Tuesday, March 31, 2026

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Music Sensation Ekam drops Garaariyaan, sets the tone for his ‘Mahoul’ EP
The buzz around rising artist Ekam reaches a new high as he officially releases his much-awaited track Garaariyaan. The song, which is a part of his conceptual Mahoul EP, is now live across all streaming platforms, marking a significant moment in his musical journey. Positioned as a high-energy anthem, Garaariyaan captures the bold, celebratory spirit of modern youth culture. Blending Punjabi pop with hip-hop influences, the track delivers a vibrant, party-ready soundscape driven by catchy hooks, rhythmic ad-libs, and a strong sense of attitude. With references to digital culture like Snapchat and Reels, the song feels deeply rooted in today’s fast-paced, socially driven lifestyle. As the first drop from the Mahoul EP, Garaariyaan sets the tone for what promises to be a diverse and immersive project. The EP is conceptualised as a 360-degree sonic journey exploring different “atmospheres” of contemporary life—from high-energy social settings to more introspective emotional spaces. Each track aims to represent a unique “Mahoul,” offering listeners both sonic variety and depth. Ekam’s journey as an artist adds further depth to the release. Hailing from Delhi, his musical roots trace back to the age of 11, under the influence of his father, a professional tabla player. Inspired by the legendary Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Ekam developed a strong inclination towards Sufi music and spent years performing at Dargahs. His experience as a backing vocalist with Sufi bands gradually evolved into a distinct solo career where he now fuses traditional influences with contemporary sounds. Speaking about the release, Ekam shares, “Garaariyaan is all about energy, vibe, and owning your space without hesitation. It’s that mood when you walk in with confidence and the atmosphere just shifts. With Mahoul, I wanted to explore different sides of life and emotions, and Garaariyaan represents that high-on-life, unapologetic zone. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited for people to experience the full journey of the EP.” With Garaariyaan now out and already building momentum, Ekam positions himself as a fresh and exciting voice in the independent music space, seamlessly blending roots with modern-day expression.

Monday, March 30, 2026

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Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) is set to bring the culture of LIVE awards back to screen as Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 goes LIVE across Sony Entertainment Television (SET) and Sony LIV on 05th April 2026 at 8:00 PM IST. Recognised as one of India’s most credible honours in cinema and storytelling, the Chetak SCREEN Awards celebrate excellence across Indian filmmaking while spotlighting the creative forces shaping the industry. This year’s edition will feature a star-studded event as we witness a powerhouse of hosts like Alia Bhatt, Farah Khan, Sunil Grover, Zakir Khan, bringing together the worlds of cinema, music, comedy, and pop culture all on one stage. In a first for the property, the awards will be experienced live across linear television and the streaming platform underscoring SPNI’s content-first, platform-agnostic approach. The ceremony will air on SET and stream on Sony LIV, alongside a live broadcast on the SCREEN Awards’ YouTube channel, expanding its reach to a wider, digitally native audience and will also be available for audiences on 7th April 2026 on Sony Entertainment Television’s YouTube channel. By leveraging the combined strength of its linear and digital ecosystem, SPNI aims to transform the awards into a high-impact, real-time cultural moment for its viewers—driving both scale and deeper audience engagement.

