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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on January 28, 2025
As India celebrated its 76th Republic Day, the nation honored the recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards, recognizing their outstanding contributions across various fields. Among this year’s awardees are individuals who have left an indelible mark on the Indian hospitality and cultural sectors.
Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetti
Textile industrialist and philanthropist Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetti has been awarded the Padma Bhushan in the trade and industry category. Previously a Padma Shri awardee in 2003, Chetti’s contributions have been pivotal in elevating Indian silk to a global stage.
Taking over Nalli Silks in 1958, Chetti expanded the legacy established by his grandfather, Nalli Chinnasami Chetty, who famously wove a silk shawl for King George V in 1911. Starting with its first showroom in Chennai in 1928, Nalli Silks has grown to include outlets across India and internationally in the US, Singapore, and Canada. Over the years, its clientele has included dignitaries such as Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and legendary Carnatic singer MS Subbulakshmi.
Beyond textiles, He is a patron of Carnatic music in Chennai, supporting venues and Margazhi music festivals. His efforts ensure these festivals remain vibrant celebrations of Chennai’s cultural essence which shapes hospitality sector in the region. Additionally, his Tamil literary works — Vetrikku Moondre Padigal, Needhi Noolgalil Nirvagam, and Thyagaraya Nagar Andrum Indrum — reflect his diverse contributions to society.
Chef Damu
Chef Damodharan Kothandaraman, widely recognized as Chef Damu, has received the Padma Shri, marking him as the third chef in history to achieve this honor after Chef Imtiaz Qureshi and Chef Sanjeev Kapoor. His illustrious career spans 45 years, beginning at Taj Mumbai, and includes numerous accomplishments that have shaped India’s culinary arts.
Chef Damu, a Ph.D. holder in catering science from Madras University, is celebrated for his engaging cookery shows in Tamil and his role as a mentor in hotel management institutes. He is the President of the South India Chef’s Association (SICA) and has organized workshops and events to nurture budding chefs.
Known for his Guinness World Record for the longest single-person cooking marathon, where he prepared 617 dishes over 24 hours and 30 minutes in 2010, Damu’s name is synonymous with culinary excellence. His books and television appearances have made him a beloved figure in households across South India.
Prashanth Prakash
Entrepreneur and venture capitalist Prashanth Prakash has been awarded the Padma Shri for his transformative contributions to India’s startup ecosystem. As a founding partner of Accel India, Prakash has been instrumental in the success of iconic startups like Flipkart, Swiggy, BookMyShow, Freshworks, and Urban Company.
His efforts have not only revolutionized online food delivery with Swiggy but also empowered communities through initiatives such as ACT Grants and Sikshana Foundation. Prakash’s commitment to sustainability and innovation underscores the recognition of startups as a vital force in nation-building.
RG Chandramohan
RG Chandramogan, a pioneering entrepreneur in India’s dairy industry, has been awarded the Padma Shri for his significant contributions to trade and industry. From modest beginnings to steering one of India’s largest private dairy companies, Chandramogan’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.
Starting as a college dropout in 1970, Chandramogan launched a small-scale ice cream venture, which laid the foundation for Hatsun Agro Product. Today, under his leadership, Hatsun Agro stands as a titan in the dairy sector, with its products reaching millions of households across the country.
Hatsun sources milk directly from over 450,000 farmers spread across 12,000 villages, ensuring quality while supporting the rural economy. Its brands, including Arun Ice Cream, Arokya Milk, and Hatsun Curd, have become household names in India. Arun Ice Cream, in particular, enjoys immense popularity for its wide range of flavors and quality offerings, cementing its place as one of India’s favorite ice cream brands.
Beyond business, Chandramogan is known for his philanthropic endeavors, supporting various initiatives aimed at rural development and community welfare. His vision has not only elevated India’s dairy industry but also positively impacted the lives of thousands of farmers and their families.
RG Chandramogan’s recognition with the Padma Shri highlights his role as a trailblazer in the dairy sector, blending business excellence with a commitment to societal upliftment. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and giving back to the community.
These exemplary individuals highlight the diverse contributions to India’s cultural, culinary, and economic fabric, setting benchmarks for future generations. The Padma Awards celebrate their enduring legacies and the significant impact they continue to make on society.
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Published on January 31, 2026
Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the opening of Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa in Phobjikha, Bhutan, further strengthening its presence in the region through its partnership with CG Hospitality Global.
Speaking on the development, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “Building on our presence in the region, opening of Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa, is in line with our strategy of growing our footprint in the sub-continent. Bhutan is a well-established leisure destination on the global tourism map offering a combination of nature and culture. We are delighted to partner with Happiness Resort & Spa for this project, a collaboration between Mr. Anan Gurung and CG Hospitality Global a member of the CG Corp Global.”
Located in the pristine Phobjikha valley, the 35-key Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa brings the calm and beauty of the landscape into every room, offering guests a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. The Chang Lounge & Bar invites guests to relax by the fire with a selection of rare blends and spirits, while Vista offers authentic flavours in a traditional Bhutanese setting.
The resort features a J Wellness Circle Spa offering holistic remedies, an indoor heated swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and dedicated yoga instructors. Guests can also enjoy curated experiences such as guided monastery walks, nature trails through the meadows, and crane spotting, allowing them to connect closely with the destination.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Binod Chaudhary, Chairman, CG Corp Global and Mr. Rahul Chaudhary, MD & CEO of CG Hospitality Global, said, “Phobjikha has always been a place of quiet beauty. Partnering with IHCL allows us to introduce a hospitality offering that is in harmony with the destination, its people and its traditions.”
