intent to deepen its House of Nykaa portfolio while giving 82°E the scale it has struggled to achieve independently. Padukone is expected to retain a minority stake if the transaction goes through.
For Nykaa, the play is both strategic and timely. With a customer base of over 42 million, the company is betting on its strong distribution, logistics, and repeat purchase ecosystem to revive the brand’s momentum. The two sides already share a working relationship, with Padukone serving as Nykaa’s global brand ambassador since September 2025.
Launched in late 2022, 82°E entered the market with a premium positioning but has faced headwinds. The brand reported revenue of Rs 14.7 crore in FY25, down 30 per cent year on year, alongside losses of Rs 12.26 crore. Industry observers have pointed to steep pricing, a somewhat diffused brand identity, and intense competition from digital-first labels as key challenges.
The potential acquisition also reflects a broader shift in India’s beauty and lifestyle space, where celebrity-led brands are increasingly partnering with larger corporates to unlock scale. Alia Bhatt’s Ed-a-Mamma, for instance, sold a majority stake to Reliance Retail, while Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty has emerged as a standout success within Nykaa’s portfolio, clocking Rs 132.4 crore in FY25 revenue.
Nykaa itself has been on a strong growth trajectory. Its parent, FSN E-Commerce Ventures, reported a 156 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 68 crore in the December 2025 quarter, with revenue reaching Rs 2,873 crore.
Nykaa has been steadily building its portfolio through acquisitions such as Dot & Key, Earth Rhythm and Nudge Wellness, signalling a clear push to own and scale homegrown brands.
If the 82°E deal materialises, it could mark a fresh chapter for the label, blending celebrity appeal with corporate muscle. For Nykaa, it is another calculated step in staying ahead in an increasingly crowded beauty aisle.
