Red Lab, the consumer insights think tank at Rediffusion, recently released its 'Hits of the Year' survey, highlighting the key drivers and inspirations for India in 2023.
Dr Sandeep Goyal, Chairman of Rediffusion, expressed his thoughts on the vibrant year, stating, "2023 has been nothing short of an eventful journey for India. Our nation has taken significant strides on a global scale, and equally remarkable stories have emerged from every corner – all gracing national headlines."
The survey encapsulates the events that have shaped India's narrative throughout the year, highlighting achievements in global diplomacy, space exploration, entertainment, and societal trends.
Hits of the Year 2023: Unveiling India's Triumphs
Chandrayaan-3 and G-20 Summit: India's Stellar Feats
India's tryst with the Moon through Chandrayaan-3 and the successful hosting of the G-20 Summit have emerged as the year's biggest hits. Chandrayaan-3's historic soft landing on the Moon's south pole on August 23rd showcased India's prowess in space exploration, while the G-20 Summit, held in India for the first time, garnered global consensus with the New Delhi Declaration.
Narendra Modi's Leadership and Shah Rukh Khan's Comeback
Narendra Modi, affectionately known as NaMo, secured a significant boost to his brand in 2023. The monumental successes of Chandrayaan-3 and the G-20 Summit further enhanced his stature as a charismatic leader. Meanwhile, the return of Bollywood's King Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, with blockbuster hits like Pathaan and Jawan, reaffirmed his status as India's reigning superstar.
AI, Millets, and Shubman Gill: Trends that Captivated India
Artificial Intelligence (AI) took centre stage in 2023, captivating global attention with its applications, and becoming a household term in India. Millets, declared the International Year of Millets by the UN, gained popularity for their health benefits. Cricketer Shubman Gill's rise to fame, both on the field and off, made him a surefire hit, earning top spots in rankings and endorsements.
India's Sporting Triumphs and Cultural Hits
Virat Kohli's record-breaking 50 centuries in one-day cricket, India's historic performance at the Asian Games, and the international success of the song 'Naatu Naatu' from RRR were standout moments in the sports and cultural arena.
Electric Vehicles, Gold Rush, and Quick Commerce
India embraced electric vehicles (EVs) with an 83 per cent sales surge in March 2023, signalling a shift towards sustainable transportation. Gold witnessed a resurgence, providing a 21 per cent return on investment between Diwali 2022 and 2023. Quick Commerce dominated the retail landscape, projecting a market growth from $700 million in 2023 to an estimated $5.5 billion by 2025.
Domestic Tourism, Celebrity Weddings, and More
Domestic tourism saw a surge, with post-pandemic travel evolving into a 'revive-and-rejuvenate' experience. Celebrity weddings, the ODI Cricket World Cup, and the rise of small business owner Jasmeen Kaur, who coined the phrase "looking like a wow," also made headlines, reflecting the diverse facets of India's popular culture.
Mahua Moitra and the Season of Deals: Noteworthy Mentions
Mahua Moitra, despite facing challenges, emerged as a one-woman army, gaining public support. The never-ending season of deals, from summer sales to Black Friday, witnessed record-breaking success, with Amazon India reporting its best Great Indian Festival sale in 13 years.
Authenticity Reigns Supreme
The word 'authentic' took centre stage in 2023, earning the title of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year. In a world flooded with information, the quest for authenticity became a significant trend, resonating with people both online and offline.
In summary, 2023 has been a remarkable year for India, marked by achievements in space exploration, global diplomacy, entertainment, and societal trends, setting the stage for a promising future.