Brands
“Unlike Gen- X, wireless technology is native to Gen-Z, not acquired”: Nu Republic’s Ujjwal Sarin
Mumbai: Imagine a world where technology seamlessly intertwines with fashion, music, and creative culture, transforming ordinary devices into powerful expressions of style. Wear-tech, a thrilling fusion of fashion and technology, empowers individuals to make a style statement while embracing cutting-edge innovation. It’s a realm where utilitarian gadgets become bold expressions of personal style, breaking the mold and defining the future of wearable technology. In this realm of ‘wear-tech,’ one brand stands out as a pioneer and disruptor: Nu Republic.
Indiantelevision.com spoke to Nu Republic founder Ujjwal Sarin on their differentiating aspect, TG that they cater to, and much more…
In 2018, Ujjwal embarked on a remarkable entrepreneurial journey, founding Nu Republic – an Indian lifestyle wear-tech brand that beautifully converges music, fashion, technology, and creative culture. Nu Republic has earned a reputation for crafting cutting-edge wireless audio products, including true wireless earbuds, headphones, speakers, and wearables, designed for disruptors, pioneers, and individuals who defy conformity.
Edited Excerpts:
On the inspiration to start Nu Republic and focus on the intersection of technology and fashion in the consumer electronics industry
At Nu Republic we believe that wear-tech products are worn by people, carried on as an accessory and are born to be stylish & fashionable – not merely functional. Unlike Gen-X, wireless technology is native to Gen-Z, not acquired.
This conviction is at the center of Nu Republic’s mission to convert wearable technology, from black and boring function serving devices as a powerful mode of fashion, disruption and self-expression.
Through our fashion-first design philosophy. We are on a mission to redefine the playing field by making high-style attainable and high-tech affordable.
On seeing Farhan and Shibani Akhtar’s involvement as brand ambassadors shaping Nu Republic’s image and reach in the market
Farhan and Shibani will be the ambassadors of Nu Republic – a brand that shares their unwavering commitment towards disruption and innovation. Farhan Akhtar, a versatile actor, director, and producer, and Shibani Akhtar, an accomplished model, singer, and television host, embody the ethos of Nu Republic & bring their individual expertise, effortless style to this collaboration.
Farhan and Shibani are the OG trailblazers who have inspired us all. Farhan has consistently pushed boundaries and disrupted the Indian film industry with his exceptional talent and revolutionary approach to acting, singing and filmmaking. Shibani, on the other hand, has carved a niche for herself in the world of fashion, music, and entertainment, redefining norms and inspiring individuals through her talent.
Their disruptive mindset, creative brilliance, and their dedication to making a difference align perfectly with our brand’s mission
We will be working closely with Farhan and Shibani and reach a diverse set of new audiences who believe in our mission, our products and align with our brand ethos.
On the differentiating aspect of Nu Republic from other consumer electronics brands; the innovations or features that make your products stand out and the TG that you cater to
In personal audio and electronic industry, brands are locked in a price-driven race, resulting in uniform product aesthetics. Nu Republic breaks the mould, prioritising design innovation while keeping technology at par. This makes us stand out amidst a swathe of brands and deliver trailblazing excitement to our fans the citizens of Nu Republic.
Nu Republic’s target audience is a fusion of tech-savvy fashionistas who relish style experimentation. With design-centric products that defy the ordinary, Nu Republic redefines technology as a fashion statement, appealing primarily to millennials and Gen Z.
On the special promotions or plans that Nu Republic has in store for its customers to celebrate the ongoing festive season with your smart tech products
Nu Republic has a massive launch plan this festive season. We have introduced a range of #5 head-turning products for our fans which will redefine their style.
These products include the Transform-X, award winning True Wireless Earphones with head-turning design, Epic ANC Ture Wireless Earphones with Active Noise Cancellation, and Motorhead Series watches with built-in Gyro Sensors and a 360^-rotating dial.
