IMC Ladies’ Wing Hosts IMPACT 2025 for Women’s Day

IMC Ladies’ Wing Hosts IMPACT 2025, Honoring Women Who Inspire Change

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 8, 2025

The IMC Ladies’ Wing hosted a spectacular IMPACT 2025 at Trident Hotel, Nariman Point, celebrating women who inspire change and redefine empowerment. The event brought together trailblazing women from various fields, featuring engaging conversations, thought-provoking panel discussions, and a mesmerizing cultural performance.

An Evening of Inspiration

The legendary actor and social activist Shabana Azmi graced the event as Chief Guest, engaging in a captivating conversation with film journalist Bhawana Somaaya. She shared insights from her five-decade journey in films and reflected on the evolving role of women in society.

The evening also honored:

Kiran Rao – Acclaimed filmmaker, recognized for her impactful storytelling and portrayal of nuanced female characters
Tanvi Jindal Shete – Founder of the Museum of Solutions, for her pioneering work in education and innovation

A powerful panel discussion featuring Kiran Rao, Tanvi Jindal Shete, and Priya Tanna (President, TRS Creative Consulting) delved into their leadership journeys, challenges, and resilience in shaping the future.

A Celebration of Strength & Art

The event concluded with "A Million Sitas," a breathtaking Bharatanatyam performance by Dr. Anita Ratnam, reimagining Sita as a symbol of strength and empowerment.

Empowering Words from Leaders

IMC Ladies’ Wing President Jyoti Doshi remarked, “As we move forward, we must strive for a world that is safer, fairer, and truly equal. A hundred years from now, when Women's Day is celebrated, future generations will look back at us with pride, joy, and gratitude.”

IMPACT Chairperson Surbhi Ghatlia added, “Today’s woman knows her strength. To create a lasting impact, we must embrace change, evolve, and adapt to new ideas and perspectives.”

IMPACT 2025 Leadership Team

The IMPACT 2025 committee was led by:

President: Jyoti Doshi
Vice President: Rajyalakshmi Rao
Chairperson: Surbhi Ghatlia
Co-Chairperson: Malini Agarwalla
Advisories: Bharti Gandhi & Minal Bajaj
Committee Members: Amisha Himatsingka, Nita Dhruva & Radhika Kaji

IMPACT 2025 was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired, empowered, and motivated to drive meaningful change.

AnnYatra Debuts Its First Flagship, Redefining Vegetarian Fine Dining

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 27, 2026

India’s evolving food scene welcomes a fresh and thoughtful addition with the launch of AnnYatra, a vegetarian fine-dining destination that opens its first flagship outlet in Delhi NCR. With this debut, AnnYatra sets out to reimagine how Indian cuisine is explored and experienced, one region at a time.

Conceptualised as a journey rather than a fixed menu, AnnYatra presents Indian food as an unfolding story. Each course is inspired by a different Indian state, drawing from its local ingredients, traditions, and culinary thinking. These elements are interpreted through a contemporary approach, while staying true to their original essence, resulting in a dining experience that is immersive, reflective, and indulgent.

In a space where vegetarian dining is often viewed as either traditional or trend-driven, AnnYatra chooses a more balanced path. It positions itself as refined, intentional, and unapologetically Indian. Seasonal produce, indigenous grains, and heirloom spices form the backbone of the menu, handled with care, restraint, and modern technique. The approach highlights how plant-forward cuisine can feel elevated while remaining deeply soulful.

The flagship outlet mirrors the brand’s philosophy of quiet sophistication. The interiors are warm and elegant, designed to support the dining experience without overpowering it. The focus remains on the food, the rhythm of the courses, and the stories behind them. Hospitality is calm and intuitive, allowing guests to move through the experience at an unhurried pace.

Sharing the thought behind the concept, Deepak Tandon, Founder & Visionary, says: “AnnYatra began with a desire to honour India’s culinary diversity in its truest form. This first outlet is not about scale, but about setting the foundation, creating a space where vegetarian cuisine is celebrated with depth, dignity, and refinement. It is an invitation to experience India not through excess, but through understanding.”

Backed by decades of experience in elevated hospitality, Tandon’s vision for AnnYatra is rooted in purpose-led dining. Provenance, storytelling, and guest experience take priority, creating meaningful connections rather than relying on theatrics.

With the opening of its first address, AnnYatra introduces itself as more than just a restaurant. It marks the beginning of a journey that invites diners to slow down, dine mindfully, and rediscover India through a more thoughtful and elevated culinary lens.

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Appoints Vinod K P as Director of Security

By Hariharan U

Published on February 27, 2026

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has appointed Vinod K P as Director of Security, reinforcing its leadership team with over three decades of cross-sector security expertise spanning hospitality, aviation, healthcare and central government services.

