MAM
Brooke Bond India’s transgender band sizzles Cannes stage
MUMBAI: After bringing glory to India by winning the Cannes Grand Prix Glass Lion at one of the world’s most prestigious advertising and creativity awards, India’s first transgender band, the Brooke Bond Red Label 6-Pack Band set the stage ablaze, with their live concert at Cannes this evening. Performing for an international audience encompassing some of the biggest names in entertainment, media and advertising in the world, this is the first time the 6-Pack Band has taken their act on the international arena.
After the success of their debut album, and winning the Glass Lion Grand Prix at Cannes last year, the band truly stands for the message of Change. The band was invited to the festival to share their success story and the journey that brought them all fame and glory.
Focusing on the message of inclusivity, the Brooke Bond red Label 6-Pack band has become a household name and a global example of addressing prejudice and bringing in change in society and this initiative through music has helped break these social barriers.
Speaking about the event, Brooke Bond Red Label spokesperson and Hindustan Unilever category head – Tea Shiva Krishnamurthy said, “It is a wonderful feeling to see the Brooke Bond Red Label 6 Pack band getting acknowledgement and accolades at the Oscars of advertising. It feels great to know that through our association with the campaign, we have been able to spread our message of inclusiveness, encourage people to become more accepting, break barriers and bond over a cup of tea.”
The campaign is also a ‘best-in-class’ example of Unilever’s Unstereotype initiative in action. Unstereotype, launched last year at the 2016 Cannes Lion Festival of Creativity, aims to advance advertising away from stereotypical portrayals of gender; delivering fresh campaigns that are more relevant to today’s consumer. The Brooke Bond Real Label 6-pack Band was formed in response to the insight that deep-rooted stereotypes hold us back from forming new relationships.
Hindustan Unilever head media south Asia Gauravjeet Singh said, “We are grateful to the committee at the Festival of Creativity, Cannes to recognize the Brooke Bond Red Label 6-Pack Band. The journey of the band has been challenging as they have fought social barriers throughout their lives without losing hope. The strength of these 6 individuals is truly inspiring and today we see them perform on a global platform.”
Mindshare CEO – south Asia Prasanth Kumar said, “The journey for all involved has been a bold one and it had challenges, excitement and passion. At the centre of this journey has been an incredible team of talented individuals from Unilever, Mindshare and YRF, Music boutique who executed this out-of-the-box idea and added scale to the social message. Watching them perform at the Cannes Glass Lion ceremony was truly delightful, and another milestone in our continuing journey to breaking barriers.”
Expressing his delight, Fulcrum, Mindshare south Asia leader Amin Lakhani said, “It is indeed a proud moment for India as our work is showcased at Cannes – the mecca of creativity. We are grateful to the Festival of Creativity, Cannes and to the Mindshare global leadership to recognize the Brooke Bond Red Label 6 Pack band, and invite them to perform for a global audience. This is a testimony and belief in our work that began almost two years ago at the HUL Content Day in June 2015. The band faced a lot of challenges throughout their journey, which now culminates to the Cannes stage. Their inspiring performance today is symbolic to their determination and ‘make it happen’ spirit. Truly a collaborative effort between Unilever, Mindshare, Yash Raj Films & Music boutique- who have partnered in this magnificent journey.”
Brooke Bond Red Label 6-Pack Band Producer and Head of Y-Films Ashish Patil said, “We have always known that music can change the world because it can change people. We are super thrilled that our little band,India’s 1st Transgender band, the Booke Bond Red Label 6-Pack Band is on such a massive platform at the prestigious Cannes festival. Here’s hoping we can take this important message of love and equality out to as many people in the world as possible. Full power to them!”
The Brooke Bond Red Label 6-Pack Band was an iconic campaign that sang a song of inclusion and acceptance in mainstream media. Using the universal language of music, and engaging the entertainment industry in this endeavor, the campaign took a quantum leap not just transgenders but for anyone who has ever been ostracised.
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.
