9, May 2024
PARKSONS CARTAMUNDI Presents ‘Asli Fan Khelta Hai’: A Digital Film Celebrating True Fan Love for the Game
08th May 2024, Mumbai: Parksons Cartamundi, a leading player in the evolving world of playing cards worldwide, today unveiled a new digital film for the launch of “The Official Mumbai Indians Playing Cards”. The exciting new film captures the essence of Mumbai’s passionate fan culture, showcasing how cricket transcends the boundaries of the stadium and brings people together.
Produced by Schbang Motion Pictures, the film explores the essence of what it means to be an “Asli Fan.” These are the passionate supporters who go beyond simply watching the game. They live and breathe their team spirit, actively participating in the experience. They’re the ones proudly sporting Mumbai Indians jerseys, and now, owning a deck of these specially designed playing cards becomes another way to showcase their devotion. Understanding this, Parksons Cartamundi has launched a captivating/fun digital film cleverly highlighting the shared spirit of competition that binds cricket and playing cards. Just like on the cricket pitch, where the best team emerges victorious, playing cards offer a fun and competitive experience that unites people.
The narrative follows a dedicated Mumbai Indians fan navigating the vibrant city, encountering fellow fans from all walks of life – from taxi drivers to fishermen, dabbawalas to gully cricket players. United by their love for the game and their team, they connect through the joy of playing cards, showcasing the diverse and relatable characters that make Mumbai’s fan culture so special. With the tagline “Asli Fan Khelta Hai!” (A True Fan Plays!), the campaign celebrates this passionate fan culture. The film beautifully captures how playing cards transcend boundaries, uniting fans in their shared love for the game.
Speaking about the latest film, Mr. Kapil Kejriwal, CEO & MD, of Parksons Cartamundi Private Limited, said, “At Parksons Cartamundi, we believe playing cards is not just a game to pass your time. Rather, it plays an essential role in adding emotions and unity to every game played. Similarly, the new range of Mumbai Indians playing cards helps the Asli Fans support and play the match along with their favorite team. Our new film perfectly captures this spirit, showcasing how the joy of playing cards transcends boundaries and unites fans in a shared love for the game. Through this digital film, we aim to inspire fans to embrace their passion for cricket and card playing!”
The film opens with a captivating montage of everyday Mumbai characters converging on an empty parking lot. As the camera pans across, we see glimpses of a pack of the Parksons Cartamundi X Mumbai Indians cards being shuffled, hinting at the playful competition to come. The narrative unfolds with the protagonist, a die-hard Mumbai Indians fan, showcasing his signature card moves and infectious enthusiasm. Further highlighting, various types of Mumbaikers showcasing celebration and support in their unique styles for their favorite cricket team.
Speaking on the film Rachaita Vyas, Head of Schbang Motion Pictures said, “We are delighted to announce our successful partnership with Parksons Cartamundi for the launch of an innovative project. Embracing the spirit of IPL, we have created a captivating experience that resonates with the Mumbai-ya vibe. This collaboration has been a rewarding journey, and we are thrilled to have contributed to something special for our target audience.”
Zeeshanali Ruby, Associate Vice President – Brand Solutions, Schbang shared his views, “The most effective approach to selling and generating awareness about an entertainment solution is by captivating and entertaining the audience with the promotional content itself. By immersing them in an engaging experience, we not only grab their attention but also leave a lasting impression that drives interest and enthusiasm for our offering.”
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- By Rabindra
9, May 2024
OLX Unveils 2.0 Transformation; Classified Business to take Centre Stage
INDIA, Gurugram, 9th May 2024 — OLX, India’s leading online classifieds platform, has announced its strategic move to focus on its classified business post its acquisition by Cartrade Tech (NSE: CARTRADE).
This strategic pivot reflects OLX’s commitment to offering over 35 million monthly active unique (MAU) users a seamless experience of buying and selling pre-owned goods, enhancing their lives every single day.
Beyond buying and selling, these transactions also help build meaningful connections and positive outcomes. The OLX platform provides consumers and businesses with access to the widest array of used goods in India, enabling them to buy their most preferred brands without any budgetary constraints, turning aspirations into reality.
OLX aims to redefine the online classified landscape with its multi-category platform for its users, thereby enhancing user experiences with quality products that foster trust within the community by continuously educating them about online safety.
