Brands
SpiceJet crew dances up a storm as Holi takes flight
MUMBAI: SpiceJet has once again livened up the skies with a vibrant Holi celebration that has set social media abuzz. The budget airline’s crew members, decked out in matching blue denim jeans, white kurtas and black shades, performed a choreographed dance to the popular song Balam Pichkari for passengers travelling on Holi.
The performance, which featured crew members dancing with unbridled energy in the aircraft aisle, is part of the airline’s tradition of celebrating the festival of colours in style.
“A signature festival, a signature song, and a celebration like no other! Our crew brought Holi to life with an energetic dance, proving that traditions take flight with us!” SpiceJet posted on their social media handle, clarifying that the “video was filmed on ground with all safety standards in place.”
SpiceJet chief customer officer Kamal Hingorani coloured his comments with enthusiasm: “Holi isn’t just about colours—it’s about energy, togetherness, and a splash of fun! At SpiceJet, we bring the same vibrancy to our work, fostering a culture of teamwork and positivity.”
Added SpiceJet chief business officer Debojo Maharshi: “Holi is a festival that paints the world with happiness, and at SpiceJet, we are thrilled to kick off the celebrations with our signature Balam Pichkari performance. Our incredible crew turned the aircraft into a stage of joy, blending music, dance, and tradition to create an unforgettable experience for our passengers. We are proud to celebrate India’s vibrant culture with this burst of festive cheer – wishing everyone a Holi filled with colour, love, and safe travels!”
The in-flight festivities have received plaudits from marketing experts. Sony Pictures Networks vice president sales Vikram Vijay Chandan described the campaign as “a masterclass in experiential marketing” that “worked like wildfire” by generating buzz and encouraging social media sharing.
“It humanised the brand by showcasing their crew’s enthusiasm, allowing the airline to differentiate itself and in the process helped foster brand loyalty,” Chandan remarked.
To watch the video click here: SpiceJet crew Holi dance
This isn’t the first time the budget carrier has painted outside the lines with its Holi celebrations. Previous performances include flash mob dances at Delhi airport in 2015 and 2017.
While some naysayers might cry foul over such airline antics, the colourful initiative certainly seems to have helped SpiceJet’s marketing efforts soar to new heights
Brands
Buffett bets on The New York Times, cuts Amazon stake
Berkshire invests $352 million in NYT, trims tech, and backs insurance, energy and consumer stocks.
OMAHA: Warren Buffett is famously a creature of habit, but his latest portfolio shake-up suggests even the world’s most patient investor knows when to change the channel. In a move that has sent the media world into a frenzy, Berkshire Hathaway has officially checked into The New York Times while largely checking out of Amazon.
Buffett’s firm snapped up roughly 5.1 million shares in The New York Times Company, a stake valued at a cool $352 million. The Buffett effect was immediate: shares in the publishing giant jumped more than 10 per cent as investors scrambled to follow the leader.
While Buffett offloaded his traditional local newspapers back in 2020, this isn’t a nostalgic trip to the printing press. The New York Times is now a digital powerhouse, fueled by a buffet of subscriptions covering everything from breaking news to Wordle and recipes. It seems the sage of Omaha still has an appetite for businesses with pricing power and a loyal following.
Berkshire slashed its holdings in Amazon by nearly 75 per cent during the final quarter of the year. Once a rare foray into the world of big tech for Buffett, the firm now holds a relatively modest 2.3 million shares. The pruning did not stop there, as other household names also saw a haircut. Apple was reduced to a 1.5 per cent position, while Bank of America was trimmed to 7.1 per cent, signalling a broader pullback from some of its large financial and technology bets.
So, where is the money going? It appears Buffett is heading back to basics, favoring sectors that can weather a storm. Berkshire boosted its positions in Chubb, doubling down on the steady world of insurance; Chevron, fueling up on energy; and Domino’s Pizza, a classic consumer bet that delivers even when the economy doesn’t.
By pivoting toward resilient industries and subscription-heavy media, Berkshire is returning to its roots: finding companies that people simply cannot live without, whether they are hungry for a slice of pepperoni or the morning headlines.
