How Ishita Gupta Turned a Coldplay Concert into a ₹25K Marketing Win—For Free!
On LinkedIn, Ishita Gupta, co-founder of Eat Atlas, shared a fascinating story about how an unplanned marketing stunt at a Coldplay concert led to a viral moment—and an overnight revenue boost of ₹25,000 with zero customer acquisition cost (CAC).
What started as a birthday celebration quickly turned into a masterclass in guerrilla marketing. Ishita had planned a work-free day, enjoying good food and live music. But when you’re an entrepreneur, opportunities tend to find you—even when you’re not looking.
Before heading to the concert, Ishita wore a birthday t-shirt that read:
“It’s my birthday, write good things about me.”
This playful move caught the attention of actor Vrajesh Hirjee and content creator Sahiba Bali, who were among the first to sign it. But the real stroke of genius? A two-sided banner:
Front: “It’s my birthday.”
Back: “I also sell tasty chips & dips at eatatlas.in.”
When Luck Meets Preparation
With thousands of people in the stadium and over 1 crore viewers streaming the event on Disney+ Hotstar, the banner ended up on the live broadcast—creating a level of exposure that brands pay millions for.
To top it off, Coldplay themselves wished Ishita a happy birthday—an unforgettable moment that sent her brand’s visibility through the roof.
Quest Retail Announces Leadership Reshuffle: Shriti Malhotra Named Executive Chairperson, Rahul Shanker Appointed Group CEO
In a major leadership shake-up, beauty retail powerhouse Quest Retail has elevated Shriti Malhotra to Executive Chairperson and appointed Rahul Shanker as the new Group CEO, the company announced on Friday.
Shanker to Spearhead Operations Across a Global Beauty Empire
Taking over the reins from Malhotra, Rahul Shanker will now lead operations for Quest Retail’s expansive portfolio, which includes some of the most recognized beauty brands in the world—The Body Shop, Kiehl’s, Avon, Kylie Cosmetics, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Max Factor, Boddess, The Honest Tree, and more.
Shriti Malhotra Transitions to Executive Chairperson Role
After years of driving Quest Retail’s rapid expansion as Group CEO, Shriti Malhotra moves into the role of Executive Chairperson, where she will focus on long-term strategic planning and corporate vision. Her leadership has been instrumental in cementing Quest Retail’s dominance in India’s $30 billion beauty and personal care market, pioneering new retail models, and expanding the company’s brand portfolio.
Reflecting on her journey, Malhotra stated, “The strength of Quest Retail has always been its passionate people. Leading this company has been an incredible privilege, and I am excited to see Rahul take the helm. His deep expertise in consumer businesses and transformative leadership style make him the perfect choice to steer Quest Retail into its next phase of growth.”
A Retail Powerhouse with a Track Record of Success
Malhotra is widely regarded as a trailblazer in the Indian retail space. Over the last three decades, she has played a pivotal role in scaling global brands like Nike, Puma, and Benetton in India. Nearly two decades ago, she was responsible for bringing The Body Shop to the Indian market, driving its massive success through bold retail innovations and deep customer engagement.
Rahul Shanker Brings Decades of Experience in FMCG & Beauty
Taking over as CEO, Rahul Shanker comes with an impressive background in global consumer brands. He has held senior leadership positions at PepsiCo, Wrigley-Mars, Philips, Avon, and Modicare, with expertise spanning FMCG, personal care, and wellness. His leadership is expected to further enhance Quest Retail’s omnichannel strategy, accelerate digital transformation, and drive next-level growth.
Expressing his excitement about the new role, Shanker said, “Quest Retail has built an extraordinary brand portfolio and a formidable omnichannel ecosystem. My focus will be on scaling operations, crafting innovative customer experiences, and identifying fresh growth opportunities. I look forward to working alongside an exceptional team to take the company to even greater heights.”
Quest Retail: A Beauty Giant Shaping the Future
Founded in 2006, Quest Retail has emerged as one of India’s most influential beauty and specialty retail companies. With a strong foothold in both brick-and-mortar and digital retail, the company continues to push boundaries in omnichannel distribution, sustainability, and retail innovation.