Focus Categories
OLX continues to have a strong presence across various segments within the online classified landscape, with one of the largest dealer networks and listings spanning 12 broad categories. Going forward, OLX is expanding its focus to encompass a wider range of categories, including real estate, jobs, consumer durables, and smartphones, in addition to its existing pre-owned car and bike category. These five categories collectively contribute to more than 80% of OLX’s listings, of over 3 million each month. This strategic move aligns with OLX’s commitment to meet the evolving needs of consumers.
Furthermore, the recent acquisition of OLX by the CarTrade Group has significantly enhanced the company’s reach, with over 70 million unique consumers being served on a monthly basis across the group companies. This positions OLX as one of the largest consumer-facing businesses in India, further solidifying its market presence.
Key Industry Partnerships
OLX is actively forming partnerships with industry leaders across key categories to enhance its platform and deliver an unparalleled user experience. As the enabler, OLX aims to provide access to relevant business partners that include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and other service providers e.g. financial institutions, to its extensive user base of more than 35 million to expand market reach and offer its consumers a wide range of products and services.
OLX recently announced two such partnerships, one with Cars24 and the other with Royal Enfield. The partnership with Cars24 harnesses the synergies between the platforms, offering users an expanded array of options with enhanced features, including warranties on its used cars, an industry first for purchasing and selling pre-owned cars on a used-goods platform.
The collaboration with Royal Enfield introduces ‘Reown,’ their initiative for a company-operated pre-owned motorcycle business. This initiative facilitates seamless access to potential consumers to buy certified pre-owned Royal Enfield motorcycles directly through the OLX platform.
“We are excited about this strategic move and the unprecedented growth achieved through our integration with the CarTrade Group, further solidifying our commitment to serving consumers. It aligns with our vision to be at the forefront of the online classifieds space, offering users not only a reliable platform for automotive transactions but also a versatile marketplace for diverse needs. Our focus on real estate, bikes, jobs, consumer durables, and smartphones is set to solidify OLX’s leadership position and deliver great value to our users.”, said Amit Kumar, Managing Director & CEO OLX India
8, May 2024
Analyzing Indian Real Estate During Election Years
By – Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces
The political atmosphere in India has a big impact on the property market, just like it does in other countries – especially during general election seasons. Election cycles have had a discernible impact on the real estate market over the last twelve years. What should end users and investors expect after the forthcoming general elections? Let’s examine the behavior of the Indian housing market before and after the general elections.
Trends Ahead of the Election
In the past, we have seen that the Indian real estate market tends to slow down in the run-up to general elections. This is because buyers and investors become cautious when there is uncertainty surrounding the results of elections and possible changes to policy. Pre-election data usually shows a trend of lower transaction volumes and reduced rate of property price rises.
For example, the market saw a notable decline in sales and new launches during the 2014 general elections. The top seven cities in India had an almost 30% drop in home sales in the quarters preceding the elections. Similar patterns were seen in 2019, with the primary and secondary markets slowing down as aspiring buyers and investors opted to wait and watch.
Recovery Following Election
The housing market usually rebounds markedly after elections. Clarity on government policy and restored consumer confidence are often the driving forces behind this rebound. Following the 2014 elections that resulted in the arrival of a stable government, there was a notable upturn in the market. Positive consumer sentiment and increased investment caused an almost 50% increase in sales in the following months, according to reports.
These patterns were repeated in the 2019 elections. Again, the reviving market momentum was supported by the guarantee of political stability. Another factor at play was that people now had confidence in the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act or RERA. By the end of 2019, new investments were flooding the market, not only in the residential space but also in commercial real estate.
Current Market & Future Outlook
This year, the housing market in India has remained resilient even in the period of uncertainty before the general elections. The current government has taken several measures to increase housing demand, infrastructure development, and economic reforms. A general confidence that this government will continue to remain in power has provided considerable protection from the typical pre-election downturn.
After the election, the Indian housing sector has every reason to remain upbeat. The market will definitely rise if the party in power can maintain the policy and safeguard economic stability. There are also industry expectations that the GST applicable on building supplies may be moderated with upcoming regulations. This would prove to be a big shot in the arm for both developers and their customers, as will help keep property price rises in check.
Apart from that, there are expectations that the availability of financing for the housing sector may improve and that affordable housing once again becomes a priority sector for the government. All this will certainly contribute to steadily improving housing market dynamics.