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*Sony Pictures Networks India to telecast the star-studded Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 LIVE on 05th April* _~ One of India’s most credible celebrations of cinema to premiere at 8:00 PM IST ~_ _Promo Link - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWdLCypiHRk/?igsh=MWhmaHV4ODE3c2R4YQ==_ *Press Release* *Mumbai, 30th March 2026:* Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) is set to bring the culture of LIVE awards back to screen as Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 goes LIVE across Sony Entertainment Television (SET) and Sony LIV on 05th April 2026 at 8:00 PM IST. Recognised as one of India’s most credible honours in cinema and storytelling, the Chetak SCREEN Awards celebrate excellence across Indian filmmaking while spotlighting the creative forces shaping the industry. This year’s edition will feature a star-studded event as we witness a powerhouse of hosts like Alia Bhatt, Farah Khan, Sunil Grover, Zakir Khan, bringing together the worlds of cinema, music, comedy, and pop culture all on one stage. In a first for the property, the awards will be experienced live across linear television and the streaming platform underscoring SPNI’s content-first, platform-agnostic approach. The ceremony will air on SET and stream on Sony LIV, alongside a live broadcast on the SCREEN Awards’ YouTube channel, expanding its reach to a wider, digitally native audience and will also be available for audiences on 7th April 2026 on Sony Entertainment Television’s YouTube channel. By leveraging the combined strength of its linear and digital ecosystem, SPNI aims to transform the awards into a high-impact, real-time cultural moment for its viewers—driving both scale and deeper audience engagement. *COMMENTS:* *Alia Bhatt, Actress, added,* _"Cinema matlab details and that one frame joh poori kahani bata deti hain, but audience toh magic dekhne aati hain na, bade parde par bade-bade stars ka magic. Haan par woh magic banta kaise hain? Lighters ki wajah se, cinematographers ki wajah se. Yeh sab milke kartein hain na magic, dono sath mai celebrate hone wale hain on Chetak SCREEN Awards, on 5th April, 8:00 PM, LIVE on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.”_ *Nachiket Pantvaidya, Chief Content Officer, Sony Pictures Networks India,* _“At Sony Pictures Networks India, we are delighted to reintroduce the strong culture of LIVE awards back to our screens. By bringing SCREEN Awards LIVE across Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV, we aim to deliver a real-time celebration to our viewers so they can experience the biggest moments in cinema at the comfort of their homes. This star-studded showcase is designed not just as an awards ceremony but also as a high-impact entertainment property with moments that will keep the viewers engaged throughout. We are proud to partner with the SCREEN Awards as it defines authenticity and credibility which aligns with our brand vision at Sony Pictures Networks India.”_ *Anant Goenka, Executive Director, Indian Express Group, added,* _“The Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 represents the scale at which we want to engage our audiences today—at a time when content consumption is increasingly digital-first and platform-agnostic. Audiences expect to experience moments like these real-time, across screens and on their own terms. With a strong multi-platform distribution strategy and trusted partners like Sony Pictures Networks India, we are ensuring that this celebration of cinema reaches millions in a meaningful way. What sets the Chetak SCREEN Awards apart is its foundation in credibility with the rigorous process followed by members of the not-for-profit SCREEN Academy. As we take these awards live across platforms, our focus remains unchanged—to recognise cinematic excellence with the same rigour and integrity that audiences associate with The Indian Express Group.”_ To further amplify the awards’ reach and visibility, Adani Airports comes on board as the OOH partner, while The Award Gallery joins as the Trophy Partner. _Watch Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 live on Sony Entertainment Television, Sony LIV and SCREEN Awards’ YouTube channel, on April 05, 2026, at 8:00 PM IST._

