Brands
Uniqlo banks on Mr Dependable Rahul Dravid to stitch style into daily life
MUMBAI: Rahul Dravid has gone from “The Wall” to “Mr Dependable” in his newest innings this time not on the pitch, but in the wardrobe. Global apparel giant Uniqlo has launched its ‘Everyday Wear for Mr. Dependable’ campaign, fronted by the cricket legend, spotlighting its LifeWear philosophy of comfort, simplicity, and quality.
The campaign hinges on two of Uniqlo’s core offerings: the breathable Airism Polo Shirt and the crisp Super Non Iron Shirt. In the campaign film, Dravid plays a split-screen double act on one side, a coach in his Airism Polo strolling past the nets; on the other, a family man in his Super Non Iron Shirt, ready for dinner. Together, the twin Dravids underline how Uniqlo promises dependable style across every facet of life.
“For me, simplicity and consistency matter, in cricket and in life. Uniqlo fits into every version of my day, it’s simple, comfortable and functional,” said Dravid, reflecting the same calm assurance that earned him his moniker on the field.
The rollout is set to be as versatile as its star: a 360° campaign across digital, social, in-store, CRM, and outdoor platforms from August 18. Adding tech to the mix, Uniqlo will also unveil a first-of-its-kind AR activation at its newest store in Orion Mall, Brigade Gateway, Bengaluru, opening August 29, 2025. Shoppers will be able to interact with a life-sized virtual Dravid through an immersive zone, a campaign twist as dependable as the man himself.
Uniqlo India marketing director Nidhi Rastogi said the collaboration was a natural fit: “Rahul Dravid represents the same consistency, simplicity, and quiet confidence that Uniqlo embodies.”
From crease to closet, Dravid seems to have mastered the art of being reliably stylish. With a house full of fans and a wardrobe now full of Uniqlo, Mr Dependable is still batting for consistency only this time, in everyday wear.
Brands
Ather Energy doubles service network to 500 centres nationwide
EV maker scales support alongside growth to keep riders on the road
MUMBAI: Ather Energy is quietly building more than just scooters. It is building the backbone to keep them running.
The electric two-wheeler maker has expanded its service network to 500 authorised centres across India, nearly doubling its footprint in a year from 277. The move mirrors its growing retail presence and signals a clear focus on one often overlooked part of EV ownership, what happens after the purchase.
From the outset, Ather has prioritised service support in every city it enters, aiming to make ownership as smooth as the ride itself. Its Gold Service Centres bring in upgraded customer lounges, modern equipment and processes designed to make servicing more transparent and reliable.
Speed, too, is part of the pitch. Through its ExpressCare initiative, riders can get periodic maintenance done in about an hour, now available across 82 centres, turning what used to be a chore into a quick pit stop.
Ather Energy chief business officer Ravneet Singh Phokela said, “Crossing 500 service centres is an important milestone as we scale across the country. Reliable after-sales support is central to the ownership experience, and our focus remains on consistent service quality and accessibility.”
The expansion comes as demand grows for models like the Ather 450 and the Rizta, which have helped the company reach a broader set of riders across metros and emerging cities alike.
Alongside servicing, Ather continues to power up infrastructure through the Ather Grid, now one of the largest fast-charging networks for two-wheelers, with over 4,300 charging points.
With plans to scale further and deepen its presence, Ather’s approach is clear. Selling the scooter may start the journey, but keeping it running smoothly is what sustains it.
