Women Who Lead: Trailblazing Entrepreneurs in the Food & Beverage Industry

Women Who Lead: Trailblazing Entrepreneurs in the Food & Beverage Industry

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 5, 2025

The food and beverage industry has long been a challenging space, yet these remarkable women have broken barriers to carve their own path. As International Women's Day draws near, we recognize and celebrate the achievements of women who have not only established thriving culinary businesses but have also inspired countless others with their entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.

Divya Kadam – Baliboo

Mumbai’s Baliboo is the brainchild of Divya Kadam, a passionate entrepreneur who transformed her love for travel and food into a vibrant dining experience. Launched in 2023, Baliboo quickly became a hotspot for those seeking a tropical escape within the city. Despite having no background in hospitality, Divya’s global culinary explorations inspired her to create a space that blends exotic flavors, immersive ambiance, and a unique dining culture.

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Geeta Amin – Amelia

With over three decades in architecture, Geeta Amin’s expertise goes beyond structures—it extends into crafting experiences. As the visionary behind Amelia, a contemporary European dining destination in Mumbai’s OneBKC, Geeta merges her passion for design and fine dining. Drawing inspiration from her travels across 75+ countries, she has created a space that is both culturally rich and architecturally stunning. Beyond hospitality, she is also a celebrated wildlife photographer with her work published in the official book of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

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Bobby Patel – Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh

A certified culinary and baking chef, Bobby Patel has redefined the vegetarian and plant-based dining experience. As the Culinary Director of Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh, she has championed sustainability and innovation in food. Her flagship brand, Thyme & Whisk, launched in Vadodara in 2018, has expanded to 16 locations. Mad Doh, a Mumbai-based venture, is on the path of rapid expansion into major Indian cities. With expertise certified by City & Guilds London, Bobby is at the forefront of creating delectable and mindful culinary experiences.

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Eesha Sukhi – The BlueBop Cafe

From the corporate world to the culinary stage, Eesha Sukhi’s journey has been one of passion and transformation. In 2019, she launched The BlueBop Cafe in Mumbai’s Khar, a space known for its exceptional cuisine and live jazz performances. Her commitment to quality food and immersive entertainment has earned the cafe multiple accolades, including the Times Food & Nightlife Award for three consecutive years. Eesha’s story is a testament to how passion and strategic vision can create a successful brand.

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Rinka Jha & Rashmi Mehra – Two Gud Sisters

From friendship to entrepreneurship, Rinka Jha and Rashmi Mehra co-founded Two Gud Sisters with a mission to create a space where food fosters connections. Their venture reflects their shared love for quality products, homemade flavors, and meaningful experiences. Whether through handcrafted meals, artisanal coffee, or innovative culinary offerings, they have cultivated a brand that resonates with people seeking warmth and authenticity in their dining experiences.

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Aayusha Joshi – ZAKÌ

Taking over a 25-year-old Mumbai bakery and transforming it into a contemporary brand, Aayusha Joshi is redefining tradition with a fresh perspective. Armed with a BA (Hons) in Entrepreneurship from NMIMS and a design certification from ISDI Mumbai in collaboration with Parsons School of Design, Aayusha blends aesthetics with culinary expertise. Her passion for exploring global cuisines and desserts fuels the evolution of ZAKÌ, creating a brand that respects its roots while embracing innovation.

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Neha Chowdhury – Courtyard by Marriott

With nearly 20 years in luxury hospitality, Neha Chowdhury, Director of Sales & Marketing at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, is a force to be reckoned with. Her deep understanding of business strategy and human connection makes her a leader who not only drives revenue but also shapes guest experiences. Neha’s success reinforces the belief that women can excel in leadership roles, inspiring the next generation of female professionals in the industry.

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These women have redefined the food and beverage industry with their dedication, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. Their journeys serve as a beacon of inspiration, proving that passion and perseverance can transform dreams into thriving businesses.


IHCL and CG Hospitality Global Strengthen Presence in Bhutan with Taj Gangtey Resort and Spa

IHCL and CG Hospitality Global Strengthen Presence in Bhutan with Taj Gangtey Resort and Spa

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

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.


Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa Returns to Cinemas on Valentine’s Eve, 24 Years After Its Original Release

Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa Returns to Cinemas on Valentine’s Eve, 24 Years After Its Original Release

By Hariharan U

Published on January 31, 2026

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.


STAAH Crosses 30,000 Live Properties Worldwide, Strengthens Global Presence

STAAH Crosses 30,000 Live Properties Worldwide, Strengthens Global Presence

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

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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