Brands
Chhota Bheem leaps from screen to snack bar
HYDERABAD: India’s most popular animated character is hoping to strike gold by jumping off the telly and into the kitchen. Green Gold Animation, creator of Chhota Bheem, has partnered with EBG Group to launch India’s first Chhota Bheem-themed cafes—a Rs 200 crore bet that children’s entertainment can translate into family dining gold.
The first two outlets will open in Hyderabad’s Hitech City by December 2025, with an ambitious rollout of 50 cafes planned for 2026 and 300 across India thereafter. The venture could eventually expand globally, say the partners.
The cafes will come in two formats: a compact 25 x 40 ft express model and a larger 50 x 40 ft full-scale version. Franchise partners will stump up the capital whilst EBG manages operations, branding and training under a company-owned, company-operated model. The expansion is expected to create over 250 jobs, from chefs to merchandising staff.
Far from being mere eateries, these venues promise interactive play zones, storytelling corners, licensed merchandise and activities featuring Chhota Bheem, Chutki, Mighty Raju and other characters from Green Gold’s stable. The aim is to create what the partners call a “360-degree family entertainment ecosystem” where dining meets play.
Green Gold Animation founder & chief executive Rajiv Chilaka said: “Over the last 17 years, Chhota Bheem has grown beyond being just an animated character to becoming a cultural phenomenon loved by millions of children and families across India and beyond. This partnership allows us to extend this universe into a unique, real-world experience.”
Added EBG group founder & chief executive Irfan Khan: “This is not just about food, but about creating joyful experiences that families will cherish.”
Green Gold Animation, founded in 2001, has produced over 30,000 minutes of content across television, film and digital platforms. Its shows reach viewers in more than 100 countries through partnerships with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Warner Bros Discovery. EBG Group is a multi-sector conglomerate spanning mobility, health, property, lifestyle, food, services, technology and education.
Brands
Doctor’s Choice launches Protein Muesli, signs Arshdeep Singh
New product offers 25g protein per 100g as brand targets clean nutrition
MUMBAI: Breakfast just got a bouncer and it’s aimed straight at the protein gap. Doctor’s Choice is stepping into the fast-growing nutrition arena with the launch of its Protein Muesli, alongside roping in Arshdeep Singh as its exclusive brand ambassador. The move signals a clear play for the high-protein, clean-label segment, where convenience is king and ingredients are under scrutiny. At the centre of the launch is a campaign film featuring Singh, built around a simple proposition: performance begins long before the pitch, it starts at the breakfast table.
Designed for digital-first audiences, the campaign leans into a snackable format tailored for Gen Z and fitness-focused consumers. It blends aspiration with everyday relatability, positioning the product not as a supplement, but as a routine.
The product itself is pitched as a functional upgrade to a familiar category. Doctor’s Choice Protein Muesli delivers 25g of protein per 100g, with no refined sugar or artificial flavours. It combines crunchy protein balls with a natural chocolate flavour, targeting consumers looking for quick, on-the-go nutrition without sacrificing taste.
Singh’s association goes beyond a typical celebrity plug. As one of India’s most consistent young cricketers, his image aligns neatly with the brand’s messaging around discipline, routine and performance qualities increasingly being mirrored in consumer food choices.
The broader strategy reflects a shift in the FMCG playbook. As consumers become more label-conscious and time-poor, brands are racing to position everyday foods as functional, not just filling. Doctor’s Choice is betting that protein-led, clean-label products can move from niche shelves to daily staples.
With this launch, the brand isn’t just selling muesli, it’s pitching a lifestyle upgrade, one spoonful at a time.
