MAM
Language can turn ideas into magic or dust: Tim Love
VARCA, GOA: In today‘s diverse world compressed by an overwhelming digital presence, language is the most powerful technology around.
“Language is a technology in itself,” Omnicom Group vice chairman and Omnicom Asia Pacific India Middle-East and Africa (APIMA) CEO Tim Love said, presenting a new facet to the debate of the relevance of technology in a post-digital World.
Quoting McLuhan, Love said that once you master technology, it becomes invisible. As human beings have more or less mastered their respective language – verbal and non verbal, it is becoming invisible. Every advertising professional needs to bear in mind that this technology is omnipresent and affects the reception of the message globally.
As a consequence, we have also started focusing on electronic technology and started undermining the potential of “human technology”. The potential of human insights and understanding still plays a major role in determining the effectiveness of an ad message.
Speaking at Goafest 2012, Love went on to give the example of an automobile brand Nova which was to be launched in the Latin American countries. While in some cultures and languages the word Nova refers to something new, in this particular country it had a negative connotation. The local agency professional pointed this out to the brand. It did not deter the brand from going ahead with the name, but it did make for a good study of the multicultural fabric we operate in and how marketers and ad professionals need to be sensitive to the language difference that exists in the world.
“The worst thing you can do is to presume we all think the same,” Love warned. “Respecting the difference in the languages and culture and moulding your communication accordingly makes for a better strategy. Even sign language is not universal.”
It is necessary to keep in mind the syntax of different languages as well. For example, Japanese use their verb at the very end. Also, the intonations in the language make it slowly spoken. Hence, while communicating to a Japanese audience, the message should keep these things in mind for the audience to better assimilate and comprehend the matter.
Cultural agility also needs to be maintained to gauge the preferences and choices of the audience in this case. While some factors like language, environment and symbols may be evident, there are many aspects like religion, history, superstitions, values and attitudes that are more covert.
“I would give three tips for maintaining cultural agility. First, treat language with more reverence. Second, when using an interpreter slow down and use crisp sound bytes and third, learn how to say hello, please and thank you in the language of your communication partner,” Love said.
An idea is not an idea till it drives innovation and explores new realms of understanding and conversation. In this context, Love concluded that an idea can be turned into magic or dust depending on the hand that rubs against it. Using the linguistic and cultural context while planning and executing a campaign can make that difference between dust and magic.
Brands
Kingfisher bets big on music culture with Karan Aujla’s 2026 India tour
Water Partners with Karan Aujla for P POP Culture India Tour 2026
MUMBAI: Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water from United Breweries Limited, part of the Heineken Company, has announced its association as the co-presenting partner of Karan Aujla’s P POP Culture India Tour 2026. The collaboration places music and culture at the centre of the brand’s iconic “Good Times” philosophy, integrating the brand seamlessly into one of the most dynamic live music movements in the country.
As co-presenting partner, Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water will play a significant role across the tour’s on-ground and digital ecosystem, creating immersive consumer experiences and driving meaningful engagement at every touchpoint. The partnership is designed to strengthen the brand’s cultural relevance among young and expressive audiences who see music as a core part of their identity and celebrations.
At the heart of the association is a series of three brand films featuring Karan Aujla, where the global music artist reimagines Kingfisher’s iconic “Oo La La La Le O” jingle across Afro, Punjabi and Funk genres. The Afro-inspired film sets a relaxed jam-session tone, with Aujla warming up, finding his rhythm and delivering a smooth rendition that builds anticipation. The Punjabi version draws from his cultural roots, transforming the jingle into a high-energy Punjabi pop track marked by confidence and commanding stage presence. The Funk interpretation introduces a playful yet bold edge, driven by contemporary beats and groove-led production that highlights his versatility while amplifying the epic Good Times spirit. Together, the films blend spontaneous performance moments with music-led storytelling, reinforcing Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water’s long-standing association with celebration and culture.
Commenting on the partnership, United Breweries Limited chief marketing officer Vikram Bahl, said that music remains a powerful cultural connector and a core passion point for consumers. He noted that the brand has always focused on creating moments that bring people together, and reimagining the iconic jingle across diverse musical styles offers a fresh expression of the Good Times philosophy. He added that the association with Karan Aujla’s P POP Culture India Tour enables the brand to embed itself authentically within one of the most exciting music movements in India today.
Expressing his excitement, Karan Aujla said that partnering with Kingfisher felt like destiny, as music and celebration are deeply embedded in both their identities. He described reinterpreting “Oo La La La Le O” across different genres as a creative high, allowing him to respect the legacy of the iconic tune while infusing it with his own energy and contemporary sound. He emphasised that the collaboration goes beyond a remake, presenting a fresh vibe that audiences can experience live as the tour travels across cities.
The P POP Culture India Tour 2026 will roll out across major cultural hubs including Delhi on 28 February, Mumbai and Pune on 3 March, Chandigarh on 14 March, Indore on 21 March, Bengaluru on 29 March, Kolkata on 3 April, Jaipur on 5 April and Lucknow on 10 April. At every stop, Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water aims to deliver its signature Good Times experience, celebrating creativity, community and unforgettable shared moments.
With this partnership, Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water continues to strengthen music as a central pillar of its brand identity. Fans can experience the collaboration by watching the brand films across Kingfisher’s official digital and social media platforms.