Implications for Investors
The post-election phase will deliver very attractive opportunities for both buyers and investors of residential real estate. Once the government announces more measures to boost the market and stabilize the economy further, real estate will rise and yield very significant returns due to price appreciation and increased demand. Such measures will dovetail very well with the growing trend of digitization and transparency in real estate transactions.
8, May 2024
GD Goenka Vasant Kunj Unveils State-of-the-Art Sports Arena with ITMagia and Push Sports
New Delhi, May 08, 2024: GD Goenka Public School, Vasant Kunj, one of the leading educational institutions in India, has unveiled the GD Goenka Sports Arena in collaboration with the renowned sports and event management company ITMagia and sports-tech firm Push Sports.
Nestled within the school’s sprawling campus, the sports facility covers an acre and features state-of-the-art facilities, including a remarkable 9v9 FIFA-approved artificial turf for football, four cricket pitches with bowling machines, courts for padel and pickleball, an indoor facility for basketball and badminton, a covered swimming pool with heating and a volleyball court.
India recognises the indispensable role of sports and fitness in individuals’ lives, societal well-being, and national development. Through active participation in sports, individuals imbibe values of teamwork, strategic thinking, leadership, and goal setting, fostering a healthier and stronger society. Sport is one of the most productive ways the youth of any society can spend their non-work hours.
In this regard, the GD Goenka Sports Arena will cater to 3000 students, enabling them to focus on their fitness and wellbeing. Furthermore, the academy will also function during post-school hours for the students.
Sharing his delight and underscoring the significance of sports in students’ lives, Mr. Nipun Goenka, Director of GD Goenka Group, said,”The new sports facility at GD Goenka Public School in Vasant Kunj marks a significant step towards enhancing the well-being of our students. By providing world-class infrastructure, we empower them to embrace fitness, teamwork, and responsibility, nurturing not just athletes but well-rounded individuals poised for success.”
The inaugural event also witnessed the presence of eminent personalities, including actor and TV personality Mr. Rannvijay Singha and Mr. Abhinandan Sekhri, Co-Founder and CEO of Newslaundry. Their participation served as a testament to GD Goenka Public School’s commitment to promoting a culture of excellence in sports and the overall well-being of students.
”It is inspiring to see the focus of sports expanding beyond cricket. GD Goenka Sports Arena reflects a shift towards promoting diverse sports, offering students a broader spectrum of athletic opportunities to explore and excel,” said Mr.Rannvijay Singha.
Emphasising that the collaboration between schools and sports management companies is an incredible initiative, Mr. Abhinandan Sekhri said,”Sports has always been my first love, and its importance in a healthy society cannot be overstated. It is an arena for children to learn teamwork, accommodate differences and grow emotionally. The coming together of sports management companies and schools to make a big tent for children to work together and interact is an excellent idea.”
Ambitious initiatives such as the Khelo India programme and the FIT India Movement highlight India’s commitment to revitalising the sports culture at grassroots levels and promoting fitness as an integral part of daily life. By promoting indigenous sports, spreading awareness, and providing accessible platforms for fitness, India aims to foster a nation where every citizen embraces a physically active lifestyle, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant society.
The occasion also witnessed a captivating football match in which Mr. Nipun Goenka, Mr. Rannvijay Singha, Mr. Abhinandan Sekhri and Mr. Hemant Sharma, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Legends Cup, showcased their skills and competitive spirit on the field with the students.
“ITMagia is not just building sports infrastructure but is constructing pathways to a brighter future for schools and children. By developing these sports facilities, we are investing in the holistic development of our youth, empowering them to reach their maximum potential both on and off the field,” said Mr. Arpit Gupta, Director & Co-Founder of ITMagia.
Echoing his opinion, Mr. Nitin Pahuja, Founder and CEO, Push Sports, said,”We at Push Sports are delighted to announce our partnership with GD Goenka School, Vasant Kunj, and iTMagia. We believe in the transformative power of sports in shaping the lives of youth, and this collaboration marks an exciting milestone as we come together to provide a cutting-edge facility for young athletes, empowering them to pursue their passion for sports.
Exceptional sports facilities like the GD Goenka Sports Arena will also encourage widespread participation in sports to cultivate a culture of excellence. This will enable athletes to realise their full potential and propel India towards becoming a sporting powerhouse as well as a multidisciplinary University accredited by UGC, BCI and ICAR.
8, May 2024
Asus Announces Expertbook B3 Series
Mumbai, May 08, 2024 — ASUS today announces the launch of its ExpertBook B3 laptop series in India to cater to the diverse requirements of businesses across different market segments. This laptop series is powered by innovation, providing an excellent mix of durability and customization to boost productivity, elevate security and privacy.
