Latest news with #Pops
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Cannes Lions 2025: Roars of success or whispers of doubt?
On Saturday morning, KV Sridhar , popularly known as Pops in the advertising world, posted on LinkedIn a poster: ' Cannes is the new Goafest .' IYKYK. However, the sub-text in Sridhar's message merely celebrated India's continued success on the global stage, noting the country's impressive haul of 32 Lions at Cannes 2025. Sridhar was not alone in his reflections. Naresh Gupta , co-founder, Bang in the Middle, was more direct. Questioning the legitimacy of some wins, Gupta's post on social media said, 'Cannes is over and some Lions have roared, or have they?' He specifically called out campaigns that won big but whose real-world impact or even existence appeared questionable. The campaigns under his scrutiny included FCB India's Grand Prix-winning Lucky Yatra for Indian Railways, which he alleged, barely ran; Talented's Silver-winning Nature Shapes Britannia, whose sustainability impact he questioned; and Havas's Gold-winning Ink of Democracy for TOI. This isn't the first time winners at Cannes Lions have faced scrutiny. In fact, during this year's edition, Cannes Lions itself is investigating São Paulo-based DM9, a 2025 Creative Data Grand Prix winner, for allegedly submitting a doctored case study video for their "Efficient Way to Pay" campaign. This global precedent, involving falsified testimonials and misattributed content, highlights a systemic vulnerability. Oversight or Calculated Risk? So, where did Indian agencies possibly falter? Was it an innocent oversight, or something more calculated? Or could this be an attempt to outsmart global juries who may not fully understand the nuances of the Indian market? Gupta didn't mince words. 'This isn't a case of oversight from the agencies; it's a well-thought-through strategy,' he asserted. Gupta pointed out that this practice isn't new. 'It has been happening for a while. People notice, conversations happen, and then it fades until the next time.' Speaking about FCB India's Lucky Yatra campaign, Gupta didn't hold back. According to him, the campaign is a 'scam.' 'It never really happened,' he said. 'The idea may have been pitched, someone may have given it a name, but it was discontinued almost as soon as it began. I don't even think it was fully executed. Yet, somehow, it won a Grand Prix.' But reports in sections of media highlight that the campaign ran for three months and was stopped, ironically a day before Cannes Lions, after it generated an extremely poor response. (ETBrandEquity has reached out to FCB India for their comments and the story will be updated once we hear back from them.) Gupta further pointed out that many of these entries are crafted specifically to win international awards, tailored to appeal to global juries. 'It's all about gloss, polish, and creating the kind of activity that tends to win more awards,' he commented. 'Just look at FCB winning a Gold for PR. That's when you know things have been packaged very cleverly.' Pops shared a perspective on the increased scrutiny that follows major wins in the advertising industry. According to him, success naturally draws attention, and rather than focusing solely on what went wrong, it's more productive to think about how to improve going forward. 'If you have big ambitions and are 'greedy' for awards, then you need to do a lot of groundwork carefully and honestly,' he advised. He highlighted the problem of exaggerated claims in award entries, referencing recent controversies. 'It's completely unbelievable to say that one print ad, published for a single day in just two cities, changed voter turnout across the entire country. That's not how deeply rooted behaviour changes. These kinds of claims might seem harmless when made in the excitement of writing a case study, but if you win with a false story, it will eventually come back to bite you. These things should be sorted out much earlier in the process.' Pops explained that great campaigns rely on two essential elements: the core creative idea and the execution. While the idea itself may be brilliant, the results and impact depend on factors like budget, client support, and media reach, which are not always within the creative team's control. A truly breakthrough campaign, he stressed, requires full collaboration across teams and stakeholders. Another campaign facing criticism was the Nature Shapes Britannia campaign. The premise that four billboards could "save the world" raised eyebrows. According to experts, had it won in categories like Outdoor or Craft, it might have been more defensible. But winning in Sustainability? That's where credibility began to erode. In a joint statement, Britannia and Talented acknowledged the recent criticism, emphasising, "At Britannia, we always value insights from experts, and constructive criticism is crucial in helping us grow and align better with the values we wish to uphold." They agreed that the company is "at the nascent stage of its sustainability journey." The campaign's intent, the statement read, "was to share with our consumers that we are taking deliberate, albeit small steps toward a more sustainable future. While we understand that we are far from being a benchmark in sustainability, our goal is to be transparent about our progress and inspire collective action." Regarding the sustainability report , Britannia explained that the document evaluated in the recent discussion was their statutory Annual Report. They urged attention to their Sustainability Report, published last year, which provides a detailed explanation for observed increases in numbers. This increase, they noted, correlates with an expansion of their operations and an extended reporting boundary. Britannia reiterated their commitment to continuous improvement: "Each year, as our operations scale, we strive to be more mindful of the resources we use and the impact we create. Sustainability is not a destination but a journey, and we are dedicated to making meaningful strides along the way." A System Under Scrutiny According to Gupta, the responsibility lies squarely with the jury and the organisers. 