MAM
Hot flashes, cool conversations as i-Know sparks menopause talk
MUMBAI: It’s getting hot in here and this time, it’s not just the weather. On World Menopause Day, i-Know, the women’s health brand from Piramal Pharma, has launched a thought-provoking campaign titled #OwnYourMenopause, conceptualised by DDB Mudra Group, to help women put words and warmth to what they’re feeling.
For far too long, menopause has been the silent chapter in a woman’s story. Its symptoms, confusing, invisible, and often indescribable can leave many feeling isolated. The campaign tackles that silence head-on, giving women a new language to express their experiences and encouraging open dialogue about a life stage too often brushed under the carpet.
At the heart of #OwnYourMenopause are stories drawn from real women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Using clever, metaphor-led storytelling, the films translate the unspoken: brain fog becomes the moment one forgets where the salt container is, while hot flashes are likened to “global warming” inside one’s body. These vivid visuals bring to life the humour, confusion, and humanity of the experience reminding women that they’re not alone, and that what they feel has a name, a reason, and help at hand.
As part of this initiative, i-Know spotlights its Menopause Testing Kit, a simple, home-based urine test that detects elevated Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels, a key indicator of menopause onset. It’s a small but powerful step towards helping women take control of their health with confidence and clarity.
“True healthcare goes beyond products; it starts with awareness and empathy,” said Piramal Consumer Healthcare VP marketing Abhishek Kr. Srivastava. “With i-Know, we want to normalise a conversation that has been silent for far too long.”
Adding to that DDB Mudra Group creative director Mahima Mathur shared, “Most women we spoke to began their menopause journey in confusion, not conversation. These stories inspired by real testimonials are meant to make it easier to talk, to understand, and to turn a lonely journey into a shared one.”
The campaign, produced by Boathouse Media and directed by Taaha Quadri, features contributions from creatives Mahima Mathur, Shalmali Sawant, Rhea Kumar, Harshada Shinde, and Payel Pramanik, with strategy led by Menaka Menon, Sanjana Chetan, and Navya Anil.
With #OwnYourMenopause, i-Know continues its mission to empower women with knowledge across every phase of life from fertility to menopause and beyond. Because sometimes, owning your story starts with finding the words to tell it.
MAM
Ameya Velankar steps down as Uber’s head of marketing for India & South Asia
Veteran marketer exits after more than seven years with the ride-hailing giant.
MUMBAI: After more than seven years of steering Uber through the bumpy roads of India’s mobility market, Ameya Velankar has decided to change lanes. Ameya Velankar has stepped down as Head of Marketing for India and South Asia, marking the end of a significant chapter at the ride-hailing company. He had been with Uber since 2019, taking on multiple roles in product and category marketing before rising to lead the marketing function for the region in 2021.
During his tenure, Velankar played a key role in strengthening Uber’s positioning in one of its most competitive and dynamic markets. He helped drive localised marketing strategies and scale adoption across key offerings such as Auto, Moto, Rentals and Intercity, tailoring global platforms to Indian consumer needs.
Prior to joining Uber, Velankar built his marketing expertise at leading consumer companies including SC Johnson and Marico, where he handled category and product leadership roles. His career began at RPG Enterprises.
Details of his next professional move have not been disclosed.
In a fast-evolving mobility landscape where brands constantly battle for attention, Ameya Velankar helped Uber stay relevant and resonant with millions of Indian users. As he moves on from the driver’s seat of marketing, the company will now look for fresh ideas to keep its wheels turning smoothly.
