Tuesday, January 20, 2026
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Start following Kiara Advani’s simple yet powerful morning ritual for glowing skin

Have you ever stopped to marvel at Kiara Advani’s radiant and flawless skin? In the exquisite glamour that is Bollywood, Kiara Advani stands out not just for her acting genius but also for her luminous and healthy skin. Amidst the overwhelming myriad of options surfaced by the beauty industry, this simple yet transformative ritual is not only a fad, but the cornerstone of her radiance.

 

The secret might be simpler than you think. It’s not a gruelling workout or a 10-step skincare routine; it’s a simple cup of warm water, with a slice of lemon in it. Kiara’s morning habit of indulging in warm water infused with the zest of fresh lemons has become a conscious choice rooted in her approach to holistic well-being. The actress recommends this refreshing elixir not only for its skin-enhancing benefits but also for the multiple benefits it has in improving your overall health and vitality.  

 

Hansa Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute in one of her videos on the health benefits of lemons mentioned, “Drinking one glass of lemon water every day in the morning will benefit you for a lifetime”.  Her claim can further be supported by a research published in the Journal of Science and Technology which reveals that “It is a healthy appetiser and helps to treat diseases with digestive aids. Lemon does not disclose any adverse effects, according to literature, but it is used all over the world as a traditional medicine”. Vitamin C, which is abundantly present in lemons, fights toxins and increases collagen production in the body, both of which help in treating acne as well as tightening the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. While lemons are famously known for their Vitamin C component, not many people are aware of their Potassium-rich skin, which is an important mineral for nervous stimulation as well as maintaining blood pressure. Here are a few more benefits of adding lemon water to your everyday diet:- 

  • Immediately soothes muscle cramps
  • Peptin in lemons makes us feel fuller, thereby, helping in weight loss
  • Boosts immunity by stimulating the production of White Blood Cells in the body
  • Removal of kidney stones 
  • The lemon peel when infused in water for 30 minutes, activates its bioactive compounds which boost immunity and prevent our bodies from cellular damage
  • It also helps in the release of digestive enzymes which help in better absorption of nutrients

 

This simple kitchen hack has proudly made its way into the celebrity wellness circuit. Not only Kiara Advani but also Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Kriti Sanon, and Malaika Arora have this one drink in common at the break of dawn.

Here are 3 ways, you can incorporate the lemon water glow into your morning routine:- 

  1. Warm ginger lemon tea- Boil a glass of water with crushed ginger. When its done, squeeze a lemon into your glass and have it warm. To enjoy it in place of your morning tea, you may add a teaspoon of honey to it.

2. Ginger lemon shot – Take an inch of ginger root, and one squeezed lemon. Add enough water to blend it (3-4 tablespoons) in a blender, and have it as a morning shot.

3. Lemon-infused detox water- Cut up slices of one lemon and add it to your water bottle. Have 1-2 glasses of lemon water in the morning, and keep having the rest throughout the day. 

While lemon water offers a myriad of health benefits, it’s crucial to exercise moderation. One lemon a day is a healthy limit, and people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should be cautious about excessive lemon juice intake. As with any dietary rituals, balance is key to ensuring you enjoy the advantages without overdoing it. 

Livspace Appoints Ex-Myntra CFO Abhishek Gupta to Lead Financial Strategy and Growth

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Home interiors and renovation platform Livspace has strengthened its leadership bench with the appointment of Abhishek Gupta as Chief Financial Officer, a move that comes as the company sharpens its focus on scale, governance and long term value creation.

Gupta will be responsible for steering Livspace’s financial strategy, overseeing planning and controls, and supporting business transformation initiatives as the company expands its footprint in India and overseas markets. He will also play a central role in reinforcing corporate governance frameworks as the organisation matures.

With more than 20 years of experience across consumer, retail and digital-first businesses, Gupta brings a track record of building finance functions in high-growth environments. He joins Livspace from Myntra, where he served as CFO and was closely involved in managing financial discipline during phases of rapid expansion, technology investments and category diversification.

Before Myntra, Gupta held senior finance leadership roles at Flipkart, contributing to the ecommerce major’s scaling journey, and earlier worked with multinational companies including Unilever, Abbott and ITC. His career spans FMCG, healthcare, retail and online commerce, offering a blend of operational finance and strategic oversight.

Livspace founder and CEO Ramakant Sharma said the appointment reflects the company’s need for stronger financial depth as it moves into its next phase. As Livspace continues to build a more integrated home interiors platform, Sharma noted that financial clarity and execution will be critical to sustaining growth and improving unit economics.

