Brands
Himalaya hits the streets: bringing cool comfort to Chennai’s sweltering summer
MUMBAI: Chennai’s Marina Beach saw an unusual sight this July: not just sunbathers or cricket matches, but a Himalaya-branded truck booth parked amid the crowd, drawing traffic police, sanitation workers, and commuters seeking relief from the unrelenting Tamil sun.
In a campaign more about care than commerce, Himalaya Wellness took its Aloe Vera Gel Face Wash directly to the streets with mobile Aloe Vera Truck Carts stationed at hotspots across Tamil Nadu. The setup was refreshingly simple—free face washes, a shaded spot, and a brief pause from the city’s heat. For many, it felt like more than a brand activation; it was a moment of genuine respite.
The response was immediate. Traffic constables stopped in for a cool wash, sanitation staff cleansed away the city’s grit, and passersby lingered not just for a product demo but for a rare moment of connection—with themselves, and with a brand showing up when it counted.
“For us, wellness is about how we show up in people’s real lives,” said Ragini Hariharan, Marketing Director – Beauty & Personal Care, Himalaya Wellness. “In Tamil Nadu’s peak summer, our booths became safe, soothing spaces. Whether a constable cooled off or a vendor washed away fatigue, these small moments made a big impact. That’s real connection.”
For Pratheep Kumar, Media Manager at Himalaya and a Chennai native, the idea was born out of empathy. “Anyone who’s lived here knows how relentless the heat is. Marina Beach is where the city comes alive—so it was the perfect place to offer a moment of relief.”
A short film capturing the activation showcases candid reactions—smiles, sighs, and thanks—from those who experienced the booth. The footage doesn’t just spotlight the face wash; it tells a story of care, comfort, and a brand living its purpose one face at a time.
For Himalaya, the Aloe Vera Truck Cart is more than a marketing pop-up. It’s a real-world gesture rooted in the brand’s nature-first legacy—a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful brand moments come in simple, human acts: a cool wash on a hot afternoon, offered with empathy.
To see the spirit in action, watch the campaign video here:
And if you’re braving Chennai’s summer, keep an eye out—you never know when a Himalaya truck might roll by, offering a much-needed pause in the heat.
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.