ExpertBook B3’s lineup foremost features powerful performance thanks to 13th generation Intel® Core processors, with both the ultra-efficient U-series processors and performance P-series. The series optionally can be equipped with powerful NVIDIA® dedicated graphics, and a vibrant immersive screen (touchscreen optional) with a tall 16:10 aspect ratio. The ExpertBook B3 series is also packed with full connectivity – featuring a range of full I/O ports along with a full-size RJ-45 port and WiFi 6E for intensely fast wireless performance. The ExpertBook B3 series features a fast Gen 4 NVMe SSD that allows the laptop to boot in a mere few seconds and multi-task with productivity apps – all day long. RAM upgrades are up to an incredible 64GB DDR5-5600 with Dual SO-DIMM slots.
For Enterprise-class support, the ExpertBook B3 series features support for up to vPro® Enterprise for secure remote management, a secure TPM 2.0[i] chip, and MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability[ii] along with ASUS Internal testing — all in a design that embraces an eco-conscious outlook and embodies accountability and sustainability.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Dinesh Sharma, Vice President, Commercial PC and Smartphone, System Business Group, ASUS India, said, “The ASUS ExpertBook B3 series is meticulously engineered to meet the diverse needs of enterprises across all sectors by effortlessly elevating productivity, strengthening security, and facilitating seamless communication for the users. Business users in India will surely appreciate its powerful processing, exceptional durability, and long-lasting battery life, along with highly customizable features related to chassis design, screen sizes, security, connectivity, and graphics. With military-grade durability and eco-conscious design, the ASUS ExpertBook B3 epitomizes our dedication to providing businesses with innovative solutions.”
Powered by Innovation
The ASUS ExpertBook B3 is engineered to enhance business capabilities, providing the fast and responsive performance essential for today’s demands — enabling seamless multitasking, advanced data handling, and streamlined operations.
Featuring up to 13th generation Intel® Core processors, up to NVIDIA RTX 2050 (4GB GDDR6) dedicated graphics and support of up to 64 GB of DDR5 RAM over dual slots provide raw performance needed to innovate the way business is done, reshaping workflows to get the job done without breaking a sweat, all day long!
The latest B3 models also benefit from a comprehensive set of ports for versatile peripheral connections and easy data transfers. This includes Wi-Fi 6E along with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and a built-in smart card[iii] reader for use as a secondary ID check and enhanced security. There’s also the latest Thunderbolt™ 4 USB-C® port, which supports 40 Gbps data transfer speeds, dual 4K display output via HDMI and USB-C with DisplayPort, an RJ-45 Ethernet socket, plus fast-charging support with the bundled 65W/90W USB-C charger.
Flexible Configurations
The latest ExpertBook B3 laptops offer the freedom and flexibility to be tailored to meet specific requirements or everyday computing tasks — with configuration feature options that include –
Display – Optional IPS WQXGA (2560 x 1600) Touchscreen with MPP2.0 stylus support,
Stylus – Optional ASUS Pen 2.0 stylus for touchscreen enabled configuration,
Processor – Optional Intel® vPro® enabled processors,
Graphics – Optional NVIDIA RTX 2050 (4GB GDDR6) discrete graphics,
SSD – Optional SSDs ranging from OPAL SED (Self Encrypting Drive) SSD, Value SSD (NVME x2), and Performance SSD (NVME x4),
Battery – Optional 3-cell 50Wh or 63Wh battery packs,
Keyboard – Optional backlit chiclet keyboard,
Camera – Optional Full-HD IR enabled camera[iv] with Windows Hello support,
Security – Optional smart card reader for multifactor authentication, and full vPro® Enterprise solution.
The optional touchscreen B3 models are also compatible with ASUS Pen 2.0[v], and other MPP 2.0-compatible input devices, for versatile mobile productivity.
Productivity-First Design
Smartly designed for modern business and forward-thinking organizations, ExpertBook B3 series embraces a true productivity-first approach — making it ideal for today’s hybrid-working paradigm. The bright, clear 14-inch (B3404) or 16-inch (B3604) NanoEdge display with wide viewing angles and a taller 16:10 aspect ratio, plus a greatly-improved up to 85% screen-to-body ratio, delivers superb visual experiences — with more vertical workspace.
