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  • Balaji Telefilms stirs up drama with food and family

    Balaji Telefilms stirs up drama with food and family

    MUMBAI: Get ready to spice up your screen time! Balaji Telefilms is back with its latest Youtube original, Saas Bahu Aur Swaad, premiering October 7, blending family drama with the irresistible aroma of home-cooked nostalgia.

    Set in the vibrant city of Agra, the series follows Indu Rastogi, a devoted homemaker whose cooking keeps the family together, even if her efforts often go unnoticed. Enter Riya, the spirited new bahu with dreams of carving her own identity. What starts as a clash of values soon turns into unexpected companionship when Riya discovers Indu’s hidden culinary talent. Together, they navigate a world where age-old traditions meet modern aspirations, served with laughter, warmth, and plenty of relatable family moments.

    Starring Chahat Pandey and Abhishek Malik in lead roles, the show also features Shaktee Singh, Mahi Sharma, Seema Singh, Kushal Shah, and Shreya Acharya. It promises a perfect festive-season watch that is light-hearted yet emotional, nostalgic yet fresh.

    Balaji Telefilms Digital group chief revenue officer Nitin Burman said, “This series celebrates women, families, and the everyday magic that happens around the dining table. Audiences will join the Rastogi family for a story filled with warmth, humour, and flavour.”

    Chahat Pandey added, “Riya’s journey celebrates every woman who dares to dream big. The mix of humour, heartfelt moments, and food makes the show so relatable, and I can’t wait for viewers to laugh, cry, and cheer along with us.”

    Abhishek Malik, playing Karan, reflected, “Karan represents the modern Indian son and husband, balancing tradition and progress. The show is full of laughter, food, and genuine emotion, and I hope it sparks empathy and a few surprises for viewers.”

    With its unique blend of heartfelt storytelling, humour, and the comfort of home-cooked nostalgia, Saas Bahu Aur Swaad is set to become a must-watch for families everywhere. Episodes stream every Tuesday and Thursday, exclusively on the Balaji Telefilms Youtube Channel.

  • Glow with the flow as Ashpveda and Dabur Newu light up festive beauty

    Glow with the flow as Ashpveda and Dabur Newu light up festive beauty

    MUMBAI: Looks like Ayurveda’s getting a glow-up this festive season! Ashpveda, the Ayurvedic beauty and wellness brand, has rolled out its Festive 2025 Collection, a line that blends ancient herbal wisdom with modern-day sparkle.

    In a move to reach more beauty enthusiasts, Ashpveda’s full range of skincare, haircare, and personal care products is now available at 20 Dabur Newu stores across India. The partnership not only gives the brand a stronger retail footprint but also cements Dabur Newu’s position as a go-to destination for conscious, contemporary wellness.

    “The Festive 2025 Collection embodies our belief in bringing the essence of Ayurveda into daily life, in a way that resonates with today’s celebrations,” said Hari Ram Rinwa, the brand’s spokesperson. “Our tie-up with Dabur Newu takes our commitment to authenticity, safety, and sustainability to more consumers across India.”

    Crafted using clean, responsibly harvested herbs and traditional Ayurvedic methods, Ashpveda products are free from harmful ingredients and rooted in sustainability. To mark the occasion, the brand is also offering festive exclusives, including limited-edition combos, pre-launch products, and special offers at Dabur Newu outlets.

    With this launch, Ashpveda isn’t just selling skincare, it’s bottling the spirit of Ayurveda for the festive glow-up every beauty lover deserves.

  • Puranique Spirits raises a toast with India entry

    Puranique Spirits raises a toast with India entry

    MUMBAI: Here’s to new beginnings with a European twist! Puranique Spirits has officially entered the Indian market, bringing a taste of refined luxury with its flagship Puranique Vodka and Puranique VSOP Cognac. The launch took place at an exclusive event at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, with veteran actor Mahesh Manjrekar unveiled as the brand ambassador.

    Distilled nine times for exceptional smoothness, Puranique Vodka promises a silky sip, while the VSOP Cognac showcases French craftsmanship at its finest. Drawing from heritage distilleries in France and the Scottish Highlands, Puranique has spent over two decades perfecting spirits now enjoyed in 18 countries.

