MAM
Grapes Digital bags the nationwide strategic communication mandate for Realme
New Delhi: Grapes Digital, the full-fledged marketing agency has bagged the strategic communication mandate for Realme, following a successful multi agency pitch.
The agency has been entrusted with the task to activate and manage the entire communication strategy and reputation of Realme and elevate the brands presence to greater heights.
Realme is an emerging smartphone brand that specializes in providing high quality smartphones for the youth. Its latest device, Realme 2 created a new sales record last week by selling 200,000 units in 5 minutes on Flipkart. Realme got 4% share online and ranked No.4 in Q2 within only one month’s sales this year.
The team from Grapes Digital will work in tandem with Realme to get a grasp of the brand philosophy and deliver in alignment with their business goals.
Speaking on the win, Himanshu Arya, Founder, Grapes Digital, said, “We are excited and geared up to manage the brand communication for Realme. The brand has established itself as a serious player in the budget smartphone market and has won recognition for its ‘Power’ and ‘Style’ product proposition. We are looking forward to create unique media positioning and drive the brand forward with cutting-edge communication solutions.”
Speaking on the association from Realme, Mr. Francis Wong, Brand Director, Realme India said, “We have Grapes Digital as our communication partner on board and we’re hopeful that they will be able to refine our positioning across all channels. The agency showed a lot of potential and we believe that they will deliver seamless communication efficiencies.”
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
