MAM
Nykaa’s new video with Blush for Karva Chauth
MUMBAI: Nykaa, in collaboration with Culture Machine’s digital channel Blush, has released a video titled Qaid featuring India’s first transsexual model Nikkiey Chawla.
The video is set against the backdrop of Karva Chauth, and showcases the start of a new tradition, one with a deeper meaning.
We are all trapped in our own cocoons, the very skin we wear sometimes feels alien to us. The quest to identify and understand who we really are is a continuous process but a road that doesn’t need to be traveled alone. Entangled in this theme, lies the story of Anusha and Kabir, a young urban couple who undergo one of the biggest changes in their relation which not only helps them understand who they are both individually and together, but also leads to strengthening their bond.
The thought that drives the struggle in ‘Qaid’ is that of gender as a defining identity and how it dictates the way we celebrate our rituals, especially how the bond of marriage is viewed through a tradition like Karva Chauth. The overarching learning the video aspires
to drive home is that, it is essential to ‘Celebrate You’ in any and every aspect of life.
”The mark of a great society begins with how deeply it acknowledges and cares about the challenges of its most exiguous minority groups. While the nation celebrates liberty for the L,G and B, let us not forget the ‘T’. Today, people need to understand the plight of nearly 21 Million strong gender dysphoric population- a number equivalent to the population of Australia. With this film, we want people to see that the difference between transsexual and transgender is the same as the one between a body and a soul. Since time immemorial, gender definition has been influenced by culture, class, and race but this idea needs an overhaul,” says Nykaa chief marketing officer Hitesh Malhotra.
Culture Machine vice president for brand solutions Sharique Khan adds, “Gender diversity has existed throughout history and across the globe. One of the most fundamental aspects of a person’s identity, gender deeply influences every part of one’s life. Where this crucial aspect of self is narrowly defined and rigidly enforced, individuals who exist outside of its norms face innumerable challenges. This does not have to be the case. Through a thoughtful consideration of the uniqueness and validity of every person’s experiences of self, we can develop greater acceptance for all. Not only will this create greater inclusion for individuals who challenge the norms of gender, it will create space for all individuals to celebrate who they are. With this common objective of creating awareness about gender dysphoria, harmoniously brought Nykaa’s vision and the storytelling of Blush together for this video.”
The video also features television actress Aakanksha Singh.
MAM
PwC India announces leadership change in Deals practice
Shashank Jain steps down as co-leader after nearly three decades with the firm.
MUMBAI: When one dealmaker steps off the pitch, another is ready to take the baton because in the fast-moving world of transactions, the game never really stops. PwC India has announced a leadership transition in its Deals practice, with Shashank Jain stepping down from his role as co-leader to pursue an opportunity in the industry. The practice will continue to be led by Mohit Chopra, ensuring continuity and sustained growth momentum.
PwC India partner and leader for advisory dinesh Arora paid tribute to Jain’s contributions. “We deeply appreciate the significant contributions made by Shashank over close to three decades he has spent with PwC, particularly his defining role in shaping and strengthening our Transaction Services practice in India,” he said. Arora highlighted Jain’s support for clients through some of the most complex and significant transactions in the Indian market, noting his deep technical expertise, sound judgment and nuanced understanding of the evolving M&A landscape.
The Deals practice remains a key growth driver for PwC India, and the firm expects continued expansion under Mohit Chopra’s leadership. He will continue to guide clients through complex transactions and transformational business moments, building on the strong foundation established over the years.
Reflecting on his journey, Shashank Jain said, “I have had an exceptional journey at PwC. I owe my growth and learning to the nurturing environment and leadership development that PwC provided.” He added that he had been working closely with Mohit and the larger team to ensure a smooth transition and expressed confidence that Chopra would take the Deals practice to newer heights.
From intern to respected deals leader, Shashank Jain has clearly closed many successful transactions and now, it seems, he’s ready to strike a new deal of his own.
