Monday, August 10, 2026
When The Spice Kicks In, Sprite Steps Up: Sreeleela featured In Sprite's New Campaign 'Spicy Laga. Sprite Utha’
Kalamandir Opens Its 8th Showroom In Bangalore At Banshankari (Kathreguppe Signal)
Strengthening its footprint in Karnataka, Kalamandir, one of the state's most trusted family fashion destinations, has inaugurated its brand-new showroom at Banshankari (Kathreguppa Signal), Bangalore. The grand launch was graced by popular actress Rachita Ram, marking another significant milestone in the brand's expansion journey.
The new showroom is Kalamandir's 8th outlet in Bangalore, reaffirming the brand's commitment to making quality fashion more accessible to families across the city. Building on the overwhelming response received at its existing showrooms, the latest addition offers customers a modern and convenient shopping destination with an extensive range of fashion for every age group and occasion.
Spread across multiple spacious floors, the showroom has been thoughtfully designed to deliver a seamless shopping experience. Customers can explore a comprehensive collection of ethnic wear, formal wear, casual wear, festive attire, party wear and contemporary fashion for men, women and children. The store combines an elegant shopping ambience with a wide assortment of high-quality apparel at affordable prices, making it a one-stop destination for the entire family.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Prasad Chalavadi, Founder & Managing Director, SSKL, said: "Kalamandir has always been built on the belief that every family deserves access to quality fashion that is stylish, affordable and contemporary. The opening of our 8th showroom in Bangalore is a proud milestone and reflects the love and trust our customers have placed in us over the years. We remain committed to bringing the latest collections, exceptional value and an enjoyable shopping experience closer to every household."
Mr. Durgarao Chalavadi, Director, SSKL, added: "Bangalore has been an important market for Kalamandir, and the response from customers has inspired us to expand further in the city. This new showroom at Banshankari has been designed to offer a complete family shopping experience with a wider selection, comfortable ambience and dedicated service. We look forward to welcoming more families and continuing to be their preferred fashion destination for every occasion."
With the launch of its 8th showroom in Bangalore, Kalamandir continues its expansion journey, reinforcing its position as one of Karnataka's preferred family fashion retailers by delivering the perfect blend of quality, variety, affordability and customer satisfaction.
Phoenix Mall Of Asia Hosts India's Biggest Watch Festival In Bengaluru
* India's largest watch festival brought the world's leading maisons, master craftsmen and a growing collector community to Bengaluru, with a headline appearance by Longines Ambassador Sara Ali Khan
Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru hosted India Watch Weekend: Bangalore Watch Days from 7 to 9 August 2026, presented in collaboration with The Hour Markers, bringing together some of the world's most celebrated watch maisons, independent watchmakers, collectors and enthusiasts for three days dedicated to the art and culture of fine watchmaking. As India's largest and only global watch festival of its kind, the event transformed the mall into a destination for exceptional timepieces, immersive brand experiences, craftsmanship and curated conversations that celebrated the art of horology.
The festival culminated in an exclusive appearance by actor and Longines Ambassador Sara Ali Khan, who joined guests, collectors and watch enthusiasts at Phoenix Mall of Asia, drawing enthusiastic attention and adding to the excitement surrounding one of India's most anticipated luxury watch events.
Throughout the festival, guests immersed themselves in experiences designed around the culture of fine watchmaking. The programme featured the Panerai Watchmaking Masterclass, the Panerai Whiskey Masterclass, Grand Seiko's The Art of Shodo and Origami Workshop, Hello's Strap Appreciation Workshop, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Quiz & Lunch, and the Baume & Mercier Coffee Rave. The Panerai Watchmaking Masterclass, led by Sarosh Mody, Founder, Luxury Watch Works (LWW), offered participants an opportunity to explore the intricacies of watchmaking through a hands-on experience, while the Panerai Whiskey Masterclass brought together fine timepieces and whisky in an intimate, curated setting.
Grand Seiko's The Art of Shodo introduced guests to the discipline and precision of Japanese calligraphy, while its Origami Workshop explored the art of Japanese paper folding. Hello's Strap Appreciation Workshop offered a closer look at the materials, construction and design that complement a fine timepiece. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Quiz & Lunch brought collectors together over an engaging horology-led afternoon, while the Baume & Mercier Coffee Rave paired coffee, music and conversations around watchmaking.