A Chartered Accountant by training, Gupta is expected to work closely with the leadership team on capital allocation, cost structures and long-term planning. His appointment signals Livspace’s intent to professionalise further as competition intensifies in the home renovation and interiors space, driven by rising urban demand, increased digital adoption and greater consumer spending on home improvement.

Founded in 2014, Livspace operates across multiple cities and offers end-to-end home design and renovation solutions. The company has raised capital from global investors and continues to invest in technology, supply chain integration and design services to strengthen its market position.

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Nothing Before Coffee revamps flagship Jaipur store with Gen Z-led brand refresh

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Nothing Before Coffee has relaunched its flagship Jaipur outlet, marking a strategic reset for the homegrown café chain as it sharpens its focus on India’s Gen Z consumer. The store, where the brand first opened its doors in 2017, has been redesigned following extensive consumer research and reflects a broader brand transformation underway across the network.

The Jaipur flagship now serves as a blueprint for NBC’s next phase of growth. The refreshed identity introduces a new visual language built around bolder colours, flexible layouts and locally inspired design cues. Elements such as star-shaped door handles, patterned tiles and cultural frames have been incorporated to retain an Indian sensibility while appealing to younger, urban audiences who value individuality and self-expression.

According to the company, the redesign moves NBC cafés beyond being transactional coffee spaces. The updated format positions stores as social hubs that encourage longer dwell time, comfort and community, factors increasingly influencing café choice among younger consumers. The revamp also aligns with shifting consumption patterns, where experiential retail is playing a growing role in food and beverage formats.

The updated colour system, led by signature blues, pinks and coral tones, is paired with expressive typography and modular design grids that allow the format to scale across different store sizes and cities. In-store messaging and visual touchpoints have also been refreshed to improve brand recall and create consistency across physical locations.

Akshay Kedia, co-founder of Nothing Before Coffee, said the relaunch reflects how the brand’s audience has evolved over the years. He noted that while the visual identity has changed, NBC’s core focus on product quality and accessibility remains intact as the company expands into newer markets.

The flagship relaunch comes at a time when Nothing Before Coffee is accelerating its presence across multiple Indian cities, including tier II locations. Industry data shows organised café chains continue to gain share as young consumers drive demand for affordable premium beverages and spaces designed around lifestyle rather than just consumption.

By reintroducing its first store with a contemporary lens, NBC is signalling its intent to stay culturally relevant while building a scalable café brand rooted in Indian youth culture.

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Raymond Lifestyle Appoints Satyaki Ghosh as CEO to Drive Next Phase of Growth

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Raymond Lifestyle has announced a key leadership transition as it gears up for its next phase of expansion and operational reset. The company has appointed industry veteran Satyaki Ghosh as its new chief executive officer, a move that signals sharper focus on execution, portfolio strength and long-term value creation across domestic and international markets.

Ghosh brings more than two and a half decades of experience across textiles, FMCG, fashion and consumer businesses, with leadership exposure spanning both business-to-business and consumer-facing segments. Prior to joining Raymond Lifestyle, he was associated with the Aditya Birla Group, where he served as CEO of the Cellulosic Fashion Yarn business at Grasim Industries. During his tenure, he worked across manufacturing-led and brand-driven verticals, handling complex, multi-market operations.

Within the Aditya Birla Group, Ghosh has also led the domestic textiles business and managed Thai Acrylic Fibre, giving him hands-on experience in running large-scale operations across geographies. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at L’Oréal India, including Director of the Consumer Products Division, where he was involved in scaling mass and premium beauty portfolios in a competitive retail environment.

Raymond Lifestyle said the appointment is part of a broader effort to strengthen its top management bench following recent structural and organisational changes within the group. Alongside Ghosh’s appointment, the company is also in the process of onboarding E.C. Prasad, who is expected to take charge as chief financial officer, subject to board approval.

The refreshed leadership team is expected to play a critical role as Raymond Lifestyle sharpens its focus on improving operational efficiency, expanding its lifestyle and apparel footprint, and unlocking growth opportunities across India and select global markets. The company believes the combined experience of the new leadership will help drive disciplined growth while reinforcing Raymond’s long-standing positioning in the premium lifestyle and fashion space.