Its House of Beauty division is home to some of the most sought-after international beauty brands, including The Body Shop, Kiehl’s, Avon, Kylie Cosmetics, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Max Factor, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Juice Beauty, The Honest Tree, and Boddess.
With Rahul Shanker at the helm and Shriti Malhotra guiding the company’s strategic direction, Quest Retail is poised for an exciting new chapter in India’s thriving beauty market.
Gillette India Reports 21% Profit Growth in Q2, Declares ₹65 Interim Dividend
Gillette India Ltd posted a 21.18% jump in net profit for the October-December 2024 quarter, reaching ₹125.97 crore, compared to ₹103.95 crore in the same period last year. The company, which follows a July-June financial year, attributed its growth to strong brand performance and consumer demand.
Revenue from operations grew 7.21% to ₹685.55 crore, up from ₹639.46 crore a year ago, according to its BSE filing. However, total expenses rose 4% to ₹527.60 crore, reflecting increased costs.
Gillette’s grooming segment—which includes razors, blades, and shaving products—continued to be its primary driver, posting an 11% revenue increase to ₹570.64 crore. However, its oral care division, which includes toothbrushes and toothpaste, saw an 8.25% decline, bringing in ₹114.91 crore for the quarter.
The company’s total income stood at ₹694.74 crore, marking a 7.43% year-on-year growth. Gillette India credited its strong performance to brand strength, successful product innovations, and effective retail strategies.
In a separate announcement, Gillette India’s board approved an interim dividend of ₹65 per share (on a ₹10 face value), rewarding shareholders for the company’s continued growth.
Despite the positive earnings report, shares of Gillette India closed at ₹8,853.40 on the BSE, down 0.74% from the previous session. Analysts will be watching closely to see how the company navigates market conditions, particularly in its struggling oral care division.
Revolutionizing Biryani: Mohammed Bhol’s Vision for a Customizable, Scalable Indian Food Brand
Biryani is one of India’s most beloved dishes, yet no single brand has successfully taken it to a global scale. Mohammed Bhol, founder of House of Biryan (now rebranded as HOB), is setting out to change that. With a background as a trained chef from Taj Aurangabad and experience working under Gordon Ramsay in London, Bhol has spent years studying how to industrialize Indian food without compromising on taste. In a candid conversation with Ashu Agrawal, he revealed how HOB is tackling the challenges of consistency, customization, and branding to revolutionize the way biryani is perceived and consumed—both in India and around the world. Here’s how he’s making it happen.
From Fine Dining to Fast Casual
Mohammed Bhol’s journey in the food industry is anything but conventional. A trained chef from Taj Aurangabad, he honed his craft in London under the legendary Gordon Ramsay. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him back to India, where he and his co-founder launched a series of successful restaurants, including Mumbai’s first French restaurant and a high-end steakhouse.
The turning point came when the duo started Chocolates, a venture aimed at industrializing ethnic Indian food, much like McDonald’s or Subway have done with their respective cuisine categories. The realization that there was no true national or global biryani brand drove Bhol to rethink how Indian food, particularly biryani, could be packaged, marketed, and delivered at scale.
The Challenges of Scaling Biryani
Bhol highlights two major challenges in creating a scalable biryani brand—the back-end (production and consistency) and the front-end (consumer perception and acceptance).
1. Back-End Challenge: Biryani is a skill-intensive dish, requiring expertise to prepare consistently well. Unlike a burger or pizza, which can be easily standardized, biryani involves intricate spice blends, multiple cooking techniques, and variations based on regional preferences. To solve this, Bhol and his team focused on food industrialization and supply chain optimization, ensuring quality and consistency while minimizing the dependency on highly skilled labor.
2. Front-End Challenge: The complexity of biryani also extends to consumer preferences. Every region, community, and even individual has their own idea of what “authentic” biryani should taste like. Unlike a pizza or burger, which can be replicated across different markets with minor tweaks, biryani preferences are deeply rooted in culture and history.
Customization: The Game-Changer
House of Biryan’s answer to this challenge is customization. Instead of presenting biryani as a fixed, unchangeable dish, the brand allows customers to personalize their biryani experience.