On some insights into the design process and the role aesthetics play in your product development
At the heart of our product design philosophy are three cornerstones:
● Design – Reject mediocrity, our products boast unique design traits that capture attention and ignite conversations and stoke emotion.
● Technology –For us “tech” in wear-tech is nothing more than an enabler, and not an end. In our world only when head-turning design is combined technology, does the technology really become worthwhile and meaningful.
● Emotion: we know your life is fast-paced – all we do is add some features to it that give you more control, comfort and long-lasting use to make your life easier. our philosophies to combine sophistication with speed, and agility with fun. this makes us funky and yet a class apart.
On Nu Republic’s future expansion plans
To march forward on our mission, we will continue to innovate design-centric products that enable people to embrace technology as an extension of their personality.
From an availability perspective – Nu Republic’s street cred has grown and has earned us a dominant place on store shelves and e-commerce marketplaces. Our products are widely available across leading e-commerce marketplaces & retail stores. We will continue to expand deeper and make our products widely available to more customers across India. We are also expanding to other countries and will unveil the plans soon.
Brands
YES Bank hands the keys to SBI veteran Vinay Tonse as it bets on a new era
Former SBI managing director appointed as YES Bank’s new MD and CEO
MUMBAI: YES Bank is done rebuilding. Now it wants to grow. The private sector lender has appointed Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as managing director and chief executive officer-designate, with RBI approval secured and a start date of April 6, 2026 confirmed. The three-year term signals the bank’s intent to shift gears from crisis recovery to full-throttle expansion.
Tonse, 60, is no stranger to scale. Most recently managing director at State Bank of India, he oversaw a retail book of roughly $800bn in deposits and advances, one of the largest in the country. Before that, he ran SBI Mutual Fund from August 2020 to December 2022, a stint that saw assets under management surge from Rs 4.32 lakh crore to Rs 7.32 lakh crore across market cycles. Add stints in Singapore and four years leading SBI’s overseas operations in Osaka, and the incoming chief arrives with a genuinely global CV.
His academic grounding is equally solid: a commerce degree from St Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bengaluru, and a master’s in commerce from Bangalore University.
The appointment follows an extensive search and evaluation process by the bank’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee. NRC chairperson Nandita Gurjar said the committee unanimously backed Tonse, citing his leadership track record, governance credentials and ability to drive the bank’s next phase of transformation.
Non-executive chairman Rama Subramaniam Gandhi was unequivocal. “I am certain that Vinay Tonse, with his vast experience as a senior banker, will propel YES Bank to its next phase of growth,” Gandhi said, adding that the bank remains focused on strengthening its retail and corporate banking franchises and expanding its branch network.
Rajeev Kannan, non-executive director and senior executive at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the bank’s largest shareholder, said Tonse’s experience across retail, corporate banking, global markets and asset management positioned him well to lead the lender. SMBC said it looks forward to working with Tonse and the board as YES Bank pursues its ambition of becoming a top-tier private sector lender anchored in strong governance and sustainable growth.
Tonse succeeds Prashant Kumar, who took the helm in March 2020 when YES Bank was in freefall following a severe financial crisis, and spent six years painstakingly stabilising the institution, rebuilding governance and restoring operational scale. Gandhi was generous: “The bank remains indebted to Prashant Kumar, who is responsible for much of what a strong financial powerhouse YES Bank is today.”
Tonse, for his part, struck a purposeful note. “Together with the board and my colleagues, I remain deeply committed to creating long-term value for all our stakeholders,” he said, pledging to build on Kumar’s foundation guided by his personal motto: Make A Difference.
Beyond the balance sheet, Tonse played cricket at college and club level and represented Karnataka in archery at the national championships — sports he credits with teaching him teamwork, situational leadership, discipline and focus. In quieter moments, he reaches for retro Kannada music, classic Hindi songs, and the crooning of Engelbert Humperdinck, Mukesh and Kishore Kumar.
YES Bank has its steady-handed rebuilder in Kumar to thank for survival. Now it has a scale-obsessed growth banker at the wheel. The next chapter starts April 6.