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Gully Labs Raises Rs 30 Crore Series A Led by Saama Capital to Scale Premium Indian Sneaker Brand

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Gully Labs Raises Rs 30 Crore Series A Led by Saama Capital to Scale Premium Indian Sneaker Brand

Indian sneaker label Gully Labs has closed a Rs 30 crore Series A funding round, marking a significant step in its ambition to build a homegrown premium footwear brand with global relevance. The round was led by Saama Capital, with continued participation from existing investor Zeropearl VC, according to people familiar with the development.

The fresh capital will be deployed to widen Gully Labs’ product range, scale its physical retail footprint across major Indian cities, and strengthen brand visibility in overseas markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom. The company is also sharpening its supply chain and customer engagement efforts as it prepares for its next phase of growth.

Founded in 2023 by Arjun Singh and Animesh Mishra, Gully Labs has positioned itself in the premium sneaker segment by drawing design inspiration from Indian cultural cues, regional art, and traditional craft narratives. The brand’s collections aim to blend contemporary sneaker silhouettes with locally rooted storytelling, targeting consumers looking for differentiation beyond mass-market footwear.

The Series A round also saw participation from a group of founders and angel investors with backgrounds across consumer brands, food, and education technology. These include Mokobara founder Sangeet Agrawal, Veeba founder Viraj Bahl, Unacademy co-founders Roman Saini and Gaurav Munjal, Genesis Luxury founder Sanjay Kapoor, and Edelweiss Mutual Fund MD and CEO Radhika Gupta.

Since raising its seed round in March 2025, Gully Labs has reported rapid traction. The company has scaled to an annualised revenue run rate of around Rs 30 crore, established offline stores in five Indian cities, and recorded early sales from international customers in the US and UK through cross-border channels.

Investors backing the brand said Gully Labs stands out for its clear premium positioning and early ability to build demand across both digital and physical retail formats. With the new funding in place, the company is now targeting an annualised revenue of Rs 100 crore by FY 2026–27, as it looks to cement its presence in India and build recognition in global sneaker markets.

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Everstone to Exit Burger King India Operator Restaurant Brands Asia; Ajanta Pharma Family Office Emerges as Strategic Investor

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Private equity investor Everstone is preparing to exit Restaurant Brands Asia, the master franchisee for Burger King in India and Indonesia, in a transaction that could bring in a new long term strategic backer and fresh capital for the quick service restaurant operator, according to people familiar with the development.

Everstone plans to sell its entire 11.26 percent holding in Restaurant Brands Asia through its investment arm QSR Asia Pte Ltd. Based on current market prices, the stake is valued at about $57 million. Restaurant Brands Asia is listed on Indian stock exchanges and currently has a market capitalisation of around $437 million.

Sources said the buyer is expected to be the family office of the promoters of Ajanta Pharma, which already has interests across healthcare and food businesses. The family office is likely to come in as a strategic investor and may inject up to Rs 8 billion into the company as part of the transaction. While the exact shareholding has not been finalised, discussions include the possibility of the family office eventually becoming a majority shareholder as other investors look to monetise their holdings over time.

Neither Everstone nor Restaurant Brands Asia responded to queries on the proposed deal. Representatives of the Ajanta Pharma family office also declined to comment.

The potential change in shareholding comes at a time when Restaurant Brands Asia is looking to strengthen its balance sheet and accelerate growth. The company informed stock exchanges last week that its board would meet on Tuesday to consider fundraising options, without providing further details.

Restaurant Brands Asia operates the Burger King brand across India and Indonesia and has been expanding its store network steadily in recent years. The business has faced pressure from rising costs, intense competition and the need for sustained capital investment to support store additions, supply chain upgrades and marketing.

If completed, the transaction would mark a full exit for Everstone, which has been invested in the business since its early years, and could signal a new phase for Restaurant Brands Asia under a capital provider with a longer investment horizon and a sharper focus on operational scale.

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Private Equity Eyes Minority Stake in Purplle Cosmetics at $1.5 Billion Valuation

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Private equity interest is intensifying around Purplle Cosmetics, with several large buyout and growth investors exploring a minority investment in the Indian beauty platform, according to people familiar with the discussions. The proposed transaction could peg the company’s valuation at nearly ₹13,000 crore, or about $1.5 billion, marking a step-up from its last funding round in 2024.

KKR, TPG Growth and ChrysCapital are understood to be holding separate conversations to acquire a minority stake in the omnichannel beauty retailer. While the exact stake size is yet to be finalised, the transaction is expected to involve an investment of roughly ₹1,800 crore through a combination of fresh capital and secondary share purchases. As part of the deal, some early-stage venture capital and angel investors are likely to partially monetise their holdings.