Customers can choose their base sauce (gravy)
Select their preferred protein add or remove ingredients like potatoes, eggs, or extra spice levels
This approach eliminates the often-heated debates around what “real” biryani is. Bhol emphasizes that food should be about personal taste, not rigid authenticity. His goal is to make biryani accessible and exciting for Gen Z consumers, who prefer food that is both customizable and convenient.
To further disrupt the industry, House of Biryan is undergoing a major branding transformation. Inspired by fast-food giants like McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A, the brand is rebranding as HOB (House of Biryan) with a fresh, modern look and a mascot-driven identity.
Bhol explains that Indian food brands have historically been trapped in traditional motifs, which can sometimes feel outdated or intimidating to younger audiences. Instead, HOB is taking a QSR (quick-service restaurant) approach, simplifying branding and creating a more fun, engaging experience for consumers.
The Road Ahead: Going Global
HOB is not just looking at India—it’s setting its sights on international markets, with its first overseas expansion planned in Dubai. Bhol believes Indian food has been underserved globally, mainly because traditional Indian brands focus too much on heritage and authenticity instead of accessibility and scale. His goal is to present Indian cuisine in a fresh, modern, and approachable way, ensuring it competes with global fast-food chains.
Disrupting the Industry with a Bold Approach
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of HOB’s approach is its departure from the “authenticity” debate. Bhol argues that the obsession with authenticity limits the scalability of Indian food. Instead, he advocates for a balance between flavor, consistency, and convenience, much like global food brands have done successfully.
By eliminating rigid definitions of what biryani “should” be and instead offering a platform for self-expression through food, HOB is positioning itself as a true category disruptor.
Conclusion: A Biryani Revolution in the Making
Mohammad Bhol’s vision for HOB is not just about selling biryani—it’s about redefining how Indian food is perceived, consumed, and scaled globally. By prioritizing customization, consistency, and a modern brand identity, he is challenging traditional norms and carving out a unique space in the Indian QSR industry.
With its innovative model, bold branding, and a deep understanding of both consumer behavior and supply chain challenges, HOB is on track to become the first truly global biryani brand—one that speaks the language of the modern consumer while staying true to the essence of delicious, flavorful Indian food.
SPINNER by RCPL: The Game-Changing Sports Drink Backed by Legends Muttiah Muralitharan & Harbhajan Singh
On LinkedIn, Muffaddel Janjira, Business Lead at RCPL, recently shared an exciting announcement about the launch of SPINNER, an innovative sports drink. In his post, he emphasized that true innovation is not just about creating new products but about enhancing lives through solutions that elevate well-being. He highlighted the importance of hydration as the foundation of performance and expressed his enthusiasm for bringing a revolutionary hydration solution to the market.
The grand unveiling of SPINNER was a momentous occasion, graced by two cricketing legends—Muttiah Muralitharan and Harbhajan Singh. These iconic spinners, known for their skill and endurance on the field, symbolize the essence of what SPINNER stands for: precision, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. Their presence at the launch underscores the deep connection between hydration and peak athletic performance.
Bringing a product like SPINNER to life is no small feat—it requires vision, dedication, and a passionate team that believes in the mission. At RCPL, the marketing team played a pivotal role in turning this vision into reality, ensuring that the product’s messaging, branding, and market presence reflect its true value. Their relentless efforts, creativity, and energy made the launch of SPINNER a resounding success, setting the stage for its widespread adoption among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday consumers looking for a hydration boost.
With the launch of SPINNER, RCPL is redefining the sports drink landscape in India. This new addition to the Campa Energy, Sports & Functional Drink portfolio reflects the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, innovative beverages tailored to modern lifestyles. Whether you’re an athlete pushing your limits, a fitness enthusiast staying active, or someone simply looking for a refreshing and functional drink, SPINNER is designed to keep you hydrated and energized.
So, have you grabbed your Campa Energy, Sports & Functional Drink yet? The future of hydration is here—don’t miss out on experiencing the revolution!
