MAM
Vicky Kaushal celebrates ‘Jashn Yaari Ka’ in McDowell’s No.1 Platinum Gourmet Snacks’ campaign
MUMBAI: McDowell’s No.1 Platinum Gourmet Snacks, the latest offering from the house of McDowell’s No.1 today launched its all-new campaign “Jashn Yaari Ka”. The campaign is an ode to Yaars who celebrate another Yaar’s successes and moments of joy. McDowell’s No.1 has always been synonymous with capturing stories of “Yaari” through its engaging and captivating narratives focused on building deep friendships amongst masses in India.
To add to the campaign, the brand has signed up, the nation’s No.1 Yaar and heartthrob -Vicky Kaushal as the face of the campaign. Vicky will feature in the brand new TVC that captures moments from his life before he became an actor. From memories of tearing up his first engineering job offer to pursue acting to signing his first autograph at Cannes, the TVC beautifully recreates how his Yaars always stood by him and surprised him at moments he did not expect them to. A first for the brand, dabbling in savory foods, McDowell’s No.1 Platinum Gourmet snacks will include a range delicious Baked Ragi Chips, Flavored Almonds and more, making it the perfect partner for a celebration with Yaars.
Commenting on the campaign, Amarpreet Anand, Executive Vice President & Portfolio Head, Marketing, Diageo India said, "In today's world where we often resort to technology to acknowledge an important moment in our Yaar's life and there are very few who go out of their way to be present in a celebration. Through our campaign for the brand, we would like to encourage people to celebrate moments with their Yaars and McDowell's No. 1 Platinum Gourmet Snacks."
Quoting on the campaign, The Womb’s spokesperson said, “McDowell’s No.1 Platinum Gourmet Snacks’ needed to be given a modern twist for its launch and sustained ethnographic de-coding of friendships revealed an interesting truth. The urban migrants today need deep Yaaris more than ever but are ironically not investing in them. And what you give, comes back to you. So, the campaign aims to inspire urban migrants to show large-heartedness when it comes to friendships. And what better time to do that than at a Yaar’s moment of joy. The icing on the cake was our discovery of an authentic moment from Vicky’s life, that we converted into a brand story.”
Agency Credits:
The Womb
Kawal Shoor – Founding Partner, The Womb
Navin Talreja – Founding Partner, The Womb
Suyash Khabya – Creative Partner, The Womb
Dhaval Jadwani – Business Partner, The Womb
Rohit Sharma – Planning Partner, The Womb
Richa Shah – Business Partner, The Womb
Production House: Nirvana Films
Director – Prakash Varma
Producer – Sneha Iype and Manjeet Bawa
MAM
Deepanshu Manchanda named IIMSAM Goodwill Ambassador
Zappfresh founder to advocate for Zero Hunger and nutrition goals.
MUMBAI: Deepanshu Manchanda just got a United Nations side quest because when you’re already fighting hunger from farm to fork, the next level is global goodwill. Deepanshu Manchanda, founder and managing director of DSM Fresh Foods Ltd. (Zappfresh), has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by the Intergovernmental Institution for the Use of Micro-Algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), an observer to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The honorary, non-remunerative role recognises his work in building inclusive, transparent food systems, strengthening smallholder farmer livelihoods especially women producers and advancing nutrition and food security.
Since founding Zappfresh in 2015, Manchanda has focused on traceability, farmer inclusion and public health. A notable collaboration with Shared Wealth Ventures LLC (a Heifer Project International subsidiary) established a backyard poultry sourcing model across Odisha, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, linking women-led households directly to organised markets while promoting biosecurity and premium procurement practices.
As Goodwill Ambassador, he will support initiatives aligned with:
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) – advocating sustainable nutrition solutions
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) – raising awareness of malnutrition interventions
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) – fostering collaboration across institutions and communities
Manchanda said, “I’m honoured by IIMSAM’s recognition. It reflects the journey we began at Zappfresh to build transparent food systems that support smallholder farmers and improve nutrition outcomes. I’m eager to support collaborative progress toward Zero Hunger, better nutrition, and strong partnerships on a global scale.”
In a world where hunger and opportunity often sit at the same table, Manchanda isn’t just serving fresh food, he’s serving fresh hope, one traceable chicken and empowered farmer at a time.
