Category: News Headline

  • DriveX rides ahead with new CEO Devesh Taparia

    DriveX rides ahead with new CEO Devesh Taparia

    MUMBAI: DriveX is revving up for its next big ride. The pre-owned two-wheeler brand has appointed Devesh Taparia as its new chief executive officer, signalling a fresh phase of technology-led growth, retail expansion and customer-focused innovation.

    A mobility enthusiast with a flair for transformation, Taparia brings over a decade of leadership experience from Mahindra & Mahindra, Peugeot Motocycles and TVS Motor Company. At TVS, he spearheaded strategic initiatives across global markets, driving innovation and business transformation, qualities that make him a perfect fit for DriveX’s next lap of growth.

    At the heart of his new mandate lies a clear goal, to make DriveX the most trusted tech-enabled mobility brand in India. Taparia will focus on scaling DriveX Direct, the company’s direct-to-customer model, and strengthening its omnichannel retail network across the country.

    “Devesh joins DriveX at a defining moment in our journey,” said DriveX director on the board Sharad Mohan Mishra. “His deep understanding of mobility, technology and customer behaviour aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver trust, transparency and innovation.”

    Expressing his excitement, Taparia said, “DriveX represents the future of pre-owned mobility, where intelligent technology, data insights and customer trust come together. I look forward to scaling our presence through DriveX Direct and next-generation retail experiences.”

    With plans to boost its AI-driven operations, expand refurbishment centres and open new stores across key cities, DriveX is clearly in top gear, ready to steer India’s pre-owned two-wheeler market into a smarter, faster and more trusted future.

     

  • ANOR polishes a new era of modern luxury

    ANOR polishes a new era of modern luxury

    MUMBAI: Luxury just found its new sparkle. ANOR, the homegrown name redefining India’s lab-grown diamond jewellery scene, is setting a new benchmark for modern indulgence, one that blends innovation with intimacy, and brilliance with meaning.

    Founded by Bina Choksi, a fourth-generation diamantaire and self-taught designer, ANOR brings over 75 years of craftsmanship to a category once seen as accessible, now elevated to aspirational. Her creations, marked by architectural precision and soulful storytelling, capture personal milestones in pieces that radiate both artistry and emotion.

    From statement necklaces to timeless bridal keepsakes, each ANOR jewel is hand-finished using ethically grown diamonds and gemstones. “Our clients come to ANOR not just for jewellery, but for an experience,” says Choksi. “They value craftsmanship that feels personal and pieces that hold as much emotion as brilliance.”

    The brand’s latest jewel in the crown is its flagship boutique in South Extension I, New Delhi, a serene space that doubles as a private lounge for bridal collections. Designed around a hospitality-first philosophy, the store offers guests one-on-one interactions with jewellery specialists and Bina herself.

    At the invite-only launch, India’s style elite praised ANOR’s bespoke service and quiet exclusivity, with some calling it “the Zoya of lab-grown diamonds” and “the Tiffany of the new era.”

    With boutiques in New York, Mumbai and now Delhi, ANOR continues to shape the evolution of modern luxury, one shimmering, soulful creation at a time.

  • Hyundai races ahead with 69,894 sales in October

    Hyundai races ahead with 69,894 sales in October

    MUMBAI: Hyundai Motor India hit the accelerator on festive momentum this October, clocking total sales of 69,894 units, driven by buoyant consumer sentiment and a strong SUV line-up.

    The month saw domestic sales of 53,792 units and exports of 16,102 units, marking an 11 per cent year-on-year growth in overseas markets. Leading the charge were Hyundai’s power-packed SUV duo, Creta and Venue, which together notched their second-highest ever monthly sales at 30,119 units.

    “October was a month of festivals and fervour, boosted further by the positive impact of GST 2.0 reforms,” said Hyundai Motor India whole-time director and COO Tarun Garg. “Strong market demand and high consumer enthusiasm powered our SUV sales, and we expect this momentum to continue with the upcoming launch of the all-new Hyundai Venue.”

    With refreshed design, premium features and advanced technology, the upcoming Venue aims to steer Hyundai’s growth to the next gear, keeping the brand firmly in the fast lane of India’s SUV story.
     