Breaking Taboos: Akash Valia’s ‘Tease’ Joins the Sexual Wellness Revolution in India’s Fast-Growing ₹2,500 Cr Market
On LinkedIn, Akash Valia, Co-founder of Secret Alchemist, made an exciting announcement that signals a shift in India’s conversation around intimacy and wellness. He introduced Tease, an aromatherapy-based aphrodisiac designed to enhance emotional and physical well-being. In his post, Valia emphasized that sexual wellness is no longer a taboo—it’s a conversation, and Secret Alchemist is proud to be a part of the movement alongside brands like My Muse and Bold Care, who are already breaking barriers in this space.
The Changing Landscape of Sexual Wellness in India
For decades, sexual wellness in India has been a subject shrouded in stigma and silence. However, the narrative is evolving, with new-age brands bringing the conversation into the mainstream. The global sexual wellness market, valued at over $30 billion, is expanding rapidly, and India is beginning to embrace this change. With increasing awareness about holistic health, people are recognizing that intimacy and emotional connection are essential components of overall well-being.
Introducing ‘Tease’ – A Sensory Approach to Intimacy
Secret Alchemist, known for its commitment to holistic and natural wellness solutions, has developed Tease, a carefully crafted aphrodisiac that harnesses the power of aromatherapy. Infused with the finest essential oils, Tease is designed to help individuals foster deeper connections with themselves and their partners. By stimulating the senses, it enhances relaxation, reduces stress, and creates an inviting atmosphere for intimacy.
The Power of Aromatherapy in Enhancing Intimacy
Aromatherapy has long been used to influence mood, relaxation, and emotional connection. Essential oils like ylang-ylang, sandalwood, and jasmine are known for their aphrodisiac properties, helping to alleviate stress and create an environment of warmth and sensuality. Tease is formulated with this in mind, offering a natural and non-invasive way to support sexual wellness without synthetic chemicals or artificial enhancers.
Sexual health is often overlooked in discussions about overall wellness, but it plays a crucial role in mental, emotional, and physical balance. Secret Alchemist’s mission is to normalize conversations around intimacy and provide natural solutions that help individuals embrace their desires without guilt or hesitation. Tease is not just a product; it is a statement of empowerment, encouraging people to reclaim their right to a fulfilling and healthy intimate life.
The Future of Sexual Wellness in India
With brands like My Muse, Bold Care, and now Secret Alchemist leading the charge, India’s sexual wellness industry is poised for exponential growth. As conversations around intimacy become more open, more consumers will seek natural, effective, and holistic ways to enhance their experiences. Tease represents more than just a product launch—it marks a cultural shift, where sexual wellness is celebrated, not suppressed.
As Akash Valia rightly puts it, “It’s time to talk about intimacy.” With Tease, Secret Alchemist is ensuring that this conversation is not just heard, but truly felt.
Bold Care Secures $5M from Nithin Kamath’s Rainmatter, CaratLane’s Mithun Sacheti & Others—Eyes Expansion in India’s $1B Sexual Wellness Market
Bold Care, a men’s sexual health and wellness brand, has raised $5 million in a funding round co-led by Rainmatter (backed by Nithin Kamath), CaratLane co-founder Mithun Sacheti, Siddhartha Sacheti, the Dhanani family, AVT Group, Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund, and NB Ventures.
The funds will be used to enhance R&D, expand the brand’s digital presence, and develop sexual health solutions for both men and women.
Founded in 2020 by Rajat Jadhav, Rahul Krishnan, Harsh Singh, Mohit Yadav, and actor Ranveer Singh, Bold Care provides solutions for premature ejaculation (PE), erectile dysfunction (ED), and other sexual wellness products like condoms and lubricants. The brand claims to have processed over 3 million orders.
Recently, Bold Care launched Bloom, expanding into women’s wellness with products for sexual health, personal hygiene, menopause, menstrual care, and pregnancy.
The Mumbai-based startup sells through its website, e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and Meesho, as well as quick commerce platforms.
In FY24, Bold Care’s revenue grew by 6.67% to ₹32.9 crore, but its losses also rose by 21.46% to ₹19.3 crore.
The brand competes with other D2C sexual wellness brands such as Man Matters, Kindly, Sukham, Kapiva, and Sassiest.
Ranbir Kapoor’s ₹100 Crore Sneaker Dream Comes to Life: ARKS Debuts with the ‘Perfect White Sneaker’
Ranbir Kapoor is stepping into the business world with something close to his heart—sneakers. The Bollywood star, known for his effortless style, has officially launched his own sneaker brand, ARKS. Blending his love for fashion and footwear, he’s turning a longtime passion into reality, and fans are eager to see what he’s bringing to the table.
