Brands
Aahana Resort serves luxury with a swing, unveils exclusive pickleball court
UTTARAKHAND: The Jim Corbett hideaway has unveiled one of India’s most exclusive pickleball courts, adding a fresh slice of active, nature-led indulgence to its already celebrated wellness offering.
Framed by forest views, open skies and air unspoilt by city clutter, the court is designed for travellers who crave both movement and mindfulness. It blends seamlessly into Aahana’s 13.5-acre estate, staying true to the resort’s philosophy of meaningful, restorative luxury.
Long known for its signature spa rituals, sunrise yoga sessions, guided forest walks and trusted farm-to-fork cuisine, Aahana has consistently positioned itself as a destination where wellness is not simply offered but thoughtfully curated. The new court extends that approach, giving guests a premium outdoor experience that feels both energising and grounding.
Whether it’s families seeking shared fun, couples adding a spirited twist to their getaway, or wellness-led travellers who love staying active, the court offers a considered way to play amidst Corbett’s wilderness. Paired with Aahana’s temperature-controlled private pool villas, it completes an experience where movement and stillness sit in perfect harmony.
Brands
Nykaa eyes majority stake in Deepika Padukone’s 82°E brand
Deal could help scale premium label as Nykaa sharpens its beauty play
MUMBAI: Nykaa is in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in 82°E, the premium skincare label founded by Deepika Padukone, according to media reports.
The proposed deal signals Nykaa’s intent to deepen its House of Nykaa portfolio while giving 82°E the scale it has struggled to achieve independently. Padukone is expected to retain a minority stake if the transaction goes through.
For Nykaa, the play is both strategic and timely. With a customer base of over 42 million, the company is betting on its strong distribution, logistics, and repeat purchase ecosystem to revive the brand’s momentum. The two sides already share a working relationship, with Padukone serving as Nykaa’s global brand ambassador since September 2025.
Launched in late 2022, 82°E entered the market with a premium positioning but has faced headwinds. The brand reported revenue of Rs 14.7 crore in FY25, down 30 per cent year on year, alongside losses of Rs 12.26 crore. Industry observers have pointed to steep pricing, a somewhat diffused brand identity, and intense competition from digital-first labels as key challenges.
The potential acquisition also reflects a broader shift in India’s beauty and lifestyle space, where celebrity-led brands are increasingly partnering with larger corporates to unlock scale. Alia Bhatt’s Ed-a-Mamma, for instance, sold a majority stake to Reliance Retail, while Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty has emerged as a standout success within Nykaa’s portfolio, clocking Rs 132.4 crore in FY25 revenue.
Nykaa itself has been on a strong growth trajectory. Its parent, FSN E-Commerce Ventures, reported a 156 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 68 crore in the December 2025 quarter, with revenue reaching Rs 2,873 crore.
Nykaa has been steadily building its portfolio through acquisitions such as Dot & Key, Earth Rhythm and Nudge Wellness, signalling a clear push to own and scale homegrown brands.
If the 82°E deal materialises, it could mark a fresh chapter for the label, blending celebrity appeal with corporate muscle. For Nykaa, it is another calculated step in staying ahead in an increasingly crowded beauty aisle.
