Category: MAM

  • Tahiliani’s OTT season 2: A right royal remix, where reinvention reigns supreme

    Tahiliani’s OTT season 2: A right royal remix, where reinvention reigns supreme

    MUMBAI: Tarun Tahiliani’s OTT has returned to Lakmé Fashion Week with season 2, and frankly, it’s a bit of a belter. This ain’t your average frock parade, mind you; it’s a masterclass in multi-wear magic, where fluidity and versatility are the name of the game. Tahiliani’s philosophy? Reinvention, darling, reinvention.

    The show kicked off with a flourish of draped silhouettes and layered separates, setting the tone for a collection that’s both elegant and, dare we say, rather clever. Models, those stylish shape-shifters, demonstrated the collection’s adaptability by restyling pieces live on the runway, proving that one garment can indeed be many. A clever mix of new bits and archive classics reinforced OTT’s commitment to a sustainable, timeless wardrobe, which is rather sensible, isn’t it?

    Indian and western influences collided in a distinctly India modern mash-up. Draped gilets, fluid dresses, structured jackets, and layered separates offered a sensual, bohemian vibe that catered to all ages. Light, effortless, and versatile, season 2 championed a modern approach to dressing, where thoughtful design means endless possibilities.

    At the collection’s core lies a deep respect for heritage craftsmanship. Hand-embroidered chikankari got a contemporary makeover, while rabari craft was revived with vintage replicas and fresh, archive-inspired designs. The Singh Twins’ geometric prints, a blast from Tahiliani’s 2015 past, made a triumphant return in a delicate summer palette of ecru, blush, sage, and taupe, rendered on luxurious linens, chanderi, georgette, organza and jersey.

    “This collection speaks to the multifaceted urban woman,” said Tarun Tahiliani, “Her wardrobe  is evolving as she moves through life, accumulating pieces that reflect her journey and achievements. The act of buying fashion transforms into a deeply personal statement of self-expression.”

    As that old romantic, John Keats, once said, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” 

    And Tahiliani’s OTT season 2? Well, it’s certainly a joy to behold, proving that fashion can be both a playground and a treasure trove.

  • Ajio and Asos bring a summer of style sizzler to LFW, with cinema royalty in tow

    Ajio and Asos bring a summer of style sizzler to LFW, with cinema royalty in tow

    MUMBAI: Reliance Industries’ online luxe and fashion platform Ajio teamed up with Asos, the online fashion behemoth, to deliver a right proper Summer of Style at Lakmé Fashion Week. And, darling, it was a corker. The collaboration, exclusively available on Ajio in India, brought Asos’s latest transition line to the runway, proving that global fashion can indeed have a desi twist.

    The show, a veritable feast for the eyes, showcased an eclectic mix of shirts, trousers, skirts, dresses, and co-ord sets, all designed with a breezy, contemporary aesthetic. Hindi cinema’s own Tara Sutaria and Veer Pahariya strutted their stuff as showstoppers, embodying Asos  bold yet relaxed vibe.

    “Fashion’s about confidence, innit?” said Tara Sutaria, “and Asos nails it. Walking for LFW is always a thrill, and this year’s summer of style with Ajio was no exception.” 

    Veer Pahariya echoed the sentiment, adding, “Asos has always pushed the boundaries of fashion, and this collection is no different. Walking for A Summer of Style was a thrilling experience, and I can’t wait for more people to discover these looks on Ajio.”

    The Asos transition line, presented in three distinct collections, catered to every sartorial whim:

    * Botanical Garden/Resort: Think breezy, nature-inspired looks perfect for escaping the city’s stuffiness.

    * Pastel Stories: Dreamy, soft hues for those who prefer a touch of effortless elegance
    .
    * Monochrome: A bold black-and-white affair for the modern minimalist who likes things sharp.

    “We’re proud to bits to bring Asos’ latest collection to India,” said Ajio CEO Vineeth Nair. “We’re all about bringing global fashion to Indian consumers, and this collaboration nails that.”

