MAM
‘Success is waiting,’ Aakash tells repeaters
NEW DELHI: Aakash Educational Services Ltd recently launched an omni-channel campaign titled ‘Success is Waiting’ featuring ace cricketer Yuvraj Singh to great success. The TVC has garnered 30 million plus views on YouTube since its launch in September 2020, increasing admissions three-fold for Aakash Digital’s online repeater courses.
The campaign (in 60 second, 30 second and six second edits) is for students re-appearing for medical and engineering entrance examinations intending to inspire them to give it another shot.
The TVC garnered 20x growth in terms of direct and organic sessions for Aakash Digital in comparison to the same season last year.
It is currently being aired on leading TV and online channels pan-India including YouTube and OTT platforms. The campaign weaves around the comeback story of Yuvraj Singh and captures the successes and setbacks in his life to inspire students to resume the journey to their goals with renewed vigour.
The message on making a strong comeback has also been appreciated by many renowned cricketers including Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan, thereby amplifying the reach of the campaign.
The year 2020 has been exceptional for Aakash Institute with Aakashian Chirag Falor securing AIR 1 rank in IIT JEE and Soyeb Aftab, Akanksha Singh and Snikhita T securing the top 3 ranks in NEET.
Aakash Educational Services Ltd director and CEO Aakash Chaudhry said, “It is heartening to note that our ad campaign has clocked over 30 million views across YouTube since its launch and has led to such a stupendous increase in our admissions. It shows that the campaign has been well received by the audience. Through this campaign, we want to assure the students that we are with them in their struggles and are always ready to assist the aspirants in the best way possible. We would like to reiterate the fact that everyone cannot taste success every time but one shouldn’t feel disheartened. We would like to encourage students to continue with their efforts with more focus and strength without losing hope.”
MAM
Aparna Bhawal steps down as KFC India CMO after three years
Set to exit by May 2026, launches AB Advisory Group for growth strategy.
MUMBAI: From brand buckets to building her own playbook, Aparna Bhawal is swapping the CMO seat for the founder’s chair. Bhawal has resigned as chief marketing officer of KFC India and its partner markets, drawing the curtain on a three-year stint with the Yum! Brands portfolio. She is currently transitioning responsibilities through March and is expected to complete her exit by May 2026.
The move marks a shift towards entrepreneurship, with Bhawal setting up AB Advisory Group, a venture aimed at working with founders and scaling businesses on growth strategy, execution and commercial focus. The decision, she indicated, has been a long-considered one centred on building a platform that helps companies navigate growth with sharper strategic direction and stronger marketing fundamentals.
With over two decades of experience, Bhawal’s career spans leadership roles across HT Media, The Coca-Cola Company and Procter & Gamble, covering brand building, consumer engagement and business growth across categories.
Beyond corporate roles, she has remained closely involved with the industry ecosystem. She is part of the managing committee of The Advertising Club of India for 2025–26 and serves as an advisory board member at the Indian Influencer Governing Council.
Her contributions have also earned recognition, including features in BW’s Top 100 Marketers list and BW Marketing World’s Most Influential Women list in both 2024 and 2025.
As Bhawal steps into her next chapter, the shift reflects a broader trend in marketing leadership where seasoned operators are increasingly moving from building brands to building businesses.
