MAM
How MakeMyTrip leveraged Bigg Boss integration to boost homestay popularity
Mumbai: In India, where entertainment dominates, the boundaries between content and commerce have blurred, leading to strategic brand integrations that capture audience attention. Outside of sports, reality television has emerged as a powerful platform for brands to connect with millions due to its mass appeal. This trend aligns with the global shift away from traditional advertising toward immersive brand experiences. Brands are now moving beyond ads to become part of the stories unfolding on screen. Partnerships with major entertainment properties, such as Bigg Boss, Kaun Banega Crorepati, and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, provide valuable opportunities for visibility and engagement.
A notable example of this trend is MakeMyTrip’s partnership with Bigg Boss season 17, centered around the campaign ‘Bigg Boss ka Ghar, MakeMyTrip Par’. This initiative invited viewers to enter a contest for a stay in the Bigg Boss house, integrating the brand into the show’s narrative. Contestants logged onto the MakeMyTrip app to pitch their freedom to Bigg Boss, creating excitement among the audience. To enhance engagement, MakeMyTrip also launched billboards and advertisements, driving further interaction. Virtual tours of the Bigg Boss house, hosted by contestants, added another layer of connection. The campaign culminated with fifteen winners staying in the Bigg Boss house, forging a strong link between MakeMyTrip and its audience.
The collaboration had an immediate and measurable impact. The contest led to a 100 per cent increase in clicks on the homestay icon within the MakeMyTrip app, driven by engaging app animations. Homestay searches rose by 15 per cent, indicating higher booking intent. The campaign also resulted in a 12x increase in social media followers, boosted by over 500 organic posts. Audience engagement was high, with more than 130,000 contest entries, demonstrating the campaign’s strong appeal.
MakeMyTrip CMO & chief business officer Raj Rishi Singh said, “Our partnership with Bigg Boss last year significantly elevated the awareness of MakeMyTrip’s Homestays and Villas offerings. By integrating a unique experience where fans could immerse themselves in the iconic Bigg Boss house, we tapped into a loyal and engaged audience. This innovative association not only strengthened our brand’s connection with viewers but also showcased the diverse, high-quality homestay options we offer, driving both awareness and engagement across India.”
Viacom18 head – network sales, Mahesh Shetty spoke about the collaboration, “Our collaboration with MakeMyTrip on Bigg Boss demonstrates how reality TV can seamlessly elevate brand engagement. By embedding MakeMyTrip’s offerings directly into the viewer experience, we created an opportunity for the audience to not just watch, but actively participate with the brand. This unique integration helped MakeMyTrip stand out in a crowded market, driving visibility and building stronger connections with a diverse and engaged audience. It’s a prime example of how immersive content can unlock new avenues for brand growth and resonance across platforms.”
The MakeMyTrip and Bigg Boss collaboration highlights how strategic partnerships with reality TV shows can boost brand growth and engagement. As traditional ads lose impact, brands that integrate naturally within content and offer added value gain loyalty, visibility, and customer engagement. MakeMyTrip’s Bigg Boss Season 17 partnership set a strong example, demonstrating that content-driven marketing is key to future brand engagement.
MAM
PwC India announces leadership change in Deals practice
Shashank Jain steps down as co-leader after nearly three decades with the firm.
MUMBAI: When one dealmaker steps off the pitch, another is ready to take the baton because in the fast-moving world of transactions, the game never really stops. PwC India has announced a leadership transition in its Deals practice, with Shashank Jain stepping down from his role as co-leader to pursue an opportunity in the industry. The practice will continue to be led by Mohit Chopra, ensuring continuity and sustained growth momentum.
PwC India partner and leader for advisory dinesh Arora paid tribute to Jain’s contributions. “We deeply appreciate the significant contributions made by Shashank over close to three decades he has spent with PwC, particularly his defining role in shaping and strengthening our Transaction Services practice in India,” he said. Arora highlighted Jain’s support for clients through some of the most complex and significant transactions in the Indian market, noting his deep technical expertise, sound judgment and nuanced understanding of the evolving M&A landscape.
The Deals practice remains a key growth driver for PwC India, and the firm expects continued expansion under Mohit Chopra’s leadership. He will continue to guide clients through complex transactions and transformational business moments, building on the strong foundation established over the years.
Reflecting on his journey, Shashank Jain said, “I have had an exceptional journey at PwC. I owe my growth and learning to the nurturing environment and leadership development that PwC provided.” He added that he had been working closely with Mohit and the larger team to ensure a smooth transition and expressed confidence that Chopra would take the Deals practice to newer heights.
From intern to respected deals leader, Shashank Jain has clearly closed many successful transactions and now, it seems, he’s ready to strike a new deal of his own.