    Puranique Spirits India CEO Anoop Mohan said, “India is a hotspot for premium spirits. Consumers want more than a drink, they want an authentic, world-class experience. Our entry brings European legacy to match India’s growing taste for refined beverages.”

    The brand plans to expand its Indian portfolio to 24 premium offerings by 2026, covering five key categories: Cognac, Gin, Rum, Vodka, and Artisan Craft Spirits. Each product promises authenticity, quality, and a touch of luxury for discerning consumers.

    Mahesh Manjrekar added, “Puranique is not just about beverages, it’s about creating experiences. I’m proud to be part of a brand that blends heritage, craftsmanship, and refinement for India’s premium market.”

    With this launch, Puranique Spirits aims to set a new benchmark in India’s luxury beverage scene, pairing European excellence with the country’s evolving palate for world-class spirits.

  • Yes and Centum win big for powering youth dreams

    Yes and Centum win big for powering youth dreams

    MUMBAI: Talk about making a skill-ful impact! Yes Foundation and Centum Foundation have bagged the prestigious Mahatma Award for Partnership & Impact 2025 for their joint initiative, the Youth Empowerment for Security (YES) Programme, which is changing the lives of young Indians one skill at a time.

    The initiative, focused on skilling and employability, has trained over 1,800 underserved youth across Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana, and Assam, with more than 30 per cent women participants. Over 1,250 of them have already found jobs in fast-growing sectors such as retail, BFSI, healthcare, and logistics.

    The programme’s success comes at a time when women’s workforce participation in India is on the rise. Government data shows the female worker population ratio jumped from 30.2 per cent in June to 32 per cent in August 2025, signalling a strong push towards inclusion.

    “This partnership is helping young people gain skills, confidence, and opportunities,” said Yes Bank president, CSR and CEO of Yes Foundation  Garima Dutt. “It’s not just transforming lives but building a future of economic self-reliance and inclusive growth.”

    Upgrad Enterprise CEO Srikanth Iyengar, which supports Centum Foundation through scalable skilling models, added, “Social impact doesn’t happen overnight. Together, we’re bridging the gap between aspiration and opportunity, especially for women and rural youth.”

    Instituted by philanthropist Amit Sachdeva and supported by the Aditya Birla Group, the Mahatma Award celebrates organisations that embody Gandhian values of truth, inclusion, and social justice. Previous winners include icons such as Ratan Tata, Sudha Murthy, and Microsoft Philanthropy.

    The recognition adds to Centum Foundation’s growing list of honours, including a recent Brandon Hall Gold Award for the same initiative, proving that when partnerships work with purpose, the impact speaks louder than words.

  • Mecturing sweeps into festive season with smart Mopx and big savings

    Mecturing sweeps into festive season with smart Mopx and big savings

    MUMBAI: Looks like this festive season just got a smart upgrade! Mecturing, India’s homegrown innovator in smart home and lifestyle tech, has kicked off its ‘Smart festive sale 2025’, a month-long celebration of intelligent living that runs from 22 September to 22 October 2025.

    From jaw-dropping discounts of up to 60 per cent, instant 10 per cent savings on SBI and ICICI cards, to 0 per cent EMI options and free Diwali demos, the sale promises to make high-tech living not just aspirational but accessible. Customers can also enjoy a one-year extended warranty and a 10-year suction motor warranty, the first of its kind in the industry.

    At the heart of the celebration is the launch of the all-new Mopx series, a futuristic cleaning marvel featuring, biomimetic dual rotating mop technology that mimics real human scrubbing for spotless results. Priced at Rs 24,999, the Mopx delivers professional-grade cleaning designed especially for Indian homes and at a fraction of typical market costs.

    Founder and CEO Aditya More summed up the spirit of the campaign perfectly.  “The festive season is a time of joy and togetherness. With our smart festive sale 2025, we want to inspire people to embrace smarter living by upgrading to intelligent home solutions that combine convenience, innovation, and long-term value.”

    And that’s not all, every purchase during the sale brings assured festive gifts, from smart mixers and consumable kits to water heaters, mop liquids, and even surprise vouchers. Plus, Mecturing’s free exchange plan offers up to 80 per cent buy-back value, underscoring its customer-first approach.