The ExpertBook B3 features fast charging and a long-lasting 3-cell battery[vi] with options of either 50Wh or 63Wh, it ensures seamless and efficient productivity experiences.
To provide exceptional remote-working and video-conferencing experiences, B3 features AI-powered noise-cancelation technology that cancels out unwanted background noise and picks up the user’s voice for optimum conference-call quality, and up to an optional Full-HD IR camera for exceptional video.
The ExpertBook B3604, in particular, features a full-sized numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard, easing and speeding data-entry efficiency — perfect for when dealing with lots of numeric figures, and features a massively large trackpad providing enough room for multi-finger Windows gestures.
Enterprise-Grade Security and Privacy
The ExpertBook B3 series is packed with technology to provide strong data security and privacy protection.
For starters, B3 has built-in biometric security — in the form of an integrated infrared camera for Windows Hello facial recognition and a fingerprint sensor that’s placed on the Power key for easy access. These are bolstered by an optional smart-card reader to enable easy two-factor authentication, with a password and recognized card required for login. A discrete TPM 2.0 chip securely stores authentication information utilized by software, safeguarding crucial data and transactions, including passwords and encryption keys.
The laptops also benefit from a physical webcam cover for an assurance of instant privacy when it’s not in use — with just a quick finger flick required for operation. There’s also an integrated Kensington lock slot, providing a physical security option for safeguarding the hardware when used in unsupervised locations.
World-class Durability
The ExpertBook B3 is designed and tested for rugged business mobility. It is MIL-STD 810H Military-grade certified, passing stringent 23 tests in 10 categories. Additionally, the laptop is also ASUS internally tested for measures such as the hinges tested for 30000 open and close cycles, tested to bear up to 25kg of force on the aluminium lid, up to 5000 times of plug-in and out port tests, drop tests up to 30cm, and spill-resistance up to 60cc.
8, May 2024
Rotary Midtown spreads awareness on Cancer; organises road show along Mangalore route
In a bid to tackle the formidable challenge of cancer, Rotary Bangalore Midtown, in collaboration with Rotary District 3191, has embarked on a journey on 19th and 20th April 2024 aimed at spreading awareness and promoting Rotary’s Answer to Cancer Enigma (RACE) program. This initiative, known as the RACE Road Show, seeks to engage with communities and Rotary clubs along the route to Mangalore and back, with the shared goal of combatting cancer through early detection and prevention.
Cancer remains one of the most pressing health concerns globally, affecting millions of lives each year. Recognizing the urgency to address this issue, Rotary Bangalore Midtown has taken proactive steps by introducing the RACE program, which emphasizes the importance of regular cancer screenings as a vital tool in saving lives.
The RACE Road Show symbolizes a collective effort by Rotary members to raise awareness about the significance of early detection and timely intervention in the fight against cancer. Over the course of the journey, members from Rotary Bangalore Midtown and District 3191 will visit approximately 20 Rotary clubs in Ramanagara, Channapatna, Mandya, Mysore and Hassan engaging with fellow Rotarians, community leaders, and the public at large.
The Road Show serves as a platform for sharing information about the RACE program’s objectives, methodologies, and impact. Through interactive sessions and discussions, participants will gain insights into the importance of regular screenings, risk factors associated with different types of cancer, and available resources for support and treatment.
Moreover, the RACE Road Show aims to foster collaboration and synergy among Rotary clubs, leveraging their collective strengths and resources to amplify the reach and impact of cancer awareness and prevention efforts. By building partnerships and mobilizing support at the grassroots level, Rotary members aspire to create a ripple effect that transcends geographical boundaries, ultimately contributing to a significant reduction in cancer-related morbidity and mortality.
Beyond raising awareness, the Road Show also endeavours to inspire action and participation from individuals and communities. Through educational initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and community outreach programs, Rotary members aim to empower people to take proactive steps towards prioritizing their health and well-being.
As the Road Show unfolds, Rotary Bangalore Midtown and District 3191 invite fellow Rotarians, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and concerned citizens to join hands in the fight against cancer. By working together and embracing the spirit of service above self, we can strive towards a future where cancer is no longer a dreaded enigma but a conquerable challenge.
In conclusion, the RACE Road Show represents a testament to Rotary’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities affected by cancer. Through collective action, education, and advocacy, we can pave the way towards a healthier, cancer-free world.