  • Mars Cosmetics welcomes Anshu Arora Sindhwani to lead innovation

    Mars Cosmetics welcomes Anshu Arora Sindhwani to lead innovation

    MUMBAI: Looks like Mars just found its next shining star. India’s fastest-growing homegrown beauty brand, Mars Cosmetics, has roped in Anshu Arora Sindhwani as head of product, as it powers into its next phase of innovation and category expansion.

    With over 15 years of experience painting success stories across beauty, colour cosmetics, and FMCG, Sindhwani is no stranger to creating products that don’t just sit pretty on shelves, they fly off them. Her career spans top-tier brands such as Akzonobel (Dulux), Colorbar, Mary Kay, and Win-Medicare, where she crafted high-performance portfolios that blended strategy, science, and sparkle in equal measure.

    At Mars, Sindhwani’s mission is clear: to make “Makeup for Everyone” more than a tagline. She will steer end-to-end product strategy from new product development and category planning to lifecycle management and innovation architecture. Her focus will be on building a robust pipeline of launches that balance creativity with performance and affordability, the winning formula that’s fast turning Mars into the people’s beauty brand.

    “MARS represents a new era in Indian beauty, bold, experimental, and deeply attuned to its consumers,” Sindhwani said. “I’m excited to build on this energy by crafting innovations that not only perform but also connect bringing together creativity, technology, and inclusivity in every formulation and finish.”

    Her words mirror the brand’s growing confidence that beauty need not be imported or inaccessible. Mars has steadily carved a niche as the Indian disruptor redefining what affordable glam looks like, taking cues from its consumers rather than dictating trends from boardrooms.

    Founded with the vision of democratising makeup, Mars Cosmetics has been among India’s most dynamic homegrown names in the beauty space, capturing hearts (and vanities) across Tier 1 to Tier 3 cities. Its vibrant, high-performance products have found favour with Gen Z creators, beauty professionals, and everyday users alike, powered by a deep understanding of what Indian consumers actually want from their makeup: fun, functionality, and fair pricing.

    Adding Sindhwani to the mix signals a strategic leap towards design-led innovation and global competitiveness. “We are thrilled to have Anshu join the Mars family,” said Mars Cosmetics business administrator Rishabh Sethia. “Her deep understanding of consumers, strategic mindset, and innovation-driven approach will help us strengthen our position as India’s leading product-driven beauty brand.”

    Sindhwani’s career reads like a masterclass in product-led storytelling. Known for her consumer-first, design-thinking approach, she has pioneered several first-in-category launches that pushed boundaries of what Indian beauty could be playful, potent, and proudly local.

    Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for Mars, which is expanding rapidly and cementing its image as India’s fastest-growing beauty brand. The company’s focus on building high-performance yet accessible formulations has positioned it as a favourite among digital-native consumers who crave both authenticity and affordability.

    As the beauty industry becomes increasingly crowded, Mars is setting its sights higher and its strategy sharper. With Sindhwani at the helm of product development, the brand seems poised to blend science with sass, data with dazzle.

    In an era where every brand claims to “innovate,” Mars’ real edge may just be in how it listens and now, how it lets a product visionary like Sindhwani lead that conversation.

    Because when Mars and innovation align, beauty might just find its new orbit.

  • Samir Sagar joins TBWAIndia as senior VP

    Samir Sagar joins TBWAIndia as senior VP

    MUMBAI: Advertising veteran Samir Sagar has stepped into a new role as senior vice president at TBWAIndia, charting the next chapter of a career brewed in strategy, storytelling and brand wizardry.

    Before joining TBWA, Sagar helmed the business at Famous Innovations as Business Head, where he led integrated marketing and brand communication mandates for marquee clients. His longest stint, however, was at MullenLowe Lintas Group, where he spent seven years rising through the ranks from associate vice president to senior vice president, shaping campaigns across Mumbai and Bengaluru.

    Sagar’s early journey took him through McCann Erickson as brand leader and The Thinking Machine in Jakarta, where he worked as brand partner, experiences that helped sharpen his strategic lens and creative instincts.

    With this move, Sagar brings his trademark blend of insight, innovation and leadership to TBWA, an agency known for its “Disruption” philosophy. It’s a fitting match, one creative disruptor joining another.
     

