Brands
Bumrah’s got baggage as uppercase investment takes off
MUMBAI: Turns out Jasprit Bumrah isn’t just bowling over batsmen, he’s now bagging business deals too. The ace pacer has stashed more than travel gear in his suitcase this season, revealing his investor role in sustainable luggage brand Uppercase but not before forgetting (almost) to tell his wife, Sanjana.
In a cheeky break from boardroom-style announcements, the brand unzipped the news with a five-part digital campaign titled Batana Bhool Gaya (roughly, “Oops, I forgot to mention”), where Bumrah’s forgetfulness sparks a series of comically awkward exchanges at home. The punchline? Sanjana knew all along and in true plot-twist fashion, was the one who nudged him towards investing in the brand in the first place.
The series cleverly balances playful domestic banter with uppercase’s core pillars durability, sustainability, thoughtful design, and its Made in India ethos while letting fans in on the real chemistry between cricket’s golden couple. Bumrah, exclusively repped by Rise Worldwide, shifts from ambassador to stakeholder in what might be the most charming investor reveal to date.
Talking about the new partnership, Uppercase MD & founder Sudip Ghose said, “While Jasprit has been a valued part of our journey so far, I’m equally delighted to welcome Sanjana to the uppercase family. With luggage being such a personal and family-driven category, having both of them onboard brings a unique and balanced perspective. Their combined inputs will be instrumental in shaping the next chapter of uppercase.”
Uppercase head of marketing Ramya Ramachandran shared her thoughts on the key aspects of the campaign, “With this campaign, we wanted to go beyond a standard investor announcement. When someone like Jasprit transitions from brand ambassador to investor, it’s not just a business decision it’s a powerful statement of trust, belief, and long-term commitment. Rather than make a transactional announcement, we chose to tell a story one that’s engaging, relatable, and rooted in authenticity.”
She further added, “That’s how ‘Batana Bhool Gaya’ was born. The five-part digital series brings out the playful chemistry between Jasprit and Sanjana, which their fans love, while also giving viewers an inside look into what makes uppercase unique, which is our focus on sustainability, thoughtful design, and functionality. We believe stories like these leave a more lasting impression than any announcement ever could.”.
“I’ve always believed in making intentional choices whether in cricket or life. uppercase stood out to me not just for their products, but as a brand with a purpose. Both Sanjana & I are proud to champion this Made-In-India brand,” said Jasprit Bumrah, who is now both investor and brand ambassador for Uppercase.
On this new partnership with Uppercase, Sanjana Ganesan said, “I am really happy to be a part of the uppercase family. It’s a brand that stands for its focus on sustainability, clever design, and proudly Made in India roots. I’m looking forward to shaping ideas that make travel smarter, easier, and more relevant for today’s generation of travellers.”
As the campaign rolls out across platforms and retail touchpoints, this isn’t just another cricketer-backed brand deal. It’s a refreshing love letter to sustainability, storytelling, and the occasional selective memory proof that sometimes, forgetting to share good news can lead to even better stories.
Brands
Prataap Snacks posts Rs 1.14 crore Q4 profit, EBITDA up 319 per cent
Yellow Diamond maker posts turnaround with Rs 1.14 crore profit, 10 per cent dividend proposed
NEW DELHI: Prataap Snacks Limited has staged a sharp turnaround in the fourth quarter of FY26, reporting a 319 per cent surge in operating EBITDA and a return to profitability after a challenging previous year.
The Indore-based company, known for brands such as Yellow Diamond and Avadh, posted income from operations of Rs 420.18 crore for Q4 FY26, marking a 5 per cent year-on-year rise. Operating EBITDA climbed to Rs 20.59 crore, while margins stood at 4.9 per cent.
Most notably, the company reported a profit after tax of Rs 1.14 crore for the quarter, reversing a loss of Rs 11.94 crore in the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share improved to Rs 0.48 from a negative Rs 5.00 earlier, signalling a steady recovery in performance.
For the full financial year, consolidated income rose 1 per cent to Rs 1,724.65 crore. Annual operating EBITDA grew 68 per cent to Rs 81.81 crore, while the company posted a net profit of Rs 9.72 crore, compared to a loss of Rs 34.27 crore in FY25.
Reflecting this improved performance, the board has recommended a dividend of 10 per cent, equivalent to Rs 0.50 per share on a face value of Rs 5.
Prataap Snacks Limited managing director Amit Kumat said the recovery was driven by sharper execution and data-led decision-making, including the use of Sales Force Automation analytics. The company also expanded its distribution network to over 5,000 distributors and strengthened its presence on quick commerce platforms.
Looking ahead, the company expects double-digit revenue growth in FY27, though it remains cautious about inflationary pressures on key inputs such as packaging materials and edible oil. Management plans to offset these through tighter cost controls and calibrated pricing strategies.
With profitability back on track and operations stabilising, Prataap Snacks appears to be regaining its footing in an increasingly competitive packaged foods market.
