Brands
Mahesh stays on board with AbhiBus for another blockbuster journey
MUMBAI: When it comes to bus bookings, Mahesh Babu isn’t just riding shotgun, he’s driving trust. Abhibus, Ixigo’s bus ticketing arm, has renewed its nearly decade-long partnership with Tollywood icon Mahesh Babu, extending one of the longest-standing celebrity-brand collaborations in India’s mobility space. First onboarded in 2016, the superstar continues as the face of AbhiBus in 2025, a partnership built on reliability, relatability, and regional resonance.
From quirky in-transit ads to heart-tugging tales of homecoming, the duo has delivered some memorable campaigns over the years. This summer, fans can look forward to a new campaign that rides on this legacy while showcasing Abhibus’s evolved customer offerings like the “Filter New Buses” feature and the “AbhiAssured” promise.
“Mahesh Babu has been more than just a brand ambassador, he’s been a fellow traveller in our journey of growth,” said Abhibus COO, Rohit Sharma. “From 2016 to 2025, his presence has helped us build deeper connections across the South and beyond.”
Mahesh Babu echoed this sentiment, saying, “My journey with Abhibus has always felt personal. It’s about making travel smoother and safer. Abhibus doesn’t just take you places, it makes sure you get there comfortably.”
As Abhibus expands across new markets, Mahesh Babu remains its most familiar co-passenger, a constant in a changing travel landscape, reminding Indian commuters that the ride can be just as memorable as the destination.
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.