  • Going Nuts Over Coffee as Barista Brews a Pistachio Winter Treat

    Going Nuts Over Coffee as Barista Brews a Pistachio Winter Treat

    MUMBAI: If winter had a flavour, Barista Coffee Company has just bottled it or rather, brewed it. This festive season, India’s largest homegrown café chain is going green (and not just environmentally) with a campaign that’s as indulgent as it is inventive. Titled ‘Barista Stars’, the new menu is a celebration of pistachio, that little nut that packs a big punch of flavour and warmth, perfect for the nip in the air.

    The festive spread, launched across 485 outlets in 165 cities, is an ode to indulgence meeting mindfulness. Think Pistachio Affogato, Pistachio Latte, Pistachio Cream Croissant, and even a Pistachio Kunafa Cheesecake, a Middle Eastern twist that’s as photogenic as it is decadent. And just when you thought that was nutty enough, there’s also a Valencia Orange Hot Chocolate in the mix, bringing a citrusy zing to the otherwise cosy affair.

    The menu isn’t just a creative experiment, it’s a full-bodied experience designed around taste, texture, and balance. Each dish reflects Barista’s knack for blending international café aesthetics with Indian palates, marrying creamy indulgence with a hint of wellness.

    Speaking on the campaign, Barista Coffee Company CEO Rajat Agrawal said the winter menu symbolises Barista’s evolving philosophy premium coffee culture with a conscience. “With the onset of winter, we’re delighted to launch our new festive campaign ‘Barista Stars’. Pistachio’s distinctive richness and warmth perfectly complement the season,” he said. “Our goal is to offer customers a wholesome yet indulgent experience, a celebration of flavour without compromising on quality or well-being.”

    The menu, available across all cafés from 20 October 2025, extends beyond the cup, it’s a nod to craftsmanship and café culture as an experience rather than a pit stop.

    Founded in 2000, Barista Coffee Company has long been synonymous with India’s early tryst with coffeehouse culture. Before latte art became Instagram gold, Barista was already pouring stories in ceramic mugs. Over two decades later, it remains the country’s most prominent indigenous chain, one that’s expanded across India and Sri Lanka, carving a niche between global giants and local favourites.

    Today, Barista isn’t just selling coffee, it’s selling conversations, comfort, and community. Its cafés are as much about creative ambience as they are about caffeine fixes. With every menu refresh, the brand continues to redefine what “homegrown” can mean in an industry once dominated by imported tastes.

    The new menu underlines a shift in consumer trends from pure indulgence to mindful luxury. Pistachio, often hailed as the “wellness nut”, fits right in. It brings a guilt-free edge to desserts and beverages, a theme that Barista has consciously leaned into as it strengthens its “premium yet health-conscious” positioning.

    Every offering, from the buttery croissant to the velvety affogato, reflects an obsessive attention to detail not just in flavour profiles but in ingredient sourcing, presentation, and consistency across outlets. That consistency is what’s fuelled Barista’s expansion and made it a comfort brand for café-goers who crave familiarity with a twist.

    In many ways, the ‘Barista Stars’ campaign is more than a festive menu, it’s a brand statement. As India’s café culture matures, Barista seems intent on proving that creativity need not come with a foreign accent.

    The brand’s steady reinvention, whether through curated menus or customer-centric design, has kept it relevant in a crowded market where novelty often burns out faster than a coffee machine at rush hour.

    And while pistachio may be the flavour of the season, the real takeaway is Barista’s ability to balance indulgence with intent, a blend as satisfying as a perfectly poured latte.

    So, if you’re looking to sip something that tastes like winter wrapped in a velvet blanket, you know where to head. Because this season, Barista isn’t just brewing coffee, it’s brewing a mood.

     

  • A.R. Rahman to serenade the Ganga in Varanasi

    A.R. Rahman to serenade the Ganga in Varanasi

    MUMBAI: The Ganga is set to hum to a new tune this November, one composed by none other than A.R. Rahman. On 29 November, NDTV Good Times will host Harmony by the Ganga at Namo Ghat, Varanasi, where the maestro’s melodies will meet the river’s timeless rhythm.

