MAM
OZiva says challenges stereotypes in new ad film #BeYourOwnMan
Mumbai: OZiva, plant-based nutrition, and wellness brand has launched a social experiment film #BeYourOwnMan challenging the stereotypes that Indian men face with respect to their mental health and wellbeing.
The experiment is an attempt to highlight the popular misconceptions plaguing men’s health that often go untended. According to the survey conducted by the brand, at least 51 per cent of men equate being healthy to ‘just feeling’ fit while 27 per cent of them feel embarrassed to openly speak about mental and physical health. The global statistics also show that on average, men are dying five years earlier than women and men account for a whopping 69 per cent of the total number of suicides, said the brand in a statement.
OZiva co-founder Aarti Gill said, “The importance of good health cannot be defined by genders. However, we are seeing a huge divide in the way health is perceived by men and women. At OZiva, we want to empower every individual to be healthier and better in every way. Whether men or women, physical and mental health should always be a priority. And we are hoping to open more conversations and also encourage men to seek help when needed as there is no shame in prioritizing health.”
According to the brand, the social experiment film will help by working on multiple levels to permeate the idea that it is essential for men to take care of their physical and mental wellbeing. It plunges deep into the intricacies of men’s psyche and attempts to understand their various mental and physical concerns. The film uses a simple insight that men rarely shy away from boasting about their scars- whether it’s a childhood scar from a cool mischief story or the one they got as teenagers while playing. In fact, they wear these stories like a badge of honor! But when it comes to sharing or talking about scars that are not really visible, their mental and physical health, there is a lot of hesitation, fear, and embarrassment as well.
The film aims to break the stereotype of what it means to be a man by encouraging every man to #BeYourOwnMan and tell them it’s okay to speak up about health and get help when needed.
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.
