MAM
Viral Pandya moves on from Cog Culture
Mumbai: Viral Pandya, a celebrated creative figure in the advertising world, is stepping down from his role at Cog Culture to pursue opportunities beyond the advertising industry, according to industry insiders. Under Viral’s visionary leadership, Cog Culture evolved into a creative powerhouse, firmly establishing itself on the advertising map. The agency earned accolades such as being named the number one Independent Integrated Agency at the prestigious Goafest Creative Abby Awards, alongside Design Agency of the Year in both 2019 and 2023. It was also recognised as Still Craft Agency of the Year in 2019. Viral’s creative genius was pivotal to the agency’s exceptional growth over the last five and a half years.
On his decision to leave, Viral remarked, “India is at an exciting juncture, and with AI rapidly advancing, the possibilities are endless. However, the current state of creativity is disappointing. Ideas, skill, and craftsmanship seem to have taken a backseat. My forte is sound strategy weaved by great design thinking, and the digital realm lacks these. Rather than lament this, I want to take action—apply my experience directly with clients, embracing technology and innovation. It’s also a perfect moment for me to take it slow and reflect.”
When asked to elaborate on his criticism of the industry, Viral added, “Today, more than ever, you need to earn attention, not buy it—thanks to the digital explosion. But look at the work coming out of many digital agencies. Barring very few ideas, it’s abysmal. Some agencies, along with clients, seem to think that boring carousel posts or elementary motion graphics qualify as digital work. All they manage to do is contribute to global warming by overloading servers. I’m hopeful that I can make a meaningful difference.”
During his tenure, Cog Culture attracted marquee clients including DLF Offices, Devans Modern Breweries, Emaar, Central Park, Trehan Iris, Cashfree, Reach Group, LVR (makers of O’Darling whisky), and the luxury fashion startup Coyu. Today, the agency boasts a team of over 120 professionals spanning multiple disciplines. Before joining Cog Culture, Viral founded Out of the Box and previously led creative departments at Saatchi and Saatchi and Grey Worldwide. A thought leader with over 800 awards—including a Cannes Gold Lion Design and numerous Merits and Print and Design, several One Show Pencils—Viral’s work has been recognised by One Show for ten consecutive years.
He has also served on prestigious juries such as Cannes Lions, One Show Design, Kyoorious Design Yatra, the New York Fest Executive Jury, and as Jury Chair across multiple categories at Goafest Abby. He is notably the only Indian creative to have developed work for Rolex. The brands he has worked for range from global giants to local businesses: Hyundai, Panasonic, Tata Tea, Taj Group of Hotels, Maruti Suzuki, Bridgestone, Pedigree, Samsung Mobile, Samsung Appliances, Haier, Ariel, SOTC, Rolex, Ranbaxy, Veen Waters, Tigre Blanc Vodka, Mother’s Pride Preschools, Presidium Schools, and Haldiram’s.
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.