Guests also explored interactive experiences including the Oris PERCH Café Takeover, Tissot MotoGP Simulator, Hublot Live Sketch Artist, and Tudor Product Presentation & Claw Machine Experience. The Oris PERCH Café Takeover brought the maison into a relaxed café setting, while the Tissot MotoGP Simulator offered guests a high-energy motorsport experience inspired by the brand's connection with racing. The Hublot Live Sketch Artist experience brought watch-inspired moments to life through art, while Tudor's Product Presentation & Claw Machine Experience combined a closer look at the brand's novelties with an interactive element for invited guests. The festival also featured experiential pop-ups by Garmin and ID Genève, extending the watch showcase across the mall.
The festival featured an exceptional line-up of brands including Panerai, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Longines, Grand Seiko, Tudor, Hublot, Oris, Tissot, Baume & Mercier, Garmin, ID Genève and Hello, bringing together an extensive mix of global maisons and contemporary watchmaking names at a single destination in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Ritu Mehta, Centre Director, Phoenix Mall of Asia & Director Marketing (South), said, "Phoenix Mall of Asia was envisioned as a destination where global brands and exceptional experiences come together. Hosting India Watch Weekend: Bangalore Watch Days has been a significant milestone in that journey. The festival brought together the world's leading watch maisons, immersive experiences and a vibrant community of collectors, creating a platform that celebrates the artistry and culture of fine watchmaking. We are proud to have introduced Bengaluru to an experience of this scale and to continue strengthening the city's position as a destination for luxury retail and lifestyle."
The festival also welcomed several prominent watch collectors and members of India's growing collector community, highlighting Bengaluru's emergence as one of India's most dynamic luxury watch markets. The successful three-day showcase further strengthened Phoenix Mall of Asia's position as a leading destination for luxury retail, bringing together global maisons, specialist craftsmanship and world-class experiential programming in Bengaluru.
Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru Unveils #We Are Bhartiya A Month-Long Campaign
.jpeg)
Marking the Independence Day season, Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru launched #WeAreBhartiya, a month-long cultural celebration from 25 July to 15 August 2026, inviting the city to experience the rich diversity of India's cultures, traditions and stories.
Conceived as a vibrant tribute to India's rich cultural legacy, We Are Bhartiya transforms the mall into an immersive destination where music, dance, storytelling and traditional art forms come together to celebrate the country's extraordinary diversity. Designed for families, culture enthusiasts and visitors of all ages, the campaign offers a unique opportunity to experience the traditions of multiple Indian states under one roof.
Spread across four weekends, the celebrations will feature an eclectic line-up of authentic folk and classical dance performances, regional music, cultural showcases and themed presentations representing the length and breadth of the country. From the regal elegance of Rajasthan's Ghoomar and Maharashtra's energetic Lavani to the rhythmic vibrancy of Punjab's Bhangra, Assam's Bihu, Karnataka's Dollu Kunitha, Tamil Nadu's Bharatanatyam, Kerala's Mohiniyattam and many more, each weekend promises a journey through India's remarkable cultural landscape.
The campaign culminates in a spectacular Independence Day celebration on 15 August, presenting an immersive theatrical showcase that traces India's remarkable journey through time. Through a compelling blend of dance, music, costume presentations and dramatic storytelling, audiences will witness the evolution of the nation, from ancient civilisations and great empires to the freedom movement, post-Independence progress, women's empowerment and India's continuing journey as a vibrant democracy. The grand finale will conclude with a stirring patriotic celebration featuring the iconic Bharath Mata entry and a musical tribute to the spirit of a united India.
More than a festive programme, We Are Bhartiya is an invitation to celebrate the traditions, artistry and shared heritage that continue to unite the country across languages, regions and generations. By bringing together diverse cultural expressions in a single destination, Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru aims to create memorable experiences that inspire pride, belonging and a deeper appreciation of India's living heritage.
Voie Sage Enters India As The First Luxury Travel Essentials Brand
.jpg)
Voie Sage, a new luxury travel and lifestyle brand founded in India, announces its launch with an inaugural edit of two products: the Companion Set, an ultra-slim travel skincare kit designed to slipeasily into handbags, carry-ons, and seat pockets, and the compact Vanity Hairbrush. The collection marks thedebut of a brand that sees travel essentials as an extension of personal style rather than mere utility.
The brand takes its name from the French phrase meaning “the wise way”, a belief that beauty and function neednot exist separately. Inspired by the French philosophy of finding beauty in everyday rituals, and choosing quality over excess, Voie Sage embraces a way of living that elevates ordinary moments. While the experience of travel hasevolved dramatically, the products designed for life in transit have changed very little. Voie Sage rethinks that experience.
