11, Jan 2024
hBits Group Announces Mayank Advani as New Associate Director of AIF Sales & Distribution
Mumbai, January 11, 2024: hBits Group, a leader in the proptech industry, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mayank Advani as the new Associate Director of AIF (Alternative Investment Fund) Sales & Distribution. With over 13 years of experience in the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) and consulting sectors, Mayank, an IBS Bangalore alumnus, brings a rich blend of expertise to the team.
His career includes impactful roles at Deloitte, Aditya Birla, Kotak Mahindra, IIFL Wealth, and Motilal Oswal AMC. Mayank’s skills encompass market analysis, sales, and distribution management, particularly focusing on Mutual Funds, Portfolio Management Services (PMS), AIFs, and structured products. In his role at hBits Group, Mayank will spearhead the Sales & Distribution operations for AIF and related offerings. His primary objective is to broaden the group’s influence in the real estate market through a robust distribution network. This network aims to reach a diverse range of domestic and international investors, including those in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in India, facilitating access to organized real estate investment opportunities for HNIs and UHNIs.
Shiv Parekh, director of hBits AMC, expressed his enthusiasm about Mayank joining the team, stating, “We are delighted to have Mayank on board. AIF is a critical focus for our company, and we are confident that his wide-ranging expertise across various asset classes will significantly contribute to our domestic and international business growth.”
In response to his new role, Mayank Advani shared “I am thrilled to join hBits Group during such a transformative period. The Category II AIF marks a pivotal moment, revolutionizing investment in physical real estate. We’ve observed a remarkable growth in real estate-based alternative investments, especially AIFs, over the past six years, and this is just the start. Real estate AIFs promise significant portfolio diversification, aligning with industry forecasts of India’s real estate investment soaring from $280 billion to $1 trillion by 2030. Collaborating with our directors, Mr. Shiv Parekh and Mr. Samir Bhandari, I am eager to lead strategic growth initiatives and explore the many opportunities in the commercial real estate sector.”
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- By Rabindra
11, Jan 2024
Shiprocket Partners with Dependo for Inter-City Logistics Excellence
New Delhi, January 11, 2024: Shiprocket, India’s 106th unicorn and leading eCommerce enablement platform, has joined hands with Dependo, a growing logistics service provider, in a strategic partnership to enable Indian merchants with intercity same/next-day delivery.
The partnership between Shiprocket and Dependo opens new avenues for Indian merchants, empowering them to offer efficient and swift intercity same/next-day delivery services. The collaboration takes advantage of Dependo’s courier network, which offers widespread coverage in major cities, ensuring smooth connectivity for a wide range of merchants. For SDD-NDD, courier partner’s presence is in all major metropolitan areas such as Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Hyderabad,Kolkata , Jaipur , Chennai and Pune .
Speaking about the partnership, Saahil Goel, co-founder and CEO of Shiprocket, said, “We look forward to the strategic collaboration with Dependo, which holds significant promise for the eCommerce landscape in India. Through this partnership, Shiprocket and Dependo are committed to enhancing intercity same- or next-day delivery, presenting a transformative solution for merchants and customers. This collaboration is in line with our dedication to advancing the eCommerce sector and delivering exceptional services to Indian businesses. Together, our goal is to redefine delivery standards and offer sellers a streamlined and expedited shipping experience in key cities.”
Sellers can now avail of next-day delivery from Delhi to Agra, Ambala, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Meerut, Ludhiana, and Dehradun. Additionally, Bangalore sellers can reach Hyderabad and Chennai within the next day, while Mumbai sellers can seamlessly connect with Pune. This collaboration reinforces Shiprocket’s dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that transform the eCommerce landscape in India.
“Collaborating with Shiprocket’s expansive network, coupled with our logistics expertise, is set to redefine intercity same/next-day delivery. This partnership signifies a powerful fusion of strengths, and we anticipate it will bring unparalleled efficiency and convenience to the eCommerce ecosystem,” said Manmohan Aggarwal, The CEO of Dependo.
