MAM
Hotstuff creates unique TVC for ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund amidst lockdown
MUMBAI: ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund is wanting to uplift the sentiment through an offbeat positive message on the lockdown which would encourage the investors to invest. Hotstuff, its creative and advertising partners, came up with a unique idea of creating a film that complimented the spirit of Indian investors, who have adapted to the lockdown in different ways. The route was clear and the campaign was a perfect platform to extend the thought of their previous widely acclaimed campaign for ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund 'Chal Kuch Smart Kar, SIP Start Kar'.
However, the lockdown posed a challenge as no production unit could mobilise resources. As an experiment, the Hotstuff creative team planned out the script breakdown and sequences in a manner that could be directed via video calls. The actors were trained to film themselves. The music and post-production teams coordinated through remote work terminals to fuse things together. “A majority of the work was done in-house; since external resources were not possible in a lockdown scenario. We had already organized our operations at least a month prior to the lockdown being announced by ensuring business continuity via remote working terminals. Processes were redefined to ensure quality at the same level of output and on time. That is what enabled us to pull off this film in record time from script to release, amidst a lockdown,” said Hotstuff CEO Arun Fernandes.
Hotstuff, with over two decades of experience, specialising in BFSI communications, is known for its pithy MARCOM solutions and off-beat content, backed with result-driven strategies for its portfolio of brands. Speaking on how advertising and marketing solutions will get impacted post-COVID era, Fernandes further added – "A new normal comes into place and the format in which content is created will have to be relooked at. While we cannot let go off the creative principles of the past, we have to explore a new creative language for the future." This actually resonates as the world over there is a large shift in how we are managing our lives without stepping out in current times by embracing smarter ways of doing things.
The brief was succinct and clear and so was its interpretation. The lockdown gave the creative team, a chance to explore a new format of storytelling. The actors filming themselves and the realistic at-home setting brought a sense of realism to the film. Also, the story was inspired by stories heard on social media which helped the narrative to be more relatable. "A lot had to change in the way we work to get this film done. However, we realized that creative agencies have a vital role to play in situations like these. We have to adapt and become solution providers for brands that would want to stay relevant in the post-COVID era,” detailed out Hotstuff creative director Terence D’Souza.
Cueing an investment agenda into your daily lockdown routine would help the investors relate to the key message and make the most of the given the situation, financially, through SIPs. Through this communication the endeavor is to highlight the benefits of digital investing and SIP as the preferred investment route in volatile market conditions.
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Brands
Emami names Dhruv Aggarwal as chief growth officer
Former Bain partner steps in as FMCG firm sharpens growth playbook
MUMBAI: Emami Limited has appointed Dhruv Aggarwal as its chief growth officer, effective 25 March 2026, following the resignation of Giriraj Bagri.
Aggarwal joins the FMCG major from Bain & Company, where he most recently served as partner. With over two decades of experience across consulting and strategy, he brings a global perspective shaped by work across India, the US, the UK and Germany.
During his tenure at Bain, Aggarwal advised consumer, retail and media companies on large-scale transformations, business turnarounds and growth strategies. He was also closely involved with India’s startup ecosystem, guiding early-stage ventures on scaling and digital expansion, while supporting private equity and venture capital firms on investment decisions.
His earlier stints include a brief role at Barclays Capital and operational experience at Jindal Power, giving him a mix of financial and industry exposure.
Academically, Aggarwal holds an MBA from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and has also been associated with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a PhD candidate and teaching assistant.
The appointment comes at a time when Emami Limited is looking to sharpen its growth strategy in a competitive consumer market. With a seasoned strategist now at the helm of growth, the company appears set to double down on transformation and expansion in the months ahead.