The Companion Set centres on a slim travel case housing three formulations, each named after a character whose personality mirrors its purpose: Lucien (sunscreen), Marcel (hand cleanser), and Sylvie (lotion) - housedin an airline-compliant case finished with engraving-inspired portraits on cream-and-charcoal, vintage-print packaging. The Companion Set is accompanied by a note that welcomes customers into the world of Voie Sage.The Vanity Hairbrush is designed to move easily between home and travel. Both are available individually or together as a gift set.
Extending this philosophy, Voie Sage will introduce its Scented Terracotta Diffuser in the coming months. Individually crafted and infused with a bespoke woody fragrance, it is designed to gently perfume wardrobes, luggage, gym bags, drawers, and other enclosed spaces, releasing its scent gradually over several weeks without the need for oils, heat, or electricity.
Speaking on the launch, Ananya Gupta, Founder of Voie Sage, said, “Voie Sage was born from movement - thereality of long flights, layovers, and constantly packing and unpacking. For years I carried the same pouch of essentials wherever I went. It was comforting to know where everything was. What I have always loved are the few things that stay with me: a notebook I have carried for years, an old suitcase, a hotel key not returned. Objects that become attached to memories almost by accident. I would rather create a few things people become attached to than many things they quickly replace.”
Voie Sage’s launch lands at a moment when travel-format beauty is shifting from afterthought to growth category. Industry estimates put India’s beauty and personal care market at roughly $26–31 billion in 2025, expanding at ahigh single to double-digit CAGR through the early 2030s, with sample packs and travel-size formats cited asaccelerants of trial and category growth. Globally, the travel cosmetic minis market alone was valued at anestimated $6.8 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $12.4 billion by 2034 (6.9% CAGR), with Asia Pacific forecast as the fastest-growing region at roughly 8.4% CAGR, driven by rising air travel, premiumisation of gift sets, and consumers increasingly treating travel kits as lifestyle products rather than functional add-ons. As the category evolves, Voie Sage offers an alternative to conventional travel products through a combination of thoughtful design, storytelling, and character.
Over time, Voie Sage will expand into a broader collection of travel objects, introducing new products only whenthey meaningfully improve the experience of travel. Voie Sage intends to become an enduring travel brand fromIndia with a distinct identity, a loyal following, and a presence that extends wherever its customers travel.
Availability and Pricing
The debut collection is available exclusively at www.voiesage.com, with The Companion Set priced at INR 3,900 and the Vanity Hairbrush at INR 1,500.
Positioned within the premium-luxury segment, it is suited to both personal use and considered gifting. Refills forLucien, Marcel, and Sylvie are available separately, packaged with the same care as the originals.
Kotak Launches Hybrid Home Loan, Enables Customers To Lock Interest Rates For Up To 65 Months
* A rate lock of up to 65 months to help customers plan household and life expenses
* More room to plan as income, priorities and household expenses change over time
* Available at a price comparable to a floating-rate home loan with no separate premium
Buying a home is only the beginning of a customer’s financial journey. In the years that follow, families often manage interiors, education, savings and everyday expenses alongside the monthly EMI. Kotak Mahindra Bank today announced the launch of its Hybrid Home Loan, enabling customers to lock their home loan rate for 39, 52 or 65 months and plan these important early years with greater visibility.
Nakul Saxena, Head – Mortgages, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said, “A home loan can span decades and move through several interest-rate cycles. For many borrowers, every rate review raises the question of how the next change may affect their EMI or household budget. Families are also balancing important life expenses as income, priorities and financial commitments change over time. By allowing customers to lock their rate for up to 65 months, the Kotak Hybrid Home Loan creates a meaningful planning cushion during the early years of home ownership.”
How It Works
Customers can choose a fixed-rate period of 39, 52 or 65 months, during which their interest rate and EMI remain unchanged even if the Repo Rate rises. This gives them a defined window in which to plan household and life expenses. After the selected period, the loan automatically moves to a floating-rate structure linked to the Repo Rate plus a predefined spread disclosed at sanction.
The product is available as a Home Loan and Loan Against Property at a price comparable to the Bank’s floating-rate home loans, with no separate premium for choosing the hybrid structure.
Interest Savings Illustration
Illustration: 25-year tenure, 7.60% starting rate, 65-month fixed period and an assumed 125 basis point Repo Rate increase.
Eligibility
The Hybrid Home Loan is available across India to eligible salaried and self-employed borrowers.
Key Features at a Glance:
Fixed interest rate for 39, 52 or 65 months
Protection from Repo-linked rate increases during the fixed tenure
Predictable EMIs during the fixed-rate period
No premium versus comparable floating-rate home loans
Upfront disclosure of future spread
Automatic transition to floating-rate structure after the fixed tenure.
