MAM
Saif turns up the cool as brand face of Thermocool’s appliance portfolio
MUMBAI: Bollywood’s Nawab of charm is now king of cool. Saif Ali Khan has been signed on as the brand ambassador for Thermocool Home Appliances, stepping into the spotlight to endorse the company’s cooler division, which includes desert air coolers, room coolers, and portable units.
The tie-up, spanning two years, will see Saif front high-profile activations, interactive digital campaigns, and a string of consumer promotions designed to give the trusted homegrown brand a stylish new edge just in time for India’s scorching summers.
Calling the association a “strategic milestone,” Thermocool MD Rajeev Kumar Gupta said Khan represents the perfect blend of “utility and style,” aligning with Thermocool’s push for high-performance yet aspirational products.
Adding to that, Thermocool director of operations Tushar Gupta highlighted that Saif’s versatility and credibility would cement Thermocool’s place as a preferred choice in a crowded market. Meanwhile Thermocool director of sales & marketing Tanuj Gupta, called him “the embodiment of style meeting substance,” noting his multi-generational appeal.
For decades, Thermocool has enjoyed a special place in Indian households, trusted for innovation and reliability. Now, with Saif lending his star power, the brand aims to refresh its connect with younger, design-conscious buyers while continuing to deliver quality cooling solutions to millions across the country.
The rollout will span media platforms nationwide, promising consumers not just effective cooling tech but also a dash of stardom with every campaign. After all, when it comes to beating the heat, Thermocool is banking on Saif to keep things effortlessly chilled.
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.