    Asos managing director wholesale  Michelle Wilson added, “India’s a right exciting market for us, and our partnership with Ajio has helped us reach a growing audience of fashion-forward types. The response has been smashing.”

    Following the runway spectacle, Ajio and Asos hosted a swanky stakeholder event, giving industry bigwigs a sneak peek at the collection. It was a right royal knees-up, and a testament to the power of fashion to bring people together. 

  • Shivan & Narresh’s Léger-than-life resort collection paints Lakmé Fashion Week a vibrant hue

    Shivan & Narresh’s Léger-than-life resort collection paints Lakmé Fashion Week a vibrant hue

    MUMBAI: Shivan & Narresh have given Lakmé Fashion Week a right royal splash of colour, unveiling a Resort 2025 collection that’s as bold as a brass monkey and twice as playful. Drawing inspiration from the legendary French artist Fernand Léger, the design duo, celebrating their fifteenth year, has whipped up a sartorial cocktail that’s part art gallery, part beach party.

    Their LégerLeisure  print, a blast from their archives, has been resurrected with all the kaleidoscopic vibrancy of a summer sunset after a few too many gin and tonics. This ain’t your granny’s floral print, mind you. We’re talking painterly strokes and rich hues that’ll make your peepers pop. Forty ready-to-wear ensembles strutted down the runway, each a love letter to leisurely living.

    Menswear took centre stage, finally! Think coordinated sets, jumpsuits that are less boiler suit, more bohemian chic, and ponchos that’ll have you looking like a suave art critic on holiday. Swim trunks and resort separates, including vests, shackets, shirts, and polos, offered a laid-back sophistication that’s perfect for escaping the dreary drizzle.

    For the ladies, bold cuts and breezy statements ensured no one was left feeling like a wallflower. Summer knits, with their intricate melanges, jacquards, and tactile textures, added a touch of luxe to the proceedings. Footwear ranged from resort mules and slides to clogs and brogues, while bucket hats, visors, and silk twillies added a touch of whimsical charm. Signature bags, including the Pomsky, Olly, and Totes, completed the ensemble, ensuring every accessory made a statement.

    “We’ve taken the arty spirit of French pop-art and the iconic canvas of Fernand Léger and given it a right good shake,” said Shivan Bhatiya, head designer, and Narresh Kukreja, creative director, in a joint statement. “This collection is a celebration of art, fashion, and leisure colliding in a perfect storm of elegance.”

    In essence, Shivan & Narresh’s Resort 2025 collection is a visual feast, a riot of colour and texture that’s as refreshing as a dip in the Med. It’s a collection that screams, “Darling, let’s escape!” and quite frankly, who are we to argue?

  • Shantnu Nikhil’s Piazza Nova celebrates five years of prêt-a-porter panache, with a dash of royal spice

    Shantnu Nikhil’s Piazza Nova celebrates five years of prêt-a-porter panache, with a dash of royal spice

    MUMBAI: Shantnu Nikhil, darlings of the Indian fashion scene, have just celebrated five years of their S&N prêt line with a runway spectacle that had Lakmé Fashion Week buzzing like a hive of very stylish bees. They’ve democratised luxury, they claim, bridging the gap between couture and ready-to-wear, and frankly, who’s to argue when they’ve got 17 stores across eight cities and a website that’s practically bursting at the seams with eager buyers, both local and international.

    Their secret? A blend of heritage and cutting-edge design, appealing to the young and the aspirational. For their anniversary bash, the duo unveiled Piazza Nova, a collection that’s a right proper potpourri of sharp suits, bold printed shirts, and relaxed silhouettes, all with a dash of wide lapels and enough embroidery to make a magpie blush.

    Men’s wear took centre stage, with a sprinkling of women’s wear thrown in for good measure. Think mix-and-match coordinates, jackets that scream “look at me,” and enough sartorial swagger to fill a palace.

    “We wanted to create a platform for personal expression,” said Shantanu Nikhil, “a brand that lets people define luxury on their own terms. Piazza Nova is a celebration of those ‘moment makers’ who’ve used our designs to tell their own stories.”