    Whether it’s cleaning smarter, cooking quicker, or simply living better, Mecturing’s festive initiative makes sure Indian homes shine brighter and cleaner this Diwali.

  • Nothing’s Diwali ad lights up with witty sparkle

    Nothing’s Diwali ad lights up with witty sparkle

    MUMBAI: Talk about lighting up Diwali with a spark of mischief! Nothing’s latest campaign, Go Subtle or Go Nothing, throws glitter at the clichés of festive advertising, and then cheekily sweeps them away.

    In a season where every brand tries to tug heartstrings or dazzle with drama, Nothing takes a sly detour. The film opens like a familiar Diwali ad: think slow music, soft lighting, and predictable gifting, before turning it all on its head. Characters suddenly break the fourth wall, a dry voiceover kicks in, and the film gleefully pokes fun at its own genre.

    From a Nothing phone 3 strung up like fairy lights to Headphone 1 doubling as diya stands and CMF buds arranged into rangoli, the ad revels in playful absurdity. With comedian Samay Raina lending his trademark wit to the narration, the film feels like a love letter to Diwali ads, with a wink.

    “We wanted a campaign that feels fresh, playful, and unapologetically bold,” said Nothing co-founder and India president Akis Evangelidis. “Diwali is about creativity and joy, and we wanted to bring that spirit to life while staying true to Nothing’s offbeat style.”

    Written by Vishal Dayama and Rajat Thakur, produced by Devarsh Thaker for Braindad, and directed by Aneesh Malankar, the campaign is live across Nothing’s digital channels, encouraging fans to celebrate the festival of lights with a twist of irony and a dash of glow.

    After all, this Diwali, you can either go subtle, or go Nothing.

  • Bajaj lights up Kolkata’s Pujo with power and poise

    Bajaj lights up Kolkata’s Pujo with power and poise

    MUMBAI: Talk about turning up the wattage this Pujo! Bajaj plugged into Kolkata’s festive spirit with a sparkling campaign that blended tradition, technology, and a touch of nostalgia.

    The brand didn’t just stay home this year, it stepped into the heart of the celebrations, lighting up some of Kolkata’s most iconic pandals. From a radiant LED tunnel at Deshpriya Park to towering displays at Sreebhumi Sporting Club and a 16-day-long sky high LED spectacle at Tala Park Road, Bajaj quite literally became part of the city’s festive glow.

    Adding digital dazzle to the celebrations, actress and influencer Ishita Dutta brought her Bengali roots and warm charm to a special film that celebrates the flavours of Durga Pujo. In the short, she recreates her mother’s festive dishes: khichuri, labra, chutney, and payesh, with a little help from the Bajaj Evoque 1000W mixer grinder. With its sturdy motor, Duracut blades, and tough military-grade jars, the Evoque became the star of the kitchen, blending heritage with modern ease.

    The campaign encouraged devotees to share their Pujo snapshots across social media, tagging Bajaj electricals and creating a citywide ripple of festive energy online.

    With its glowing pandal presence and heartfelt storytelling, Bajaj once again proved it knows how to light up not just homes, but hearts too.

  • Balaji Telefilms and Story TV forge alliance for micro-dramas

    Balaji Telefilms and Story TV forge alliance for micro-dramas

    MUMBAI: India’s Balaji Telefilms, the production house behind two decades of television hits, has teamed up with Story TV, a fledgling micro-drama platform, to flood smartphones with bite-sized narratives tailored for impatient viewers.

    The collaboration promises original content spanning multiple genres and languages, designed for vertical screens and short attention spans. Story TV, launched earlier this year by the Eloelo group, claims 10 million users already—a rapid ascent for a platform banking on one-minute episodes.

    “Micro dramas will be more than a $5 billion market in the next three years,” predicts Story TV founder & chief executive Saurabh Pandey. “Together with Balaji, our exclusive partnership will make micro dramas a staple across India.”

    Balaji Telefilms  jt managing director Ekta Kapoor calls the alliance “a game-changer, setting the stage for powerful, fresh storytelling that’s fearless and fast-paced.”

    Balaji brings decades of audience trust and a catalogue of iconic serials to a format that strips storytelling down to its essentials.