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The Body Shop Celebrates 50 Years of Being Unapologetically - Rebellious by Nature™ Marks its 50th anniversary milestone with the launch of a bold new tagline, ‘Rebellious by Nature™’ National, 30th Mar 2026: The Body Shop celebrates its 50th anniversary – a major milestone and a natural moment in time to re-establish the era-defining, heritage brand in new and thrilling ways, for future generations fuelled by the same, shared passion for a more beautiful world. The iconic British high street brand, famous for its wider cultural impact, and for challenging industry orthodoxies and reshaping beauty culture, is set to commemorate its 50th year with celebrations on 27th March that celebrate the ‘special day’ with its most loyal and closest community. Over the coming months, The Body Shop will reveal exciting announcements, brand activations and product launches as part of a year-long celebration. The brand’s new tagline, Rebellious by Nature™, underscores The Body Shop’s bold spirit and the collective, powerful and nurturing force, rooted in nature and fuelled by unapologetic joy, that can bring real, truthful change to communities all around the world. C:\Users\nitya.khandelwal\Downloads\50th Anniversary\2026_50Years_Workmark_TBSGreen_RGB_INANVLO010.jpg Fifty years ago, Dame Anita Roddick dared to dream differently, and this celebration is a massive thank you to the incredible community, the dedicated teams, and partners across the world. The stores have always been a unique space for human connection, fostering a powerful and emotional bond across geographies and generations. This anniversary is a testament to the enduring ability to be a force for good. image.png Rahul Shanker, Group CEO, Quest Retail & House of Beauty said, “Rebellious by Nature’ is who we are at our core, bold, fearless, and unapologetically joyful. As we mark 50 years, this is not just a celebration of our heritage, but a defining moment to reimagine our future. With a renewed focus on innovation, growth, and purpose-led impact, we are building The Body Shop India for the next generation of consumers, while staying true to the values that have always set us apart”. “To celebrate this milestone year, we’re rolling out an exciting pipeline of innovations and product launches across categories. From the much-anticipated return of our iconic ’90s fragrance Dewberry, driven by strong customer demand, to a wave of new Body, Face, and Lip products featuring elevated textures and performance, our focus is on delighting customers at every touchpoint. You can also look forward to standout limited-edition fragrances and thoughtfully curated Gifting ranges for key moments and celebrations throughout the year,” said Harmeet Singh, CBO, The Body Shop. As we look to the next 50 years, The Body Shop is renewing its unwavering commitment to ethical values with a special focus on three core pillars: · Education, opportunity and safety for all women and girls · Sustainability, nature preservation and Community Fair Trade · Joy, self-care and wellbeing In India, The Body Shop has built a strong and growing presence through its partnership with Quest Retail, with over 200 stores across 90+ cities and a robust omnichannel footprint spanning retail and digital platforms. Building on this momentum, the brand is focused on accelerating expansion across key metros including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, while deepening its presence in emerging Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. With a strategic focus on store expansion, digital acceleration, and locally relevant innovation, The Body Shop is well-positioned to drive sustained growth in the Indian market. About The Body Shop Founded in 1976 in Brighton, England, by Dame Anita Roddick, The Body Shop is a global beauty brand. The Body Shop seeks to make a positive difference in the world by offering high-quality, naturally-inspired skincare, body care, hair care, and make-up produced ethically and sustainably. The Body Shop India operates in India through its partner Quest Retail, A leading Beauty Specialist Omni Channel Retailer and Brand development company in India. Quest Retail has been a pioneer in bringing Beauty Retail and Brand concepts to India since 2006.

