Brands
Siddhanta Srivastava joins Renault India as product marketing manager
Gurugram: Renault India has roped in Siddhanta Srivastava as product marketing manager, tasking him with one of its most high-stakes assignments yet—the comeback of the Duster, a name that once redefined the midsize SUV segment in India.
Srivastava joins Renault after a three-and-a-half-year stint at Kia India, where he handled product planning, operations and strategy for models including the Sonet, EV6 and EV9. His role spanned sales analysis, market intelligence and pricing strategy, ensuring competitiveness across four-wheeler segments in an increasingly crowded market.
At Kia, Srivastava was also deeply involved in electric vehicle strategy, working cross-functionally with R&D, design and finance teams to build viable EV business cases. He led cost simulations to unlock CAFE benefits and central and state government incentives, aligning product development with regulatory and commercial realities.
Earlier, at Honda Cars India, Srivastava worked in advanced product planning, representing the company on regulatory and standards panels such as BIS, AISC, SIAM and ICAT—giving him a ringside view of how policy, compliance and product strategy intersect.
His grounding in regulations was sharpened further at the International Centre for Automotive Technology, where he worked on homologation and regulatory frameworks as a senior engineer. Before that, he cut his teeth in engineering and installation roles, including a stint at TK Elevator, and led a Department of Science and Technology project that resulted in a patent for wireless power transmission.
At Renault India, Srivastava steps straight into launch mode. The new Duster is positioned as a cornerstone of the brand’s revival strategy, aimed at reclaiming relevance in a segment now dominated by aggressive new-age SUVs.
For Srivastava, the move marks both continuity and escalation—a return to hands-on product storytelling, backed by deep regulatory, technical and market insight.
For Renault, it is a calculated bet on execution.
As the Duster prepares to re-enter the spotlight, the message is clear: the icon is back—and this time, the groundwork runs deep.
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
