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FCB Ulka to direct Zee Group ads
NEW DELHI: Synergy amongst all group companies under the umbrella of the Subhash Chandra-controlled Essel Group is the key word these days.
In line with that strategy, FCB Ulka’s Mumbai office would now handle the coveted advertising account of the whole Zee Network.
In the race to victory, FCB Ulka beat top guns like Rediff DY&R and Contract. The size of the account is worth approximately Rs 400 million per annum. Ulka would also be Zee’s strategic partner to direct its creative/advertising strategies.
When contacted by indiantelevision.com today, Essel Group’s vice-president, corporate brand development (CBDG), Ashish Kaul admitted, “We have decided to give Ulka the mandate to direct our unified account. We believe that synergy in all external communications is a must, especially with an organisation as diversified as ours”.
Few months ago, Chandra had decided to bring the communication of all his diversified companies under one entity, CBDG. The companies that are part of the Essel Group, but function independently, include the Bombay Stock Exchange-listed Zee Telefilms, satellite and communication company ASC Enterrprise, on-line lottery venture Playwin and real estate and theme park businesses.
This is for the first time that Zee Network has decided to place all its accounts in one basket, including Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Zee MGM, Zee English and Alpha brands, among others. Previously, Zee and its sub-brands were handled by multiple advertising agencies such as Rediff DY& R, Contract and other medium sized agencies.
The Zee account collectively is one of the largest accounts in the media world. However, Kaul did not comment on the size of the account.
Leading agencies like Rediff DY&R, Lowe, Contract and Leo Burnett were gunning for this huge account and had made presentations over last week to Zee top honchos in Mumbai.
Zee Network has been witnessing a lot of changes in its communications front in last few months and the impetus has been on building synergy in external communications. A few months ago, in a major communications overhaul, a
signature group was created to offer centralised communications support to all the companies under Essel Group banner, and subsequently all the public relations (PR) agencies were retired. Even Clea PR that is handling the Zee Cinema account
at the moment would not see an extended contract beyond 31 October.
Though these are early days for the concept of unified communication and CBDG, some results seem showing up with Zee TV’s launch of new programmes in Delhi that evoked stupendous response.
One of the marketing and communication initiatives also includes coming out with a new-look FPC (fixed point chart) for the main Zee channels, including the Alpha regional channels, which was created in-house. The unified programme schedule or the FPC, with a new look, comes to susbcribers beginning this month in form of a magazine.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
