Brands
Suppandi scores big as CIBIL marks 25 years with comic twist
MUMBAI: Who knew a credit score could be comic gold? As Transunion CIBIL celebrates 25 years of building India’s credit backbone, it has teamed up with Amar Chitra Katha’s Tinkle to launch ‘CIBIL Ki Kahaniyan’, where everyone’s favourite dim-witted genius Suppandi moonlights as a financial literacy guru.
The special comic sees Suppandi joined by Simran, his finance-savvy friend, and MyCIBIL, a personification of the credit score itself. Together, the trio use humour to unravel how credit works, why scores matter, and how responsible borrowing can shape futures. With nostalgia for grown-ups and fun for first-time earners, the campaign turns credit literacy into light reading.
The comic book is just one part of a larger silver jubilee push. The outreach spans print, social media, and a multi-city radio campaign, all tied together by the tagline: “Sahi CIBIL Score, Badhaaye Khushi Ka Score”. The message is clear: a healthy score isn’t just a number, it’s a ticket to dreams, from a first home to higher education.
And CIBIL’s track record is as impressive as its storytelling makeover. In 25 years, the bureau has partnered with 7,000 plus institutions, with over 164 million Indians self-monitoring their credit scores as of July 2025. Across two decades, more than 700 million individuals have gained access to formal credit, alongside 36 million commercial entities and 85 million active microfinance borrowers.
Perhaps most striking is the gender shift: in just 10 years, 118 million women have entered the formal credit system, fuelling financial independence across households. Younger borrowers are also surging, thanks to targeted outreach and digital onboarding.
“This milestone is not just about time, it’s about trust,” said Transunion CIBIL MD & CEO Bhavesh Jain who called the campaign a way to blend progress with personal stories of resilience and aspiration.
Meanwhile, Tinkle editor-in-chief Gayathri Chandrasekaran admits her own team now checks their CIBIL scores after crafting the comic: “Suppandi was the perfect pick to make finance fun.”
For a nation where finance often feels intimidating, Suppandi’s misadventures may just make credit confidence the next household story.
Brands
Disney Cruise Line launches Disney Adventure as Robert Downey Jr. christens ship in Singapore
Star studded ceremony marks line’s first Southeast Asia ship
SINGAPORE: Disney Cruise Line has officially welcomed its newest and largest ship, the Disney Adventure, with a glittering, music filled christening ceremony in Singapore, marking the brand’s first ever vessel to homeport in Southeast Asia.
Held inside the ship’s grand Walt Disney Theatre, the celebration unfolded as a theatrical spectacle worthy of Broadway. Regional vocalists and musicians were joined by a 23 piece orchestra, while sweeping video projections wrapped the stage in classic Disney, Pixar and Marvel moments. Special appearances from captain Mickey Mouse and captain Minnie Mouse added a touch of nautical charm.
Among the headline performers were Jed Madela, hollywood performing arts hall of fame inductee, and Dami Im, international recording artist known for Eurovision. Together, they led a soaring tribute to Disney’s musical legacy.
On stage to mark the milestone were Josh D’Amaro, chairman of disney experiences and incoming chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, and Joe Schott, president of disney signature experiences.
D’Amaro described the ship as a new chapter for the company in Asia, saying it would bring Disney storytelling to audiences who may be experiencing the brand’s magic for the first time.
The ceremonial highlight came from Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr., who serves as the ship’s godparent. With characteristic flair, he declared, “You bring the theme and I’ll bring the thunder,” before delivering the traditional blessing: “I christen thee, Disney Adventure, may God bless this ship and all who sail upon her.”
The ceremony closed with a jubilant rendition of “Let’s Set Sail”, a long standing Disney Cruise Line tradition designed to stir excitement for the voyages ahead.
Drawing on more than a century of storytelling from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, the Disney Adventure promises a floating world of fantasy. Guests can wander through seven immersive themed areas, including San Fransokyo Street inspired by Big Hero 6.
On board highlights include a brand new Broadway style musical titled Remember, immersive dining, signature fireworks at sea, imaginative children’s clubs and a vibrant collection of bars and lounges for adults. Thrill seekers can also take on Ironcycle Test Run, the cruise line’s first roller coaster at sea.
The Disney Adventure is the eighth ship in the fleet and sets sail on its maiden voyage on 10 March, launching an inaugural season of three and four night itineraries. It forms part of an ambitious expansion plan that will see five more ships join the fleet by 2031.
For Disney, the magic is no longer just on stage or screen. In Singapore, it now sails.
