News Broadcasting
Suzuki launches new TVC: Chulbul Pandey rides Hayate to Deccan
New Delhi, July 15, 2013: Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL), a subsidiary of one of the world’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has launched a new ad campaign for its bestselling mass segment motorcycle – Suzuki Hayate. An extension to the 2012 campaign, Suzuki’s new TVC features Salman in his characteristic Dabangg persona of Chulbul Pandey, this time in a full blown South India avatar.
The ad features Salman manoeuvring his Hayate on meandering streets set in a Deccan town from South India while recapturing the much acclaimed tagline – “Suzuki Hayate, yun hi nahi chalate!” Challenging Chulbul’s heroism is ‘Gundappa’, a character played by veteran actor from Telugu and Tamil cinemas, Kota Srinivasa Rao, who is known for his customary flair of blending comedy with villainy.
And the package doesn’t end just yet. Accomplished cinematographer, V Manikandan marks his directorial debut with the Hayate TVC. As a Director of Photography, Manikandan has been a part of mega productions like Ra.One, Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om and Raavan.
The ad has been overtly stylised and executed as a typical South Indian masala film. It has been ideated and executed by RK Swamy BBDO.
Ms. Anu Anamika, National Head – Marketing, SMIPL says, “The first TVC with Salman was a thundering success. Salman’s Dabangg persona in the TVC helped extend Suzuki Hayate’s appeal across segments. Since Suzuki is a pan India brand, this time we thought of giving the campaign a different treatment with a South-Indian twist. We hope we are able to replicate the previous campaign’s success and expand our reach to customers.”
Superstar Salman Khan says, “It’s nice to know Suzuki bikes are going places and Chulbul is always happy to go along for the ride. From Uttar, the action has moved to Dakshin and I hope the people in Purab and Paschim enjoy it as well.”
Mr. Sunil Kukreti, Senior Partner, R.K. Swamy BBDO Pvt. Ltd. says, “The entire campaign is conceptualized keeping in mind the target audience which resides in rural and semi-urban peripheries. We wanted to play along this well-embedded imagery and create a unique blend of North and South. This new TVC gets even bigger and more entertaining.”
The campaign will spread across all mediums including Television, Cinema, Radio, and Print.
STORYBOARD
While in the previous Hayate Ad, we witnessed Chulbul Pandey successfully arresting the fugitive Billa, this time around we will see Salman in his patent Dabanng character chase down Gundappa Kota Srinivasa and his gang to bring an end to the black marketing of film tickets.
The TVC revolves around its novel tagline “Suzuki Hayate, yun hi nahi chalate”. The scene breaks with Gundappa and his gang selling cinema tickets in black market. Enter Salman Khan in his iconic Chulbul Pandey character riding his trusted Hayate. A constable points at Gundappa and the group selling the movie tickets in black. The scene breaks into an action packed chase and run sequence between Gundappa, his gang and Salman who is seen effortlessly riding the Hayate. The Dabanng Khan with his discerning, unmistaken wits and his credible Hayate as his comrade, is ultimately able to arrest Gundappa and cease his black market racket. The TVC ends with Salman reciting the tagline and urging the viewers to buy Hayate.
News Broadcasting
Induction cooktop demand spikes 30× amid LPG supply concerns
Supply worries linked to West Asia tensions push households and restaurants to turn to electric cooking alternatives
MUMBAI: As geopolitical tensions in West Asia ripple through global energy supply chains, the familiar blue flame in Indian kitchens is facing an unexpected challenger: electricity.
What began as concerns over the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has quickly evolved into a technology-driven shift in cooking habits. Households across India are increasingly turning to induction cooktops and other electric appliances, initially as a backup but now, for many, a necessity.
A sudden surge in demand
Recent data from quick-commerce and grocery platform BigBasket highlights the scale of the shift. According to Seshu Kumar Tirumala, the company’s chief buying and merchandising officer, demand for induction cooktops has risen dramatically.
“Induction cooktops have seen a significant surge in demand, recording a fivefold jump on 10 March and a thirtyfold spike on 11 March,” Tirumala said.
The increase stands out sharply when compared with broader kitchen appliance trends. Most appliance categories are growing within 10 per cent of their typical demand levels, while induction cooktops have witnessed explosive growth as households rush to secure an alternative cooking option.
Major e-commerce platforms including Amazon and Flipkart have reported rising searches and orders for induction stoves. Quick-commerce apps such as Blinkit and Zepto have also witnessed stock shortages in major metropolitan areas including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
What was once considered a convenient appliance for hostels, small kitchens or occasional use has suddenly become an essential addition in many homes.
A crisis thousands of miles away
The trigger for this shift lies far beyond India’s kitchens.
Escalating conflict in the Middle East has disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Nearly 85 to 90 per cent of India’s LPG imports pass through this narrow waterway, making the country particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions.
The ripple effects have been swift.
India currently meets roughly 60 per cent of its LPG demand through imports, and tightening global supply has already begun to affect domestic availability and prices.
Earlier this month, the price of domestic LPG cylinders increased by Rs 60, while commercial cylinders rose by more than Rs 114.
To discourage panic buying and hoarding, the government has also extended the mandatory waiting period between domestic refill bookings from 21 days to 25 days.
Restaurants feel the pressure
The strain is not limited to households. Restaurants, hotels and roadside eateries are also grappling with supply constraints as commercial LPG availability tightens under restrictions imposed through the Essential Commodities Act.
In cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai, restaurant associations report that commercial LPG availability has dropped by as much as 75 per cent, forcing many establishments to rethink their kitchen operations.
Some restaurants have reduced menu offerings, while others are rapidly installing high-efficiency induction systems, creating hybrid kitchens where electricity now shares the workload with gas.
For smaller eateries and roadside dhabas, the shift is less about sustainability and more about survival.
A potential structural shift
The government has maintained that there is no nationwide LPG crisis and has directed refineries to increase production to stabilise supply.
Nevertheless, the developments of March 2026 may already be triggering a longer-term behavioural shift.
For decades, LPG has been the backbone of cooking in Indian households. However, recent disruptions have highlighted the risks of relying on a single fuel source.
Increasingly, households appear to be hedging against uncertainty by adopting electric cooking options to guard against price volatility and delivery delays.
If the current trend continues, the induction cooktop, once viewed as a niche appliance, could emerge as a quiet symbol of India’s evolving kitchen economy.
