MAM
Hungama’s Heftyverse teams up with Van Heusen for virtual fashion exploration
Mumbai: Heftyverse, an innovative Metaverse initiative by Hungama Digital Media, joins hands with Van Heusen, a fashion powerhouse brand for men and women from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd to redefine the online shopping experience by leveraging the power of 3D worlds. Through this ground-breaking collaboration, Heftyverse offers users a one-of-its-kind fusion of entertainment and fashion.
Hungama and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd are set to kick off this collaboration by introducing Van Heusen to the platform, infusing personal expression and variety in virtual fashion. At the heart of Heftyverse’s offerings is Avatar Customization, which allows users to personalize their avatars with outfits and styles from Van Heusen.
This unique collaboration will not only help users style their Avatars but will also allow users to share their stylized looks on social media. Users will also be able to buy the Van Heusen styles offered on Hevtyverse in real life on Van Heusen’s brand website, effortlessly transitioning between the virtual world to the physical. This purposeful move aims to drive platform adoption, enhance user engagement, and encourage e-commerce transactions. Beyond spotlighting a renowned brand and integrating diverse styles, this collaboration also marks a significant milestone in Heftyverse’s evolution, redefining virtual fashion and promising users an unparalleled online shopping experience. The platform Heftyverse has been developed in partnership with Ink In Caps.
Expressing his excitement on the launch, Hungama Digital Media founder and MD Neeraj Roy said, “Teaming up with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited for this exciting initiative marks a significant milestone for Heftyverse and Hungama Digital Entertainment. This collaborative effort propels us into the immersive world of the Metaverse, where digital fashion and captivating experiences seamlessly merge. Our objective is to redefine the landscape of online shopping by offering users an electrifying fusion of entertainment and fashion within Heftyverse. This launch is a testament to our relentless drive to break barriers and nurture innovation, ensuring our users are always at the forefront of the dynamic digital space.”
Van Heusen COO Abhay Bahugune said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Hungama’s Heftyverse, a partnership that further strengthens our brand’s commitment to innovation. With this initiative, we aim to elevate the intersection of fashion and digital entertainment, creating a synergy that resonates with the dynamic lifestyles of our discerning new-age consumers.”
Ink In Caps director Manish Kakkar “We are excited about this innovative venture. Through our partnership, we aim to seamlessly elevate the online shopping experience by integrating immersive technology. This collaboration reflects our commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering cutting-edge solutions to enhance user engagement and satisfaction. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership and delivering exceptional results together.”
Heftyverse is now available on browsers laptops and mobile devices and is poised to revolutionise the online shopping landscape within the metaverse. Follow the link to know more-
ttps://world.heftyverse.xyz/login
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