11, Jan 2024
Back To Work: Embracing Confidence in Contemporary footwear with Metro Shoes
With a new year that has begun and people getting back to work, how do you intend to ace your boardroom style? Don’t you worry, Metro Shoes has you covered! By infusing your personal style preferences with versatile footwear choices, you create a wardrobe that reflects your individuality while ensuring practicality across a range of occasions and outfits.
For men, a classic pair of loafers that are an ever-versatile staple in one’s wardrobe for that effortless transition between formal and semi-formal to a pair of old-school Oxfords that have the innate ability to elevate an outfit by simply leaving a subtle statement to Mocassins to attain some casual charm while keeping comfort in mind and not to forget the classic lace-up shoes and its elegant appeal! From black and white to tan and brown, you can never go wrong with these timeless additions that compliment every outfit effortlessly.
For women, the collection offers a plethora of choices from comfortable and chic looking ballerinas to stunning formal pumps to formal strappy sandals that are a cornerstone in many wardrobes prized for their classic design, elegance and appeal. The color palette has a wide range along with the classic white and black. These fashionable and timeless formal shoes for women offer a perfect balance of style and professionalism, allowing you to express your personal style while adding panache to one’s sartorial choices.
11, Jan 2024
Seiko’s Homage to India: ‘Made of Glory’ Limited Edition Celebrates Heritage
Introducing, the first-ever Seiko 5 Sports Limited Edition, made for India!
January 2024 – Seiko, the iconic Japanese watchmaker, launches the “Made of Glory” India Limited Edition, a tribute to India’s illustrious history. Encased in an intricately crafted presentation box, these exclusive timepieces extend an invitation to enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs to join in a celebration of India’s cultural legacy.
Given Seiko’s commitment to encapsulating the unique narratives of India’s rich culture, this watch stands as an emblem of the nation’s splendid journey.
The timepieces come in two variants of an Indigo Blue and an Ivory White, each limited to 1200 pieces, creating a visually harmonious ensemble. The legendary Seiko 5 Sports Automatic is equipped with a steel strap, engineered to withstand a demanding lifestyle. The bezel showcases the three key colors symbolizing India’s diversity – Saffron, White, and Green, encapsulating the essence of India’s glory. It also features Automatic with Manual Winding functionality.
Breaking the norm for over 50 years, Seiko 5 Sports timepieces have garnered admiration from watch enthusiasts worldwide. Boasting a diverse range of styles, proven durability, and unparalleled, Seiko 5 Sports has adorned the wrists of those pursuing glory, no matter the odds. It is this spirit that drives the design evolution of Seiko 5 Sports, consistently setting new standards and earning the affection of mechanical watch enthusiasts globally.
Pricing: INR 32,000/-
11, Jan 2024
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Announces the 17th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest 2024
Bangalore, 11th January 2024: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is delighted to announce the commencement of the 17th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest for the year 2024. The competition, will be open for entries from 5th to 31st January 2024, with the theme “YOUR DREAM CAR,” inviting children from across the country to unleash their creativity by illustrating and making a sketch of their dream cars. The contest aims to nurture the creativity of young inventors, thinkers, and dreamers. It not only gives children the opportunity to share their ideas about the future of mobility, but also encourages them to envisage and pursue their dreams.
Open for children under the age of 15 years, the contest features three age categories: Category 1 (upto 7 years old), Category 2 (8-11 years old), and Category 3 (12-15 years old). The competition unfolds at both National and Global Levels. The “National Contest” will take place from January 2024 onwards, where nine winners (three from each category) will get an opportunity to compete at the “World Contest” and stand a chance to get an educational grant.
The 16th edition of the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest garnered an overwhelming response, with entries from across the nation. Notably, Ms. Sruthi Manojna, a young artist and National Contest Winner from Andhra Pradesh, India, achieved the prestigious Best Finalist award at the World Contest. Sruthi was rewarded with a cash price in recognition of her exceptional achievement in the age category of 12-15 years.
Since its inception in 2004, the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest has become a global phenomenon, about 780,000 artworks from 90 countries and regions in total submitted to the 16th edition. This overwhelming response is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to providing a boundless space for children to dream freely. The contest fosters an environment where the boundaries of imagination are pushed, and innovative ideas are celebrated without constraint.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all young artists across India to participate wholeheartedly in the 17th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest. Details about the contest, including rules, submission guidelines, and the history of the event, can be found on www.toyotabharat.com/dream-car-contest.
11, Jan 2024
Nethradhama collaborates with Karnataka and Bangalore Ophthalmology Societies
Bengaluru, 11 Jan 2023: Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospitals, a pioneering institution in eye care, collaborates with Karnataka Ophthalmology Society (KOS) and Bangalore Ophthalmology Society (BOS) to conduct one of the well-known international conferences in Ophthalmology. Phaco Festival 2024 is a prominent biennial event that stands at the forefront of ophthalmic education, upskilling, and innovation. The three-day event on the theme of “Ophthalmic Digitalization & Workflow Efficiency” is scheduled to take place from January 12th to 14th, 2024, in Bengaluru. The conference will be inaugurated by Mr. BV Jagadeesh, a respected tech genius, entrepreneur and philanthropist who has founded and funded many enterprise startups.
The conference will provide a premium ophthalmic upskilling experience to the attendees, featuring 3D Live Surgeries, Masterclasses with a line-up of renowned national and international faculty, those who are pioneers in their respective fields, skill transfer courses and Ophthalmic games. The event Phaco Festival, well known for launching new technologies and advancements in the world of eye care, will witness the launch of cutting-edge Lasers and IOL technologies such as EVO Viva – Presbyopic ICL by Staar, Femtis M Plus – Super Premium Laser Lens by Teleon, iStent W – 1st Live SX by Glaukos for the first time in India and Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery by CAPSULaser which is the first time in South India, providing a glimpse into the future of eye care technologies.
Dr. Sri Ganesh, Founder and CMD, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, and the Organizing Chairman of the Phaco Festival, said, “We are glad to announce the 9th edition of Phaco Festival. The Phaco Festival has been a cornerstone in our commitment to advancing ophthalmic awareness and innovations. The Conference focused on upskilling and development training, deliberation on the topic of Ophthalmic Digitalization & and Workflow Efficiency will make it a unique platform for surgeons to explore the latest innovations and refine their skills. I am sure that the budding Ophthalmologists would be able to explore innovative insights on Ophthalmic Digitalization, witness the precision of 3D Live Surgeries, and engage with distinguished International & National Faculty, during the event.”
The festival aims to facilitate skill enhancement through Wetlabs and Masterclasses, ensuring doctors are equipped with the latest techniques and technologies. The international faculty, comprising experts from the UK, Singapore, Taiwan, and Argentina, will contribute to the global exchange of knowledge as well as enhance and foster collaboration in the ophthalmology landscape.
Dr. Supriya Sri Ganesh, Executive Director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, said, ” Phaco Festival brings together the best minds from around the world to share insights, learn from each other’s expertise, and collectively contribute to the advancement of the eye care ecosystem. At Nethradhama, our emphasis lies on patient-centricity and care. Keeping in mind our motto, our focus for this edition of the conference is on digitization and workflow efficiency in surgical practice to stay at the forefront of technological advancements that enhance patient satisfaction.”
The festival will feature
Day 1: Wetlabs, Drylabs and skill transfer courses,
Day 2: Masterclasses, Award Ceremony, DR KR MURTHY ORATION AWARD, Inauguration by BV Jagadeesh followed by an Alumni Meet and Gala Dinner, creating an environment conducive to networking and camaraderie among ophthalmic professionals.
Day 3: 3D Live Surgeries, Gold Medal Lecture
11, Jan 2024
ELGi Powers AIRLAB Fitness’ Simulated High-Altitude Fitness Training Facility in Miami, Florida
Bengaluru, India, January 11, 2024: Elgi Equipments (BSE: 522074 NSE: ELGIEQUIP), one of the world’s leading air compressor manufacturers, has enabled AIRLAB Fitness, a Miami-based, cutting-edge fitness studio, to offer strength, conditioning, and HITT classes at altitude, accelerating endurance gains and expediting the recovery process for every customer. The simulated high-altitude training environment is powered by ELGi’s EG37 Series screw air compressor within hypoxic air chambers from Australian-based Altitude Training Systems (ATS), a pioneer in altitude technology. The compressed air solution addressed AIRLAB’s specific needs by providing excellent air composition, stability, and variability to replicate different altitudes and environments. ELGi’s UPTiME promise and comprehensive, industry-leading warranty plans also ensured reliability, peace of mind, and ease of maintenance, permitting AIRLAB to focus on what they do best.