After months of anticipation, Ranbir has finally revealed the first sneaker from the ARKS lineup—the ultimate white sneaker. To mark the occasion, ARKS dropped a sleek, cinematic teaser on Instagram, featuring Ranbir in his element. In the video, he reminisces about his very first pair of sneakers and how this brand has been a decade-long dream in the making. He’s joined by his childhood best friend, Rohit, who helps him unbox the first-ever ARKS sneaker. Rohit, visibly impressed, admires the craftsmanship and calls it nothing short of “perfect.”
Ranbir’s excitement for ARKS shines through as he says, “This brand is an extension of me—every design, every detail reflects my style and journey.” His words make it clear that this isn’t just another celebrity-backed label; it’s something personal.
Ranbir’s wife, Alia Bhatt, was among the first to celebrate his big launch. Showing her full support, she hyped up the release in the comments with fire emojis and even shared the unboxing video on her Instagram story. She wrote, “One dream, 10 years in the making! A self-funded, homegrown brand comes to life. Break a leg, baby.”
With ARKS finally here, sneaker lovers and Ranbir’s fans alike are excited to see what’s next.
Apple’s iPhone Exports from India Cross ₹1 Lakh Crore in Record-Breaking Year
Apple has smashed records with its iPhone exports from India, crossing ₹1 lakh crore ($12.8 billion) in just the first 10 months of FY25, according to a report by Business Standard on February 10. This is the first time ever that the tech giant’s exports have surpassed this milestone within a financial year.
Between April 2024 and January 2025, Apple’s iPhone exports saw a 31% jump from ₹76,000 crore in the same period last year. In January alone, the company recorded a massive ₹19,000 crore in exports, driven by its three key suppliers—Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics. Notably, Tata recently acquired Pegatron, further strengthening its role in Apple’s supply chain.
Apple’s Dominance in the Premium Smartphone Market
According to IDC estimates, Apple shipped over 12 million iPhones from India in 2024, marking a significant 34-35% increase from 9 million units in 2023. While export growth may slow slightly in 2025, analysts predict that Apple will continue to see double-digit growth, reinforcing its dominance in the premium smartphone market.
Apple’s rapid expansion in India aligns with its broader strategy to reduce dependence on China and scale up manufacturing in the country. With government incentives and an expanding local supply chain, India is set to play an even bigger role in Apple’s global production strategy.
Venturi Partners Bets Big on Budget Footwear: Invests $25M in JQR to Tap Into India’s $12B Sneaker Market
Venturi Partners has made a $25 million investment in JQR (Just Quick Run), a fast-growing brand in India’s affordable footwear market. This marks JQR’s first-ever venture capital funding, with Venturi acquiring an undisclosed minority stake in the company.
JQR’s Growth Plans with Fresh Capital
With this funding, JQR plans to expand its offline retail footprint, enter new markets, and launch its online sales channel. The investment will also help the brand enhance its product range, catering to India’s growing demand for budget-friendly yet high-quality sneakers.
“Our focus has always been on delivering great footwear at accessible prices. With Venturi’s backing, we’re confident that JQR will become a category leader, offering strong value to both consumers and stakeholders,” said Rinku Garg, Sunil Garg, and Manish Garg, the founding brothers of JQR.
Founded in 2014, JQR operates in India’s $12 billion value and mid-range footwear segment. With in-house manufacturing, design capabilities, and a vast offline distribution network, the company has built a reputation for quality footwear at competitive prices.
Venturi sees massive potential in this space. “The Indian footwear industry is benefiting from favorable policies, yet there remains a major gap in the affordable segment,” said Rishika Chandan, Managing Director at Venturi Partners. “Our goal is to identify and scale brands that meet this demand, and JQR is a perfect fit for our investment strategy.”
Venturi Partners has previously invested in brands like Livspace, Country Delight, Believe, Pickup Coffee, DALI, and K-12 Techno. With JQR now in its portfolio, the firm is further strengthening its presence in India’s fast-growing consumer market.
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