Brands
Kingfisher and JioHotstar adds a social media twist to WPL live viewing
MUMBAI: Watching cricket just got a little louder, livelier and far more social. Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water has teamed up with JioHotstar to launch Kingfisher Good Times Hangout, a first-of-its-kind live viewing feed designed to turn match time into hangout time. The format debuts during the TATA Women’s Premier League Semi-Final on 3 February and the Final on 5 February, streaming live from 6.30 pm on JioHotstar.
Unlike traditional commentary, the Good Times Hangout feed leans into conversation, humour and pop culture, offering viewers a relaxed, sofa-side take on live cricket. Think less textbook analysis and more mates reacting in real time, with jokes, opinions and cultural chatter flowing alongside the action.
The line-up brings together an eclectic mix of voices, including comedians Mantra, Angad Singh Ranyal, Gurleen Pannu, Aakash Gupta, Harsh Gujral and Kullu, alongside popular personalities Sahiba Bali and cricket experts Aakash Chopra, Reema Malhotra and Veda Krishnamurthy. The result is a blend of insight and irreverence that aims to keep even casual viewers entertained.
United Breweries Limited chief marketing officer Vikram Bahl, said the initiative builds on cricket’s natural role as a shared social experience. He noted that the Good Times Hangout moves beyond conventional brand integrations to create a more interactive and communal way to enjoy the game.
From JioStar’s side, head of sports sales Anup Govindan said the collaboration reflects the platform’s focus on rethinking how audiences consume live sport. By merging cricket with culture and conversation, he added, the format shows how brands can become part of the viewing experience rather than sitting on its sidelines.
Accessible via the audio and subtitles menu while watching the live match, Kingfisher Good Times Hangout offers a fresh way to experience the WPL. For fans and non-fans alike, it promises less shouting at the screen and more feeling like you are part of the room.
Brands
Charlotte Tilbury opens first flagship store in India
Luxury beauty brand bets on immersive retail as India expansion gathers pace
NEW DELHI: Charlotte Tilbury has opened its first flagship Beauty Wonderland in India, planting a high-glamour marker in New Delhi as global beauty brands double down on the country’s fast-growing premium market.
Located at Nexus Select Citywalk in Saket, the store is operated end-to-end by Nykaa, deepening a partnership that began with the brand’s digital launch in India in 2020 and has since scaled across retail, marketing and distribution. The opening signals a shift from marketplace presence to standalone brand environments as companies chase long-term equity and consumer loyalty.
The launch was marked by an event on April 9 featuring actor Sobhita Dhulipala, the brand’s first beauty muse in India, underscoring Charlotte Tilbury’s growing cultural push in the market.
“Darlings, I am so excited to open my first-ever flagship Beauty Wonderland in India, in its vibrant and iconic capital, New Delhi,” said Charlotte Tilbury. “This is such a magical milestone for the brand as we continue to grow in one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting beauty markets.”
Tilbury highlighted the brand’s connection with Indian consumers. “India has always been a place of incredible beauty, celebration and transformation. I have been so inspired by the artistry, creativity and passion of our community here. They are true beauty connoisseurs that appreciate next-generation formulas,” she said.
The store is designed as an immersive retail experience, blending the brand’s Art Deco and old Hollywood aesthetic with local cues. A bespoke Royal Indian Arch anchors the space, alongside personalised makeup services tailored to Indian trends and occasions. A dedicated bridal looks wall nods to the country’s strong wedding-led beauty market, while interactive elements such as the Pillow Talk photowall and in-store masterclasses aim to drive engagement.
For the first time in India, the full Charlotte Tilbury portfolio is available under one roof, spanning makeup, skincare and fragrance, including the Fragrance Collection of Emotions and bestsellers such as Magic Cream, Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer and Pillow Talk products.
Nykaa, which operates 57 doors for the brand alongside its app and website, will now lead end-to-end management of Charlotte Tilbury’s exclusive boutiques in India, covering retail operations, staffing, supply chain, marketing and omnichannel integration.
“Charlotte Tilbury has been one of our most successful and strategic global partnerships,” said Anchit Nayar, executive director and chief executive officer, Nykaa Beauty. “The launch of the first exclusive boutique, fully operated by Nykaa, is a natural next step and reflects our shared long-term commitment to building the brand in India.”
Nykaa’s broader beauty playbook, built on digital-first entry followed by omnichannel scale, now reaches over 42 million consumers and has become a template for global brands entering India. The retailer currently serves 52 million customers through its platforms and runs 276 offline beauty destinations, reinforcing its position as a gateway for international labels.
Charlotte Tilbury, founded in 2013, now operates in over 50 markets with more than 3,000 employees and 500 products across categories, with over 3,000 distribution points globally.
A second standalone store is slated to open at Mall of India in Noida in May 2026, signalling an aggressive retail push.
In a market where beauty is fast turning from aspiration to everyday indulgence, Charlotte Tilbury is not just selling products. It is building theatre, and betting that Indian consumers are ready to buy into the spectacle.
