STAR Refined Oil Wins ‘Rising Star of India’ Award

STAR Refined Oil Wins ‘Rising Star of India’ Award at Pride of India Awards 2024-25

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 1, 2025

Ghodawat Consumer Limited (GCL), the FMCG arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group, has once again proven its industry leadership with its flagship product, STAR Refined Oil, being recognized with the ‘Rising Star of India’ Award at the Pride of India Awards and Leadership Summit 2024-25. Held in Goa, this prestigious honor acknowledges brands that demonstrate remarkable growth, innovation, and the potential to drive positive change in society.

STAR Refined Oil has earned consumer trust through its high-quality formulation, enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that promote lightness and fortified with vitamins A, D, and E for added nutrition. Ideal for various cooking styles, from deep-frying to sautéing, the oil continues to set new benchmarks in the industry.

Salloni Ghodawat, Director & COO, Ghodawat Consumer Ltd, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating:
"Trust is the foundation of every great brand, and for us, that trust is built on uncompromising quality and a commitment to consumer well-being. This award is a reflection of STAR Refined Oil’s promise to deliver purity, innovation, and sustainability—values that are increasingly shaping the choices of today’s informed consumers. As we look ahead, our focus remains on setting new industry standards that inspire confidence and contribute to a healthier future for all."

Building on its legacy, STAR Refined Oil launched the ‘Barso Ka Bharosa, Ab Nayi Pehchan Ke Saath’ campaign last year, reinforcing its commitment to quality and modernity. Featuring Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon, the campaign adopted a multi-channel approach, spanning TV, digital ads, and social media, to strengthen brand awareness and connect with evolving consumer preferences.

About Ghodawat Consumer Limited (GCL):

Founded in 2003, GCL is a leading player in the Indian FMCG sector, operating under the umbrella brand ‘STAR’. Its diverse product portfolio includes refined oils, atta, rice, beverages, and snacks, catering to everyday consumer needs. The company also owns premium brands like TBH (100% real vegetable snacks) and Coolberg (India’s leading non-alcoholic beer brand). With a presence in over 250,000 outlets across 120 cities, GCL continues to expand its reach, including exports to 17+ countries worldwide.

About Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG):

Established in 1993, SGG is a diversified conglomerate with a strong presence across multiple sectors, including Aviation, Consumer Products, Education, Energy, Realty, and Retail. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees and a student base exceeding 21,000, the group is dedicated to transforming lives through innovation and excellence.

Congratulations to STAR Refined Oil and Ghodawat Consumer Limited for this remarkable achievement!

Mirth Bar Opens in Indiranagar, A Nostalgic Yet Modern Tribute to Old Bangalore’s Pub Culture

By Hariharan U

Published on September 12, 2025

In a city buzzing with new-age bars and polished lounges, a fresh entrant is raising its glass to nostalgia. Mirth, a 65-seater tucked just off Indiranagar’s 100 Feet Road, is not chasing trends but rewriting them with heart, history, and handcrafted detail.

Founded by four lifelong friends, Sundeep Reddy, Arsau Elango, Santosh Balan, and Prasanna Govindappa, Mirth is built on twenty-five years of shared pub memories in old Bangalore. Once just an idea in their group chat, it is now a warm, whiskey-rich cocktail bar designed for easy conversations, cosy evenings, and nights that blur seamlessly into laughter.

Once a corporate office, the space has been transformed into a glowing, golden-lit haven with interiors meant to flow as naturally as the drinks. Every corner carries the imprint of the founders’ friendship, creating an atmosphere that feels both personal and contemporary.

The beverage program, crafted by Dev Narveker (Petisco, Goa) and led by Head Mixologist Omkar Vidhyadhar Parab, leans into bold signatures and refined classics. Highlights include Pour Me A Slice (whiskey infused with gouda and blue cheese, swirled with cherry and hibiscus sake), Martini Revolver (a tequila–mezcal mix with house-made jalapeño brine), and Slow Current (a chilli-spiced highball with Gundu pepper and sumac). For lighter sips, options like Clear Intention and Lavender Line add a fizzy, playful edge.

“Start light and finish strong, move from fizzy and fruity to bold and boozy,” says Omkar, laying down the path through Mirth’s cocktail map. The extensive back bar ensures purists won’t feel left out either.

At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Baljeet Singh Mehra, whose stints across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, New Zealand, and top Indian kitchens bring “fusion without confusion” to the table. Expect dishes like Sunny Side South (Mirth’s take on Goa’s Ros Omelette stuffed with Asian chicken, served with Malvani curry), East Meets Mezze (a hummus-edamame-sriracha blend), Crackle Theory pork, and Napoli Heatwave spaghetti in chilli oil.

