Archive: April 1, 2025

Century Wintersun Aims for ₹450 Cr GDV as Phase II Sells Out for ₹150 Cr, Boosting Dodaballapur Road’s Growth

Bengaluru, 01st, April 2025: Century Real Estate, one of Bengaluru’s leading real estate developers, announces the complete sell-out of Ferie Villas at Century Wintersun, highlighting a significant uptick in the villa segment velocity in the city. The meticulously designed villas, launched just last FY, are located along the Yelahanka-Doddaballapura Road and have been fully booked, reflecting strong demand for private villa living that offers expansive living spaces, world-class amenities, and a tranquil environment. With a total Gross Development Value (GDV) of approximately ₹450 crore, Wintersun has seen increasing demand & sales success in the past year, with Phase II (Ferie Villas) contributing ₹150 crore in revenue, now fully sold out. The subsequent phases are in the pipeline and slated for launch in the next 1-2 years.

‘Ferie Villas at Century Wintersun’ is strategically located in North Bengaluru’s high-growth corridor, an area witnessing rapid infrastructure expansion with significant developments like Kwin City and Foxconn. The project benefits from its proximity to Kempegowda International Airport and the upcoming STRR (Satellite Town Ring Road), located just 8 km away, enhancing connectivity and long-term investment potential.

High potential location and thoughtful design drive success

Designed to offer a resort-like living experience, each 4-bedroom villa spans approximately 3,350 sq. ft. of built-up area on a 2,400 sq. ft. plot, featuring private courtyards, double-height living spaces, and a dedicated backyard and front yard. With nearly 50% open space, the community fosters a serene and green environment, providing residents with a refreshing retreat away from the congestion of the city. The development is further enhanced by a 20,000 sq. ft. operational clubhouse, featuring over 20 lifestyle amenities, including a swimming pool, gym, spa, multi-cuisine restaurant, badminton and squash courts, and outdoor recreational spaces. The combination of ready-to-use amenities and meticulously designed homes has made Ferie Villas a benchmark for luxury villa living in Bengaluru.

The swift sell-out of Ferie Villas at Century Wintersun highlights a growing shift in Bengaluru’s luxury real estate market, where homebuyers are gravitating toward spacious residences with expansive green spaces, premium amenities, and a vibrant community-driven lifestyle. The development has drawn a diverse mix of buyers, including high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), doctors, and professionals, as well as those transitioning from apartment living to villa ownership. Notably, Wintersun Phase 1 was recognized for its lush landscaping, winning the Best Large Gated Community Garden award at the 217th Lalbagh Flower Show, presented by the Karnataka Government’s Department of Horticulture.

Speaking on the success of the project, Ajay Singh, Senior Vice President (Sales), Century Real Estate, said, “The exceptional response to Ferie Villas at Century Wintersun reaffirms the strong demand for premium villa communities in Bengaluru. With buyers seeking spacious, well-planned homes that offer privacy, exclusivity, and high-end amenities, this project has successfully set a new benchmark in luxury villa living. The strategic location, coupled with thoughtfully designed homes and a thriving community atmosphere, has made Ferie Villas the preferred choice for discerning homebuyers. We are committed to developing more such lifestyle-driven projects that cater to the evolving aspirations of today’s buyers.”

Innovative design and sustainability at the core

Ferie Villas at Century Wintersun incorporates architectural innovations such as passive cooling techniques, large glass windows for natural lighting and ventilation, and the Golden Triangle kitchen layout for optimized functionality. These design elements not only enhance comfort but also promote energy efficiency. Additionally, the property is equipped with rainwater harvesting systems and a state-of-the-art Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), with treated water repurposed for landscaping, reinforcing Century Real Estate’s commitment to sustainable development.

Building on the overwhelming success of Century Wintersun, the company is currently planning the next phases of development, with upcoming projects set to align with market demand and buyer preferences. Century Real Estate continues to leverage the city’s growth potential and increasing preference for high-quality residential communities. With a legacy of over 50 years, Century Real Estate remains at the forefront of developing premium residential and commercial spaces that blend architectural excellence with lifestyle-driven amenities.

