MAM
Weekend Unwind with Gargee Designer’s Ravi Gupta
Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.
In this week’s session, we have Gargee Designer’s creative director Ravi Gupta.
Gupta is a fashion designer and the creative director of Gargee Designers. He honed his skills by completing his B.A. in Design & Technology, during which he actively participated in renowned competitions worldwide, including “WOW” in New Zealand, “The Debut” by Wills Lifestyle in Delhi, “Haining Warp Knitting Fashion Design Competition” in China, and “Swatch Alternative Fashion Week London.” These experiences served as a stepping stone for his journey into the world of fashion.
So without further ado here it goes…
1.Your mantra for life
Ans: My mantra in life is to Don’t tell what you cannot show. This is what pushes me forward in life.
2. A book you are currently reading or plan to read
Ans: One book that I am currently reading is The 12-Week Year. It’s reshaping my approach to productivity and goal-setting, emphasizing the power of consistent action and strategic execution.
3. Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
Ans: My fitness mantra has always been to wake up early in the morning meditate and do yoga and even during the pandemic this was the fitness mantra I solely followed.
4. Your comfort food
Ans: When it comes to finding solace in food, nothing compares to the comforting embrace of a warm, flaky paratha generously slathered with creamy butter and paired with tangy pickles.
5. A quote or philosophy that keeps you going when the chips are down
Ans: “Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some.” Thankful for whatever we have rather than focusing on misfortunes.
6. Your guilty pleasure
Ans: Indulging in Big Chill’s desserts is my ultimate guilty pleasure whenever I crave something sweet. From their decadent cakes to their creamy ice creams, each bite is a delightful treat for my taste buds, satisfying my cravings like no other.
7. The last time you tried something new
Ans: A very recent thing that I tried is Chat gpt4, as the world is getting technologically advanced chat gpt has become one handy tool which has become a necessity in today’s time.
8. A life lesson you learned the hard way
Ans: “The greatest wealth is health” highlights the value of good health. Effective communication and transparency build trust, collaboration, and goal alignment. Active listening, clear expression, and feedback are key. I aim to foster open dialogue and problem-solving.
9. What gets you excited about life?
Ans: What excites me about life is the daily opportunities to meet new people, and engage in novel experiences, particularly those involving creativity, which ignites a spark
10. What’s on top of your bucket list?
Ans: At the top of my bucket list is to visit Japan. The place is known for its traditional clothing, especially the kimono.
11. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Ans: Embrace learning and growth, trust your abilities, and persevere through challenges. Stay passionate, and resilient, and cherish the journey ahead.
12. One thing you would most like to change about the world
Ans: One change I aim for in the world is to advance sustainable practices across all industries. Our planet confronts various environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. To enact meaningful change, global systemic shifts are imperative.
13. An activity that keeps you motivated and charged during tough times
Ans: Dedicating time to read motivational literature, and engage in conversations with supportive individuals who uplift, inspire and create a positive mindset amidst challenging circumstances.
14. What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?
Ans: Learning from past experiences and understanding life’s inevitable ups and downs is what lifts my spirits, it helps break the monotony, fostering peace and rejuvenation.
15. Your go-to stress buster
Ans: My go-to stress buster is spending time at the club, where I can unwind, socialize, and enjoy music and dancing.
MAM
Star Sports under fire for ‘cringe’ India vs South Africa Super 8 promo
Broadcaster accused of arrogance and disrespect as fans slam Super 8 promotion
AHMEDABAD: Star Sports is facing a wave of criticism after its latest promotional campaign for the India–South Africa T20 World Cup Super 8 match triggered a fierce social media backlash, quickly dubbed “Cupcakegate”.
The advertisement, released this week, hinges on a cupcake metaphor that many viewers have condemned as patronising and disrespectful. In the clip, an Indian supporter mockingly offers a pink cupcake to a South African fan, a visual jibe widely interpreted as portraying the Proteas as a soft, easily beaten opponent.
The backlash has been swift across platforms such as X and Reddit, with fans and commentators accusing the broadcaster of tone-deaf bravado at a crucial stage of the tournament. The criticism is sharpened by the context: both India and South Africa arrive in the Super 8s unbeaten, undermining any suggestion of a one-sided contest.
Online, the cupcake symbol has been read as carrying multiple barbs. Some users argue it alludes to South African president Cyril Ramaphosa’s domestic nickname, while others see it as recycling the long-running “chokers” trope associated with South Africa in ICC tournaments. The casting choice has also drawn scrutiny, with viewers noting the physical disparity between the actors playing the two fans, which critics described as a cheap attempt to belittle the opposition.
Even Indian supporters have joined the pile-on. Many warned that such chest-thumping marketing risks “jinxing” the team, pointing to past tournaments where aggressive campaigns preceded unexpected defeats.
Star Sports is no stranger to rivalry-led advertising, having struck gold with its earlier “Mauka Mauka” series. But analysts say the cupcake campaign misreads a fanbase that has grown less tolerant of overtly mocking narratives and more attuned to sporting parity and respect.
India and South Africa meet on Sunday, 22 February, at the 132,000-seat Narendra Modi Stadium. With South Africa securing their Super 8 berth through a commanding win over the UAE, the fixture is widely billed as a heavyweight clash, not the walkover the ad appears to suggest.
