MAM
Weekend Unwind with: Shradha Agarwal, CEO & co-founder of Grapes
Mumbai : In this week’s edition, IndianTelevision.com continues its series of informal and lighthearted chat that peeks inside the minds of corporate executives.
To get to know the person behind the title a little better, we have Grapes CEO and co-founder Shradha Agarwal, who has opened up her heart and mind to us by sharing her life nuggets and mantras for dealing with life’s curveballs.
Having essayed diverse roles from account manager to marketing manager to head digital strategy and engagement in various organisations across sectors, Shradha believes the key lies in ‘Unlearning’. For it helps think up innovative business strategies and “out of the box” communication strategies. The “intrapreneur itch” made her leave her MNC job nine years back to join Grapes (then Grapes Digital), where she took a year to understand the technology and the agency business, before starting the marketing vertical in 2015.
So here goes:
Your mantra for Life
Never quit
A book you are currently reading/plan to read
Currently, I am reading ‘Delivering Happiness: A path to profits, passion and purpose’ by Tony Hsieh.
Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
I make sure to indulge myself in 30-45 mins of exercise, a mix-up of cardio and yoga. Besides this, the other fitness mantra I follow incessantly is consuming less sugar.
Your comfort food
Aglio Olio (a traditional Italian pasta dish) and Pulao
When the chips are down a quote/ philosophy that keeps you going
I genuinely feel that “Life is 10 percent of what happens to you and 90 percent of how you react to it.” There are times when things don’t work in your favour, and it’s always best not to react at the moment but analyse, learn and experience it. Rather than panicking, have patience and faith in yourself because it ameliorates the problem.
Your guilty pleasure
Ice-cream & cake
When was the last time you tried something new?
Dance. I love dancing and used to be a choreographer in my college days. Be it school, college or any function, I was always excited to perform but with time it gradually declined. But very soon, I will be joining a dance class, and cherish the memories.
A life lesson you learned the hard way
Don’t get upset over small things, or have expectations from others. It is you who decides what you want in life. The sooner you realise it, the better off you’ll be.
What gets you excited about life?
Doing creative work and creating kickass campaigns for my clients keep me excited every day. When a client appreciates the work and the audience shower their love, that feeling is unmatched. It keeps you motivated to work hard and do better every day.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid of failures. There are times when we are not able to discover our strengths but, after trying and failing in the journey of life we realise our strong points, which ultimately help us in reaching the destination. Also remember, to be confident but never let success make you complacent.
An activity that keeps you motivated/ charged during tough times
It’s my work that keeps me energised and motivated.
What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?
Meeting friends, or watching a web series.
Your go-to stress buster
Going for a candlelight dinner with my husband.
One thing you would most like to change about the world
Don’t be judgemental. In today’s context, I see that people in seconds start judging other people. Everyone has a different life and what is good for you may not be for the other person. Stay grounded, be humble and spread positivity as the world needs better people.
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.
