Brands
Skoda fuels fanfare with ‘Fans Not Owners’ drive for 25 years in India
MUMBAI: For Škoda, it’s not just about cars, it’s about cult status on wheels. Marking its 25th year in India, the Czech automaker has rolled out an integrated campaign titled ‘Fans Not Owners’, in partnership with ‘Team Drive’ at Publicis Groupe India, creatively led by BBH India.
The campaign flips the conventional script of horsepower and specs, spotlighting Škoda drivers not as customers but as true-blue fans. It seeks to bridge the gap between admiration and action, nudging legions of admirers to take the leap into ownership.
At the heart of the campaign is ‘Doda’, a heartwarming film that captures the whimsical love of a young girl for her Škoda. The story unfolds through the eyes of children who see magic in the machines, celebrating decades of emotional connections. Another film celebrating young fandom and pride is set to follow soon.
The brand went a step further with a playful ‘Doda Takeover’ on Instagram, where Maya, the child protagonist, engaged Škoda’s followers. Even dealerships joined the celebration at some outlets in Mumbai, the Škoda logo was swapped out for Doda.
Škoda Auto India brand director Ashish Gupta explained: “Our customers are more than just owners, they’re passionate fans who truly live the brand. As we celebrate 25 years, it’s this deep emotional connection that powers us forward.”
Škoda’s 360-degree campaign doesn’t just dwell on sentiment, it reinforces the company’s reputation for European engineering, safety, and reliability while positioning its cars as practical, aspirational, and ready for modern Indian lifestyles.
Saatchi & Saatchi India, BBH India and Saatchi Propagate CEO Paritosh Srivastava called the campaign “a step forward in building brand love and trust.” BBH India Chief creative officer Parikshit Bhattaccharya summed up the spirit: “Škoda was never just a car, it was always an emotion.”
With 25 years on Indian roads and a fandom passed down through generations, Škoda is steering into the future with more than an engine, it’s running on emotion.
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.