    And speaking of moments, Ibrahim Ali Khan, looking every inch the royal heartthrob, sashayed down the runway in a sand-coloured bandhgala jacket, slim trousers, and a crisp white shirt, causing more than a few fashionistas to clutch their pearls.

    Piazza Nova wasn’t just a collection of clothes, you see. It was a collection of stories, emotions, and a whole heap of style, blending tradition and contemporary vision like a perfectly mixed cocktail. Shantnu Nikhil have certainly earned their five-year stripes, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. They’ve built a brand that’s both regal and ready-to-wear, and frankly, it’s a right royal treat.

  • India TV hits play on Filmy Hustle to lift the curtain on Hindi cinema

    India TV hits play on Filmy Hustle to lift the curtain on Hindi cinema

    MUMBAI: Cinema may be larger than life on screen, but the real drama often unfolds behind the scenes. India TV is ready to bottle that off-camera magic and pour it into your headphones with the launch of its latest podcast, Filmy Hustle. Starting 30 March 2025, this 10-episode weekly series will stream every Sunday on India TV’s Smart TV app and Youtube channel. So, grab your popcorn and your cynicism-this one’s not just about glitz.

    The show goes full throttle on India’s entertainment machinery, inviting big-league filmmakers, actors, and producers to spill the masala on what really goes down in Hindi cinema. From tantrums to timelines, creative chaos to production pitfalls, the podcast brings raw, honest chats with guests like R. Madhavan, Anurag Kashyap, Ram Gopal Varma, Siddharth Roy Kapur, and Kabir Khan.

    Hosted by Aashirwad Theaters Pvt Ltd director Akkshay Rathie Filmy Hustle is produced in partnership with RosePod—a unit of Rose Audio Visuals. It marks a rare (and rather refreshing) alliance between a news network and a production house.

    India TV MD Ritu Dhawan framed it best, “The magic of cinema extends beyond what we see on screen. ‘Filmy Hustle‘ is our attempt to bring fans closer to the art of filmmaking by sharing stories from the people involved. These candid discussions about the struggles and achievements of not just directors and actors, but also singers and producers, will offer insightful perspectives, allowing the audience to appreciate the essence of cinema, storytelling, and the hustle behind the screen.”

    Rose Audio Visuals founder Goldie Behl added, “We are excited to reach audiences through this innovative collaboration with India TV, marking a unique partnership between a news channel and a production house. For years, Akshay and I have had fascinating discussions about the intricacies of the Indian film industry. This podcast is born from that shared passion, providing audiences with rare insights into its inner workings. In a landscape often shrouded in mystery, we aim to deliver candid conversations and compelling, revealing stories.”

    From late-night retakes to last-minute rewrites, this podcast lays bare what it takes to create cinematic magic. If you love films but hate fluff, Filmy Hustle is your Sunday fix.

  • Cineline ditches the bed, makes a blockbuster move with hotel sale cash

    Cineline ditches the bed, makes a blockbuster move with hotel sale cash

    MUMBAI: It’s lights out for Cineline India’s hospitality stint. The film exhibition player has checked out of the hotel biz, and it’s not leaving a tip. In a move that’s more box office than boardroom, the company sold off its Goa-based Hyatt Centric hotel—owned by its arm R&H Spaces Pvt Ltd—for a neat Rs 270 crore. Who bought it? A non-promoter outfit, Sparsh Vidyut Pvt Ltd. Why? To settle scores, crush debt, and go full throttle on movie screens.

    Yes, Cineline is pulling a dramatic plot twist—moving from beds to blockbusters. And here’s the kicker: with this sale, the company has knocked off Rs 120 crore in debt tied to the hotel. But wait, there’s more.

    They’re going for a full clean slate. Cineline will use the remaining funds to pay off Rs 108 crore of debt from its film exhibition business. Translation: zero debt. That’s not just financial discipline—it’s a full financial detox.

    The icing on this celluloid cake? The cash left over is going straight into its first love—cinema. And the ambitions are nothing short of a megahit. Since relaunching the Moviemax brand in April 2022, the company already boasts 77 operational screens and has deals tied up for 82 more.

