iWorld
Priyanka Khimani, WoMI host global music leaders at Soho House
MUMBAI: Call it a power chord with purpose. On 21 August, Priyanka Khimani, one of India’s most influential entertainment lawyers and founder of Women of Music India (WoMI), hosted the second edition of the Global Music Leaders Reception at Soho House, Mumbai. The evening, backed by tech disruptor Nothing, pulled together a rare mix of executives, artists and innovators from across the world to tune into conversations about music, creativity and cultural exchange.
What began in 2024 as a pioneering experiment has swiftly become one of the industry’s most sought-after, invitation-only gatherings. Conceived by Khimani and WoMI, the event aimed to spotlight India’s cultural heft on the world stage while bridging business and artistry.
“India is no longer just participating in the global conversation but we are also helping shape it,” said Khimani, also a prominent advocate for artists’ rights. “Through Women of Music India, I want to ensure that women, especially, are at the forefront of that change. This evening is where those conversations begin, and where lasting partnerships are born.”
Soho House, with its reputation as Mumbai’s creative hub, provided a fitting backdrop for the night, which blended dialogue with performance. Rising folk-fusion voice Mansa Jimmy, indie star Mali, and emerging acts Twinkle Agarwal and Akanksha Sethi lit up the stage, reminding guests that culture ultimately begins with the artist.
The guest list had global flair: Jasleen Royal, Raftaar, Natania Lalwani and Roc Nation’s Andrew Gold rubbed shoulders with Universal Music execs and India’s indie stars.
Nothing’s presence as cultural partner was no accident. Founded in London in 2020, the brand’s design-driven tech ethos chimed neatly with the evening’s celebration of innovation and artistry.
By the close, the Global Music Leaders Reception had once again proved its role as more than a cocktail party. It was a bridge between India and the international music community, and a sign of how cultural capital is increasingly flowing both ways.
e-commerce
ITC Sunfeast, Zepto host mango-themed experiential ‘Paglu Party’
Event blends Alphonso desserts, DIY sessions and interactive formats
MUMBAI: When mango season peaks, some savour it others go full ‘paglu’. ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations, in collaboration with Zepto, turned summer indulgence into an immersive brand experience with its ‘Mango Paglu Party’, a high-energy, mango-themed event designed to blur the line between dessert and discovery. Built around the brand’s ‘Mad Over Mangoes’ universe, the space leaned into a sensory overload bright, playful and unapologetically mango-drenched. From curated installations to social-first corners, every element was designed to be as shareable as it was experiential.
At the centre of the celebration was the fruit itself, elevated into a menu crafted using fresh, carbide-free Alphonso mangoes sourced by Zepto. The spread ranged from a flaky Mango Pista Kouign Aman to Mango Coconut Serradura Pudding and a Mango Mascarpone Cake, balancing indulgence with seasonal freshness.
But this was not a passive tasting affair. Guests were drawn into the experience through interactive formats, including a DIY dessert session led by the brand’s chef, where attendees created classics like Mango Tres Leches. Zepto chief business officer Chandan Mehndiratta also joined the session, adding a touch of brand personality to the proceedings.
A quirky highlight came in the form of the ‘Aam Paglu Prescription’, a playful, doctor-themed concept that positioned mango indulgence as the only “treatment” worth taking, turning a simple insight into a memorable activation.
The event built up to a theatrical finale, with the crowning of the ‘Aam Paglu of the Day’ followed by the cutting of an oversized mango-shaped Mango Mascarpone Cake, closing the experience on a high note.
More than just a seasonal showcase, the Mango Paglu Party reflects a broader shift in brand storytelling, where products are no longer just consumed, but experienced. For ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations and Zepto, mango season was not just about flavour, it was about creating a moment that audiences could step into, engage with and, quite literally, devour.