8, May 2024
Aarika Innovations Launches Golden Eye, A Solar Plant Monitoring system for optimization
May 2024, Aarika Innovations, a trailblazer in the deep tech industry. Renowned for innovative solutions for enhancing workplace safety, Golden Eye today unveiled its latest advancement in solar plant monitoring systems. Golden Eye is designed to transform the management and optimization of solar energy assets using pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing technologies, promising enhanced efficiency and reliability in solar energy production.
Golden Eye increases uptime and leverages asset production effectively. Its robust design allows for the continuous operation of solar plants, significantly boosting overall efficiency. The system offers an intuitive interface for monitoring all aspects of a solar plant system, including main power sources and inverters, ensuring optimal performance.
Golden Eye enables proactive management by allowing users to take targeted actions based on observed trends and performance degradations. This approach helps maintain high-performance standards by addressing potential issues swiftly. Users receive near real-time production data, warnings, alarms, and other critical metrics, facilitating quick adjustments and improved management.
Golden Eye employs AI-based computer vision to capture real-time data from electricity meters without needing to interact with circuits. Additionally, it integrates edge computing to process data directly at the local control panel, minimizing latency and speeding up data handling by sending only summary data to the cloud.
Golden Eye is accessible via web and mobile app, offering comprehensive views and push notifications for critical alerts such as power failures. This ensures users are always informed and can respond immediately.
“Golden Eye is more than just a monitoring system. It is a comprehensive solution that empowers solar energy producers to maximize their output while minimizing costs and downtime,” stated Swayam Agrawal, Founder of Aarika Innovations. “With this innovative technology, we are setting new industry standards and helping pave the way towards a more sustainable and efficient future.”
Aarika Innovations is committed to enhancing workplace safety using new technologies. By combining cutting-edge hardware and software, the company creates tailor-made safety solutions that not only protect workers but also safeguard valuable assets in hazardous environments.
8, May 2024
Typsy Beauty Launches at Delhi’s T3 Terminal
Travelers rejoice- It’s time to fly fabulous, as Typsy beauty has landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport) Terminal 3 (T3). Marking a milestone launch, the brand is the first homegrown Indian beauty brand to offer its products at this location.
Open 24/7, this exciting new store caters to the needs of busy travelers seeking high-quality, internationally formulated travel-friendly makeup. Short on time and flying for an event? Typsy beauty has got you covered with expert makeover services and consultations to ensure you adorn your perfect look on the go.
Spread across 20 square meters, the new store boasts a vibrant selection of Typsy Beauty’s best-selling products across all categories – eyes, face, lips, and accessories – ensuring travelers have access to the complete range available online.
Typsy Beauty’s innovative, travel-friendly makeup range makes for the ideal pick-me-up for a long journey or the perfect last-minute gift for globetrotters and those seeking internationally crafted beauty expertise. Lightweight, spill-proof packaging and long-wearing formulas ensure your makeup stays flawless throughout your travels.
To celebrate the grand opening, customers can enjoy a special 10% discount on their first purchase at the T3 store.
8, May 2024
Sudha Reddy Stuns At Met Gala 2024, Pays Ode To Indian Craftsmanship & Heritage
Hyderabad: May 08, 2024: Renowned philanthropist and businesswoman Sudha Reddy, hailing from Hyderabad, made a captivating appearance at the prestigious 2024 Met Gala, hosted at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6th. Embracing the theme ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’, her red-carpet ensemble was a true reflection of her profound understanding of the theme and the ‘Garden Of Time’ dress code, following her remarkable debut in 2021.
Clad in a custom creation from the esteemed couturier Tarun Tahiliani’s atelier, complemented by exquisite jewellery from Farah Khan Ali, Sudha Reddy presented a red-carpet moment that seamlessly blended timelessness with avant-garde flair. Capturing the fleeting essence of time, the monochromatic ensemble wasn’t just couture; it was a masterclass in storytelling and symbolism through fashion. It served as a metaphor for India’s artistic revival, mirroring the nation’s current creative and cultural boom and showcasing the beauty and depth of Indian craftsmanship and design.
