MAM
Tata Soulfull gives tea-time a crunchy twist with no maida rusk
MUMBAI: India’s love for tea-time just got crunchier! Tata Soulfull, a brand known for its wholesome millet-based snacks, has launched Tata Soulfull No Maida Rusk, offering a healthier take on the classic rusk without compromising on taste. The brand’s latest campaign, featuring acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee, celebrates the uniquely personal ways Indians enjoy their chai with the tagline ‘Har chai ko apni chai banaye’.
While rusks have been a tea-time staple for generations, most conventional options contain maida (refined flour), something health-conscious consumers are increasingly looking to avoid. Tata Soulfull no maida rusk, available in elaichi and butter flavours, stays crunchy even after dipping, making it a wholesome yet indulgent companion for every cup of chai.
At the heart of the campaign is a witty TVC, where Manoj Bajpayee adds his signature charm to a formal tea setting, breaking away from the stiff etiquette to enjoy a true kadak chai moment. His grounded and relatable persona perfectly embodies the high-quality yet truly desi essence of Tata Soulfull No Maida Rusk.
The Womb CCO Suyash Khabya said, “Who doesn’t want to have Tea with the Queen at the Buckingham Palace? But unki chai boring hai, bland hai. So that’s where we got Manoj to pull out Tata Rusk and enjoy his tea. The setting is bizarre. The humour is subtle, the brand integration is perfect. It’s simple, yet unignorable. Everyone from UP to Bihar to even Mumbai would love to be in front of the British Queen and show her our way of doing things. Hum jaise hai, waise hai!”
Commenting on the campaign, actor Manoj Bajpayee said, “I’ve always believed that a good cup of tea deserves the perfect companion. Tata Soulfull’s No Maida Rusk brings just that a crunchy, flavorful treat without the compromise of maida. This product redefines chai-time rituals, offering a wholesome yet indulgent option for tea lovers like me. It’s exciting to be part of a campaign that blends humor, tradition, and innovation. With Tata Soulfull No Maida Rusk, every chai moment truly becomes your own.”
Currently available in North, East, and Central India, Tata Soulfull No Maida Rusk will soon make its way to other regions. The campaign will be amplified across TV, OTT, social media, and on-ground activations, ensuring that tea lovers across the country get a taste of this crunchy, guilt-free delight.
MAM
Bob Iger joins Thrive Capital as adviser after Disney exit
Former Disney CEO returns to VC firm, stays on as Disney adviser till 2026.
MUMBAI: From castles to capital, Bob Iger isn’t done building just changing the blueprint. Bob Iger has taken on an advisory role at Thrive Capital, marking a return to the New York-based venture firm he briefly joined in 2022. Founded in 2009 by Josh Kushner, Thrive Capital has been positioning itself at the intersection of technology and long-term value creation, an area where Iger’s experience in scaling global entertainment businesses is expected to add weight. Kushner, 40, welcomed Iger back, highlighting his ability to blend technology with human-centric storytelling, particularly in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Iger is no stranger to Thrive. He had earlier joined the firm as a venture partner in September 2022, after stepping down as CEO of The Walt Disney Company and concluding his tenure as executive chairman in 2021. That stint, however, was short-lived. In November 2022, Disney’s board brought him back to steady the ship, replacing Bob Chapek following a turbulent period for the company.
Now, with his latest exit from Disney’s top job last month, Iger appears to be revisiting the venture world, this time with a clearer runway. Still, the Disney chapter isn’t entirely closed. Under his agreement with the company, he will remain until the end of 2026 as a senior adviser to new CEO Josh D’Amaro and will continue to serve on the board for his current term.
The move comes as venture firms increasingly seek operators with deep industry experience to navigate what Kushner described as “the most consequential technology shift” of the era, driven by AI. For Iger, whose career has hinged on blending creativity with scale, the transition from Hollywood to high-growth investing seems less like a pivot and more like a plot twist.