Wendor Secures USD 2.5 Million Funding from Elanpro to Accelerate AI Vending and Global Expansion

New Delhi, 1st April 2025: Wendor, a leading innovator in smart vending solutions, has successfully raised $2.5 million (approximately INR 21 crore) from Elanpro, a market leader in commercial refrigeration equipment. The investment, structured as a mix of equity (INR 5 crore) and debt (INR 16 crore), marks a significant milestone in Wendor’s journey toward scaling operations, enhancing AI capabilities, and expanding internationally.

As part of this strategic investment, Wendor will also receive operational support from Elanpro, enabling it to leverage an extensive service and logistics network across India. The funding will be directed toward advancing AI-powered vending technology, developing computer vision solutions, and strengthening Wendor’s market presence both in India and globally.

Wendor is set to enhance its AI-driven vending technology to improve inventory management, minimize shrinkage, and boost operational efficiency. Key areas of investment include, Camera-based product & quantity detection systems for real-time tracking. AI-powered demand forecasting to analyze consumer behavior and optimize product offerings. Advanced automation to create a seamless, data-driven retail experience.

Speaking on the funding milestone, Mr. Lakshit Anand, Founder & CEO of Wendor, stated, “This investment marks a turning point in Wendor’s mission to revolutionize automated retail. With Elanpro’s financial backing and operational expertise, we are well-positioned to execute an ambitious expansion strategy across India and internationally. Our focus on AI-driven innovation will redefine vending as a smarter, more efficient, and engaging retail experience.”

This collaboration grants Wendor access to Elanpro’s robust service infrastructure, including Nationwide warehousing & dealer network for enhanced service capabilities. Import-export logistics support to facilitate international expansion. Integrated hardware, software & refrigeration expertise to ensure reliable maintenance and superior customer service.

Mr. Sanjay Jain, Director of Elanpro, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership,”We are excited to support Wendor’s growth journey. Our extensive service network, import-export capabilities, and dealer partnerships will provide Wendor the operational muscle needed to scale efficiently. This partnership strengthens Wendor’s position in India while setting the stage for global expansion.”

To reinforce its market presence, Wendor plans to launch ten experience centers across key metro and Tier-1 cities in the next two months. These centers will provide customers with hands-on interaction with Wendor’s advanced vending solutions, including AI-based product recognition, Automated inventory tracking, Refrigeration-integrated vending technology. Furthermore, Wendor is eyeing international expansion, targeting the Middle East and Southeast Asia as key growth markets.

Wendor has already established strong collaborations, including NAFED and installations at government offices, including Rashtrapati Bhawan. Vending machines at Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri in partnership with Uttar Pradesh State Tourism & Agra Development Authority. Brand partnerships with Coca-Cola, Amul, Nivea, Apollo Hospitals, Unilever, and Fortis.

Janhvi Kapoor Becomes the New Face of Sugar Free

Mumbai, April 01st, 2025: Looks like Janhvi Kapoor just added a sweet new gig to her already buzzing calendar!

In a move that’s got both fitness fanatics and film buffs talking, Zydus Wellness has officially signed the Indian actor as the new face of their iconic brand Sugar Free.

Whether she’s posting post-Pilates selfies, clean eating, or giving us major #BodyGoals on the red carpet, Janhvi has cemented her place as one of the most health-conscious (and stylish!) celebs in B-town. Her fitness-first approach, paired with her fresh and relatable energy, makes her a dream fit for a brand that’s all about smart, healthy swaps.

Sugar Free has become a staple for fitness enthusiasts, clean eaters, and anyone looking to cut back on sugar without giving up on good stuff. And Janhvi is here to spread that message loud and clear.

“I genuinely believe in balance — and I think that’s what Sugar Free is all about,” says Janhvi. “You don’t have to say no to sweetness, you just have to be smart about it. I’m so excited to take this journey with a brand that fits so naturally into my lifestyle.”

Tarun Arora, CEO, Zydus Wellness said, “As consumer preferences shift toward more balanced lifestyles, Sugar Free continues to evolve and bridge the gap between wellness and taste. This makes Janhvi a natural choice and we are excited to have her champion our brand’s purpose and legacy. I am confident that this association will mark a new chapter in our journey to make healthy living both accessible and aspirational.”

