Brands
JioStar names Bhaskar Ramesh head of entertainment sales, digital
Ex-Google leader to drive data-led streaming sales and advertiser partnerships
MUMBAI: JioStar has roped in Bhaskar Ramesh as the new head of entertainment sales, digital. Reporting to Kevin Vaz, CEO of Entertainment at JioStar, Ramesh is set to steer the company’s digital sales strategy with a sharp focus on data-driven advertising and measurable outcomes.
Ramesh joins from Google, where he was part of India’s leadership team and helped shape YouTube’s monetisation and product strategy. His experience spans technology, retail, finance, consumer goods and automotive sectors, along with leading digital transformation initiatives across traditional and digital platforms.
In his new role, Ramesh will oversee all digital entertainment sales, working to blend technology, creativity and data into results advertisers can count on.
Kevin Vaz said, “The future of streaming will be built as much on smart monetisation as on engaging content. Bhaskar’s expertise in digital strategy will add tremendous value to our business.”
Ramesh’s career also includes stints at Godrej, Marico and Reliance Broadcast Network, where he handled P&L, operations and brand building. He holds a postgraduate diploma in management from SP Jain Institute of Management & Research.
With Ramesh at the helm, JioStar is clearly aiming to turn clicks into cash while keeping viewers entertained.
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.
