MAM
Mccain launches #PartyShuruWithMcCain campaign
Golden snacks and catchy jingle turn house-party awkwardness into instant celebration, 12.1 million views on social.
MUMBAI: House parties always hit that awkward lull until McCain drops the mic (and the fries) to declare the fun officially started. Mccain Foods India has rolled out #PartyShuruWithMcCain, a lively campaign that tackles the universal truth of every gathering, the slow start filled with polite smiles, small talk, and those painful silences before the real warmth kicks in. Created by Schbang, the push positions McCain’s restaurant-style crispy snacks as the ultimate ice-breaker, paired with an infectious jingle that becomes the party’s unofficial anthem.
The hero film captures it perfectly, a host senses the vibe dipping, cues the McCain jingle, serves up the golden snacks, and watches the room transform hesitation melts, laughter erupts, conversations flow. It’s a simple but spot-on insight: good food plus the right soundtrack can flip the switch from stiff to lively faster than you can say “pass the dip”.
The social rollout across Instagram and Facebook delivered strong numbers, over 12.1 million views, reach beyond 7.9 million people, and more than 4 million engagements across formats. The content encouraged users to adopt the jingle as their own party starter, turning viewers into participants.
Mccain Foods India head of marketing Shreyashi Kesari said, “#PartyShuruWithMcCain celebrates how Indian families actually celebrate, at home, with people they love, over food that brings everyone together. Our jingle became the party anthem because it captures that crucial moment when a gathering transitions from polite to genuinely fun.”
Schbang, president of solutions Jitto George added, “We decided to own that initial lull through Mccain’s incredibly catchy jingle, making it the anthem that signals the party has officially begun, paired with their crowd-favourite snacks.”
By leaning into the at-home celebration occasion where most Indians actually host friends and family Mccain isn’t just selling snacks; it’s selling the spark that turns a quiet evening into a memorable one. In a world of instant everything, sometimes the best way to break the ice is with a plate of crispy perfection and a tune that refuses to stay stuck in your head.
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.