And just in case you’re new to the world of Sugar Free Green, this one is made from stevia, and is for the all-natural crowd looking for plant-powered sweetness.

With Janhvi on board, Sugar Free isn’t just talking to health-conscious adults anymore — it’s making a play for the next-gen consumer who wants fitness, fun, and a little indulgence all rolled into one.

Expect to see Janhvi starring in stylish new campaigns, whipping up guilt-free recipes, and inspiring her massive fanbase to rethink sugar — without losing their sweet side.

Five Reasons Why Aadyam Theatre’s Saanp Seedhi is the Ultimate Edge-of-Your-Seat Thriller

Aadyam Theatre, the one-of-a-kind theatre initiative by Aditya Birla Group, is back for its seventh season. This season witnessed some of the most intriguing plays taking the stage. From Atul Kumar’s captivating drama, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, to Purva Naresh’s splendid musical Chandni Raatein, Aadyam Theatre has upped the ante, leaving the audience spellbound. After the successful runs of the two plays, Aadyam Theatre’s next theatrical presentation is Saanp Seedhi directed by Shubhrajyoti Barat starring Kumud Mishra and Sumeet Vyas.

The play is an adaptation of Anthony Shaffer’s skillfully crafted thriller Sleuth. The play already saw a thundering response from the audience during its March 2025 run in Mumbai and Delhi. Now, Saanp Seedhi will have a third run in Mumbai on April 25th and 26th, 2025 at the Tata Theatre, NCPA. Here are five reasons to grab the opportunity to witness the world of this edge-of-the-seat thriller unfold!

Saanp Seedhi Brings Human Psychological Warfare To The Front

If you have enjoyed classic thrillers like Mousetrap, Perfect Crime, The Pillowman, and others, this play is just the one for you! Kumud Mishra and Sumeet Vyas easily fit the parts of their respective characters. Kumud plays Anil Wadhwa, the flamboyant filmmaker with a flair for theatrics, and Vyas is starring as Mayank Tiwari, a simple, sweet architect from Pune.

It is the story of two men who come together during one fateful day that completely changes the trajectory of their lives. Anil is a retired, narcissistic filmmaker who is living a lavish life in Goa. Mayank is a humble architect from Pune who is in love with the man’s wife. A visit to convince the former to divorce the wife turns into a game of desires, deceit, and power, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

Saanp Seedhi Is A Masterful Adaptation Of The Tony-Winning Play Sleuth

Anthony Shaffer’s purely brilliant play Sleuth has captivated audiences over the years. It has also received the coveted Tony Award for Best Play in 1971 and has also been adapted for celluloid. With Saanp Seedhi, Barat is reinvigorating the palpable energy of the play on the Aadyam stage for the Indian audience.

The director is staging a thrilling clash of two intriguing sensibilities with a zing of cinematic moments and a nod to the cult classics era of Indian cinema. Set against the serene backdrop of Goa, the play weaves the love triangle with intense drama, dramatic gasps, and unapologetic filminess. It doesn’t get more heartland than this!

The Play Stars Kumud Mishra And Sumeet Vyas

One is a chameleon, very seamlessly transforming into any character he plays, and the other one is a panther, commanding an ease both on stage and celluloid! Kumud Mishra, an NSD graduate, has mastered the craft of slipping into diverse roles with effortlessness. Apart from his memorable cinematic characters, he also starred in plays like Bali Aur Shambhu, Ilhaam, Kaumudi, and others.

Whereas Sumeet has had the audience in stitches and awe with his performances. Be it in the audience’s favourite Permanent Roommates or beloved films like English Vinglish, he has left a stamp of individuality with ease and grace, just like a panther. Some of his theatre credits include Jasma Odhan, Court Martial, Sandhya Chaya, Begum Jaan among others.

Saanp Seedhi Also Pays Homage To The Pulpy Crime Genre

The era of a parallel movement of B-films became popular in India during the 80s and 90s. At the forefront of this movement were some daring filmmakers like Kanti Shah, Kishan Shah, Raj Kumar Kohli, and others.

