Brands
AWL launches Kohinoor book on Basmati’s timeless legacy
MUMBAI: Rice has never read so well. AWL Agri Business Limited has served up Qisse kuchh khaas, a coffee table book that celebrates the aroma, allure and ageless appeal of Basmati rice.
The glossy volume was unveiled at World Food India 2025 in New Delhi by food processing minister Chirag Paswan and AWL managing director Angshu Mallick, in the presence of celebrity chef Kunal Kapur. Authored by padma shri awardee Pushpesh Pant, the book stirs up stories from royal banquets to modest kitchen tables, tracing Basmati’s journey as India’s most prized grain.
Kohinoor, AWL’s flagship rice brand, has long been synonymous with fine Basmati. With this book, it goes beyond the plate to capture the grain’s role in shaping traditions, festivals and family feasts. Readers can also dig into 15 recipes showcasing the versatility of Basmati, from rich biryanis to everyday fare.
“Basmati is more than food. It is heritage, nostalgia and a shared cultural bond,” said Mallick, adding that the launch reflected Kohinoor’s commitment to authenticity and taste. Pant called it his “humble attempt” to preserve the grain’s flavourful history for generations.
With Qisse kuchh khaas, Kohinoor is not just packaging rice but packaging memories, a fragrant reminder that some grains are truly timeless.
Brands
Rohini Laya Venkateswaran named executive director at Gillette India
P&G veteran with two decades of experience steps into leadership role
NEW DELHI: Rohini Laya Venkateswaran has been appointed executive director at Gillette India Pvt. Ltd., bringing with her more than two decades of experience across sales, strategy and brand leadership within the consumer goods sector. In her new role, she will help steer the company’s strategic direction and growth while strengthening its footprint in the grooming and personal care category.
Venkateswaran joins the board after a long career at Procter & Gamble, where she spent nearly 21 years shaping sales strategy, building brands and driving market expansion across India and international markets.
Most recently, she served as chief sales officer for India at P&G. Prior to that, she was vice president and country manager for east gulf markets, overseeing operations in Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar while also guiding sales strategy across the Gulf region, including the UAE.
Earlier in her career, she led sales strategy and planning for India while serving as marketing leader for brands such as Olay and Old Spice. During this stint, she focused on reshaping go-to-market channels and building awareness through digital, social and influencer-led campaigns to drive growth.
Her journey at P&G also included roles such as director sales strategy and planning leader India, associate director modern retail and ecommerce, regional manager for Delhi and Rajasthan, and several key account and trade marketing roles across the country. She also spent time in the United States working on the P&G Walmart international team, collaborating on global retail initiatives.
Venkateswaran holds an MBA in marketing from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from RV College of Engineering.
With her mix of sales acumen, brand-building experience and global exposure, Venkateswaran’s appointment signals a sharpened focus on growth and market leadership for Gillette India.
