MAM
Off-field insights into Smriti Mandhana in Femina’s May 2024 issue
Mumbai: From a nine-year-old enthused about the sport to becoming one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, Smriti Mandhana’s story is an inspiration. In the May 2024 edition of Femina, Smriti candidly reflects on her challenges, her unwavering dedication to the sport, and the dreams that continue to drive her forward. In the Cover Story, the sportsperson fondly recalls the day she was able to fulfil her promise to buy a house for her family, expressing gratitude that her beloved sport, cricket, made it possible. Despite her incredible success, she comes across as grounded and focused. Whether hitting a century or walking out for zero, she is known to maintain a stoic demeanour, though the last few years have taught her to be empathetic towards the young team members she leads and mentors.
Reflecting on her passion for cricket, Smriti shared, “I think I’ve always loved cricket, (and) like any other kid, I loved batting more than (the rest of) the game. I understood later, of course, that there is a lot more to cricket than just batting but, as a kid, I would just hit a hanging ball or play gully cricket.”
Speaking about her family she revealed, “We come from a very humble background. Today, when I see my parents happy and the life that they’re living, I feel happy about everything that has come with cricket.”
She added that she has gleaned life lessons from the game: “The best part about cricket is that it is a great leveller; you always start from zero. Whether you score a hundred or you have a bad match today, tomorrow you just start from the bottom again. Take that lesson to every aspect of life and you will know what to do next.”
Brands
Mother’s Recipe launches Summerwala Sharbat range
Five nostalgic flavours priced at Rs 215 aim to tap summer refreshment demand.
MUMBAI: Call it a sip of summer nostalgia, Mother’s Recipe is bottling childhood memories and pouring them back into the present. The homegrown ethnic food brand has introduced its Summerwala Sharbat range, a five-flavour line-up designed to recreate the familiar tastes and rituals of Indian summers, while catering to modern consumption habits. The range features Mango Panna, Rose Syrup, Jeera Masala Syrup, Khus Syrup and Lemon Ginger Squash, each rooted in flavours that have long defined seasonal refreshment across Indian households. From the tang of raw mango to the cooling comfort of khus, the portfolio leans heavily into recall, not reinvention.
At a time when brands are increasingly leaning on nostalgia as a strategic lever, Mother’s Recipe is positioning Summerwala Sharbat as both a functional beverage and an emotional cue. The idea is simple: revive the small, everyday rituals post-play drinks, family gatherings, the clink of ice in a glass that once defined summer afternoons.
The products are packaged in 750 ml PET bottles and priced at Rs 215, targeting both routine household consumption and social occasions. Distribution spans leading e-commerce platforms as well as select offline retail outlets.
Mother’s Recipe executive director Sanjana Desai said the intent was to bring back flavours tied to “taste, routine and home”, while making them relevant for today’s consumers.
The move reflects a broader shift in the beverages market, where heritage-led storytelling and familiarity are increasingly being used to stand out in a crowded, innovation-heavy category.
With Summerwala Sharbat, Mother’s Recipe isn’t just selling a drink, it’s selling a season, one glass at a time.