The play is subtextually paying an ode to this bygone era which created some of the pulpy cinema in the history of Indian cinema. Anil Wadhwa, known as ‘The Crime King’ of Bollywood, belongs to this crop of filmmakers. His films fall into the grey zone of human morality and crime, seamlessly becoming an integral part of the play.

Saanp Seedhi Is Shubhrajyoti Barat’s Foray Into The Thriller Genre

Shubhrajyoti Barat has been the disciple of Sabyasachi Deb Burman and Chetan Datar, who have shaped him into the director we see today. To bring more flavour to the heartland, he has added cinematic elements, psychological twists, and a spectacle worth witnessing when these two men go at loggerheads with each other.

Apart from this directorial venture, he has been part of some of the most interesting theatre projects like Dhumrapaan, Puraane Chawaal, and Kaumudi.

Through each season, Aadyam Theatre has pushed the envelope by staging thought-provoking plays and platforming diverse voices in the Indian theatre scene. This season features five distinct plays, each offering a unique story and vision, showcasing a rich diversity of themes and perspectives, running through the year till September 2025.

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (India) Unveils AI-Ready Data Centre Campus in Kolkata with INR 450 Crore Investment

Kolkata/New Delhi, India, 02nd April 2025 — ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (India) (STT GDC India), a leading AI-ready data centre provider in India, is set to revolutionise the data centre landscape in Eastern India with the launch of its state-of-the-art facility in New Town, Kolkata. Spanning 5.59 acres, this next-generation campus is engineered to support the growing demands of AI computing with high-density rack configurations, advanced cooling systems, and a scalable, modular design. It aligns with the larger economic goals of the country to promote digitally enabled growth and broaden access to sustainable digital infrastructure.

The new age data centre facility has earned the prestigious TIA-942 Rated-3 Design certification, underscoring its commitment to world-class infrastructure and reliability. The campus provides a significant boost to digital infrastructure creation in the eastern part of the country with scalable capacity of up to 25 MW in terms of overall IT load. It incorporates forward-thinking power architecture with an N+2C design for reliability and a radial N+N configuration for main power incomers, ensuring dedicated feeder availability. The campus utilizes TYPE-TESTED Compact Substations and LV DGs, setting new standards in power reliability and efficiency.

Mr. Bimal Khandelwal, CEO of STT GDC India, said, “This expansion is a gateway to accelerating AI innovation in Eastern India. Our Kolkata campus is specifically designed to support the burgeoning AI ecosystem, from startups developing local language AI models to enterprises deploying large language models. The facility’s high-performance computing capabilities and low-latency connectivity will empower organisations to build and deploy AI solutions that drive digital transformation across sectors”.

The facility is built with a concurrently maintainable infrastructure ensuring zero Single Points of Failure (SPOF). It boasts a modular design with flexibility for liquid cooling technologies, supporting the next generation of high-performance computing workloads. The Kolkata data centre prioritises sustainability with a low-PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) cooling design, incorporating water conservation techniques through closed-loop cooling, rainwater harvesting, and greywater reuse. The facility also employs low-GWP refrigerants to reduce carbon footprint, reinforcing STT GDC India’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Having launched in March 2025, this Kolkata facility expands STT GDC India’s nationwide footprint to 30 data centres across 10 cities with a total IT load capacity of 400MW. Its strategic location in New Town’s Silicon Valley positions it as a crucial hub for AI development, serving enterprises, hyperscale cloud service providers, and government organisations.

This investment aligns with India’s growing focus on artificial intelligence and the increasing demand for AI-ready digital infrastructure. The facility will support diverse AI-driven initiatives, from natural language processing in regional languages to computer vision applications in manufacturing and healthcare, ensuring high reliability, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Real Estate Sector Shares Expectations from RBI’s Upcoming Monetary Policy

Mr. Ankur Jalan, CEO, Golden Growth Fund (GGF), a category II Real Estate focussed Alternative Investment Fund (AIF):

A low-interest rate regime augurs well for economic growth. With inflation falling, the RBI must focus on accelerating growth amid the global headwinds. Going for 25 bps rate cut will stimulate demand and give a spur to consumer spending across sectors including housing which off late is witnessing some moderation after going through historic highs in the past couple of years.

