Avatara: Mumbai Welcomes a Michelin-Starred Vegetarian Haven

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on April 10, 2024

In the vibrant landscape of Mumbai's culinary scene, a new star is set to shine bright - Avatara, the world's first and only vegetarian Indian Michelin-starred restaurant. This groundbreaking establishment, part of the esteemed Passion F&B family, is poised to redefine fine dining with its grand launch on April 8, 2024.

Originating from Dubai, Avatara is the brainchild of Chefs Rahul Rana and Himanshu Saini, visionaries committed to challenging culinary norms. Their mission: to craft a fine-dining experience that celebrates vegetarian gastronomy exclusively.

Avatara's 14-course vegetarian degustation menu, priced at INR 4500++, promises a symphony of flavours meticulously curated to tantalize the taste buds. With seating for up to 65 guests per meal, the restaurant offers intimate spaces including the Main Dining Room, Private Dining Room, and Wine Cellar, each designed to ensure an unforgettable dining experience with impeccable service and meticulous attention to detail.

The culinary journey at Avatara begins with a nod to tradition and innovation, where unassuming vegetables take center stage. From bitter gourd to turnips, every dish is a testament to Chef Rana's ingenuity, challenging perceptions and elevating Indian vegetarian cuisine to new heights.

Drawing inspiration from India's rich culinary tapestry, Avatara's menu showcases a harmonious blend of regional flavours and ingredients. Chef Sanket Joshi, at the helm of Mumbai operations, infuses Maharashtrian influences into each dish, adding a unique twist to familiar classics.

But Avatara isn't just about food; it's an immersive sensory experience. The restaurant's interiors pay homage to Chef Rana's hometown of Uttarakhand, with cool blue swirls and sand colours reminiscent of the Ganga, creating an ambiance that transports diners to a realm of tranquility and indulgence.

With its innovative approach and commitment to excellence, Avatara invites guests to embark on a culinary journey like no other, where every bite tells a story and every dish is a masterpiece in its own right. Get ready to savour the extraordinary at Avatara - where vegetarian gastronomy takes center stage and culinary dreams come to life.

Coolberg’s ‘No Rules, Just Cool’ Campaign Speaks Gen Z’s Language

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 18, 2025

Coolberg, India’s leading non-alcoholic beer brand, has just dropped a campaign that’s as fearless and refreshing as its drinks. Titled “No Rules, Just Cool,” the campaign celebrates individuality, quirk, and the spirit of doing your own thing—just the way Gen Z likes it.

In a world shaped by social filters and rulebooks, Coolberg throws the script out the window. The campaign is more than just a marketing push—it’s a mindset. From bold relationship advice to powerful messaging around authenticity, it encourages people to be unapologetically themselves. Because for Coolberg, cool isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing out.

Rolling out across platforms like Snapchat, Spotify, Meta, and top OTT channels, the campaign connects with young audiences where they are. And the message is clear: “The best rebounds aren’t people. They’re mindset shifts.”

“Coolberg is the ultimate drink for Gen Z as it's fun, inclusive and unique,” says Shubham Shukla, Head – Marketing at Ghodawat Consumer Limited. “With No Rules, Just Cool, we aim to align with Gen Z’s mindset—a generation that thrives on authenticity, individuality, and freedom of expression. We’re not just selling a beverage; we’re building a culture.”

Coolberg’s journey has been nothing short of dynamic. Acquired in 2022 by Ghodawat Consumer Limited (GCL), a key player in India’s FMCG space, Coolberg quickly scaled up. Today, it's available in over 50,000 retail outlets across 150 cities and exported to 15+ countries. The brand is also served at major fast food chains like KFC, Barbeque Nation, and WoW Momos, and is listed on Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, Flipkart Minutes, and Amazon.

About Ghodawat Consumer Limited (GCL)

GCL, the FMCG arm of Sanjay Ghodawat Group, has been redefining everyday consumption with its wide range of products under the ‘Star’ brand—covering everything from cooking oils and atta to snacks and beverages. Its premium portfolio includes TBH (a real veggie snack brand) and Coolberg.

About Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG)

Founded in 1993, SGG is a diversified conglomerate with interests in aviation, education, retail, energy, and more. With over 10,000 employees and 21,000+ students across institutions, SGG continues to impact lives with its innovation-driven approach and commitment to excellence.

PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First Vertical Lift Sea Bridge in Rameswaram

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 7, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment on the occasion of Ram Navami by inaugurating India’s first vertical lift sea bridge—the new Pamban Bridge—in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. The event was accompanied by the launch of the Rameswaram–Tambaram Express, a new train service enhancing connectivity between the temple town and Chennai.

Built at a cost of over ₹550 crore, the 2.08-kilometre-long bridge connects Rameswaram Island to mainland India and features a 72.5-metre vertical lift span that can rise up to 17 metres, allowing ships to pass smoothly without disrupting train movement. Designed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), this modern engineering marvel replaces the iconic British-era Pamban Bridge, which served pilgrims and traders for over a century since 1914.

The new structure incorporates advanced materials like stainless steel reinforcements, high-grade protective coatings, and fully welded joints, making it highly durable and corrosion-resistant. Capable of handling speeds up to 80 kmph, the bridge is designed for a 100-year lifespan and supports dual rail tracks for future traffic needs.

PM Modi also flagged off a Coast Guard ship that sailed beneath the elevated span during the event, showcasing the bridge's sea-lift functionality. Visuals of the first train crossing the newly inaugurated bridge added to the symbolic significance of the day, as the event coincided with the “Surya Tilak” celebration in Ayodhya—an alignment the Prime Minister referred to as a “divine coincidence.”

Notable dignitaries present at the ceremony included Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, and state Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu. The absence of Chief Minister MK Stalin was noted. PM Modi had just returned from a three-day visit to Sri Lanka and received a warm welcome from local leaders, including Union Minister L Murugan and BJP Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai.

With improved connectivity and a future-ready design, the new Pamban Bridge is poised to become a key gateway to South India's spiritual tourism circuit, while also strengthening regional infrastructure.

Kadak Surve – Chai Bhari: Society Tea Unveils Power-Packed Ad Film Featuring Riteish Deshmukh

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 26, 2025

Society Tea, a brand deeply rooted in Maharashtra’s tea culture, has launched its latest ad campaign, ‘Kadak Surve – Chai Bhari’, starring Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh. The film pays homage to the bold and full-bodied essence of kadak chai, a favorite across the state.

The campaign introduces Riteish Deshmukh as Kadak Surve, a fearless cop who embodies the spirit of kadakness. Shot in Marathi and Hindi, the ad film reflects the deep-rooted love for strong, dust tea in Maharashtra, with high-energy storytelling, dynamic visuals, and a compelling narrative.

A Tribute to Maharashtra’s Love for Chai

"Kadak chai is more than just a beverage—it's an emotion," said Karan Shah, Director, Society Tea. "With ‘Kadak Surve – Chai Bhari,’ we wanted to encapsulate the strength and energy that a cup of our dust tea delivers. Riteish Deshmukh brings this vision to life with his dynamic presence, making this campaign truly bhari!"

The power-packed ad film is now live across Meta and YouTube, inviting chai lovers to experience the boldness of Society Tea’s dust tea.

TVC Credits

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