    Balaji Telefilms chief executive Sanjay Dwivedi frames it as evolution. “Micro dramas represent an exciting frontier—short, impactful, and designed for today’s mobile-first viewers,” he says. “This collaboration allows us to take our storytelling legacy into a new format.”

    Story TV has already amassed over 300 original micro-dramas with titles like Mafia Don, Secret Soldier and Hacker King. The platform’s vertical-video approach aligns with consumption habits shaped by social media, where brevity trumps depth and swipes outnumber sits.

    The partnership marks a significant bet on India’s appetite for culturally rooted stories delivered at breakneck speed—entertainment reimagined for thumbs, not remotes.

  • ITC Master Chef turns up the heat with new fries and kebab delights

    ITC Master Chef turns up the heat with new fries and kebab delights

    MUMBAI: The freezer aisle just got a little hotter and a whole lot tastier. ITC Master Chef is turning up the flavour dial with two bold new entries to its frozen food spread: Piri Piri French Fries and Chicken Malai Seekh Kebab.

    For those who like their snacking with a side of spice, the Piri Piri French Fries bring a fiery twist to a comfort classic. Made from quality potatoes and packed with two sachets of piri piri seasoning, they’re crisp, punchy, and addictive, perfect for air frying or deep frying when that craving hits.

    Balancing the heat with something mellow, the Chicken Malai Seekh Kebab steps in with creamy indulgence. Rich in protein and curated with subtle spices and dairy notes, it promises a melt-in-mouth, restaurant-style experience that can be ready in minutes whether on the tawa, in the oven, or microwave.

    “With consumers seeking both taste and convenience in their everyday snacking, we are delighted to launch two new products,” said ITC Limited vice president and business head for frozen and fresh foods Ashu Phakey. “The Chicken Malai Seekh Kebab is a treat for kebab lovers, while the Piri Piri Fries bring home the bold, zesty flavours consumers love.”

    True to ITC Master Chef’s culinary promise, both products are freshly frozen, crafted with hygiene and care, and backed by the brand’s hallmark of quality. They join recent launches like Sabudana Tikki, Hara Bhara Kebab, and Punjabi Samosa, strengthening the brand’s hold over India’s frozen snacking market.

    Now sizzling their way to leading retail and e-commerce shelves, ITC Master Chef’s new duo proves one thing whether you like it hot or mild, this brand has your cravings covered.

  • Spykar and Vidyut Jammwal stitch together stories in new podcast drop

    Spykar and Vidyut Jammwal stitch together stories in new podcast drop

    MUMBAI: Looks like Spykar is weaving more than denim, it’s stitching together stories worth listening to. The homegrown fashion brand has dropped the second episode of its podcast series, It’s in our jeans, featuring actor and martial artist Vidyut Jammwal in an unfiltered, heart-to-heart chat with Spykar co-founder and CEO Sanjay Vakharia.

    Following the success of its debut episode, the series continues to celebrate Indian grit, creativity, and ambition through candid conversations. In this latest instalment, Vidyut takes listeners on a journey through his modelling days, film career, and Hollywood debut: all while reflecting on failure, discipline, and the art of staying grounded.

    “It’s always a pleasure speaking with Vidyut, and sharing our camaraderie with the world through this podcast was truly special,” said Vakharia. “His discipline and energy are infectious. This episode offers a deep dive into his life and mindset that’s sure to inspire many.”

    Fittingly recorded at Spykar’s stylish corporate headquarters, the episode captures the brand’s authenticity and the actor’s raw honesty. Jammwal fondly recalls his first big modelling campaign for Spykar itself calling it a full-circle moment. “Imagine going from modelling for a brand to acting, and then endorsing it again. That’s an achievement,” he said.

    On failure, he offered a striking perspective: “The difference between a student and a master is that the student fails a few times, but a master fails a zillion times. I don’t see failures as failures. Nothing in my life has gone my way and thank god for that.”

    With new episodes dropping every fortnight, ‘It’s in our jeans’ continues to bring India’s finest voices to the forefront. The podcast is streaming on Spotify, Youtube, and Apple podcasts, making it easy to tune in wherever you are.