Mr. Garvit Tiwari, Director & Co-Founder, Gurugram-based property consulting firm InfraMantra:

Having initiated the rate cut cycle in February, the RBI is expected to further go ahead with another 25-bps cut in repo rate. The decline in inflation and improvement in GDP has given RBI the headroom to go for another round of rate cut. Housing sales and supply, which saw a decline in the first quarter of 2025, will get a fillip with cheaper borrowings. This will also help in enhancing home loan eligibility for prospective borrowers.

Vijay Harsh Jha, founder and CEO of property brokerage firm VS Realtors:

Housing sales have shown signs of moderation and are marginally above the 1 lakh unit threshold in top 9 cities partially as a result of rising home prices. We expect RBI to take cognizance of this fact and initiate a 25-50 bps cut in interest rate in order to take some burden off the homebuyers and encourage fence-sitters to enter the market.

NTT DATA Chosen by UPS for Strategic Digital Transformation and Modernization

PLANO, Texas April 01st, 2025:  NTT DATA, a leading global business and technology services company, and UPS, the world’s largest package delivery company, have announced a 10-year strategic collaboration. This long-term agreement will help UPS continue to modernize its IT infrastructure and data centers while providing AI and cloud services to drive business innovation. NTT DATA will also continue to help support UPS in the fast-paced world of logistics and delivery.

“We are honored to be selected by UPS as a strategic partner on their transformation journey as they operationalize their ‘data center of the future’ vision, deliver the next generation IT infrastructure and accelerate digital product development,” said Abhijit Dubey, President & CEO, NTT DATA, Inc. “As the third-largest data center provider in the world, and the only one to offer full-stack transformation services, NTT DATA is well-positioned to help UPS reduce operational costs and risks, drive innovation and revenue growth and maintain market leadership. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to helping clients swiftly keep pace with the markets and prepare for the future.”

Ken Finnerty, Senior Vice President, Global Information Technology, UPS said, “NTT DATA will bring world-class data center and infrastructure services to UPS. This arrangement allows the UPS technology teams, under our ‘Efficiency Reimagined’ initiatives, to focus their expertise on the development of digital solutions to solve customers’ supply chain needs.”

Highlights of the agreement:

• NTT DATA will purchase and operate one of UPS’s mission-critical data centers and enable colocation of IT workloads in-place. This includes using the best mix of public cloud and on-premises solutions to enhance efficiency and flexibility.
• NTT DATA will also help develop new solutions.
• These changes will support UPS’s plans to reallocate savings toward innovative projects designed to drive growth initiatives, including developing new digital-centric services for their customers.

NTT DATA provides true end-to-end services seamlessly integrating IT services, data center operations and digital transformation solutions. From designing and constructing state-of-the-art data centers to managing and optimizing IT systems, NTT DATA provides a comprehensive suite of services that address every technological need. This holistic approach ensures that clients can focus on innovation and growth while NTT DATA handles complex technology transformation.

To find out more about NTT DATA’s Digital Transformation Services.

Tasva, the Indian Menswear Brand, Unveils Flagship Store in Pune with Bollywood Star Vijay Varma

Tasva, the wedding wear brand for the modern Indian man, launched by ABFRL in collaboration with ace couturier Tarun Tahiliani – has unveiled its spectacular flagship store in the heart of Pune. Spanning 2400 sq ft in the prestigious MG Road area, the new store reinforces Tasva’s commitment to delivering luxury and elegance through meticulously crafted garments and a unique shopping experience.

The grand opening was graced by Bollywood celebrity, Vijay Varma, alongside Mr Ashish Mukul, Brand Head, Tasva. More than just a retail space, the Pune store is an experience. Designed to resonate with the evolving tastes of India’s cosmopolitan man. With its blend of heritage-inspired aesthetics and contemporary sophistication, the store reflects Tasva’s vision of redefining modern Indian menswear.

