MAM
Pair of Men Wins VMate’s #HappyValentinesDay challenge
MUMBAI: In a pleasantly surprising turn of events, trending short video platform VMate has announced a male duo as the winner of the recently concluded #HappyValentinesDay challenge, which witnessed a massive participation and creation of more than 8.5 million videos. These two men would be awarded a brand new Maruti Suzuki Alto car. They were adjudged the winner of the contest primarily because of their couple concept videos.
When the duo came across the contest, the first decision they made was that their creation wouldn’t be a usual drill, and they drew their inspiration from males playing female characters famous on Indian television. To come on top of millions of videos, they broke away from the usual norm of a boy and a girl celebrating Valentine’s Day. Instead, they tried role play wherein one of the males dressed up and performed as a woman. This way it worked with the audience and their Valentine’s Day videos got more than 1 million views.
Fahad and his partner created multiple videos as part of the contest. In one of the videos, Fahad’s partner played his wife and they smartly used the exclusive video sticker featuring actress Sunny Leone. Sunny could be seen getting a cup of morning tea for Fahad and asking him to get ready for Valentine’s Day celebration. That is when the performer playing Fahad’s wife shuts him up and stops him from daydreaming. The funny videos pleased several VMate users.
After being honoured at the award function organised by VMate in New Delhi, Fahad owed his success to his mother, who supported him through thick and thin. He further acknowledged the support of his siblings. “My brothers, sister and friends help me in making videos. I wish to bring smiles to my audience, and I want to be known for my comedy. VMate is helping me a lot in my journey,” he said.
He added, “I know mine as well as VMate’s potential. I am giving my 200%, making 15-20 videos daily and participating in all the contests. I am extremely happy to win a car.”
Lauding the duo, VMate Associate Director Nisha Pokhriyal said, “Valentine’s Day is a festival mainly for couples, but on VMate, two male creators won the top prize – a Maruti Suzuki Alto car – by joining the #HappyValentinesDay campaign. The differentiator in their videos was a man playing a woman. It is tough to perform but the concept has often clicked with the Indian audience. I am sure they would be loved by the audience just like Gutthi or Sapna are adored by the Indian viewers.”
VMate has become a rage among youth across the country, thanks to some exciting social media campaigns. These campaigns have enabled them to win bumper prizes such as car, scooty, latest smartphones etc. Recently, VMate concluded its #VMateFilmistan campaign with more than 7.8 lakh people winning prizes worth Rs. 2.65 crore. Prior to that, VMate gained popularity by introducing unique campaigns such as its association with Nach Baliye Season 9. Many VMate creators, who are common people, are earning money with the help of videos and transforming their lives.
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.