A Chemistry graduate from University of Calicut, Vinod began his professional journey in 1991 and joined the Central Industrial Security Force as a Sub-Inspector in 1992. During his ten-year tenure, he handled diverse portfolios including administration, intelligence, crime prevention, mechanical transport operations and senior-level liaison, building deep experience in managing complex and high-risk environments.

He later transitioned into aviation security with SriLankan Airlines at Calicut International Airport before entering the hospitality sector with Hyatt Hotels Corporation in 2007 as Security Manager at Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa. He subsequently served as Head of Safety and Security at Park Hyatt Chennai. Most recently, he was associated with Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd. in Chennai, where he led operations safety and security for several years.

A native of Kerala, Vinod returns to Hyatt with a strong understanding of the brand’s operational culture. Known for his calm leadership and people-focused approach, he will focus on strengthening safety systems, enhancing risk management frameworks and building resilient, high-performing teams at the property.

Commenting on his appointment, Vinod described it as a homecoming after eight years and reflected on his earlier tenure with Hyatt as one of the most meaningful phases of his career. Guided by his personal philosophy, “Be Good, Do Good,” he emphasises integrity, humility and collaboration in leadership.

With this appointment, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty continues to prioritise safety, security and operational excellence as it advances its position as a leading luxury urban resort in South India

Smoke House Café Opens at Sky City Mall, Borivali

By Hariharan U

Published on February 26, 2026

Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. has launched Smoke House Café at Sky City Mall, marking a new phase in the 15-year journey of Smoke House Deli. The new café format builds on the brand’s familiar European comfort-led identity while presenting a calmer, more contemporary neighbourhood expression designed for everyday dining.

Guided by the philosophy From The World, To You, the café draws inspiration from global flavours, ingredients and techniques, translating them into approachable dishes suited for repeat visits and relaxed gatherings. The Borivali outlet is positioned as a space for long lunches, mid-week bites, family dinners and easy catch-ups, reflecting the strong sense of community that defines the neighbourhood.

The interiors subtly reference the lush landscape of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, blending earthy textures, muted tones and organic elements to create a setting that feels grounded yet modern. The result is a café that feels connected to its surroundings while maintaining a refined, urban character.

Riyaaz Amlani, Founder and Managing Director, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., said, “With Smoke House Café, we are introducing a format that feels current, intentional and deeply rooted in hospitality. It is about giving our guests something new without losing the emotional connection they have always had with the brand. This is the future of Smoke House, more contemporary, more neighbourhood driven, and built for everyday belonging.”

Commenting on the launch, Tanu Prasad, CEO – Malls, Oberoi Realty, said the addition strengthens Sky City Mall’s positioning as a social and experiential hub for the western suburbs.

The menu reflects a structured, comfort-forward approach with an expanded focus on vegetarian options. Guests can expect dishes such as Signature Guacamole, Crispy Chilli Cheese, Raw Papaya, Tender Coconut and Grilled Tofu Salad, SHC Avocado Toast, Creamed Spinach, Feta, Tomato and Olive Pizza, Ricotta and Greens Double Stuffed Ravioli, and Tofu and Baby Corn Curry with Jasmine Rice. A curated range of zero-proof beverages, including Cranberry Cold Brew, P.K Lemonade, Thai Spiced Chai and Lychee and Hibiscus Brew, complements the all-day café format.

A thoughtfully designed kids’ menu further reinforces the café’s family-friendly positioning, particularly relevant in Borivali’s community-driven dining landscape.

Vinod Shetty, Operations Head, Smoke House Café, said, “With Smoke House Café, we wanted to build something that feels natural to the neighbourhood. Borivali has a strong family culture, but it is also evolving and aspirational. The menu reflects that balance. We have strengthened our vegetarian offerings, clarified the structure, and introduced a dedicated kids’ section so that the experience feels complete. It is about creating a café that people can keep coming back to, across occasions and across life stages.”

Located on the ground floor of Sky City Mall, Borivali East, the café operates daily from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM. The opening signals the next chapter for the Smoke House legacy, evolving with changing dining habits while retaining the warmth and familiarity that built its following.

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IMC Ladies’ Wing Hosts IMPACT 2025, Honoring Women Who Inspire Change

An Evening of Inspiration

A Celebration of Strength & Art

Empowering Words from Leaders

IMPACT 2025 Leadership Team

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AnnYatra Debuts Its First Flagship, Redefining Vegetarian Fine Dining

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Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Appoints Vinod K P as Director of Security

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Smoke House Café Opens at Sky City Mall, Borivali

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