Influencer Brand Collaborations: Malabar Gold’s Dhanteras Drama and Why CampSuggest by YTC Ventures Is the Ultimate Solution for Safe, High-ROI Partnerships

By YTC Ventures Insights | October 18, 2025

In the fast-paced world of influencer marketing, a single post can skyrocket a brand’s reach or ignite a PR nightmare. As Dhanteras 2025 approaches—a peak time for gold purchases in India—Malabar Gold & Diamonds learned this lesson the hard way. A fleeting collaboration with Pakistani influencer Alishba Khalid sparked a #BoycottMalabarGold frenzy, forcing the jewellery giant to drop her amid backlash.

This cautionary tale underscores the stakes in influencer partnerships. Enter YTC Ventures’ CampSuggest Cloud Media, a game-changing platform connecting brands with vetted influencers for seamless, risk-free campaigns.

Let’s dive into the controversy, why brands must tread carefully, the booming influencer marketing industry, and how CampSuggest ensures trust, loyalty, and skyrocketing sales.

Malabar Gold’s Dhanteras Debacle: A Costly Misstep

With Dhanteras igniting India’s festive gold rush, Malabar Gold aimed to dazzle at its Birmingham showroom launch on September 6, 2025, featuring Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan and London-based influencer Alishba Khalid.

The move backfired when Khalid’s past posts—mocking India’s Operation Sindoor and chanting “Pakistan Zindabad”—resurfaced, enraging Indian audiences.

Social media erupted, with #BoycottMalabarGold trending as users slammed the brand for cultural insensitivity during a sacred sales season. Malabar, claiming the deal predated Khalid’s remarks, swiftly ended the partnership and sought legal action to curb defamatory content. But with festive revenues at stake for the $7.5 billion giant, the damage was done. This saga screams one truth: brands need bulletproof vetting to protect their reputation.

Who Is Alishba Khalid? A Snapshot

Alishba Khalid, 28, is a Pakistani-origin Instagram star (@_alishchaudhary99) based in London, commanding 137,000 followers. Her vibrant mix of lifestyle vlogs, fashion hauls, and beauty tips resonates with a 60% Indian audience, making her a magnet for cross-border brands. Rising during the pandemic with relatable diaspora content, she’s partnered with apparel and cosmetics labels.

Yet, her outspoken pro-Pakistan views, especially post-Operation Sindoor, turned her from influencer to lightning rod, proving that past posts can haunt present deals.

Why Brands Must Be Ultra-Cautious in Influencer Collaborations

The Malabar fiasco isn’t isolated—it’s a wake-up call. Influencer partnerships can amplify reach but also expose brands to risks:

• Hidden Red Flags: Old posts, like Khalid’s, can resurface, sparking boycotts. Studies show 70% of Indian brands struggle with credibility checks.
• Cultural Minefields: In India’s charged socio-political climate, associations with divisive figures can alienate loyal customers.
• Festive Fallout: Timing matters—Dhanteras campaigns face extra scrutiny, with boycotts potentially slashing sales by 10-20%.
• Reputation Risks: Viral backlash lingers longer than legal fixes, eroding consumer trust.

Brands must invest in rigorous vetting—background checks, sentiment analysis, and cultural alignment—to safeguard their legacy and sales.

The Explosive Growth of Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing is a juggernaut, valued at $24 billion globally in 2024 and projected to hit $32.55 billion in 2025—a 35.63% surge.

In India, the industry’s worth INR 3,600 crore ($421 million) in 2024, with a 25% growth forecast to INR 4,500 crore next year, driven by e-commerce, fashion, beauty, and micro-influencers.

With 900 million internet users by 2025, 67% of Indians rely on influencers for buying decisions, especially in jewellery, tech, and FMCG. As brands from startups to giants like Malabar chase ROI, trusted platforms are critical to navigate this goldmine.

How Influencer Marketing Works: A Lucrative Ecosystem

The business model thrives on synergy: brands gain authentic reach, influencers monetize their audience. Key revenue streams include:

• Sponsored Content: Fees range from $500 to $100,000 per post, based on follower count.
• Affiliate Earnings: Influencers earn 5-20% commissions on sales via trackable links.
• Brand Ambassadorships: Long-term deals offer retainers for consistent promotion.
• Agency Fees: Platforms like CampSuggest take 10-20% for facilitating deals.

Success depends on engagement (3-5% is gold) and conversion tracking, making data-driven platforms essential for maximizing returns.

CampSuggest by YTC Ventures: Your Trusted Partner for Influencer Success

YTC Ventures’ CampSuggest Cloud Media is revolutionizing influencer marketing by connecting brands with pre-vetted influencers, ensuring safe, high-impact campaigns. Unlike risky ad-hoc deals, CampSuggest offers a curated, transparent platform that builds trust, drives sales, and fosters long-term loyalty. Here’s how influencers and agencies can join the movement:

1. Submit Your Portfolio: Email your bio, past campaigns, portfolio, and niche details to campsuggest@ytcventures.com. Showcase your audience reach and success metrics.
2. Go Global: If shortlisted, your profile shines on the YTC Ventures CampSuggest Web App, visible to brands worldwide.
3. Brands Connect: Top companies browse CampSuggest’s curated talent pool for their campaigns.
4. Seamless Matchmaking: CampSuggest shares your details under strict confidentiality, ensuring trust.
5. Launch Epic Campaigns: Secure deals, roll out ads, and track ROI with platform support.

For brands, CampSuggest eliminates guesswork with vetted influencers, data-driven insights, and seamless execution. For influencers, it’s a launchpad to global deals, credibility, and consistent earnings.

Why Choose CampSuggest? Trust, Loyalty, Sales.

In a post-Malabar world, CampSuggest stands out by prioritizing due diligence, cultural fit, and measurable results.

Whether you’re a jewellery brand eyeing Dhanteras or a startup chasing viral buzz, this platform ensures partnerships that resonate with audiences and protect your reputation. Influencers gain access to premium brands, while companies tap into authentic voices without the risks. It’s a win-win built for 2025’s digital frontier.Ready to elevate your brand or influencer career?

Join CampSuggest today at campsuggest@ytcventures.com and redefine success. What’s your take on the influencer marketing boom? Drop your thoughts below!

YTC Ventures Insights: Powering trust, loyalty, and growth through innovative solutions. Contact us to transform your brand’s future.