The store showcases Tasva’s festive collection featuring stunning kurta sets and bundis, with vibrant screen prints and modern silhouettes adding a fresh twist to traditional attire. Meanwhile, the wedding collection offers luxurious sherwanis, achkans, indo-western and bandhgalas, crafted from opulent fabrics and detailed with intricate embroidery work.

“We wanted our flagship store in Pune to embody the essence of Tasva – a seamless blend of style, tradition, and craftsmanship,” said Ashish Mukul, Brand Head, Tasva. “Every detail, from the store design to the layout, has been meticulously curated to create a smooth and immersive shopping journey, offering our clients a unique Tasva experience.” With highly trained stylists offering personalized advice and assistance, the Pune store ensures an unmatched retail experience.

Renowned designer Tarun Tahiliani, the creative force behind Tasva, shared his thoughts on the launch: “At Tasva, we have reimagined Indian menswear with a superior fit that rivals the precision of Western tailoring, seamlessly infused into traditional attire. Every garment is meticulously crafted to provide a sharp, refined silhouette while ensuring effortless movement and comfort. Indian wear has long been associated with grandeur, but we believe it should also offer impeccable ease—so men can celebrate their special moments with confidence and grace. Pune has always appreciated fine craftsmanship, and we are excited to bring Tasva’s signature sophistication to the city”

Expressing his excitement about the launch, Vijay Varma said, “I have spent two incredible years as a college student in Pune, and being here for this launch feels like a full-circle moment.” Sharing his personal experience with Tasva, he added, “I’ve worn Tasva multiple times, and what truly stands out to me is how effortlessly light and comfortable the garments are, without compromising on elegance. That’s exactly what’s needed for weddings and special occasions—something that looks regal yet feels easy to wear. Pune has always been a city that appreciates great craftsmanship, and I’m excited to present Tasva to the people here.”

With a growing presence in major cities across India, Tasva continues to set new benchmarks in premium ethnic menswear, offering garments that celebrate tradition, craftsmanship, and modern sophistication. Whether it’s a wedding or a special occasion—special days deserve a Tasva!

Store Address: – Tasva, Near Vasupujya Swami Maharaj Temple, 658 Sachapir Street, MG Road, Camp, Pune, Maharashtra 411001

Timings: 11:00am – 9:00 daily

NH7 Weekender, Co-Presented by The House of McDowell’s Soda, Brings Music, Yaari & Magic to Noida

New Delhi, April 01st, 2025: For the first time ever, NH7 Weekender hosted a satellite show in Noida, delivering an unforgettable evening at The Great India Place Lawn on 29 March. Presented by House of McDowell’s Soda as the official title sponsor, the event celebrated music, camaraderie, and meaningful connections. The festival featured an incredible lineup, including the electrifying duo of Seedhe Maut, Chaar Diwari, Yung Sammy and Dr.Psych. House of McDowell’s Soda had a dedicated stage that became the heartbeat of the festival, where fans vibed with their yaars and grooved to performances by their favourite artists.

A major highlight was the launch of McDowell’s X Range —a premium selection of vodka, gin, citron rum and dark rum, crafted for a generation that embraces bold, unexpected mixes. X Series from The House of Mc Dowell’s added a delightful twist to the festival bar with playful, Indian – inspired flavours like filter kaapi, ginger cinnamon and star anise, elevating the cocktail experience for attendees.

Speaking about the experience at NH7 Weekender, Varun Koorichh, Vice President and Portfolio Head, Marketing, Diageo India, shared, “Since its inception, NH7 Weekender has been more than just a music festival—it’s a celebration of moments where friends come together and create memories that last a lifetime. As the festival travels to Jaipur, Noida, and Indore, we at the House of McDowell’s Soda are excited to be part of this journey, celebrating artists, music, and friendships that enrich connections. For today’s digital-first consumers, especially Gen Z, it’s all about authentic, immersive experiences with their inner circle of friends—this partnership is the perfect way to bring that to life. We’re here to turn every beat into a moment of camaraderie, ensuring each city is filled with high energy, joy, and the spirit of togetherness.”

By blending the best of music, culture and camaraderie, House of McDowell’s Soda transformed this year’s NH7 Weekender into an unforgettable experience.