Co-CEO of AIRLAB Fitness, Varun Jay Varadaraj, said, “At AIRLAB, we embrace the “𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵, 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘄” ethos as a cornerstone of our training philosophy. Our studio takes full advantage of Miami’s environment, enabling our members to push boundaries during high-altitude sessions while ensuring a swift recovery process. ELGi stood out as the only company capable of providing us with an economical compressed air solution at this size and scale. The high-quality and energy-efficient compressed air system from ELGi translated to lower operating costs, a vital aspect for a start-up like ours. With their uptime guarantee, we are assured of continuous support. Thanks to the unwavering support we received, I don’t feel the pressure of becoming an expert in compressed air and compressor maintenance. As a new business with a growing clientele, operational efficiency is crucial to our continued success.”
Compressed air plays a pivotal role in drawing ambient air from the surroundings and delivering it to the hypoxic chamber; simulating a hypoxic atmosphere similar to that seen at higher altitudes with lower oxygen levels by nitrogenizing the air and lowering its oxygen concentration. Pattons, an ELGi subsidiary in North America, supplied the compressor and accessories, to compliment the hypoxic technology from ATS (Altitude Training Systems), a division of Pulford Air & Gas, an ELGi subsidiary in Australia. ELGi’s EG Series EG37-125 compressor was selected basis critical factors such as CFM, flow capabilities, and energy efficiency. The EG Series enabled AIRLAB Fitness to fill their altitude training studio efficiently and cost-effectively within the desired timeframe, delivering exceptional air composition stability and variability to replicate various altitudes and environments. Industrial Air Centers, an ELGi distributor in Florida, provided invaluable assistance with setup and service, ensuring the installation was completed in just one day, allowing AIRLAB to get down to business in record time.
“ELGi’s reliable and efficient compressed air technology is a perfect match for AIRLAB Fitness. We’re excited to be supporting a one-of-a-kind fitness studio. This is a testament to our innovation and ability to provide solutions to meet the compressed air requirements of unique businesses,” added Scott Sutton, Vice President, ELGi Distribution Operations.
Speaking about the hypoxic solution provided by ATS – Altitude Training Systems, Ramesh Ponnuswami, Executive Director (OSEA), Elgi Equipments Limited, said, “ATS’s innovative hypoxic training solution proved to be the ideal choice for AIRLAB Fitness, enabling the creation of high-altitude training conditions that are essential for their fitness programs. ATS provided the technology and expertise required to set up an effective altitude training environment, setting the fitness studio on a trajectory toward new heights of excellence.”
11, Jan 2024
IIT Kanpur joint-study on Cost-Effective Alloy for Energy Storage recognized by Nature Magazine
Bengaluru, 11 January 2024: A research paper and study on the use of a special alloy that could make it easier and affordable to convert and store energy from renewable sources by Prof. Krishanu Biswas of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, IIT Kanpur and a team of multi-institutional researchers has been highlighted by Nature, the world’s leading multidisciplinary science journal, as one of the ‘high-impact research papers from India that are shaping science’.
Prof. Krishanu Biswas and fellow researchers from IIT Mandi, IIT Kharagpur and IISc Bangalore, conducted research on a special kind of material called a high entropy alloy (HEA), comprising a mix of five elements; Cobalt, Iron, Gallium, Nickel, and Zinc, for its use in splitting of water into oxygen and hydrogen. Water splitting is essential in many technological applications such as electrolyzer, fuel cells, and catalysis. The most important aspect of water splitting is its ability to efficiently separate water, abundantly available on the earth, into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen is considered a clean substitute for fossil fuels with net-zero emissions. This research categorically demonstrates the effectiveness of this innovative alloy, surpassing the performance and durability of expensive materials such as ruthenium oxide, currently used for the same purpose. The materials of the study are made up of earth-abundant elements, making it sustainable and easy to fabricate for application. The research paper titled ‘Low-cost high entropy alloy (HEA) for high-efficiency oxygen evolution reaction (OER),’ was published in the Nano Research Journal in its edition dated 2022, 15 (6).