    Over the past two years, Cineline has been on a selling spree—unloading real estate worth Rs 351 crore, including the Rs 270 crore hotel sale, a Rs 60 crore mall in Nagpur, and two Mumbai commercial spaces for around Rs 21 crore. All roads lead to the box office.

    So what’s next for this reinvigorated, popcorn-powered outfit?

    Let’s talk strategy. The company’s rolling out a three-part script for growth:

    .   Cash is king: With Rs 22 crore annually saved from no more debt servicing, Cineline plans to pump this into screen expansion. It’s also keeping eight cinema properties in its back pocket for future monetisation.

    . Capital-light chic: Cineline aims to keep capex lean by partnering with developers for new screen infrastructure.

    . Share and flair: Future expansions will mostly follow a revenue-share model. Less rent, more freedom.

    CEO Ashish Kanakia didn’t mince words, “We have successfully completed the sale of our hotel asset for an enterprise valuation of Rs 270 Crores, allowing us to fully concentrate on expanding our core film exhibition business. This move will accelerate growth and help expand our market presence through addition of new screens.”

    He added that being debt-free will boost cash flow and allow Cineline to capitalise on the expected box office bounce-back. Cineline has left the hospitality lobby and entered the cinema hall, popcorn in hand and eyes on the marquee.

    So, is this India’s smartest pivot from rooms to reels? Time—and ticket sales—will tell.

     

  • Cashkaro calls out ‘bakwas coins’ in India’s first Ghibli-style ad blitz

    Cashkaro calls out ‘bakwas coins’ in India’s first Ghibli-style ad blitz

    MUMBAI: In a world of shiny apps throwing virtual coins like confetti at confused consumers, Cashkaro has just kicked the table over. The company launched India’s first Ghibli-style animated ad on 29 March 2025—and it isn’t holding back. The campaign, all soft watercolours and nostalgic whimsy, fires a not-so-subtle torpedo at every coin-lobbing app out there, declaring, “Coins Are All Bakwas, Real Cashback is Cashkaro Ke Paas.”

    Crafted in the distinct, hand-drawn charm of Studio Ghibli’s legendary animations, the ad takes a cheeky swipe at so-called ‘coin rewards’ that sound great until you read the small print. Cashkaro’s message is crystal clear: ditch the point-based faff and get actual money you can spend. The kind you can UPI straight to your bank. No voodoo maths. No expiry dates. No hoops to jump through.

    “People are tired of earning Cashback coins that feel more like a gimmick than real savings. Today’s consumers see through marketing fluff and focus on the real value, not just flashy cashback coins that are hard to use. At Cashkaro, we give users ‘Real Cashback’ — real money that can be transferred to the bank accounts and actually spent, rather than being stuck with coins and points that have restrictions. Over the years, we have returned more than Rs 1,000 crore in real cashback to our users, proving that savings should be tangible and beneficial. This campaign is a fun yet powerful way to reinforce that Cashkaro is the real cashback king,” said Cashkaro and EarnKaro co-founder Swati Bhargava.

    Cashkaro and EarnKaro director – brand & creative Ishan Agarwal added, We are always looking out for creative ways to connect with our audience, and this campaign is a perfect example of how storytelling can make an impact. The idea behind this campaign was to blend art with advertising. The Ghibli-style animation is not just visually stunning but also helps us deliver our message in a fun, engaging, and memorable way. In a market flooded with apps that offer coins with limited usability, we wanted to highlight how Cashkaro stands apart by providing real cashback that users can spend. This campaign cuts through the noise, grabs attention, and helps in connecting with the audience with more lighthearted and visually striking content.”

    The brand has already returned over Rs 1,000 crore in cold, hard cashback to users. No coins. No unicorn dust. Just plain, honest cash.

    Watch the ad here:

     

    Cashkaro’s move comes as users grow weary of reward structures more complicated than a Christopher Nolan plot. The company continues to partner with platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra, ensuring cashback is always just a click away. With this bold, artsy swipe at the competition, the message is clear: enough of the pretend points. Let’s talk rupees.

