Brands
Amol Parashar invests in Nisaki Gin as strategic stakeholder
Actor shifts from endorsements to ownership with colour-changing craft gin
MUMBAI: Actor Amol Parashar has taken a spirited new turn off screen, investing in premium liquor label Nisaki Gin as a strategic stakeholder. The move marks a clear pivot from brand ambassador to brand believer, signalling a more hands-on chapter in how the actor engages with businesses.
Best known for his performances in the web series Tripling, the historical drama Sardar Udham, and the streaming title Gram Chikitsalay, Parashar has steadily built rapport with younger audiences. An IIT Delhi graduate, he pairs creative instinct with analytical rigour, and says he prefers partnerships rooted in conviction rather than mere visibility.
That thinking found a match in Nisaki Gin, a homegrown label that quite literally changes colour. The spirit shifts hues when mixed with tonic or citrus, turning every pour into a small spectacle. It is chemistry with character, and a conversation starter in a glass.
“Transformation has always been central to my journey as an actor,” Parashar said. “What drew me to Nisaki was the way it captures that spirit through its evolving hues and layered character. India’s premium spirits space is at an interesting inflection point, and I see this as a long term journey rooted in culture, quality and conviction.”
The brand is built around the philosophy ‘Love Every Hue’, celebrating nuance and layered experiences. In a market where identity and taste are increasingly fluid, the gin’s shifting shades mirror the evolving preferences of modern consumers.
Founder Sanchit Agarwal believes the partnership goes beyond capital. “Amol represents versatility and a strong connect with young audiences, which aligns well with how Nisaki is building its brand. His involvement brings not just investment, but insight as we grow across key markets,” he said.
India’s premium gin segment has gathered pace in recent years, buoyed by curious drinkers and the rise of craft labels. With Parashar now on board, Nisaki appears ready to raise a glass to its next phase, proving that sometimes the most interesting transformations happen off screen.
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.
