Brands
Bhim names MS Dhoni as brand ambassador to boost trust
Payments app taps cricket icon to drive scale, inclusion and confidence
MUMBAI: Bhim Payments App has brought in a familiar face of calm and credibility, appointing Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador as it gears up for its next phase of growth.
Announced by NPCI BHIM Services Limited, the move pairs one of India’s most trusted cricketers with a payments platform that has quietly powered the country’s digital transactions for nearly a decade. The idea is simple. Build scale, deepen inclusion and, above all, strengthen user confidence.
The partnership leans on a shared reputation for reliability. While Bhim has grown into a widely used digital payments interface built on NPCI’s infrastructure, Dhoni’s journey from small-town beginnings to national leadership mirrors that steady rise, making the association feel less like a marketing move and more like a natural fit.
NBSL MD and CEO Lalitha Nataraj said, “As digital payments continue to scale in India, the next phase of growth is about strengthening preferences and deepening user confidence. With onboarding MS Dhoni as our brand ambassador, our objective is to position Bhim Payments App not just as a payments option but as the preferred app for each member in the Indian household.”
She added, “As Bhim Payments App enters its next phase of growth, trust remains at the centre of everything we do. Dhoni represents that same trust, built over time. That is why this partnership feels inevitable.”
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, said, “Over the years, I have always believed in keeping things simple and staying clear in approach. What stood out to me about Bhim is its focus on making digital payments straightforward and accessible to people across the country.”
He added, “As India continues to move towards greater digital adoption, it is important that users feel comfortable and confident while transacting. I am happy to be associated with an app that is built to serve everyday needs at scale.”
Repositioned as Bharat Ka Apna Payments App, Bhim has been widening its footprint across tier 1, 2 and 3 towns. With support for more than 15 regional languages and optimisation for low connectivity environments, the platform is designed to work as smoothly in smaller towns as it does in big cities.
Add to that reward-led features and growing merchant partnerships, and the app is aiming to stay not just relevant, but indispensable.
With Dhoni now at the crease, Bhim is clearly playing the long game, one built on trust, familiarity and everyday use.
Brands
Charlotte Tilbury opens first flagship store in India
Luxury beauty brand bets on immersive retail as India expansion gathers pace
NEW DELHI: Charlotte Tilbury has opened its first flagship Beauty Wonderland in India, planting a high-glamour marker in New Delhi as global beauty brands double down on the country’s fast-growing premium market.
Located at Nexus Select Citywalk in Saket, the store is operated end-to-end by Nykaa, deepening a partnership that began with the brand’s digital launch in India in 2020 and has since scaled across retail, marketing and distribution. The opening signals a shift from marketplace presence to standalone brand environments as companies chase long-term equity and consumer loyalty.
The launch was marked by an event on April 9 featuring actor Sobhita Dhulipala, the brand’s first beauty muse in India, underscoring Charlotte Tilbury’s growing cultural push in the market.
“Darlings, I am so excited to open my first-ever flagship Beauty Wonderland in India, in its vibrant and iconic capital, New Delhi,” said Charlotte Tilbury. “This is such a magical milestone for the brand as we continue to grow in one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting beauty markets.”
Tilbury highlighted the brand’s connection with Indian consumers. “India has always been a place of incredible beauty, celebration and transformation. I have been so inspired by the artistry, creativity and passion of our community here. They are true beauty connoisseurs that appreciate next-generation formulas,” she said.
The store is designed as an immersive retail experience, blending the brand’s Art Deco and old Hollywood aesthetic with local cues. A bespoke Royal Indian Arch anchors the space, alongside personalised makeup services tailored to Indian trends and occasions. A dedicated bridal looks wall nods to the country’s strong wedding-led beauty market, while interactive elements such as the Pillow Talk photowall and in-store masterclasses aim to drive engagement.
For the first time in India, the full Charlotte Tilbury portfolio is available under one roof, spanning makeup, skincare and fragrance, including the Fragrance Collection of Emotions and bestsellers such as Magic Cream, Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer and Pillow Talk products.
Nykaa, which operates 57 doors for the brand alongside its app and website, will now lead end-to-end management of Charlotte Tilbury’s exclusive boutiques in India, covering retail operations, staffing, supply chain, marketing and omnichannel integration.
“Charlotte Tilbury has been one of our most successful and strategic global partnerships,” said Anchit Nayar, executive director and chief executive officer, Nykaa Beauty. “The launch of the first exclusive boutique, fully operated by Nykaa, is a natural next step and reflects our shared long-term commitment to building the brand in India.”
Nykaa’s broader beauty playbook, built on digital-first entry followed by omnichannel scale, now reaches over 42 million consumers and has become a template for global brands entering India. The retailer currently serves 52 million customers through its platforms and runs 276 offline beauty destinations, reinforcing its position as a gateway for international labels.
Charlotte Tilbury, founded in 2013, now operates in over 50 markets with more than 3,000 employees and 500 products across categories, with over 3,000 distribution points globally.
A second standalone store is slated to open at Mall of India in Noida in May 2026, signalling an aggressive retail push.
In a market where beauty is fast turning from aspiration to everyday indulgence, Charlotte Tilbury is not just selling products. It is building theatre, and betting that Indian consumers are ready to buy into the spectacle.