Athulya Senior Care Becomes Bengaluru's Largest Assisted Living Provider
Athulya Senior Care, India's largest assisted living provider, inaugurated its third Integrated Geriatric Care Centre in Mathikere, Bengaluru, further expanding access to comprehensive senior healthcare services in the city. With over 300 dedicated senior care beds across Bengaluru, Athulya is now the city's largest provider of integrated geriatric care. The facility was inaugurated by Hon'ble Shri U.T. Khader, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, in the presence of the founders of Athulya Senior Care, healthcare professionals, and senior citizens.
In Karnataka, the need for dedicated elder care has become particularly significant, with older adults accounting for 9.2% of the state's population, one of the highest proportions in India, according to the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021 published by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This demographic shift is accompanied by a growing burden of age-related health conditions: an international study has estimated the prevalence of dementia among adults aged 60 years and above in the state at 7.6%, marginally higher than the national average.
With India's elderly population expected to nearly double over the coming decades, the need for specialised geriatric healthcare that goes beyond conventional hospital-based treatment is only set to grow. Recognising this emerging public health challenge, the Government of Karnataka has declared dementia a public health priority through initiatives such as the Karnataka State Dementia Action Plan and the Brain Health Initiative, aimed at strengthening awareness, enabling early diagnosis, and improving integrated care for cognitive disorders.
The launch of Athulya's new centre aligns with these broader efforts by expanding access to specialised geriatric healthcare, cognitive care and long-term support services for the elderly.
Hon'ble Shri U.T. Khader, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, said “As Karnataka prepares for the healthcare needs of an ageing society, strengthening geriatric care infrastructure will play an increasingly important role in ensuring healthy ageing and improving quality of life for senior citizens. Facilities that provide integrated healthcare, rehabilitation and long-term support complement the government's efforts to enhance elder care across the state. I congratulate Athulya Senior Care on this important addition to Bengaluru's healthcare ecosystem and wish them success in their continued service to our senior citizens.”
Mr. Srinivasan G., Founder & CEO, Athulya Senior Care, said, “Bengaluru has emerged as one of India's fastest-growing destinations for specialised senior care, driven by increasing life expectancy, changing family structures, and greater awareness of assisted living. Karnataka is a key market in our long-term growth strategy, and the launch of our Mathikere centre marks another significant milestone in strengthening our presence in the state. We remain committed to building an integrated senior care ecosystem that combines clinical excellence, technology-enabled rehabilitation, and compassionate caregiving to meet the evolving needs of older adults and their families.”
Dr. Karthik Narayan R., Founder & Managing Director, Athulya Senior Care, said, “India's healthcare ecosystem must evolve to meet the needs of an ageing population. Senior care today extends far beyond medical treatment- it requires an integrated approach that combines clinical excellence, rehabilitation, emotional wellbeing and dignified living. Our new Mathikere facility has been designed with this philosophy at its heart. As Bengaluru continues to grow as a global city, we believe specialised geriatric care will become an essential component of its healthcare infrastructure. This centre reflects our commitment to building world-class senior care ecosystems that enable older adults to age with dignity, independence and purpose.”
Located in Mathikere, one of Bengaluru's well-connected residential neighbourhoods, the purpose-built geriatric care centre has been developed exclusively for senior citizens and offers a comprehensive continuum of care under one roof. The state-of-the-art facility with around 100 beds, designed exclusively with geriatric support and comfort features spacious and well-appointed living spaces, dedicated therapy and rehabilitation zones, technology-enabled physiotherapy services including virtual reality-based rehabilitation, specialised memory care infrastructure, emergency medical support, nutritious diet management and recreational spaces that promote active ageing and holistic wellbeing.
Athulya Senior Care has established itself as India's leading provider of integrated senior care services, offering assisted living, transition care, rehabilitation, memory care, palliative care and home healthcare across multiple cities. The launch of the Mathikere facility marks another milestone in the organisation's mission to redefine elder care by combining clinical expertise, compassionate caregiving and purpose-built infrastructure tailored exclusively for senior citizens.
About Athulya Senior Care:
Athulya Senior Care, India’s Largest Assisted Living Provider, headquartered in Chennai, India, with 1,500+ beds across 12+ locations in five cities Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Coimbatore, has proudly served over 50,000+ seniors. Athulya delivers a comprehensive senior care ecosystem encompassing Assisted Living, Mind & Memory Care, Transition Care, Rehabilitation, and Palliative Care. Designed to meet international safety & quality standards, Athulya is transforming eldercare in India by prioritizing dignity, comfort, and compassionate support. To know more, log onto : http://www.athulyaseniorcare.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)