Purplle was last valued at approximately ₹10,000 crore when Abu Dhabi Investment Authority led a ₹1,500 crore round in 2024. Since its inception in 2012, the Mumbai-based company has raised close to $560 million across multiple funding rounds and built a diversified shareholder base that includes ADIA, Kedaara Capital, Premji Invest, Peak XV Partners, Verlinvest, Blume Ventures and others.

Founders Manish Taneja, Rahul Dash and Suyash Katyayani together hold about 15.6 percent of the company, while institutional investors control close to two-thirds of the equity. Verlinvest is currently the single largest shareholder.

Purplle operates a hybrid model, combining third-party brand sales with a strong portfolio of private labels such as Faces Canada, Alps Goodness, Good Vibes, Carmesi and NY Bae. The platform hosts over 1,000 brands and more than 60,000 products, serving around seven million monthly active users. It employs nearly 3,000 people across its operations.

The company reported revenue of ₹1,410 crore in FY25 and competes with players such as Nykaa, Tira, Good Glamm, Pilgrim and Innovist in a market that continues to attract investor capital. India’s beauty and personal care sector is projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of over 10 percent to reach $34 billion by 2028, with e-commerce emerging as the fastest-expanding channel.

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Bagelstein Opens Third India Outlet in Bengaluru, Targets 100 Stores Nationwide by 2029

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Bagelstein Opens Third India Outlet in Bengaluru, Targets 100 Stores Nationwide by 2029

French café brand Bagelstein has stepped up its India expansion with the launch of its third outlet in Bengaluru, reinforcing its long term ambition to build a nationwide presence in the country’s organised foodservice market.

The new store, located at EGL Business Park, marks Bagelstein’s first entry into Bengaluru after earlier openings in Delhi and Hyderabad in 2025. With this launch, the brand is establishing itself in one of India’s most competitive and consumption driven urban food markets, known for its strong appetite for global café and quick service formats.

Founded in France in 2011, Bagelstein operates in the premium café and QSR segment, offering freshly prepared bagels, sandwiches and beverages tailored for fast paced urban consumers. The brand has built its international reputation on a casual dining experience that combines convenience with a distinctly European café culture.

India is emerging as a strategic focus market for Bagelstein as rising disposable incomes, changing eating habits and exposure to international food trends continue to reshape urban consumption. Western café formats, in particular, are seeing increased traction among office goers, students and young professionals seeking quick meals in social settings.

According to the company, the Bengaluru outlet is part of a larger rollout plan that targets 100 stores across major Indian cities by 2029. Planned markets include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, with future locations expected to focus on high footfall business districts, malls and mixed use developments.

The expansion comes at a time when India’s café and QSR space is witnessing intense competition from global chains and homegrown brands alike. Despite this, Bagelstein is betting on its differentiated menu, consistent quality and premium positioning to carve out a sustainable share of the market.

As organised foodservice continues to expand beyond metros into new consumption hubs, Bagelstein’s India strategy reflects growing confidence among international brands in the country’s evolving dining landscape.

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Salty Raises ₹5.4 Crore Led by Anicut Capital to Scale Fashion Jewellery Business in India

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Indian fashion jewellery startup Salty has raised ₹5.4 crore in a fresh funding round led by Anicut Capital, with participation from All In Capital, Suashish Diamonds, JK Group and a group of angel investors, as the brand looks to scale operations and broaden its product portfolio.

Founded by Twishaa Gupta, Kanishka Garg and Sonaal Goel, Salty operates in the fast-growing affordable fashion accessories segment, offering trend-driven jewellery across categories such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets and statement pieces. The brand positions itself at the intersection of everyday wear and occasion-led styling, targeting young, digital-first consumers seeking expressive yet accessible designs.

According to the company, the newly raised capital will be deployed toward expanding its core team, strengthening supply chain capabilities and launching new collections. A portion of the funds will also be used to accelerate product development as Salty plans to significantly widen its design catalogue over the next year.

The founders said the backing from consumer-focused investors reflects confidence in the long-term potential of India’s fashion jewellery market, which continues to benefit from rising online consumption, social media-led discovery and increasing acceptance of non-precious accessories among urban shoppers.

Operationally, Salty claims to have delivered over one lakh orders within a little over a year of launch, highlighting strong early traction in a competitive category. The brand has also built a social media following of close to 100,000 users on Instagram, which it actively uses as a sales and community engagement channel.