Each founder brings a unique flavour to the venture, Sundeep Reddy, active partner at Roxie, blends engineering precision with F1 fandom. Arsau Elango, finance professional-turned-nightlife enthusiast, contributes global influences and music sensibilities. Santosh Balan, with 20 years of risk advisory, adds depth alongside his passion for cooking. Prasanna Govindappa, an IT veteran, returned from global assignments to help carve a niche for Mirth.

Together, their shared history is visible in every cocktail, playlist, and plate. Guests may even catch them at the bar, sipping on Mirth’s signature Old Flame (a sherry-whiskey concoction) while digging into wok-tossed chilli basil chicken. In an age of Instagram-driven dining, Mirth is refreshingly old-school, prioritising good music, warm hospitality, bold drinks, and food that comforts while surprising. It’s a neighbourhood bar designed not for flash-in-the-pan trends but for the timeless joy of gathering.

Location:
Mirth Bar, 2nd Floor, Ashok Terrace, 303, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar 1st Stage, Bengaluru – 560038

Chin Lung Brewery Indiranagar Celebrates First Anniversary as a Beloved Community Bar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 12, 2025

Bangalore’s iconic community bar, Chin Lung Brewery Indiranagar, has marked its first anniversary, celebrating a year of bringing people together through food, drinks, and meaningful connections. Located at No. 1135, HAL 2nd Stage, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar, the outlet has quickly become a favorite hangout in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Over the past year, Chin Lung Indiranagar has lived up to its promise of delivering quality food, exceptional beverages, and a warm atmosphere. From milestone celebrations and business meetings to casual gatherings, the restaurant has played host to countless memorable moments for its patrons.

The Indiranagar outlet is part of Chin Lung’s growing network of six outlets across Bangalore, including Marathahalli, Residency Road, New Bel Road, Koramangala, and Gandhinagar. Each outlet reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to affordability without compromising on quality or experience.

Known for its curated Asian menu and an extensive beverage program featuring craft beers and creative cocktails, the Indiranagar location has won appreciation from both food enthusiasts and casual diners. Its welcoming vibe and versatile setting have made it a reliable choice for everything from lunch meetings to lively evening celebrations.

“For over six decades, Chin Lung has been more than just a bar, we’ve been the heart of countless celebrations, first dates, business deals, and lifelong friendships,” said Prajwal Lokesh, Founder of Chin Lung Brewery. “The success of our Indiranagar outlet in its first year reinforces our commitment to bringing people together through exceptional food, drinks, and experiences. Every pint poured here carries the warmth and stories of our legacy.”

As the Indiranagar outlet enters its second year, the focus will remain on community engagement and enhancing the dining experience for loyal customers. The milestone not only celebrates the success of the restaurant but also highlights the vibrant community it continues to foster in Bangalore’s buzzing social hub.

Raiya’s Fusion of Global Flavours & Indian Elegance Arrives in Delhi

By Hariharan U

Published on September 11, 2025

South Delhi has welcomed a striking new entrant to its premium dining scene with the launch of Raiya, a cosmopolitan restaurant that reimagines Indian fusion dining. Officially opened on 5th September, Raiya takes inspiration from the Sanskrit word for treasure, bringing together global flavours, Indian artistry, and immersive design to redefine modern casual luxury.

At Raiya, food is treated as celebration. The menu blends cosmopolitan inspirations with Indian refinement, featuring dishes that embody the philosophy of fusion. Highlights include Mooradabadi with Thinly Sliced Sourdough, a heritage recipe reinvented with contemporary technique, and Pinwheel Ravioli, where ghee-roasted mushrooms meet delicate pasta craftsmanship. The mains showcase indulgent creations like Maharaja Cauli and Royal Spring Chicken, while desserts such as Timeless Tiramisu and Lotus Biscoff Royale Cheesecake bridge tradition with modern indulgence.

The bar too is designed as an experience, offering signature cocktails that surprise and delight. Standouts include Mystic Gold, a sparkling elderflower-based drink; The Hidden Gem, presented in a treasure box with smoky theatrics; and Elixir of Gold, Raiya’s showstopper featuring real edible gold glitter.

Raiya’s philosophy extends beyond the plate into its design. The restaurant’s interiors are a study in duality, one half inspired by India’s cultural opulence with temple-like textures, warm tones, and intricate details, and the other half echoing Victorian elegance through arched detailing, soft lighting, and curated vintage European accents. Together, these contrasting elements create a dialogue between past and present, East and West, and tradition and modernity, offering guests more than a meal, an immersive journey.

Speaking at the launch, Priyam Chauhan, Founder of Raiya, shared, “For me, it is a dream turned into a treasure, built from passion and a deep love for storytelling through food and design. One half of Raiya celebrates the warmth of India, while the other embodies contemporary global elegance. Together, they tell the story of a new India: rooted in heritage, yet confident in its global expression.”

With its distinctive culinary approach and immersive atmosphere, Raiya positions itself as a cultural treasure in the heart of South Delhi, inviting diners to explore its unique interpretation of fusion.

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