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Interview with Mr. Ajeet Kumar Singh, Co-Founder and Managing Director of SAVE Solutions 1. SAVE Solutions began as a rural-focused financial services company. What was the foundational vision, and how has it evolved over the years? - SAVE Solutions was founded with a simple but powerful vision: to make formal financial services accessible to underserved rural and semi-urban communities. We believed that financial inclusion cannot be driven only from metros; it must start at the grassroots, by people who understand local realities. Initially, our focus was on enabling banking access through the Business Correspondent (BC) model, bringing basic financial services closer to rural households. Over time, as trust deepened and customer needs evolved, so did our offerings. Today, SAVE has grown into a diversified financial services group with presence across banking services, microfinance, MSME lending, and housing finance, while staying rooted in its original inclusion-first philosophy. 2. How do you view the current regulatory environment for BCs and NBFCs? What policy changes can further accelerate financial inclusion? - The regulatory environment has become more structured and mature over the years, which is a positive development. Increased focus on governance, technology adoption, and customer protection has strengthened confidence in BCs and NBFCs as responsible financial intermediaries.That said, financial inclusion is still a work in progress. Further acceleration can come from stricter KYC and documentation norms to mitigate the risk associated with low ticket-size borrowers. Wider recognition of cash-flow-based underwriting can also help in assessing the true repayment capacity of borrowers who may not have formal income records. In addition, support for digital-first and phygital delivery models will be crucial in expanding reach, while encouraging co-lending and partnerships between banks and NBFCs can help scale credit delivery more efficiently. Such measures can help reach segments that are economically active but remain underserved by traditional banking systems. 3. What markets or segments are you prioritising for the next phase of expansion? - Our next phase of growth is clearly focused on Tier 3 to Tier 6 towns and rural belts, where credit demand is real but access remains limited. We are particularly prioritising segments such as affordable housing finance, micro and small enterprise lending, and livelihood-linked credit for self-employed and informal workers. These markets offer strong fundamentals aspiration, income stability, and repayment discipline when approached with the right products and local understanding. 4. What initiatives do you have around women-led enterprises, livelihood enhancement, or micro-entrepreneur empowerment? - Women borrowers and entrepreneurship have now become central to our inclusion strategy. BC Sakhis are playing a vital role in strengthening financial inclusion at the grassroots level. We actively support women-led micro-enterprises and self-help-linked livelihoods by providing access to timely and appropriately structured credit. Beyond lending, we also focus on financial literacy and awareness, encouraging income-generating activities, and offering flexible repayment structures aligned to cash flows. We have consistently seen that when women are financially empowered, the impact extends beyond the individual to families and entire communities. 5. What led SAVE to enter the housing finance segment, and what specific gaps did you see in the affordable and rural housing credit market? - Our entry into housing finance was a natural extension of our work on the ground. As we engaged with rural and semi-urban families over the years, one aspiration stood out clearly the desire to own a safe, permanent home. We observed several gaps in the affordable and rural housing credit ecosystem, including the limited availability of formal housing finance for informal income households, rigid documentation requirements, and low penetration in non-metro geographies. SAVE Housing Finance was created to bridge these gaps by offering responsible, affordable, and accessible housing loans, especially for first-time homebuyers in underserved markets. 6. What trends are you observing in housing demand in Tier 3–Tier 6 markets? Housing demand in Tier 3 to Tier 6 markets is steadily rising, driven by multiple factors such as migration from kutcha to pucca housing, government housing initiatives and subsidies, an aspirational shift toward asset ownership, and improving local economic activity. Customers in these markets are value-conscious, EMI-sensitive, and long-term oriented. With the right product design and local engagement, repayment behaviour has been encouraging. We believe these markets will be the next growth engine for affordable housing in India.

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Contestant Prasang Shares Vision for AI Education in Rajasthan Tribal Schools 30th March 2026, Mumbai: On Wheel of Fortune, contestant Prasang shared a heartfelt vision right after the puzzle round ended. When host Akshay Kumar asked about his plans for the prize money, it turned into an inspiring moment on the show. Prasang shared a story, "Bohot chhota sheher hain Rajasthan mein jahaan pe major population tribal hain. 30 saal pehle mere papa-mummy ne school khola tha taki jo bade shehron mein education hai, woh vahaan ke tribal logon ko de sake. Abhi hum vahaan pe robotic AI jaise education tribal logon ko dene ki koshish kar rahe hain. Main chahta hoon, bohut saara paisa jeet kar is sheher mein aur schools khole taaki vahaan ke aur bache aisi shiksha haasil kar sake!" Akshay was visibly moved by Prasang's vision to bring AI and robotics education to tribal students and help create better opportunities for them. The moment stood out as a reminder that for some contestants, the game is not just about winning money, but about winning a better future for many others. Watch Wheel of Fortune, Monday to Friday at 09:00 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on Sony LIV.