Looking ahead, the startup is targeting an annual revenue run rate of ₹40 crore in 2024 and plans to scale its assortment to more than 3,000 designs. Salty is also preparing to launch its own mobile application to deepen customer engagement and improve repeat purchases, alongside expanding its digital footprint across platforms.

The company has previously been selected under the Startup India Seed Fund programme and believes the current funding round puts it on a clear path toward building a ₹100 crore fashion accessories business over the coming years, supported by strong demand for affordable, trend-led jewellery in India’s evolving retail landscape.

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Nom Nom Express Partners Farah Khan for Content-Driven Marketing Push as Pan-Asian QSR Expands Rapidly in India

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Nom Nom Express Partners Farah Khan for Content-Driven Marketing Push as Pan-Asian QSR Expands Rapidly in India

Nom Nom Express, a fast-growing pan Asian quick service restaurant brand under Aspect Hospitality, has roped in filmmaker and television personality Farah Khan for a content focused brand partnership as it accelerates its expansion across India’s organised foodservice market.

The collaboration also features Farah Khan’s long time home cook Dilip, whose appearances in her digital videos have built a strong following among food loving audiences. Rather than a conventional celebrity endorsement, the association is structured around digital storytelling, everyday food conversations and informal kitchen led content aimed at strengthening consumer recall.

Nom Nom Express operates with a compact, value oriented menu covering popular Asian formats across dine in and delivery. Within a year of operations, the brand has scaled to 50 outlets across multiple Indian cities, reflecting growing consumer demand for affordable, familiar Asian flavours in the QSR format. The brand’s expansion has been driven by a focus on standardised operations, delivery friendly menus and cost efficiency, allowing it to grow rapidly without significant dilution in quality.

Industry data shows that the Indian QSR market continues to expand at a high single digit pace, with Asian cuisine emerging as one of the fastest growing sub segments due to its adaptability to Indian tastes and strong performance on delivery platforms. Nom Nom Express is positioning itself to capture this demand by blending consistency with mass appeal pricing.

Hitesh Keswani, managing director of Aspect Hospitality, said the partnership was built on alignment rather than star power. He noted that Farah Khan’s digital food content resonates with everyday consumption habits and mirrors the brand’s focus on accessible dining experiences.

The move highlights a broader shift in QSR marketing strategies, where brands are increasingly investing in creator led content instead of high cost advertising campaigns. By tapping into established digital communities, Nom Nom Express aims to keep customer acquisition costs in check while building familiarity as it enters new markets.

With outlet additions planned across urban centres and select emerging cities, the brand is betting that relatable content and steady execution will support its next phase of growth.

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Imperial Blue Records 1.79 Million Case Sales in First Month, Strengthens Tilaknagar’s Pan-India IMFL Presence

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Tilaknagar Industries has begun its ownership of Imperial Blue whisky on a strong footing, recording robust volumes in the very first month after completing the acquisition from Pernod Ricard India. In December 2025, Imperial Blue clocked primary sales of 1.79 million cases, signalling a smooth transition and immediate traction under its new owner.

Including Imperial Blue, Tilaknagar Industries reported total primary sales of 3.09 million cases during the month, underscoring the scale the company has achieved following the landmark transaction. The addition of one of India’s largest selling whisky brands has transformed Tilaknagar from a largely regional player into a truly national contender in the Indian Made Foreign Liquor market.

Company executives attributed the early momentum to strong execution and a well established distribution network. The performance, they said, reflects the company’s ability to absorb and scale a large brand quickly while maintaining continuity in supply across key markets.

The impact of the acquisition has been particularly visible in southern India, where Tilaknagar has strengthened its leadership position. According to regulatory disclosures, the company has emerged as the second largest national player in the South IMFL market with a 9.7 percent share. It also leads the Prestige and Above segment with a 32 percent share, supported by secondary sales of 2.11 million cases in the region.

State level performance highlights further underline the gains. In Telangana, Tilaknagar has become the largest IMFL player with sales of around one million cases and a market share of 21.7 percent. The company commands over 30 percent share in the premium segment across Telangana and Karnataka. In Andhra Pradesh, it now ranks second overall with sales of 6.37 lakh cases and holds a leading 38.7 percent share in the Prestige and Above category.

The Imperial Blue business was acquired through a slump sale valued at Rs 3,442 crore, with an additional deferred payment of €28 million scheduled after four years. With integration underway, Tilaknagar is now focused on improving supply chain efficiencies and expanding margins as it builds scale across markets.

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