MAM
McDowell’s No.1 Yaari Jam releases a new single ‘Apni Yaari’ with SANAM on Friendship day
MUMBAI: McDowell’s No.1 Soda through its music platform, “No.1 Yaari Jam” has been synonymous with bringing alive enthralling stories of Yaari through music. To give the spirit of friendship day an extra special boost, McDowell’s No.1 Yaari Jam has partnered with sensational music band SANAM to release an original song – ‘Apni Yaari’.
This original featuring the band is composed by Clinton Cerejo & SANAM and written by the acclaimed lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya. The song ‘Apni Yaari’ is youthful, lively, full of emotions and embraces the essence of modern-day friendships. The song has been created by Qyuki Media and the music video has been produced by The Glitch team.
No.1 Yaari Jam originals has partnered artists from across the country to create music that tells intriguing stories of friendship. With this new single from SANAM, the platform exemplifies yaari among millennials that can be shared with the world through social media but at its core still manages to remain very intimate, endearing and special.
The song also highlights the real-life yaari among the band members of SANAM and how they connect with their fans. Sanam, Venkat, Samar & Keshav, the band members of SANAM, were friends before forming a band in the year 2010. In the 9 years that they have performed together, they have become one of the country’s most popular band with over 6MN followers on YouTube and some amazing hits to their credit. Apart from playing music, they hang out, play cricket, video games, work out together and keep their yaari alive.
Talking about this composition, Sanam Puri, the lead vocalist said, “When we were approached to create an original track with Clinton Cerejo on friendship, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to put into words what we feel about each other. Together with McDowell’s No.1 Yaari Jam, we hope our fans relate to the composition and celebrate friendship day humming this track with their yaars.”
Adds Samar Puri, Lead guitarist and the founding member of the band, “The journey that we have taken together as friends has been magical. From hitting it off together at Keshav’s garage and composing songs, to winning various competitions together, having each other’s back on off days is what has kept us together. With this track, we had a chance to re-live our yaari moments and bring it out in the best possible way for our fans.”
Venkat Subramaniyam, the bass guitarist with the band said, “Having known each other since our school days has helped us form bonds that were beyond any boundaries. What this did was that it brought us together to find out each other’s passion for music and understand our strengths. Today, we understand what each of us is thinking without even expressing it out explicitly. Our track is a tribute to such yaaris that do not needs words to express their love for each other.”
Keshav Dhanraj, the drummer with the hit band adds, “We’ve been friends for the longest time, and now we understand each one’s emotions and can connect deeply. As friends first and band members later, we love that we can put away work and relax when it is needed. Therefore, it is important to have such yaars in one’s life who can help you unwind and enjoy moments in life”
Khushboo Benani, Content and Brand Advocacy Head for Diageo India said, “No.1 Yaari means something personal and special to every individual. Hence this Friendship Day we wanted to pay homage to all the different friends and their unique yaari through a song which makes you want to say – this is our story. The powerful combination of SANAM, Clinton and Amitabh has helped us create a very hummable song that we hope will be shared among yaars.”
The song release will be supported by a UGC campaign and the McDowell’s No.1 Yaari Jam platform is looking forward to creating a fan tribute by creating a video of fans singing along with Apni Yaari.
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.