    Performing in Varanasi for the very first time, Rahman will bring his signature fusion of classical roots and contemporary sound to India’s oldest living city. The evening promises to be a spiritual symphony, where ragas, reverence and Rahman’s genius flow together in perfect harmony.

    Joining him on stage will be Jhalaa, a band handpicked by the composer himself. Their collaboration will create a musical bridge between tradition and modernity, filling the ghats with notes that echo long after the final chord fades.

    Preparations at Namo Ghat are already in full swing, with a grand stage, cutting-edge sound design and lights choreographed to complement the sacred setting. Every detail is being fine-tuned to ensure the night feels as immersive as the music itself.

    The event follows NDTV Good Times’ much-lauded Sonu Nigam by Dal Lake concert in Srinagar, which revived large-scale cultural celebrations in the Valley. With Harmony by the Ganga, the channel continues its journey of crafting landmark musical moments that unite art, heritage and emotion.

    When Rahman’s notes rise over the Ganga’s gentle flow, Varanasi will witness not just a concert, but a confluence of sound, soul and centuries of tradition.

  • Netflix rolls the YRF reel worldwide

    Netflix rolls the YRF reel worldwide

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, nostalgia! Netflix and Yash Raj Films (YRF) hit play on a golden reel of Hindi cinema memories, bringing five decades of cinematic gems to screens around the world. The streaming giant sealed a landmark partnership with India’s iconic studio, opening its vault of classics, blockbusters and heart-throbs for global audiences to binge on.  

    The celebration began with a star-studded line-up. Shah Rukh Khan fans were treated to nine of his biggest hits, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Veer-Zaara and Chak De! India, which dropped on November 1, marking the superstar’s birthday weekend. Salman Khan’s action-packed trio Ek Tha Tiger, Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai will roar onto Netflix on December 27, his birthday.

    Romance buffs can look forward to November 14, when timeless Yash Chopra classics like Chandni, Lamhe and Silsila begin streaming. Ranveer Singh’s infectious energy arrives on December 5 with Band Baaja Baaraat and Gunday. The festive season gets even brighter with 34 YRF crowd-pleasers, including Hum Tum, Bunty Aur Babli and Mujhse Dosti Karoge, set to stream two at a time between December 12 and 28.

    The reel keeps rolling into 2026, with the Dhoom trilogy revving up from November 28 and the Mardaani series joining on January 22. Valentine’s week will see eight heart-fluttering romances like Saathiya and Bachna Ae Haseeno streaming from February 7.

    “For over 50 years, Yash Raj Films has shaped the heart of Indian cinema,” said YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani. “Bringing this legacy to Netflix lets the world experience the colour, the music and the magic of India.”

    Netflix India vice president of content Monika Shergill added, “This partnership celebrates Indian cinema in all its glory, allowing fans to relive the magic while new audiences discover its timeless charm.”

    Whether you’re chasing Dhoom-style thrills or humming Tujhe Dekha To in your living room, Netflix’s latest drop has turned every night into a Hindi cinema blockbuster.

     

  • India’s World Cup heroines set for brand bonanza

    India’s World Cup heroines set for brand bonanza

    MUMBAI: The tears, the tricolour, the trophy. When Harmanpreet Kaur’s side defeated South Africa by 52 runs on Sunday night to claim India’s first-ever women’s World Cup , they didn’t just etch their names in cricket history—they opened the door to a commercial windfall that could redefine women’s sport in the country.
    With a packed stadium erupting as the final wicket fell, and millions more watching across the nation, the brand equity of several players is set to soar. Marketers and advertising agencies are already sharpening their pencils. Amongst the players who look to be front-runners in this dash for sign ups figure: 

    Smriti Mandhana: There’s no denying her talent or her appeal. Good looks, certainly, but above all, world-class batting skills have made her a hero for millions. Mandhana is second in the tournament’s run charts. The World Cup triumph will only cement her cult status.  Her endorsement portfolio includes giants like Hero MotoCorp, Hyundai, Red Bull, Garnier, Wrangler, and PNB MetLife, but expect it  to expand dramatically.