The study has wide ramifications in green hydrogen economy in which energy-rich hydrogen is extracted from water through electrochemical water-splitting. Electrochemical water splitting is a highly promising sustainable and pollution-free approach for green hydrogen and oxygen production. The process requires two electrodes being immersed in an electrolyte solution. The chemical reactions at the electrodes driving the production of oxygen and hydrogen gas require efficient bifunctional catalyst. However, the process was not commercially viable so far, as most electrochemical systems use rare and expensive metals that restrict their use in large-scale applications. On the other hand, lower-cost systems were not being able to achieve efficient catalysis. The novel alloy catalyst designed, developed, and tested by Prof. Biswas and his collaborators can make this process easier and more affordable by using low-cost high-entropy alloy to store energy from renewable sources, allowing the use of clean energy. This could further aggravate our stride towards a cleaner environment, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating global warming.
In addition to Prof. Krishanu Biswas, the other researchers on the team included Dr. Nirmal Kumar Katiyar from IIT Kanpur, Prof. Aditi Halder and Dr. Lalita Sharma from IIT Mandi, Prof. Chandra Sekhar Tiwary and Dr. Rakesh Das from IIT Kharagpur, Prof. Abhishek K. Singh, Dr. Arko Parui and Dr. Ritesh Kumar from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.
11, Jan 2024
The sky is the limit: Exclusive dining experience to fly over Dehradun
New Delhi: From famous Chinese to Indian cuisine, food lovers could relish feasts of their choice in a hanging restaurant, which is set to be thrown open in Dehradun. New experiments are being done in tourist places around the world to make their holidays thrilling and memorable and now they are getting to see something new which is attracting everyone’s attention. Be it a roller coaster ride, giant Ferris wheel ride, bungee jumping, sky diving, or underwater ride. Now tourists from Delhi NCR will no longer have to go far to make their holidays memorable, they will get a chance to have fun in Dehradun, located at a distance of about 250 km from Delhi NCR.
A large number of people from Delhi NCR visit Uttarakhand, Himachal, and other hilly areas, especially during the winter season. If you are heading to Dehradun, then a 160-feet-high-sky experience is waiting for you, where along with this ride, you will also get to see the beautiful valleys and the city. This wonderful and thrilling journey can be experienced at Hotel Hyatt Regency, Mussoorie Road, Dehradun.
The unique dining experience at Horisen Sky Experiences will truly take the tourists to new heights as they can enjoy a thrilling journey with delicious food in the sky. Imagine yourself hanging above the city skyline, surrounded by panoramic views as far as the eye can see, tasting exquisite cuisine, it would be an amazing experience in itself.
Mr. Devi Prasad Gaud, Director, Vindev Group says, “We are always looking for new ways to redefine experiences. The Horizon Sky Experience is a testament to our commitment to providing our guests with unforgettable moments that will linger in their memories. This is the most wonderful place for those who want to enjoy this kind of experience. Being unique, this flying restaurant makes customers feel a unique experience at a height of 160 meters from ground level. From local cuisine to Indian, Chinese, and seafood, everything will be available at Horisen Sky Experiences.”
11, Jan 2024
Dreamz Production House and Dubai Beauty School hosts beauty pageant
New Delhi, January 11, 2024: Dreamz Production House, well known in the fashion industry along with Dubai Beauty School, which provides top-notch education in the beauty industry hosted the grand finale of renowned beauty pageant – ASIA SUPER MODEL 2023 Season-10 recently at Noida Film City. This event, which received tremendous response, was an exciting platform for the talent across the country as the pageant team visited across the country to audition contestants. The show was a grand success as it welcomed a total of around 100 contestants in multiple categories – Mr, Miss & Mrs. Asia Super Model 2023 from all over the country. Thereafter, the shortlisted participants underwent rigorous training and grooming.
