Mumbai, India, May 25, 2026: VML India marked an outstanding night at the Kyoorius Creative Awards 2026 by taking home an impressive total of 23 Baby Elephants, with 17 of those promoted to Bigs. The agency won the prestigious Black Elephant for ‘Best of Show’, alongside two Grey Elephants for ‘Best in Discipline’, a Purple Elephant and multiple Big Blue Elephants (Golds) across categories. This major sweep reflects the agency’s continued commitment to impactful creativity and its strong track record of delivering meaningful business outcomes for client partners. The recognition across categories further reinforces VML India’s sustained creative momentum and its ability to consistently produce culturally resonant, insight-led work.
The wins reflect work grounded in culture, connection and creativity sharpened by technology. A major highlight of the night was ‘The Kolhapuri’ for Kalapuri, which took home the prestigious Black Elephant, the highest honour awarded to the best work at the Kyoorius awards night. ‘The Kolhapuri’ also led the overall tally with a Grey Elephant awarded, a Purple Elephant and nine Big Blue Elephants. KitKat’s ‘The Slooowest Vending Machine in the World’ earned a Grey Elephant and seven Big Blue Elephants, while the ‘Takadum’ campaign for Sprite secured a Big Blue Elephant. Additional honours included a Baby Elephant, awarded to the ‘Coke Holi’ campaign for The Coca-Cola Company, rounding out a highly successful night for VML India.
At the heart of VML India’s creative approach is a belief that strong ideas begin with human understanding. Across every campaign recognised by Kyoorius this year, the common thread was the ability to turn cultural insights and everyday behaviour into ideas that feel simple, relatable and meaningful. Whether through reinterpreting heritage, creating memorable consumer experiences integrated with technology, or finding new ways to engage audiences, the work reflected creativity that was designed to connect with people in authentic and lasting ways.
Speaking on the wins, Babita Baruah, CEO, VML India, shared, “This is an incredibly special moment for all of us at VML India. To see such a wide range of work being recognised is a testament to the belief, trust and collaboration shared between our teams and client partners. Great partnerships always yield great results. We are excited to keep this positive energy and momentum up moving forward into the rest of the year.”
Kalpesh Patankar, Group Chief Creative Officer, VML India, added, “I am profoundly proud of our teams and partners for collaboratively bringing these ideas to life with such passion. The vision has always been to celebrate the many stories that exist across India and present them in ways that feel authentic, relevant and meaningful to people. Whether it was through culture, humour, craft or experience, the work that has been recognised, was born from a real connection with people around the country, and that makes it incredibly rewarding for us.”
The wins at Kyoorius Creative Awards 2026 reflect VML India’s continued creative momentum. With an unwavering focus on innovation-led thinking and delivering work that matters, VML India continues to elevate ideas that consistently set the benchmark for creative excellence in this rapidly evolving landscape.
