GECs
Taapsee Pannu gives Yakult’s gut-feeling rebrand a healthy new boost
New Delhi: Talk about going with your gut! Yakult has signed Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu as its new brand ambassador, fuelling a bold rebranding push with a big target: double-digit annual growth right through to 2030.
The probiotic giant, known for its tiny bottles packed with billions of “good bacteria”, has come a long way since it first arrived in India in 2008. Now available in nearly 700 cities, Yakult has turned digestive health into a household conversation, thanks to its iconic “Yakult Ladies”, who deliver door-to-door while educating families about gut wellness.
Pannu, whose family are long-time Yakult drinkers, says the partnership feels personal. “My family has been enjoying Yakult for years, especially my mom, and I’ve seen first-hand how small, consistent habits can make a big difference. I truly believe that good health starts in the gut, and Yakult is such an easy, tasty way to include that in our daily routine…” she said.
Yakult Danone India’s managing director, Eiji Amano, is betting on that simplicity. “India has shown remarkable growth potential for Yakult over the last 17 years. From a nascent category in 2008 to a rapidly expanding market today, Yakult has continuously won consumer trust,” he noted.
“Our next milestone of achieving double-digit growth every year until 2030 reflects the growing demand for probiotics and the confidence we have in the Indian market,” added Amano.
Beyond the buzzwords and witty marketing, Yakult banks on real science. Yakult contains over 6.5 billion ‘Lactobacillus casei Shirota’ probiotics per bottle, clinically proven to boost digestion and nutrient absorption. “It is a daily catalyst that improves the effectiveness of our diet by enhancing the absorption of nutrients in the gut,” explained Dr Neerja Hajela, the company’s chief science officer (CSO).
With India’s probiotics drink market projected to balloon from Rs 1,348.8 million in 2024 to nearly Rs 5,778.9 million by 2033, Yakult clearly sees fertile ground. Taku Otsuka, the brand’s director – sales, PR & marketing noted the brand will keep innovating with marketing, on-ground activities, and consumer outreach to make probiotics as normal as a morning cup of chai.
And in a country embracing health-conscious living like never before, Yakult’s new chapter, with Taapsee Pannu leading the charge, may just prove that good vibes (and good health) really do come from within.
GECs
Sony PAL to air Sankat Mochan Hanuman from May 4 at 9 PM
Mythological series brings Lord Hanuman’s tale of devotion and courage back to TV
MUMBAI: Sony PAL is set to bring back the timeless mythological series Sankat Mochan Hanuman, with its premiere scheduled for May 4 at 9 PM. The show revisits the legendary journey of Lord Hanuman, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with one of Indian mythology’s most revered figures.
Centred on themes of devotion, courage and righteousness, the series traces Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Ram and his fearless stand against evil. With its mix of dramatic storytelling and visually rich sequences, the show aims to deliver both entertainment and spiritual resonance, appealing to audiences across age groups.
The narrative unfolds as a larger-than-life saga, positioning Hanuman as the ultimate protector and a symbol of strength and selfless service. His journey, rooted in faith and duty, continues to strike a chord with viewers, making the series as relevant today as ever.
The cast features Gagan Malik as Lord Ram, Debalina Chatterjee as Sita, Nirbhay Wadhwa in the titular role, and Saurav Gurjar as Raavan. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to characters deeply embedded in Indian cultural memory.
With its return to television, the show is positioned as more than just a rerun. It taps into a renewed appetite for mythological storytelling, blending nostalgia with timeless values.
As audiences increasingly seek content that resonates beyond entertainment, ‘Sankat Mochan Hanuman’ offers a familiar yet powerful narrative, reminding viewers that stories of faith and courage never really go out of style.