The grand finale was judged by Youth icon Prince Narula, model and actor Rohit Khandelwal, Celebrity Makeup Artist Bhumika Bhal, renowned pageant coach and multiple award-winner for her exceptional grooming in the pageant world Dr. Rita Gangwani amongst others. The contestants in various categories were assessed by the judges on physical appearance and other all – round qualities including communication skills. The judges were astonished by the participant’s poise, confidence, and extraordinary talent, encompassing classical dance, acting, and public speaking. As part of their recognition, the winners were presented with cash prizes, gift hampers and offered a plethora of exciting opportunities, such as participation in video songs, web series, TVCs, print shoots, designer showcases, and reality shows. There was also a special kid round to promote young talent. More than 1000 children across the country were part of the auditions and 52 kids were shortlisted for the grand finale of the Asia Kids Super Star 2023.
In the Miss Category, Arshia Bhardwaj from Jammu was crowned the winner title “Miss. Asia Super Model 2023” whereas Sonika Yadav from Delhi and Shivani Lakhera from Kotdwar, Uttarakhand achieved the first and second runners up position respectively.
“Mr. Asia Super Model 2023” was awarded to Rohit Saxena from Bhopal. The first runner-up was Jomin D’Souza from Mumbai whereas the second runner-up was awarded to Sajan Singh from Ahmedabad.
The “Mrs. Asia Super Model 2023” title was awarded to Neeta Padagi Shirgaonkar from Belagavi, Karnataka, Yojana Haresh Karia from Mumbai bagged the 1st runner position while Dr.Apoorva Mishra from Dubai was awarded the 2nd runner-up.
“We congratulate all the winners and participants for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. We have always received tremendous response for our show and we have made our mark this year too. Dreamz Production House offers a fantastic opportunity to everybody who wants to excel and is a gateway to the world of fashion, film and entertainment industry with widespread publicity. This stage has given many newcomers a chance to be a part of the fashion and entertainment fraternity. We also appreciate the judges, sponsors, and collaborators who helped us to make this an unforgettable event.” said Sharad Chaudhary, Founder, Dreamz Production House.
Anubha Vashisht, Founder of Dubai Beauty School said “This beauty pageant is a platform that’s committed to giving participants a chance to showcase their talent and shine as an individual. Our goal is to provide the highest quality education and training to our students, and to help them achieve their career goals in the beauty industry. We aim to play a key role in shaping our students to help them become the industry stalwarts of tomorrow. The industry is growing manifold and the fashion and beauty industry is continuously looking out for young and talented people who are creative, can think out-of-the-box, and can introduce new trends in makeup, hairstyles, and skin care. We will also offer a variety of courses ranging from courses for entry-level candidates to working professionals seeking skills upgradation.”
This time, the show also witnessed another category – Supermodel International India 2023. The Miss Supermodel International India 2023 title was given to Fozia Sayyed from Budhana (UP). The first runner-up award was given to Riya Dhek from Dehradun. The second runner-up went to Tanya Naidu from Bangalore.
The title for Mr. Supermodel International India 2023 was given to Shivansh Pandey from Hisar, Haryana. The first runner-up was awarded to Rahul Chawla from Gurgaon while the second runner-up went to Khush Dhir from Delhi.
The title for Mrs. Supermodel International India 2023 was awarded to Jaspreet from Chandigarh. The first runner-up was awarded to Gunjan from Jaipur while the second runner-up was given to Lata Shree from Karnal, Haryana.
Over the years, Sharad Chaudhary, a well-known personality of the modelling world and known for managing mega shows and events has also worked with many celebrities like Neha Dhupia, Madhur Bhandarkar, Prince Narula, Yuvika Chaudhary, Rannvijay Singh, Ashmit Patel, Zareen Khan, Urvashi Rautela, Upen Patel, Pooja Chopra, Kainaat Arora, Jaideep Ahlawat, Gizele Thakral, Ajay Chaudhary, Anusha Dandekar, Stefy Patel, Benafsha Soonawalla, Himanshu Soni, Millind Gaba and many more.
