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
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.
