MAM
Stay in tune with your friends with Line, Katrina
MUMBAI: Star power surely works! And thus Line Corporation, that operates Line, a free call and messaging app, launched a new TV commercial recently that features actor Katrina Kaif, who is trying to woo users with stickers.
Yes, the company has come up with two ads of 40 seconds and 20 seconds that have been created by Hakuhodo Percept, Delhi to present to the audience the sticker language.
This time, Katrina is seen in a coquettish mood where she is trying to spark a playful conversation with a French man using Line messaging application. The ad campaign captures the quintessence of displaying emotions, defying the barriers of language and hitting off a romantic encounter using exciting new series of stickers on the app.
The story begins with an attractive French man trying to woo Katrina to spend a romantic night in town, but language becomes a barrier and he leaves Katrina puzzled. The story develops as Katrina switches to stickers on LINE and drops cues to the French guy who then uses his charm to impress her with his witty selection.
The ad features visually alluring effects on screen while Katrina and the French man continue sharing stickers with each other. The commercial highlights the new way of sharing emotions through personalised stickers to spark off conversations between users on Line. The TVC unfolds with a vibrant background score that lingers on.
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.
