Brands
Brooke Bond Taj Mahal extends classical music association with e-concerts
NEW DELHI: Due to the current nationwide lockdown, Indian classical musicians were looking for opportunities to continue performing for their audiences. Brooke Bond Taj Mahal recently launched the concept of live online Indian classical music concerts featuring gifted Indian classical musicians serenading audiences with specially-curated compositions from the confines of their homes.
Their limitless passion to deliver symphonies to the living rooms of their audiences prompted Brooke Bond Taj Mahal to extend its 30-year old association with Classical Musicians to create ‘Sur Ke Saath’, a line-up of 24 artists performing live for over two months.
Tea & Foods (HUL) vice president- Shiva Krishnamurthy, in a conversation with Indiantelevision.com, spoke about the insight behind its latest campaign, 'Sur Ke Saath' where it is bringing classical musicians together. “Brooke Bond Taj Mahal’s purpose is to champion Indian classical music," Krishnamurthy said. "Taj Mahal tea has always been associated with Indian classical music and has promoted it through some memorable and iconic advertising for over three decades. During the lockdown, classical musicians and classical music aficionados are not being able to experience the joy of live classical music performances. Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea believes that “the show must go on” and is proud to present “Sur ke Saath”, a series of live Indian Classical Music content on digital platforms of Facebook. Our endeavour is to urge people to support Indian classical music by coming to Taj Mahal Tea’s Facebook page every Sunday morning at 10 am. We hope that Brooke Bond Taj Mahal’s Sur ke Saath will make people say “Wah Taj!”"
Krishnamurthy also shed light on the future of e-concerts in India. He says that for the foreseeable future, there is likely to be an increase in the number of e-concerts. “For the sake of Indian classical music, I hope this turns out to be true. Virtual streaming and virtual gigs were a part of our life even in the pre-Covid2019 era. With physical distancing being the new norm, e-concerts have gained in popularity. It gives you a chance of attending sessions in any form, from the comfort of your home. And I see a lot of scope for e-concerts to grow as it gives budding musicians a platform to showcase themselves.”
This unique initiative is also being supported by Nirali Kartik who came on-board and helped in curating the weekly performances. Kartik is one of India’s popular Hindustani classical vocalists and the brand ambassador for Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea.
Krishnamurthy shares that the campaign has received an overwhelmingly positive response. “We have reached over 82 lakh people so far with this initiative. The most gratifying part is the love that we have received from the wonderfully talented musicians who have performed for us. Conceptualised by Ogilvy India, Sur Ke Saath has seen classical musical lovers join us every Sunday on the Facebook page of Taj Mahal Tea for two months, and this really motivates our upcoming artists to put up a great show.”
To spread the word about the campaign, the brand has a digital marketing plan to urge people to watch the e-concert. “We created a campaign video (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=565165081028169 ) with Nirali Kartik. Week-on-week, we create chatter around the artists performing for the week through different social media channels."
Due to the ongoing pandemic, people are spending more time at home, there is an increased consumption of tea. Brooke Bond Taj Mahal sees this as an opportunity to serve consumers with the finest of Indian tea and raga-themed virtual concerts performed by classical musicians.
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Brands
Devyani International names Sandeep Anand, Robinder Singh in key roles
Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee businesses see leadership refresh from April
MUMBAI: Devyani International has strengthened its senior leadership bench with a fresh set of appointments across its key brands, Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee, signalling a sharper focus on growth and brand momentum.
The company has appointed Sandeep Anand as chief marketing officer and business head for Pizza Hut. His appointment, approved by the board via a circular resolution on April 3, follows a recommendation by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, as reported by CNBC-TV18. Anand will officially step into the role on April 6, 2026.
He takes over from Vijay Gogate, who currently serves as chief executive officer for Pizza Hut within the company’s operations. The move marks a strategic transition as the brand looks to sharpen its marketing and business playbook in a competitive quick service restaurant market.
Anand brings over two decades of experience across the food and FMCG sectors, with a strong track record in brand building and innovation. His career spans roles at major consumer-facing companies including Domino’s, Zydus Wellness, Zomato, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Reckitt and Ranbaxy, giving him a well-rounded perspective on both scale and agility.
Alongside this, Robinder Singh has been appointed business head for Costa Coffee and the company’s airport operations. He too will assume his new role on April 6, bringing more than 18 years of experience in operations, business expansion and customer experience transformation.
The twin appointments come at a time when Devyani International is doubling down on leadership depth to steer its portfolio through evolving consumer preferences and heightened competition. With fresh faces at the helm of two key verticals, the company appears set to brew up its next phase of growth with renewed energy.
