MAM
Introducing the Iconic Women Podcast stories of dreams, perseverance, and triumph
Mumbai: A platform for women to open up about their lives, the Iconic Women Podcast is officially live. Season 1 unveils the extraordinary stories of inspiring women from diverse backgrounds, showcasing their resilience, determination, strength and triumphs. Each episode encapsulates heartfelt conversations, learnings and grit, ending with a creative tribute to legendary women, where the host Kadambari Misra styles the guest as a woman who has been her strength.
A brainchild of industry veterans Eternative Design co-founder Kadambari Misra), BrandStory Digital founder Bala Kumaran, and Ebony & Ivory PR founder Nidhi Agarwal, IWP was born when they came together with a shared passion to create a platform that is committed to the stories of women past and present.
Now streaming weekly, the inaugural season features the narratives of real-life sheroes like Nisha Millet, Susan Thomas, Sahar Mansoor, Shwetambari Shetty, Amrita Samant, Sonu Venugopal, Alicia Souza, and Sonali Swami. The episodes delve into topics like mental health, fitness in one’s 40s, and the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges, among many others.
IWP traces its roots back to Kadamabari’s time in Mexico, where she discovered the rivetingly beautiful works of artist Frida Kahlo, her art a revelation of her pain and suffering. These moments of connecting deeply with one woman’s quest for self-realisation left an indelible mark on Kadambari. What started as a casual post on her Instagram handle transformed into a passion project. Over the years, she has researched several inspiring women from various walks of life, spotlighted their achievements, and effortlessly brought their personalities to life by transforming herself into each of them.
Speaking of her project-to-podcast journey, Kadambari said, “What remains common is that these are real women overcoming real challenges. The Project was about women from history inspiring the women of today; I am one of them! And we hope that through the Podcast, today’s inspiring women will inspire the women of tomorrow.”
On co-founding the podcast, Bala Kumaran said, “Brandstory Productions is dedicated to amplifying the remarkable stories of iconic women, sparked off by my life’s journey alongside strong and inspiring women. We aspire to inspire women to break barriers and thrive in every aspect of their lives.”
Reflecting on the power of authentic narratives, Nidhi Agarwal said, “The podcast format of storytelling is transformative! In just three weeks since launch, the love we have received is very humbling. We believe in the power of forging genuine connections, and are super excited to create a safe space to foster real conversations that inspire women and communities at large.”
Season 1 was released with Nisha Millet, an Olympic Swimmer on December 16th and every following week with Ms Susan Thomas IRS Office and ex-NIFT Director, Alicia Souza- Illustrator, Shwetambari Setty, Fitness Entrepreneur on IWP’s YouTube channel and will also be available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcast.
Catch these compelling narratives that have propelled women to follow their dreams no matter what.
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.
