Brands
Bhim names MS Dhoni as brand ambassador to boost trust
Payments app taps cricket icon to drive scale, inclusion and confidence
MUMBAI: Bhim Payments App has brought in a familiar face of calm and credibility, appointing Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador as it gears up for its next phase of growth.
Announced by NPCI BHIM Services Limited, the move pairs one of India’s most trusted cricketers with a payments platform that has quietly powered the country’s digital transactions for nearly a decade. The idea is simple. Build scale, deepen inclusion and, above all, strengthen user confidence.
The partnership leans on a shared reputation for reliability. While Bhim has grown into a widely used digital payments interface built on NPCI’s infrastructure, Dhoni’s journey from small-town beginnings to national leadership mirrors that steady rise, making the association feel less like a marketing move and more like a natural fit.
NBSL MD and CEO Lalitha Nataraj said, “As digital payments continue to scale in India, the next phase of growth is about strengthening preferences and deepening user confidence. With onboarding MS Dhoni as our brand ambassador, our objective is to position Bhim Payments App not just as a payments option but as the preferred app for each member in the Indian household.”
She added, “As Bhim Payments App enters its next phase of growth, trust remains at the centre of everything we do. Dhoni represents that same trust, built over time. That is why this partnership feels inevitable.”
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, said, “Over the years, I have always believed in keeping things simple and staying clear in approach. What stood out to me about Bhim is its focus on making digital payments straightforward and accessible to people across the country.”
He added, “As India continues to move towards greater digital adoption, it is important that users feel comfortable and confident while transacting. I am happy to be associated with an app that is built to serve everyday needs at scale.”
Repositioned as Bharat Ka Apna Payments App, Bhim has been widening its footprint across tier 1, 2 and 3 towns. With support for more than 15 regional languages and optimisation for low connectivity environments, the platform is designed to work as smoothly in smaller towns as it does in big cities.
Add to that reward-led features and growing merchant partnerships, and the app is aiming to stay not just relevant, but indispensable.
With Dhoni now at the crease, Bhim is clearly playing the long game, one built on trust, familiarity and everyday use.
Brands
Ather Energy doubles service network to 500 centres nationwide
EV maker scales support alongside growth to keep riders on the road
MUMBAI: Ather Energy is quietly building more than just scooters. It is building the backbone to keep them running.
The electric two-wheeler maker has expanded its service network to 500 authorised centres across India, nearly doubling its footprint in a year from 277. The move mirrors its growing retail presence and signals a clear focus on one often overlooked part of EV ownership, what happens after the purchase.
From the outset, Ather has prioritised service support in every city it enters, aiming to make ownership as smooth as the ride itself. Its Gold Service Centres bring in upgraded customer lounges, modern equipment and processes designed to make servicing more transparent and reliable.
Speed, too, is part of the pitch. Through its ExpressCare initiative, riders can get periodic maintenance done in about an hour, now available across 82 centres, turning what used to be a chore into a quick pit stop.
Ather Energy chief business officer Ravneet Singh Phokela said, “Crossing 500 service centres is an important milestone as we scale across the country. Reliable after-sales support is central to the ownership experience, and our focus remains on consistent service quality and accessibility.”
The expansion comes as demand grows for models like the Ather 450 and the Rizta, which have helped the company reach a broader set of riders across metros and emerging cities alike.
Alongside servicing, Ather continues to power up infrastructure through the Ather Grid, now one of the largest fast-charging networks for two-wheelers, with over 4,300 charging points.
With plans to scale further and deepen its presence, Ather’s approach is clear. Selling the scooter may start the journey, but keeping it running smoothly is what sustains it.