    Harmanpreet Kaur: She showed tenacity as captain, leading from the front and taking a fantastic catch to end the South African innings. More importantly, she steered her team through three losses during the tournament—defeats that could have derailed any side. But not Harmanpreet. She kept the team’s belief intact, insisting they weren’t looking left or right, only at their end goal. That grit under pressure is precisely what brand managers look for. She has done endorsement for brands like HDFC Life, ITC, Boost, Ceat, Puma, Tata Safari, Asian Paints, Jaipur Rugs, The Omaxe State, Big Flex, and Hapipola.  That surely is set to balloon exponentially now.

    Jemimah Rodrigues: This bundle of talent is energy personified on the field, whether fielding or batting. Her unbeaten 127 in the semifinal showed she’s a match-winner, forming a crucial 167-run partnership with Harmanpreet that swung the tie against Australia  Her transparency about emotional upheavals after being dropped earlier brought out her determination. She plays the guitar and has an excellent sense of theatre—the perfect combination for brand campaigns seeking authenticity. Her endorsement portfolion includes Red Bull, Hyundai, Gillette, Dream11, HMD (Human Mobile Devices), boAT and Platinum Evara.

    Pratika Rawal: The 25-year-old became the joint-fastest cricketer to score 1,000 runs in ODIs (23 innings) and was the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer with 308 runs before injury ruled her out ahead of the knockouts. The image of her in a wheelchair, draped in the tricolour, celebrating with teammates became one of the most powerful moments in Indian sporting history. That resilience and passion will resonate deeply with brands seeking emotional connect.

    Shafali Verma: She scored a blistering 87 in the final and picked two crucial wickets, becoming the first player to score 50-plus runs and take two wickets in a World Cup final Recalled after Rawal’s injury, she had been out of the ODI side for nearly a year Her extraordinary display capped an extraordinary week. The 21-year-old’s redemption arc makes her a natural choice for brands focused on perseverance and comeback stories. She has featured as a brand ambassador for the likes of Bank of Baroda and Ceat. In a few months this will surely swell. 

    Radha Yadav: The left-arm spinner grabbed her opportunity in the final league match against Bangladesh after warming the bench for six games, ending with a three-wicket spell. She was part of the playing eleven in the final. Her steady bowling alongside Shree Charani helped contain South Africa’s dangerous middle order. Her journey from twelfth player to World Cup winner embodies the team ethic that brands increasingly value.

    The World Cup win  isn’t just a trophy. It’s a watershed moment for women’s cricket and for Indian cricket as whole.

    And for these players, the real game—the endorsement game—is only just beginning.

  • Brewing Kerala’s pride, one sip at a time

    Brewing Kerala’s pride, one sip at a time

    MUMBAI: This Kerala Piravi, Tata Tea Kanan Devan poured out a cinematic tribute to its home state, blending culture, nature and nostalgia into one flavourful celebration.

    The new brand film opens with a single dewy tea leaf, shimmering in the morning light, a quiet nod to the Kanan Devan hills where the brand was born. In a heartbeat, the leaf unfurls into sweeping drone shots of emerald plantations, gliding boats on tranquil backwaters, and the rhythmic grace of Kathakali, Kalari, and classical dance. It’s a montage that captures Kerala’s rhythm, strength and serenity, brewed with a filmmaker’s finesse.

    But Tata Tea Kanan Devan isn’t stopping at the screen. The brand has extended its celebration into the real world with a 3D anamorphic installation at Lulu Mall, Trivandrum (October 30–November 2), where visitors can walk into Kerala’s symbols brought vividly to life. Across Trivandrum, Kochi, Thrissur and Kozhikode, bold outdoor displays add another layer of pride and colour to the campaign.

    “Tata Tea Kanan Devan has always been more than just a brand, it’s part of Kerala’s story,” said Tata consumer products president – packaged beverages, India & South Asia Puneet Das. “This Kerala Piravi, we wanted to celebrate the state’s essence in a way that feels cinematic yet deeply personal.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Monks India head, business & integration Sonali Khanna added, “Our film brings Kerala’s iconic motifs to life, giving viewers a dazzling glimpse of God’s Own Country.”

    With each frame, sip and swirl, Tata Tea Kanan Devan proves that homegrown pride, much like good tea, tastes best when brewed from the heart.