Brands
MTV Splitsvilla star Akashlina Chandra launches Akashlina Cosmetics
Mumbai: In an exciting development for the Indian beauty industry, Akashlina Cosmetics makes its debut today. Founded by Akashlina Chandra, known for her charismatic presence on MTV Splitsvilla, the brand introduces a vegan, cruelty-free, and inclusive range of beauty products, pioneering a new wave of ethical beauty standards.
The inception of Akashlina Cosmetics is a narrative of passion and vision. Akashlina Chandra’s transition from a reality TV personality to a beauty entrepreneur is fueled by her personal experiences in the beauty world. She realised the need for products that cater to a wide spectrum of beauty enthusiasts, leading to the creation of a brand that resonates with inclusivity and ethical beauty practices.
The product range is crafted with every consumer in mind. The brand is a reflection of Akashlina’s own experiences, with products like the ‘Butterfly Effect’ eyeshadow palette that celebrate the journey of self-discovery and the variety found in individual beauty.
“Akashlina Cosmetics emerges as a beacon in the beauty landscape, heralding a celebration of beauty in its purest form. This brand stands as a testament to the belief that beauty transcends external adornment, embracing the essence of our authentic selves. It champions the notion that beauty should be a personal signature, a form of self-expression that honors one’s inner self and defines us all,” said Chandra.
The brand’s commitment goes beyond its product line, emphasizing community engagement and customer involvement. Akashlina envisions a brand that is interactive, where feedback and customer experiences shape the future of the products.
As Akashlina Cosmetics steps into the market, it promises to offer a unique experience to its customers. It’s a brand that celebrates beauty in all its forms, promoting the message that beauty is not just about external appearances but about embracing diversity and making ethical choices.
Brands
Havas reports solid Q1 2026 with 2.5 per cent organic net revenue growth
Advertising group maintains positive momentum and confirms full-year guidance.
MUMBAI: Havas has started 2026 on a strong note proving that even in uncertain times, its converged model continues to deliver. The global advertising and communications group reported net revenue of €638 million for the first quarter of 2026, representing organic growth of +2.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. This performance was driven particularly by a robust +7.4 per cent organic growth in the United States.
Total revenue for the quarter reached €667 million, with organic growth of +2.8 per cent. Recent acquisitions contributed a positive scope impact of +1.7 per cent, while foreign exchange movements had a negative impact of -5.8 per cent, mainly due to the US dollar and British pound.
Europe, which accounts for 50 per cent of net revenue, delivered +1.1 per cent organic growth, supported by a good performance in France. North America (36 per cent of net revenue) led the way with +7.4 per cent growth, thanks to strong contributions from both Havas Creative and Havas Media. APAC & Africa (8 per cent) saw a decline of -6.2 per cent, while Latin America (6 per cent) remained nearly stable at -0.6 per cent.
Havas chairman and CEO Yannick Bolloré said, “Havas has started 2026 on a solid footing, continuing its momentum and delivering organic growth in net revenue of +2.5 per cent. This performance, in line with our full-year 2026 guidance, was driven in particular by continued strength in the US.”
The group also continued its bolt-on acquisition strategy, acquiring majority stakes in four agencies during the quarter: Acento Public Affairs (Spain), Ctrl Digital (Sweden), Styleheads (Germany), and Eyesight (France).
Havas maintained its strong creative reputation, ranking as a top holding company in the WARC Creative 100 for the sixth consecutive year, with three agencies BETC, Havas Paris, and Havas India placing in the Top 50.
Looking ahead, Havas confirmed its 2026 guidance: organic net revenue growth between +2.0 per cent and +3.0 per cent, adjusted EBIT margin between 13.2 per cent and 13.5 per cent, and a dividend payout ratio of around 40 per cent. The group also reiterated its medium-term targets for 2028.
Despite ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, Havas enters the rest of the year with solid fundamentals and confidence in its ability to deliver sustainable, profitable growth.
In a challenging environment, Havas is proving that its integrated, client-centric model remains resilient delivering steady growth while continuing to invest in creativity and innovation. The first quarter results suggest the group is well-positioned to navigate the year ahead with confidence.