'If they started to look at these submissions more carefully and deeply, this wouldn't happen. They don't do their due diligence. Someone on the jury from South America won't know what happened in India. They will only know what's been submitted, and the submission can sound absolutely perfect,' he stated. Gupta believes that without a proper vetting mechanism in place, these issues will keep recurring. Pops offered a contrasting but related perspective. He noted that it's primarily the fault of the agency to construct a false narrative. Juries, to some extent, rely on the information provided in the case study. He said, "If a case study claims a huge impact for a campaign, that's a compelling narrative for any jury. The jury relies on what's presented. While organisers might check after a Grand Prix win, ultimately, it's the agency's responsibility to be truthful." Another industry leader observed that juries often evaluate entries based on the strength of the creative idea, without thoroughly validating the claimed impact. 'I don't blame creative ambition entirely,' he said. 'A significant part of the problem is the pressure that agencies and global holding companies put on teams. There's often a push to inflate a small idea into something larger just to win awards. It might lead to a trophy in the short term, but over time, it undermines the credibility of the entire industry.'
Time Out Abu Dhabi
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Things to do for Father's Day 2025 in Abu Dhabi
Father's Day 2025 in Abu Dhabi is almost here. Wondering what to do with dad on the big day? We're rounding up all the best things to do with dads in the capital. UAE Father's Day is Saturday June 21 and European Father's Day was Sunday June 15, but whichever day you observe, there are plenty of things to do in celebration of the big guy. Whether it's your children's father you're celebrating or your own Pops – it's time to start making some plans to celebrate the man of the house. Get ready for these wicked activities, meals and deals for Dads in the capital. Top meals out for Dads Gents' night at Lock Stock & Barrel Want to take dad out for a drink or meal over the weekend? Head there on a Friday from 8pm to 11pm and get unlimited food and drinks for only Dhs200. A perfect excuse to take papa out on the town and boogie to some live music. Dhs200. Weds 8pm-11pm. Yas Bay Waterfront. (04 423 8308). Give him a real treat at Ryba Looking for a simply delicious restaurant to try with dad? Ryba is the Time Out Abu Dhabi 2025 award-winning brainchild of Faisal Emirati chef Mohamed Alharmoodi and it is not one to miss. Having opened its doors towards the tail end of last year, this no-frills eatery at Souq al Mina is an oceanic extravaganza of the freshest catch, from succulent shrimp and crab to flaky fish and lobster cooked to your liking. Take Pops, it's giving The Old Man and the Sea. Unlicensed. Mina Zayed, @ (02 584 5645). Get fancy at Butcher & Still Credit: Butcher & Still If your dad has been a particularly good boy this year, treat him to an absolutely scrumptious steak. It was our top pick for the best steakhouse in Abu Dhabi last year. you'll find this swanky steakhouse – which is inspired by 1920s steakhouses in Chicago – at the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, so be sure to dress up for dinner. Licensed. Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, @butcherandstill (02 333 2444). Father's Day 2024 activities Bowling at Khalifa International Bowling Centre This bowling alley at Zayed Sports City has a monster 40 lanes, making it the perfect place to get the whole family together for Father's Day. You'll never have long to wait to throw down a strike (or slam one into the gutter). The bowling alley is used by the national team, and it has even hosted the World Bowling Championship in days past, so the facilities are excellent. There are also ping pong tables and arcade games to hop on to if the pins aren't falling your way. Open daily noon-midnight. Zayed Sports City (02 403 4200). Jump around together at BOUNCE Some papas are really just big kids, so if that sounds like your dad, you could think about going to BOUNCE for Father's Day. This trampoline park is ideal for anyone who can't sit still. Plot a course through the springy arena and have a family competition to see who can bounce the highest. From Dhs90. Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, Padel tennis at Lets Padel Academy Padel is really popular right now and it's the perfect sport to play with Dad on Father's Day in Abu Dhabi as it's pretty accommodating to all levels. Lets Padel Academy is located out in Mussafah and is a massive indoor padel facility. Grab a racket and get ready to crush the competition (Dads, look out). From Dhs215. Open daily, 7am-1am. Mussaffah, (02 666 2241). Pool Day at Al Maya Island Jump on board a boat and head to this gorgeous island for Father's Day. It's just a ten-minute jaunt from the mainland and is the ideal place to take dad for a soak in the sun, dance to some DJ beats and fun by the pool. Dhs200 (weekdays), Dhs250 (weekends and public holidays, Dhs100 redeemable), free for ladies before 3pm. Open Sun-Fri, 10am-8pm, (02 667 7777). Have a Father's Day wellcation Credit: Al Raha Beach Hotel Treat Dad to a full day of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation with the exclusive Father's Day WellCation by Wellbeings Holistic Healing. Available all June long, this luxurious wellness experience includes a 30-minute massage, traditional hammam ritual, oxygen therapy, infrared sauna, and full access to steam, sauna, jacuzzi, and the hydra massage pool. After some deep relaxation, Dad can refuel with a hearty buffet lunch at Sevilla and enjoy access to the beach and pool. Dhs599. Available daily throughout June. Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa, (058 583 0457). Treats for Father's Day 2024 Want to take dad out to dinner somewhere new? There are plenty of new restaurant openings for you to explore with your favourite guy. Did you enjoy finding things to do for Father's day 2024? You might also like… You might also like… 11 best date night ideas in Abu Dhabi (and they're not all dinner) Think outside the box (yes, helicopters are involved) 21 brilliant beach and pool day passes in Abu Dhabi Grab your SPF, because it's time to tan Abu Dhabi's best restaurants 2024: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
120+ Nicknames for Stepdads That Stand Out in the Best Way
Anybody can have a baby, but it takes a real man to be a father. When it comes to dads, you hit the jackpot with your stepdad. He has been by your side through good times and bad, so honor him with a nickname that highlights how dear he is to you. Your stepdad has added a wonderful layer of love to your life, so let him know that you adore him with a sweet daddy nickname. My Main Guy Step-Daddio Step-Dude Mom's Man Papa Bear Step Bear Big Guy Step Guy Daddy Poppins Dadaroo Mr. Man Pops Paps Papa Pal Buddy Mate MD - stands for my dad Popsie Popsicle DD - stands for dear dad Odie - a combination of "other" and "dad" Old Faithful Pop Tart Stops - a combination of Step and Pops Hands - always there to hold Pop Rocks Step-Smiles Care Bear Super Steps S.P. - stand for step parent In your family, your stepfather rules with a steady hand and heart. He is the boss, so let his nickname reflect his role. Chief King of the Fam Coach Leader Honcho Alpha Dad Wardad - a combination of Warden and dad Gov - short for governor Cap - short for Captain Step Boss Commander Mav - short for Maverick Prince Pops Daster - a combination of Dad and Master Sage - because he is always ready with the advice Mr. Fix-It Knight - in shining armor, of course Exec Second in Command - mom is first, clearly Alpha Wolf PM - project manager (and this family can be a project for sure) North Star Doc Sarge Step-Compass Anchor The most wonderful thing about your relationship with your stepfather is that the two of you are fun pals who can joke around. Gift him with a nickname that is as funny as he is. Bonus Dad My Plus One Old Man Saint - because some days he truly is a saint for putting up with your antics Hot Stepper Duddy - combination of daddy and dude Daddy-cakes Homedad - instead of 'homedawg" Griz - for a stepdad who is like a big grizzly bear Dadinator - play on The Terminator Popstar - because he is a poppa and a rockstar Re-Dad Dadzilla Dadasaur Rad - a rad dad indeed Dad 2.0 Wonder Dad Mom's Helper Baddy - he is always up for mischief and practical jokes Faddy - the fun dad Joke Killer - dad jokes are the worst MOS - mean old stepdad, which he is clearly not Grumps Couch BFF - you can always find him there The Assistant - just ask mom Daddycakes Mac Daddy Papadoo Popdilly Sparky Use your step-father's first name to give you fun nickname inspiration. Here are a few suggestions based on common male names. Dadam - for a stepfather named Adam Maddy - for a stepdad named Matt Stad - for a stepfather named Stan Rad - for a stepfather who has a name that starts with "R" Poppa "first letter of dad's name" - examples: Poppa D, Poppa M, Poppa L Stom - Tom Charles in Charge Danthony - Anthony Step-ven - Steven Gar-Bear - Gary Darry - Larry Deter - Peter Muhammdad - Muhammad If you have two dads whom you love equally, then consider calling your biological father, "dad," and your stepdad also "dad," just in another language! These words mean father from around the world. Choose one that coincides with your stepdad's culture or heritage. Taytay - Filipino Baba - East African Babbo - Italian Abba - Hebrew Tad - Welsh Otec - Slovakian Pitar - Farsi Pabbi - Icelandic Isa - Estonian Pai - Portuguese Tata - Romanian Athair - Irish Otosan - Japanese Vader - Flemish Tevs - Latvian Janik - Sanskrit Pare - Venetian Oho -Lao Appa - Korean Edoda - Cherokee Tato - Ukrainian Banketi - German Buwa - Nepali Patri -Sicilian Bapa - Indonesian Mon Père - French Papi - Spanish for daddy When considering a nickname for anyone, including stepfathers, you will want to make sure that first and foremost, the name is special and full of meaning. Make sure nicknames are personalized and precious to you and the person you are naming. Also, funny nicknames may not be so humorous to others as they are to you. If you land on a funny nickname, be sure to consider if it sounds offensive to other ears. Nicknames should never be meant to cause hurt or ill feelings.