Handcrafted by over 80 artisans over a period of 4500-man hours, the ivory silk gown was a true testament to collaboration. The hand-corseted bodice featured a miniature self-portrait of Sudha holding a delicate rose, symbolizing the promise of hope and peace. The bodice itself was a marvel of meticulous craftsmanship, painstakingly rendered with thousands of French knots, intricate Indian couching embroidery, and shimmering silk threads. Adorning the bodice were hand-carved mother-of-pearl flowers, symbolizing luminosity and permanence, while 3D butterflies symbolized the cycle of life. The flowing drapery of the gown cascaded like unfolding flower petals, embodying the yearning for self-expression. Symbolizing themes of regeneration and transformation, a voluminous cape made of panels of embroidered tulle added a textural element to the hand-crafted mother-of-pearl flowers and crystal shoulder accessory designed by Miodrag Guberinić, known for creating accessories for Lady Gaga and Madonna.
The centrepiece of Sudha Reddy’s ensemble was undoubtedly the ‘Amore Eterno’ necklace, a stunning masterpiece from her personal collection. This exquisite piece was adorned with 25 exceptional solitaires, totalling over 180 carats, embodying the enduring legacy of the present and future generations of the Reddy family. At the core of the necklace lay a symbolic family tree crafted from four large, heart-shaped diamonds. The largest diamond, a 25-carat King of Hearts, honouring Krishna Reddy, while the Queen of Hearts, a 20-carat heart, symbolizing Sudha Reddy. Two additional 20-carat hearts, known as the Prince of Knowledge and Prince of Treasures, represented their sons, Pranav and Manas. Completing this masterpiece were twenty-one luminescent round diamonds, symbolizing the shared experiences and cherished moments of Sudha-Krishna’s love story. Other jewels included a 20-carat heart shaped diamond ring and a 23-carat yellow diamond ring.
Sudha Reddy’s elegance extended beyond her outfit with the off-white vintage Chanel clutch from ‘Falling For Camellias’ collection and custom-made pearl-adorned stilettos. Stylist Gautam Kalra assembled a dream team: celebrity makeup artist Nina Ubhi accentuated her natural beauty with fresh dewy make-up and a clean messy bun accentuated with bejewelled hairpins from Amrapali nail artist Fleury Rose transformed her fingertips into miniature works of art with a cascading white flowers and Swarovski crystals manicure that took 100 hours to create.
8, May 2024
Ankush Bahuguna The First Indian Male Beauty Content Creator to debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival
One of the most popular and widely-loved content creators, Ankush Bahuguna, will be seen making a debut on the red carpet of the picturesque town of Cannes on the French Riviera for the 77th Cannes Film Festival — an event that is as much about fashion as it is about films. This makes Bahuguna the first Male Beauty Content Creator from India to make an international presence and showcase his talent on a global platform. To mark this milestone, Ankush is being styled by ace celebrity stylist Akshay Tyagi for the red carpet.
Emerging from a childhood shadowed by self-doubt and bullying as well as navigating through the complexities of his early career choices, Ankush Bahuguna’s journey from the capital city of India to Cannes is nothing short of inspiring. He was a year into pursuing architecture when he found solace in expressing himself through writing and discovered his passion for creating content. Bahuguna has worked his way to become one of the biggest names in the Indian beauty and comedy content creation spaces today, with millions of followers across social media platforms. The niche he has carved for himself with his versatility in the digital landscape around beauty, breaking gender norms and juggling genres through highly captivating and engaging content resonates with audiences globally.
Ankush is also the only male beauty creator with a popular YouTube series. ‘Wing It With Ankush,’ in association with one of the biggest beauty brands in India, is where he experiments with make-up inspo with established names from different walks of life. The series has garnered millions of views across the two seasons. Furthermore, Ankush was also the first male beauty creator who made it to the cover of Forbes magazine and was featured on the Forbes list of India’s top digital creators of 2023. He also made his runway debut with celebrity stylist Esha Amin at the Lakme Fashion Week in 2023.
To Ankush, entertaining the masses is a well-trod territory, and to up the ante, he deep dived into acting with the web series Joint Venture (2019) and Badboli Bhavna (2022). He has also bagged several prestigious accolades like the Cosmopolitan Indian Blogger Award for ‘Beauty Influencer of The Year Male (Popular Choice)’ in 2022 and 2023 and Cosmopolitan India’s Breaking Barriers Award, ‘Outstanding Beauty Creator of the Year‘ at the Myntra x Grazia Glammy Awards in 2023, amongst other noteworthy ones.
Ankush’s prolific journey has seen him breaking barriers and restrictive gender norms through his content revolving around beauty, make-up, and skincare. His debut at the Cannes Film Festival will not only add to his many firsts as a male beauty creator but will also definitely add his distinct voice to the global conversation about normalising make-up and grooming for men.
