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P&G launches new shampoo to meet needs of Indian consumers
MUMBAI: Procter & Gamble recently launched Asia’s No. 1 shampoo – Rejoice, in India with the aim to meet the unique needs of the Indian consumers.
Priced at Rs 39 for a 100 ml bottle and Rs 2 for a 7.5 ml sachet, Rejoice claims to have a strong global heritage, and is the largest selling shampoo in Asia (China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, etc.).
Actor Karishma Kapoor at the launch of P&G’s new shampoo Rejoice
It’s patented ‘Micro-Silicone’ conditioning technology gives twice as smooth, detangled and easy to comb hair than ordinary shampoos or the combination of home remedies such as henna, amla, reetha and shikakai. Secondly, given the diversity of Indian consumers and their varied hair needs, P&G has launched Rejoice in three unique variants: Rich, Complete, and Silky Clean.
Sharing perspective on the launch, P&G India MD Shantanu Khosla said, “P&G is the world leader in hair care and we are launching Rejoice in India because one of the biggest unmet needs of Indian women is smooth, detangled, and easy to comb hair. Its patented ‘Micro-Silicone’ conditioning technology ensures twice as smooth and easy to comb hair versus ordinary shampoos. We have customised the product and are making it available at affordable prices so that majority of Indians can experience the unbelievably smooth hair Rejoice has to offer.”
Rejoice is being endorsed by the All India Beauticians’ and Hairdressers’ Association (AIBHA). According to AIBHA president Lily Madhok, “One of the biggest hair complaints of Indian women is ‘tangles’. How many of us experience a smooth glide of the comb through our hair every day? I have tried Rejoice myself and on some of my clients, and it did give very smooth hair that was a pleasure to comb through. In the vast array of hair care products available today, I have yet to come across a more effective and affordable product than Rejoice to get smooth, tangle free hair.”
Rejoice is available at all general and chemists stores in attractive neon green packaging, supported with attractive point-of-sale materials, mass media advertising and house-to-house sampling to close to two million households.
In 2002-03, Rejoice notched global sales of $500 million annually and has had Tennis Star Michael Chang, leading Asian celebrity hair stylists such as Gusnaldi (Indonesia) and James Cooper (Philippines) as endorsers.
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.
