MAM
Contemporary-chic lifestyle brand “India Circus” opens 1st store in Kolkata
National: The launch party of India Circus by Krsnaa Mehta, a Godrej Venture was hosted last evening by Mr. Swarup Dutta, in the presence of Mr. Krsnaa Mehta, Founder & Executive Director, India Circus, a Godrej Venture. Through the outstanding success of this high-octane evening, India Circus reaffirmed its supremacy in the fast fashion home décor space.
India Circus brings to the city a wonderful collection of eccentric accessories, wall art, home décor, fashion products, and utilities. Launched in 2012, India Circus is already a success story as an established brand creating contemporary-chic, sophisticated, and affordable styles for various areas of life. With an All-Indian palette, they draw inspiration from the Mughal Royalty as well as road-side chaiwala. The brand seeks to curate the essence of life in India and transcribe this loud and colourful experience into sophistication. From luminescent lamps to totes a la mode, they have a lot to offer for various facets of living! The vibrant colours combined with the rich heritage makes each piece created at India Circus distinctive and exclusive.
Speaking on the occasion, Krsnaa Mehta, Founder & Executive Director, India Circus, a Godrej Venture, said, “Kolkata has been one of favourite markets online and we are extremely delighted to open our 4th store in the City of Joy. We hope we continue to receive the love offline as people can experience us at our store in Forum Courtyard, Elgin Road.”
Anil Mathur, Chief Operating Officer, Godrej Interio, said, “India Circus is a real promising brand and we are investing heavily in making it a total success pan-India. The Kolkata store launch is in line with our expansion plan of Omni-channel presence. We look forward to being present in as many cities as possible by the end of 2019.”
In addition to the stunning home accessories, the audience was especially appreciative of the blissful contemporary feel that was created with live singer Michelle Manuel and her band. In a bid to cater to the evolved palette of today, the spread featured lip-smacking delicacies by Biscotti. Not only was it an absolute delight to savour the dishes, but it also proved to be a perfect platform for the who’s who of the city to interact with each other. The residents of Kolkata seem ready to refurbish the looks of their living room with exquisite accessories from India Circus.
The benevolent and gracious host of the evening Mr. Swarup Dutta added, “India Circus is the first lifestyle brand that has made kitsch a fashion statement. India Circus has almost become a cult brand! It’s eccentric but chic! I am a big fan of Krsnaa’s work! We have seen his fabulous artworks at a city hotel themed around Kolkata. I think Kolkata homes are ready for a bit of madness in their homes!”
“I’m very proud of the team and of this store. India Circus is a fantastic addition to Kolkata’s retail kitty. The brand has a very long and successful journey ahead, and Forum is glad to be a small part of that journey,” joyously added, Mr. Vidyut Saraf, Deputy Managing Director, Forum Group.
Brands
Nestlé India posts 14.9 per cent sales growth, profit rises in FY26
FMCG major sweetens returns with dividend as strong domestic demand leads
NEW DELHI: Nestlé India has reported a strong financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, with sales and profits rising steadily on the back of robust domestic demand.
The company posted total income of Rs 231,949.5 million for FY26, up from Rs 202,645.5 million in the previous year, marking a growth of 14.9 per cent. Domestic sales remained the key driver, increasing 14.6 per cent to Rs 221,187.0 million, while exports contributed Rs 9,527.6 million to the overall tally.
The final quarter of the financial year added extra momentum, with total sales rising 23.4 per cent compared to the same period last year. This helped lift the company’s annual profit to Rs 35,446.0 million, up from Rs 33,145.0 million in FY25.
Shareholders are set to benefit as the board has recommended a final dividend of Rs 5.00 per equity share. This comes on top of the interim dividend of Rs 7.00 per share paid in February 2026. The record date for the final dividend has been fixed as 10 July 2026, subject to shareholder approval at the 67th Annual General Meeting scheduled for 3 July 2026. If approved, the payout will begin from 30 July 2026.
During the year, the company’s paid-up equity share capital doubled to Rs 1,928.3 million following a 1:1 bonus share issue, strengthening its capital base. The results were also supported by a Rs 1,207.8 million credit from exceptional items, including a Rs 2,023.2 million writeback from resolved income tax litigation, partially offset by restructuring costs and expenses related to new labour codes.
On the cost front, material costs rose to 44.8 per cent of sales for the full year, compared to 43.6 per cent in the previous year, reflecting ongoing input cost pressures. Despite this, the company maintained solid profitability, with EBITDA coming in at Rs 53,060.6 million.
Overall, Nestlé India’s performance underscores its ability to balance growth and margins in a challenging environment. With steady demand, disciplined cost management and consistent shareholder returns, the company appears well placed to carry its momentum into the next financial year.
