MAM
#VMateAsliHolibaaz campaign creates new milestone in short video content creation
MUMBAI: #VMateAsliHolibaaz, the star-studded Holi campaign by trending short video platform VMate, has concluded on a high note. The campaign that comprised India’s top YouTubers Bhuvan Bam and Ashish Chanchlani, along with dancing diva Sapna Chaudhary, became a sensation on short video as well as social media platforms. Defying conventions, VMate’s campaign emerged as a platform for its creator to showcase their talent, and simultaneously captured the fancy of viewers on other global platforms such as YouTube or Instagram. #VMateAsliHolibaaz went beyond offering video stickers and roped in celebrated stars in their own domain. The campaign received around 2 billion impressions through different social media platforms and YouTube.
The Holi campaign gifted VMate users a film, wherein India’s top YouTube stars Bhuvan Bam and Ashish Chanchlani acted together for the first time. Three VMate creators also got a chance to act in the film and share the screen with the YouTubers. Bhuvan and Ashish featured in a race to become ‘Asli Holibaaz’, sending their fans into a tizzy. The admirers of the online sensations participated in a contest, casting votes for their favourite. The contest witnessed an overwhelming response with over 5 lakh votes being cast in a neck-and-neck fight, while at least 12 million users logged in to be part of the campaign. Interesting prizes were also in store for the users who participated in the contest through VMate app or browsed through http://bit.ly/3aw3Vx4.
The other highlight of the campaign was a Holi song featuring Sapna Chaudhary of Bigg Boss fame, who added her desi vibes to make the video go viral on social media platforms. As part of #SapnaHoliDance, users with millions of followers performed Sapna’s hook step and posted their videos online.
Excitement ran high for #VMateAsliHolibaaz since inception when the stars converged in Mumbai for the shooting of the videos and interacted with the media. And when Ashish shared the news of working with Bhuvan on Instagram, the likes of famous Bollywood rapper Badshah reacted, lauding the two for their ‘Modi-Trump’ and ‘Karan-Arjun’ moments. What followed was fans going crazy over the first look and trailer of the film, which trended on social media platforms. And then came the perfect Holi gift for VMate users – #VMateAsliHolibaaz, the film.
Talking about the success of the campaign, VMate Associate Director Nisha Pokhriyal said, “#VMateAsliHolibaaz emphasized upon our commitment to provide the best experience to the users of short video platforms. Our campaign touched the pulse of the users and the massive response garnered is a manifestation of the same. Millions of users got engaged with us through the film, music video as well as the contest. There could not have been a better Holi gift for the VMate family.
#VMateAsliHolibaaz has altered how global online platforms look at campaigns. The campaign was of many firsts. It didn’t just provide a stage to its creators, but also engaged users through an interactive mechanism. Also, the users got a chance to win bumper prizes like smartphones and car. #VMateAsliHolibaaz also saw YouTube stars Bhuvan and Ashish come together for the first time, and their joint creation was loved by the audience whole-heartedly. VMate has certainly set the bar high, with a promise that it will keep entertaining and engaging its users with several similar campaigns in the future.
MAM
Ameya Velankar steps down as Uber’s head of marketing for India & South Asia
Veteran marketer exits after more than seven years with the ride-hailing giant.
MUMBAI: After more than seven years of steering Uber through the bumpy roads of India’s mobility market, Ameya Velankar has decided to change lanes. Ameya Velankar has stepped down as Head of Marketing for India and South Asia, marking the end of a significant chapter at the ride-hailing company. He had been with Uber since 2019, taking on multiple roles in product and category marketing before rising to lead the marketing function for the region in 2021.
During his tenure, Velankar played a key role in strengthening Uber’s positioning in one of its most competitive and dynamic markets. He helped drive localised marketing strategies and scale adoption across key offerings such as Auto, Moto, Rentals and Intercity, tailoring global platforms to Indian consumer needs.
Prior to joining Uber, Velankar built his marketing expertise at leading consumer companies including SC Johnson and Marico, where he handled category and product leadership roles. His career began at RPG Enterprises.
Details of his next professional move have not been disclosed.
In a fast-evolving mobility landscape where brands constantly battle for attention, Ameya Velankar helped Uber stay relevant and resonant with millions of Indian users. As he moves on from the driver’s seat of marketing, the company will now look for fresh ideas to keep its wheels turning smoothly.
