MAM
Uber Eats appoints youth icon Alia Bhatt as its brand ambassador in India
MUMBAI: Taking its presence in India a notch higher, Uber Eats, the world’s largest food delivery platform, today announced the appointment of leading actress and youth icon, Alia Bhatt, as its brand ambassador. India will be the first country for Uber Eats globally, to have appointed a brand ambassador.
Uber Eats is gaining popularity among consumers across 37 cities in India to order food of their choice at the click a button. Similarly, Alia Bhatt’s effortless performances in bringing out the essence of every character she plays, has positioned her as one of India’s most loved youth icons.
"Alia is an inspiration to Indian millennials and we are thrilled to have her on board. The youth today relates to her easy-going, carefree and energetic personality. She is known for her unique style and agility as an actor – the same qualities are an integral part of the Uber Eats DNA; thus making her the perfect fit to represent our brand in India. We are excited to have Alia on board, as we stay focused on building and strengthening our presence in India,” said Bhavik Rathod, Head of Uber Eats India and South Asia.
Alia Bhatt, expressing her excitement as Uber Eats’ first brand ambassador said, “My work hours and plans keep changing, so the freedom/flexibility to get what I’m craving for whenever I want, right at the tap of a button, almost seems magical. I’m delighted to be associated with a young, innovative and energetic brand like Uber Eats and I look forward to all the excitement that’s in store with this partnership.”
Uber Eats India’s association with Alia Bhatt will lay the foundation for a host of brand-led interventions in the coming year. Besides being the face of the brand, consumers can expect to see Alia in different moods and never seen before avatars on social media platforms.
Uber Eats recognizes the appetite for food delivery in India and in the past year and a half, has emerged as the fastest growing food delivery app. In 2018, Uber Eats will continue to focus on technology innovations and empowering people to broaden horizons of convenience and experience in the food delivery space.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â 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.