     

  • Asus flips the script with Tiger Shroff in high-kick Vivobook campaign

    Asus flips the script with Tiger Shroff in high-kick Vivobook campaign

    MUMBAI: In a plot twist straight out of a Hindi cinema action montage, Asus India has teamed up with India’s youngest action icon Tiger Shroff to give its Vivobook 14 Flip a backflip into the social spotlight. The new campaign, launched on 28 March 2025, is as slick and versatile as Tiger’s workout routines-and that’s saying something.

    This isn’t just another celebrity plug. It’s a power-packed reel that shows Tiger flipping, folding, and sketching his way through the day using the Vivobook 14 Flip—Asus’s shapeshifting laptop designed for multitaskers with main character energy. From reading fan mail in tent mode to sketching in tablet mode, and binge-watching anime in stand mode, Tiger shows off every inch of the laptop’s 360-degree hinge like it’s part of his stunt choreography.

    And the tech specs? As slick as the man himself. The Vivobook 14 Flip features a stunning OLED touchscreen, AI-enhanced software, and adaptive performance tools like active noise cancellation and real-time image optimisation. It starts at Rs 96,990 and is available via Asus E-shop, exclusive stores, and multi-brand retail outlets.

    “The Asus Vivobook 14 Flip is crafted for those who live dynamic, multifaceted lives. Partnering with Tiger Shroff, whose energy and versatility inspire millions, allows us to showcase how this device empowers users to excel in every mode—be it work, creativity, or entertainment. This campaign celebrates adaptability and performance, and we’re excited to bring it to life with Tiger,” said Asus India systems group, consumer PC & gaming, product and marketing head Paramjeet Singh.

    Tiger was equally pumped, “As someone who’s always on the move, I need a laptop that can keep up with my active lifestyle. The Asus Vivobook 14 Flip, with its incredible flexibility and power, fits perfectly into my life. Whether I’m reading fan mail, sketching ideas, or unwinding with anime, it’s got me covered. I’m thrilled to team up with Asus to show how this laptop lets you flip into any mode effortlessly!”

  • Karan Bakshi joins Cummins Inc. as director of talent acquisition

    Karan Bakshi joins Cummins Inc. as director of talent acquisition

    MUMBAI: Cummins Inc. has appointed Karan Bakshi as the director of talent acquisition for the India and Pacific region. With over 15 years of experience in human resources & recruitment, he brings a strong background in building high-performing teams.

    In his new role, Bakshi will oversee talent acquisition strategies, helping Cummins attract top professionals across the region. His expertise in recruitment, employer branding, and workforce planning is expected to strengthen the company’s hiring initiatives and support its growth.

    Before joining Cummins, Bakshi held the position of regional director of learning & development & talent acquisition at Michelin. He managed hiring across India, the middle east, and Africa, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

    Bakshi also worked at mastercard, where he played a key role in driving talent acquisition and development strategies.

    At TIBCO Software, Bakshi contributed to enhancing the company’s recruitment and workforce strategies.

    His appointment at Cummins Inc. reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to fostering a skilled and diverse workforce, with Bakshi playing a key role in shaping its recruitment practices.

  • Tata Sons’ N. Chandrasekaran joins IMF’s global advisory council

    Tata Sons’ N. Chandrasekaran joins IMF’s global advisory council

    MUMBAI: Tata Sons Limited chairman, N. Chandrasekaran, has been appointed to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) managing director’s advisory council on Entrepreneurship and Growth. The council, chaired by IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva, brings together global experts from business, finance, academia, and policymaking to shape policies that drive innovation and productivity.

    In addition to his role at Tata Sons, Chandrasekaran is also a board member of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). His inclusion in the council reflects his extensive experience in business strategy and economic affairs.

    Meeting quarterly, the council will contribute to the IMF’s policy research, focusing on solutions to address declining global productivity growth. With the world economy facing its slowest medium-term expansion in decades, the council’s expertise will help shape strategies that promote sustainable and inclusive growth across IMF member nations.