Hindustan Times
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Mere paas paa hai
They don't make fathers like that any more. So every generation would like to believe. Season 2025 brings yet another marketeer-mounted consumerist narrative, parading as Fathers Day. All these special days seem like another super-hyped season of a drama-dripping OTT series. Bigger. Bolder. Better or Battier. Narratives of Father's Day have changed. Sentimental subtexts may still be the same. Our generation didn't wait to celebrate a calendar date as Fathers Day or Mothers Day. Madaaris to marketeers It was Fathers Day whenever dads used to spruce up vintage Vespas or loud orange Lambrettas, boasting even louder carburettors, to trundle kids to the Gemini circus come to town. Now, the only circus that Pops and progeny get to watch is a Kapil chat show or 'chaat' show, an Arnab lion roar of a circus, or a Trump-Elon Musk verbal gymnastics trending on Twitterverse. It was Fathers Day whenever dads used to bundle off kids to sweat it out in nearby playgrounds over a Sunday kabbadi, kho-kho or cricket session. Now, new-age Sundays see a cushioned childhood, OTP-dishing dads and OTP-demanding kiddos lounging in the air-conditioned allure of multiplexes or malls, loading calories over cokes, kebabs and 'Krrish'. It was Fathers Day whenever dads whisked away offspring on weekends, to the lake for a date with the ducks or down a neighbourhood nukkad to witness a 'madaari's' monkey show. Now, what fathers and sons of a Digital India partake of is the entertainment dished out by new-age 'madaaris' -- many a gaming app, web series, social media influencers' Reels and such crap. Commercials get candid Nothing mirrors the paradigm shift in narratives better than some father-centric commercials. Who can forget that cult commercial of a cooking oil we grew up on, with a punchline that resonated our own heartbeats, 'My Daddy Strongest!' This Fathers Day, some commercials, in paying an ode to dads, voice a vocabulary belonging to the new digital age while being rooted in emotions that are age-old. There is visa processing platform Atlys's ad that salutes the clockwork punctuality of Papas. There is a Myntra ad shaping fatherhood into a fashion influencer, with a cheeky take on the term 'FD'. Dettol's #DadsCanToo ad is an ode to changing roles and shared parenting. Swiggy too swings into ready-to-jingle mode with its parody on a breaking news-addicted dad who is dished out a 'primetime menu'. One ad that evocatively mirrors the contrast as well as confluence of newer and ancient narratives is this season's Zomato ad. It paints a portrait of Papa as the original service provider. It projects Pop as the omnipresent, multi-tasking presence in our lives who delivers 24x7, without even a call or push of a phone button. Be it late night meals, ferrying for school or sports, fetching favourite fruits or goodies and all that. The ad's storytelling climaxes with a catchphrase that truly resonates with old-school parenthood -- 'For Appa, Who Works Harder Than a Hundred Apps.' Newer lenses, newer narratives. Fathers Day now comes all dressed up in Sunday best. The curious case of 'Honey, I Splurged The Kids.' chetnakeer@
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Happy Father's Day 2025: 25 meaningful quotes, images and messages to send your Dad
s Father's Day is here again—the one Sunday in June (June 15th, 2025!) where we officially pause the chaos of daily life to say 'Thanks, Dad.' Thanks for the quiet strength, the terrible dad jokes, the silent sacrifices, and the unconditional love that often comes without a single word. Whether your dad is the hug-you-hard kind, the strong-silent type, the goofy best friend, or the one who raised you with just his eyes and a raised eyebrow—Father's Day is about celebrating the guy who helped shape who you are. And let's be honest: sometimes it's hard to find the right words to say all that. So we've rounded up 25 meaningful quotes, heartfelt messages, and image-worthy lines you can use in your cards, texts, or social media shoutouts. Ready to make your dad smile (or maybe even tear up)? Why Father's Day hits different Dads are often the unsung heroes in the background—fixing things without being asked, driving silently at 2 AM when you need them, and saying "I'm proud of you" in 17 cryptic ways (like filling your gas tank or sending you random YouTube videos). Father's Day isn't just about buying socks or grilling gear. It's about seeing your dad for who he really is: your biggest fan, your first teacher, your safety net. It's about honoring father figures of all kinds—stepdads, grandpas, uncles, guardians, or even moms who pulled double duty. So whether you're celebrating in person, FaceTiming across time zones, or sending love to a dad in heaven, these quotes and messages will help you say it right. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pinga-Pinga e HBP? Tome isso 1x ao dia se tem mais de 40 anos Portal Saúde do Homem Clique aqui Undo 10 meaningful quotes to share with Dad These quotes are made for writing inside a card, texting before brunch, or pairing with a black-and-white throwback photo of you and your old man: 'A father doesn't tell you that he loves you. He shows you.' 'Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, storytellers, and singers of song.' 'My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: he believed in me.' 'Behind every great daughter is a truly amazing father.' 'Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.' 'Fathers just have a way of putting everything together.' 'You're not just my dad. You're the voice in my head that still tells me I can do this.' 'The power of a dad in a child's life is unmatched.' 'You taught me to ride a bike, but more importantly, you taught me how to get back up.' 'Dad: A son's first hero. A daughter's first love.' 10 Father's Day messages that feel like a warm hug These short but sweet messages are perfect for a card or a WhatsApp message when you don't want to get too sappy, but still want to make it meaningful: Happy Father's Day, Dad! Thanks for being my anchor and my wings You might not say much, but your actions have always spoken volumes. Love you, Pops. Here's to the guy who taught me how to change a tire, grill a steak, and hold my head high. You're my hero—not the flashy kind, but the real-life one who shows up, always. Thanks for always being in my corner, even when I didn't deserve it. Your jokes are bad, your advice is gold. Never change, Dad. I didn't realize how much you did until I tried to do it myself. Thanks for being my role model. Even on your worst day, you were still my biggest inspiration. To the man who can fix anything except how much I love him—Happy Father's Day. Distance means nothing when someone means everything. Sending love across the miles, Dad. 5 Instagram-worthy captions with Dad vibes Planning to post that adorable childhood pic or a recent selfie with your old man? These captions are cool, casual, and caption gold: Built different. Raised right. Thanks, Dad. 💙 #FathersDay2025 Turns out, all those lectures were life lessons in disguise. Love you, Dad. #WiseWords He gave me his jokes, his playlists, and his stubbornness. No regrets. #LikeFatherLikeKid If I grow up to be half the person you are, I'll still be twice as lucky. #LegendDad Here's to the guy who still calls to ask if I've checked my car oil. #ForeverDadThings Don't forget the father figures Father's Day is about honoring every kind of father figure who stepped up. Maybe it's your grandpa who raised you, your older brother who took care of everything, your single mom who was both mom and dad, or your mentor who treated you like their own. Happy Father's Day 2025: Check out the top over 40 cute images, GIFs, HD wallpapers, and Instagram wish posts to celebrate Father's Day with joy and style. Share festive greetings with adorable posts and heartfelt messages for Father's Day 2025. Here's a message you can send them: 'Happy Father's Day to someone who showed me what love, strength, and guidance look like—without ever asking for thanks. You didn't have to be there. But you were. And I'll never forget it.' Make it personal: A note you can steal and tweak If you're stuck on what to write in a card or want to send a longer message via email or text, here's a simple template you can personalize: Dear Dad, I know I don't say it enough, but thank you. Thank you for every ride you gave me, every quiet pep talk you didn't know I needed, and every time you put me before yourself. I've grown up a lot, but I still look up to you—every day. You've always been my safe space, my steady hand, and the one person who believed in me no matter what. And even if we don't always say it, I hope you feel it—how deeply you're loved and appreciated. H appy Father's Day. I'm lucky to call you mine. Love always, [Your Name] You don't need a fancy gift to make Father's Day special (though let's be honest, he wouldn't say no to a new set of BBQ tools). Sometimes, the best thing you can give your dad is your time, your appreciation, and a few well-chosen words that come straight from the heart. So go ahead—send that message, post that pic, call him if you can. Because whether he's near, far, or watching from above, one thing's for sure: Dads never stop showing up. And today's the day we show up for them. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
