MAM
MS Dhoni hosts Allen Online’s Rise to the Top
Series explores ambition beyond ranks and results
NATIONAL: Swapping the dressing room for the studio, MS Dhoni has stepped into a new role as host of Rise to the Top, a multi-episode student conversation series launched by Allen Online.
The series, now streaming on Allen Online’s youtube channel, seeks to move the spotlight away from rank lists and scorecards to the human stories behind academic success. Rather than interrogating study timetables, Dhoni steers conversations towards ambition, doubt, family support and the turning points that shape young lives.
The opening episode, titled Sapne Dekho, features Sekh Galib Raza from rural Odisha and Arpita Ghosh from a remote village in West Bengal. Both are now enrolled in government medical colleges, having navigated social, financial and personal hurdles along the way.
For Ghosh, the ambition to study medicine is entwined with her father’s long-held dream. Raised in a village where few girls pursue higher education, she speaks of family encouragement and a determination to return as her community’s first doctor. Raza traces his calling to childhood visits to a local hospital with his mother, where he observed doctors calming anxious families. Despite health setbacks and multiple attempts, he eventually secured admission to a government medical college.
Allen Online CEO Rakesh Ranjan, said the idea behind the series was to foreground the journeys that shape students rather than merely the outcomes that define them. Having Dhoni at the helm, he argued, adds a layer of lived experience around handling pressure and expectation.
Brands
Mana Projects names Ranbir Kapoor brand ambassador amid rebranding
Bengaluru developer unveils new identity focused on design and nature.
MUMBAI: When real estate meets reel star power, the foundation for a new brand story is often laid brick by brick. Mana Projects, the Bengaluru based real estate developer, has appointed actor Ranbir Kapoor as its brand ambassador while unveiling a refreshed brand identity aimed at aligning the company with the evolving expectations of modern urban homebuyers.
The announcement marks a new phase for the developer, which has spent over two decades building residential communities in Bengaluru, particularly along emerging growth corridors such as Sarjapur Road.
The updated brand identity reflects the company’s emphasis on design led living and environmentally conscious development. According to the developer, the new positioning focuses on creating residential spaces where architecture, nature, engineering and lifestyle planning work together to shape meaningful living experiences.
Mana Projects chairman and managing director D. Kishore Reddy said the rebranding represents a natural progression as the company adapts to the expectations of a new generation of homeowners.
“This rebranding represents the natural evolution of Mana Projects as we align ourselves with the aspirations of a new generation of homeowners, particularly millennials who form the backbone of Bengaluru’s dynamic homebuyer community,” Reddy said.
He added that today’s buyers increasingly look beyond basic housing to spaces that combine design, sustainability and a strong sense of community.
“At Mana, our philosophy centres on creating homes where space is purposeful, design is intelligent, nature is respected and engineering ensures long term sustainability. Our association with Ranbir Kapoor reflects this new chapter as we continue to build communities that enable people to truly live brilliantly,” he said.
Kapoor, who has been associated with several lifestyle and consumer brands, said the partnership resonated with his own understanding of what makes a home meaningful.
“A home is one of the most meaningful investments people make in their lives, and it should reflect comfort, warmth and a sense of belonging,” Kapoor said.
“What impressed me about Mana Projects is the brilliance of their thought, the way design, nature and functionality come together to enhance everyday living. I’m delighted to be associated with Mana Projects as they continue to create homes that inspire modern urban families to truly live brilliantly.”
The collaboration will be introduced through a large scale integrated campaign spanning digital platforms, outdoor media and experiential activations, making it one of the developer’s most prominent branding initiatives in recent years.
Founded in Bengaluru, Mana Projects has built a portfolio of residential developments that emphasise thoughtful architecture, amenity rich neighbourhoods and environmentally sensitive planning. The company’s projects often integrate open spaces, green landscapes and energy efficient engineering to support sustainable urban living.
With Bengaluru continuing to attract young professionals and technology workers, the developer believes the city’s housing market is increasingly being shaped by buyers seeking well planned communities that balance functionality with quality of life.
Looking ahead, Mana Projects plans to expand its presence across the city by developing future ready residential projects designed to accommodate emerging lifestyle trends such as hybrid work culture, community driven living and multigenerational households.
By combining a refreshed brand identity with a high profile ambassador, the company hopes to strengthen its position in Bengaluru’s competitive real estate market while appealing to a new generation of homeowners seeking homes that blend design, nature and modern living.