Mr. Anan Gurung, CEO, Happiness Resort & Spa, Bhutan, added, “Steeped in culture and the timeless spirit of the Himalayas, Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa offers a window to Bhutan’s soul. We are proud to partner with the iconic Taj, World’s Strangest Hotel Brand for this hotel.”
Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s most scenic glacial valleys, known for its open meadows, untouched natural beauty, and a cultural landscape that has remained timeless over the years.
The partnership between IHCL and CG Hospitality across the Indian Sub-Continent and the Middle East currently includes Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa and Taj Paro Resort & Spa in Bhutan, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa and Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa in Maldives, Taj Samudra in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers in Dubai, two Vivanta hotels in Nepal, and Taj Safaris, the luxury wildlife lodges in India and Nepal.
By Hariharan U
In a move set to delight romance lovers and cinema nostalgists alike, True Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. has announced the theatrical re-release of the 2002 romantic drama Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa. The film will return to cinemas across India on 13 February 2026, just in time for Valentine’s Day celebrations, nearly 24 years after its original theatrical run.
Directed by Kuku Kohli, Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa was one of the notable box-office performers of its time and remains remembered for its sweeping romance, popular soundtrack and big-screen appeal. Notably, the film has never been released on any OTT or satellite platform, making this re-release the first opportunity in years for audiences to experience it in a cinema setting.
Kuku Kohli is a well-established name in Hindi commercial cinema and is best known for launching Ajay Devgn in Phool Aur Kaante (1991), a film that became iconic, particularly for its memorable opening bike-split sequence. Over the years, Kohli has directed films such as Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Zulmi and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa, and also introduced actors Karan Nath and Jividha Sharma through this romantic entertainer. The film’s music, released under Tips Music, continues to enjoy strong popularity, with its songs frequently ranking high on chartbusters even today.
Starring Karan Nath and Jividha Sharma, Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa has retained its appeal despite the absence of a digital release. For its 2026 theatrical return, the film has been carefully re-edited to align with contemporary viewing sensibilities and has been re-certified by the CBFC.
True Entertainment, led by Shailendra Mandowara, has been active in film production and distribution for over two decades. Mandowara had earlier released and distributed the cult classic Tujhe Meri Kasam, whose recent re-release received an encouraging response.
Speaking about the decision, Shailendra Mandowara of True Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. said, "At True Entertainment, we strongly believe that certain films belong only in theatres, and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa is one of them. It has never been released on Satellite and OTT, and that was a conscious decision to bring it back to theatres for today audience. After the overwhelming response to the re-release of Tujhe Meri Kasam, bringing this film back felt like a natural step. This is about celebrating cinema that audiences still want to experience on the big screen."
Director Kuku Kohli also shared his thoughts on the film’s return, saying, "Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa was made for the big screen -- the scale, the music, the emotions, everything was designed to be experienced collectively in a theatre. I'm genuinely happy that a new generation will get the chance to discover the film the way audiences did in 2002. Romantic films have a huge audience base today and the film will cater to young viewers. Cinema has a long memory, and when a film connects honestly, it always finds its way back to the audience."
The nationwide theatrical re-release of Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa on 13 February 2026 aims to tap into both nostalgia and renewed interest in big-screen romantic cinema, offering audiences a chance to revisit or discover, a film that continues to hold a special place in Bollywood’s romantic legacy.
Published on January 30, 2026
STAAH, a global hospi-tech solutions provider, has announced a key milestone with over 30,000 live properties now using its platform across the world. This includes more than 8,000 properties in India, underlining the brand’s strong growth in the domestic market alongside its expanding global footprint.
The achievement reflects the growing confidence hoteliers place in STAAH’s cloud-based solutions at a time when global travel is steadily regaining momentum. From independent hotels and resorts to groups and chains, STAAH’s technology is helping properties simplify daily operations, improve distribution, and drive better revenue outcomes.
STAAH’s product portfolio includes Channel Manager, Booking Engine, Review Management, Global Distribution System, and other hospitality technology solutions. Together, these offerings support over 30,000 properties in managing online visibility, optimising bookings, and adapting to an increasingly digital hospitality environment.
Commenting on the milestone, Tarun Joukani (Director, STAAH) said, "Reaching 30,000 live properties is a testament to our relentless focus on innovation and customer success. We've seen explosive growth in key markets like India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, where hoteliers are embracing digital transformation to boost occupancy, streamline operations, and maximize revenue. This milestone positions us to empower even more properties as global tourism rebounds."
Headquartered in New Zealand, STAAH is a well-established hospitality technology platform that supports accommodation providers including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. The company enables properties to grow online bookings and revenue through a user-friendly system that manages Online Travel Agents, direct bookings, and online reputation.
Founded by Gavin Jeddo in 2008, STAAH currently partners with over 20,000 properties across 90 countries. Its operations span New Zealand, Australia, India, UAE, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the UK, and Europe. The company continues to deliver solutions across Channel Management, Booking Engine, Websites, Vouchers, Reputation Management, and Global Distribution System, reinforcing its position as a trusted technology partner for the hospitality industry.
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