MAM
#InhalersHainSahi: Ayushmann Khurrana drives asthma awareness
MUMBAI: Cipla has launched the third chapter of its Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer #BerokZindagi campaign, which seeks to dispel myths and fears about asthma. According to the pharma company, India has 37.9 million cases of asthma but despite this high number, the usage of inhalers – the most effective treatment – is abysmally low.
Cipla said that last year, #BerokZindagi demonstrated a marked impact on both awareness and acceptance of inhalers. The awareness levels for inhalers improved by 10 per cent and consideration for inhalers saw an uptick of 5 per cent.
This year, the company has associated with Khurrana to highlight asthma ke liye, inhalers hain sahi (inhalers are right for asthma) through a digital film.
Cipla head – India business prescription Dr Vikas Gupta said, “Ayushmann, as the lead anchor of the campaign, will help in driving much-needed awareness for asthma and address myths related to inhalers. He has cast light on many social stigmas through his movies and we hope to address even the social stigma associated with asthma and inhalers.”
Gupta added, “By the end of the third phase of the campaign, Cipla aims to establish inhalers as the right treatment for asthma, to increase the adoption of inhalers by busting the myths and drive social acceptance for inhalers by addressing social stigma through education.”
The campaign will run on social media, various OTT platforms, and on radio to cover more geography and reach deeper into markets. Schbang Digital has conceptualised the campaign and produced the film. PHD Media (Omnicom Group) is the brand’s media agency.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â 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.
