MAM
Sanya Malhotra takes Flite forward with style in new Saatchi campaign
MUMBAI: Bollywood’s Sanya Malhotra is putting her best foot forward, literally as the new face of Flite, India’s leading family fashion footwear brand from Relaxo. In a fresh campaign by Saatchi & Saatchi India, the actor breathes life into Flite’s iconic tagline, “Sar Utha, Kadam Badha”, repositioning the brand as more than everyday comfort, it’s a stride of confidence, ambition, and style.
The campaign’s heart beats for the everyday achievers people who rise above modest beginnings and keep walking tall despite challenges. Sanya embodies this journey herself, reflecting the grit and determination of millions across India. The campaign film concludes with the rallying call of “Sar Utha, Kadam Badha”, positioning Flite as the stylish companion on this onward march.
“It’s been a whirlwind journey down several new roads,” said Saatchi & Saatchi India chief creative officer Rohit Malkani. “From finding the right celebrity to creating a contemporary visual language, this narrative builds on the ethos but evolves it showcasing not just struggles, but Sanya’s grit and fashionable flair.”
For Relaxo, the association signals more than celebrity endorsement. Relaxo Footwears Ltd VP for marketing Manoj Lalwani called it “the start of an exciting new chapter,” with a 360° campaign spanning digital, retail, and television to ensure deep consumer connect. “With ‘Har Kadam Stylish’ as your way of life and ‘Sar Utha Kadam Badha’ as your way forward, we’re confident this will spark strong resonance,” he added.
Since winning the business in 2021, Saatchi has consistently evolved Flite’s brand language. Saatchi & Saatchi India head for North & East Hindol Purkayastha, noted that the new film leverages the strong recall of the tagline to reach younger audiences while cementing Flite as a design-led lifestyle choice.
The campaign blends Flite’s comfort, durability, and contemporary design into a narrative of ambition. Rolling out across television and digital platforms, it reinforces the footwear’s role as a stylish partner in resilience and progress urging Indians everywhere to keep their heads high and steps bold.
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
