Brands
Bajaj lights up Kolkata’s Pujo with power and poise
MUMBAI: Talk about turning up the wattage this Pujo! Bajaj plugged into Kolkata’s festive spirit with a sparkling campaign that blended tradition, technology, and a touch of nostalgia.
The brand didn’t just stay home this year, it stepped into the heart of the celebrations, lighting up some of Kolkata’s most iconic pandals. From a radiant LED tunnel at Deshpriya Park to towering displays at Sreebhumi Sporting Club and a 16-day-long sky high LED spectacle at Tala Park Road, Bajaj quite literally became part of the city’s festive glow.
Adding digital dazzle to the celebrations, actress and influencer Ishita Dutta brought her Bengali roots and warm charm to a special film that celebrates the flavours of Durga Pujo. In the short, she recreates her mother’s festive dishes: khichuri, labra, chutney, and payesh, with a little help from the Bajaj Evoque 1000W mixer grinder. With its sturdy motor, Duracut blades, and tough military-grade jars, the Evoque became the star of the kitchen, blending heritage with modern ease.
The campaign encouraged devotees to share their Pujo snapshots across social media, tagging Bajaj electricals and creating a citywide ripple of festive energy online.
With its glowing pandal presence and heartfelt storytelling, Bajaj once again proved it knows how to light up not just homes, but hearts too.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