Sunday, March 29, 2026

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Senco Gold & Diamonds opens 5th store in Mumbai inaugurated by actor Wamiqa Gabbi Located at Level 1 of Sky City Mall, Borivali, the brand’s latest destination in the city showcases exquisitely handcrafted gold, diamond and platinum jewellery; takes total retail presence of the brand across Maharashtra to nine outlets Mumbai, 29th March 2026 – Senco Gold & Diamonds unveiled its newest store at Level 1 of Sky City Mall, Borivali, marking a significant step in deepening its presence in Mumbai’s thriving retail landscape. The grand launch was elevated by the presence of actor Wamiqa Gabbi, who inaugurated the store. Designed as a modern jewellery haven, the store spans approximately 2,475 sq. ft. and brings together some of Senco’s most iconic and intricately crafted collections across gold, diamond and platinum. From heirloom-inspired traditional designs to sleek, contemporary silhouettes, from everyday elegance to statement masterpieces, the store offers a thoughtfully curated repertoire that caters to the evolving tastes of Mumbai’s discerning customers. This includes Senco’s latest Everlite additions the Art Deco collection, which brings bold geometric forms and clean, architectural lines inspired by the opulence of the Deco era, reimagined for today’s style-forward generation; and the Retro collection, which blends iconic vintage influences with modern minimalism to create lightweight, glamorous pieces with a fresh contemporary twist. Actor Wamiqa Gabbi, who wore a stunning handcrafted piece from Senco’s latest collection, said, “What I love about Senco is how their jewellery feels personal, crafted with heritage, yet designed with a versatility that truly fits Mumbai’s incredibly diverse audience. This city brings together every culture, every age and every style, and Senco somehow has a piece for all of them from modern minimalists to lovers of classic tradition. It’s a brand that understands how people really live and express themselves today, and I’m thrilled to inaugurate a store that celebrates that spirit.” “We are delighted to further strengthen our footprint in Mumbai with the launch of our 2nd Borivali store. Mumbai is a market defined by both deep-rooted traditions and a strong sense of modern aspiration, and this expansion allows us to engage more meaningfully with a wide and evolving customer base. At Senco Gold & Diamonds, we continue to focus on product, design and overall customer experience. This store is an extension of that approach, designed to meet the needs of today’s customers.” said Suvankar Sen, MD & CEO, Senco Gold & Diamonds. “At Senco, we see jewellery as something deeply personal - people don’t just buy it, they associate it with moments, emotions and milestones in their lives. That understanding shapes how we approach our designs and the overall in-store experience. With the Borivali store, we wanted to create a space where customers can explore a wide range of styles at their own pace, whether they are looking for something for daily wear or for a significant occasion. We see this store as an important step in strengthening our relationship with customers in Mumbai and being present for them across different moments and needs,” added Joita Sen, Director and Head of Marketing and Design, Senco Gold & Diamonds. Strategically located within Level 1 of Sky City Mall, Borivali, the store is poised to become a go-to destination for jewellery lovers in the western suburbs, offering an immersive retail experience that blends Senco’s legacy of craftsmanship with a refined, contemporary setting. Address: Senco Gold & Diamonds, Unit No F41, Level 1, Skycity Mall, Dattapada Rd, Khande Rao Dongari, Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066 About Senco Gold & Diamonds: Senco Gold Ltd. (Senco) is a leading pan-India jewellery retailer with a rich legacy spanning over 85 years and is the largest jewellery retailer in Eastern India by number of showrooms. The brand has been recognised as the 2nd Most Trusted Jewellery Brand by TRA for the fourth consecutive year and was also ranked among the Most Desired Jewellery Brands by TRA in 2024, outperforming several industry peers. Senco’s trailing twelve-month sales reached approximately ₹6,800 crore, demonstrating consistent year-on-year growth and reinforcing the brand’s strong market positioning. In October 2025, Senco Gold & Diamonds recorded its highest-ever retail sales of over ₹1,700 crore, registering a robust 56% YoY growth compared to October 2024. This performance included 60% YoY value growth in gold and 32% YoY value growth in diamonds. In terms of volume, the brand achieved 4% growth in gold, 5% growth in diamonds, and 8% growth in silver. Currently, Senco operates 198+ showrooms across 17 states in India, along with two international showrooms in Dubai, UAE, through a combination of company-owned and franchisee models. The brand offers multiple retail formats including Classic & Modern, D’Signia, Everlite, House of Senco, and Sennes to cater to diverse customer segments and preferences. With this launch, Senco now operates a total of 9 stores in Maharashtra, including 5 in Mumbai, excluding the Borivali store. Senco Gold Ltd. offers an extensive portfolio of jewellery across gold, diamond, silver, platinum, and precious and semi-precious stones. With a catalogue of over 156,000 gold jewellery designs and 86,000 diamond jewellery designs, the brand presents a wide range of handcrafted creations. Most designs are developed in-house by Senco’s design team, working closely with skilled local karigars in Kolkata and across India, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics