Latest news with #KaranAujla
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
11 new spirits for the monsoon: Best tequilas, whiskeys and gins
The rains have arrived early this year — and with them, a sharp new crop of spirits. A legendary Nepali rum has entered the Indian market, there's a pink vodka that leans into fruit and florals, and homegrown distillers continue to push boundaries with aged malts and layered gins. From limited-edition whiskies to additive-free tequilas, here are some recent launches that have caught our attention. Earlier this year, in an interview with this newspaper, Bacardi India MD Vinay Golikeri noted strong traction in the super-premium tequila segment. The Patron El Cielo — Bacardi owns Patron — sold out almost instantly, he said. A similar reception is likely for El Alto, which is set to launch later this week. Endorsed by Punjabi music star Karan Aujla, the luxury tequila is a blend of Extra Anejo, Anejo, and Reposado tequilas. El Alto, which will be priced at ₹29,500 in Mumbai, is made from 100% Blue Weber agave sourced from the Jalisco highlands and aged in a mix of American and French oak barrels. The result is a smooth, layered spirit with notes of cooked agave, vanilla, caramel, and ripe fruit — aimed squarely at the sipping tequila segment. The tequila wave is not just about global giants. It is also drawing in Indian entrepreneurs such as Delhi-based Shivankar Bahl. The hospitality entrepreneur recently launched Las Maracas, a premium tequila, in Delhi with plans to expand to Mumbai, Goa, and Haryana. Produced in Jalisco, Mexico, in small batches without additives, Las Maracas is made from 100% Blue Weber agave and pure spring water. The range includes Blanco ( ₹5,300), Reposado ( ₹6,400), aged for four months in oak barrels, and Anejo ( ₹9,500), matured for 18 months to develop notes of vanilla and oak. Revelry Distillery is a new craft-focused operation in Goa founded by beverage industry professional Vaniitha Jaiin. Its debut release, Vanaha Gin, is positioned as India's first gin to follow a five-step production process, combining copper pot distillation, vapour infusion, steeping, vacuum distillation, and post-distillation maceration. This layered approach, according to the company, allows the distillers to extract nuanced flavours from each of the 24 botanicals used, which include Deodar wood, patchouli, Assam lemon, wild berries, and cacao nibs. Vanaha is described as 'a complex gin with bright citrus top notes, warm spice mid-palate, and a slightly earthy, dry finish.' The gin is currently priced at ₹2,400 in Goa. Amara, a pink vodka from Goa-based Spaceman Spirits Lab, also follows a five-step production method that includes a ruby filtration process. The vodka is made from Bangalore blue grapes and rice from the Deccan Plateau, and includes natural flavours such as strawberries, citrus, rose petals, and cherry blossom. The premium vodka is currently distributed across India by Tilaknagar Industries, which owns a stake in Spaceman Spirits Lab, reflecting a broader trend of larger alcobev companies investing in craft startups to diversify their portfolios and appeal to younger, premium-seeking consumers. The vodka, priced between ₹2,500 and ₹4,500, is available at select premium retail stores, high-end bars, and luxury hotels across Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Piccadilly Distilleries has just released a limited edition 11-year-old single malt under its Indri label, matured in ex-Bordeaux red wine casks. Only 1,100 bottles are available globally. The whisky is bottled at 50% ABV for India and 58.5% ABV for international markets. It is described as a robust single malt with dark fruit aromas and a palate of spices, vanilla, and oak-derived sweetness. The GlenJourneys Pioneer edition, launched by actor Ajay Devgn and spirits entrepreneur Moksh Sani, is another whisky worth keeping an eye out for if you are travelling. Limited to just 600 bottles, the 21-year-old whisky is aged in American oak casks and bottled at 48% ABV. The whisky is available through select international travel retain outlets. In August, the brand also plans to introduce a Cask Series, featuring non-age-statement expressions matured in rum, bourbon, and sherry casks, priced between ₹7,500 and ₹9,000. Paul John Whisky has added two new expressions to its Select Cask range: the Port and the Madeira. Both are unpeated single malts, matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in fortified wine casks sourced from Portugal. Each is bottled at 48% ABV. The use of fortified wine casks adds layered sweetness and complexity, and one can expect a burst of luscious flavours and aromas. These expressions are currently available in Goa ( ₹8000), Karnataka ( ₹7,700), and Maharashtra ( ₹18,000). With sales of 1 million cases for two consecutive years (2022–23 and 2023–24), Radico Khaitan's Morpheus Brandy is a bonafide best-seller. Building on this success, the company recently launched the Morpheus Super Premium Whisky, blending imported Scotch malts with Indian grain spirits, matured in bourbon barrels, and bottled at 42.8% ABV. Priced between ₹1,200 and ₹1,500, this marks Radico's entry into the premium whisky segment. If you've been to Nepal, chances are you've had some Khukri Rum. Launched in 1959 in Kathmandu by three Parsi businessmen, Khukri, named after the traditional curved dagger of the Gurkhas, is the country's most famous rum. About a month ago, Kathmandu-based MCKT Beverages introduced India to the rum, which is aged in Shorea robusta (sal wood) casks, an uncommon practice in rum production. The rum is available in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Goa in three expressions: XXX, Spiced, and White. The Khukri Coronation, which comes in the iconic dagger-shaped bottle, is also being readied for launch. The XXX Rum is priced at ₹1,765, while the Spiced and White variants retail for ₹1,975 (Maharashtra). A Danish non-alcoholic beverage made with a blend of up to 13 organic teas, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea is now available in India through Bebida Hospitality. The drink occupies a growing niche between wine and tea, and is positioned as a complex, celebratory option for those avoiding alcohol. Three blends have been introduced in India: Lyserod, a rosé-style with hibiscus and red berries; Lysegron, with citrus and green tea notes; and Bla, which features jasmine, chamomile, and Darjeeling First Flush. The launch comes at a time when interest in low- and no-alcohol beverages is rising, particularly among younger urban consumers exploring 'sober curious' lifestyles. Priced at ₹3,500, the sparkling teas are being stocked at luxury hotels and are also available for direct purchase online.
News18
7 days ago
- Business
- News18
Karan Aujla Bets More Than ₹3 Crore On Preity Zinta's Punjab Kings Ahead Of IPL Final
Karan Aujla, a prominent Indian rapper, singer, and songwriter based in Canada, is widely recognised for his significant contributions to the Punjabi music industry. He gained fame with popular tracks such as 'Don't Worry,' 'Jhanjar,' and 'Kya Baat Aa.' Karan has also worked with notable artists like Diljit Dosanjh and released several successful albums, including his debut 'Bacthafucup,' which reached number 20 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart. Last year, his song 'Tauba Tauba' from the movie Bad Newz became immensely popular, amassing over 471 million views on YouTube. Punjab Kings punched their ticket to the finals with a dramatic 5-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, powered by an unbeaten 87 (41) from Shreyas Iyer, who has now become the first captain to lead three different franchises to an IPL final. RCB, meanwhile, sealed their spot earlier by defeating Punjab in Qualifier 1, continuing Virat Kohli's dream run this season. The final match will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
India Today
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Drake curse to hit RCB? Rapper bets on Bengaluru in IPL final vs Punjab Kings
Drake bets big on RCB. (Photo: Getty) Drake has bet Rs 76.4 crore on RCB to win the IPL final 2025 Karan Aujla has also got himself in on the auction with a bet on Punjab Kings The IPL final is scheduled for June 3 at Narendra Modi Stadium Popular rap artist Drake placed a mega bet on Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the team's Indian Premier League final 2025 against Punjab Kings. RCB are set to take on PBKS in the summit clash of the tournament, at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday, June 3. Drake, known across the world for his peppy songs, has reportedly placed a staggering Rs 76.4 crore bet on the team to lift the trophy on Tuesday. The Canadian superstar has placed his wager through a crypto-betting platform called Stake. He can walk away with a potential payout of Rs 112 crore if RCB clinches the title. Courtesy: X Meanwhile, Punjabi singer and rapper Karan Aujla is backing his home team, the Punjab Kings. He has put Rs 24.2 crore wager on the final match. If Punjab Kings take the win, Aujla could walk away with Rs 28.1 crore approximately. Courtesy: Instagram IPL Final 2025, RCB vs PBKS: Match Preview THE DRAKE CURSE This is not the first time that Drake is betting on a particular team or player in a big event. Over the years, the "Drake Curse" has become one of the most talked-about superstitions in the world of sports â€' especially in the context of betting. Named after the Canadian rapper Drake, the phenomenon refers to a string of high-profile athletes and teams losing crucial games after publicly associating with him. It started as a social media joke but gained traction when several athletes â€' from Serena Williams to Conor McGregor and teams like PSG and the Toronto Raptors â€' suffered unexpected defeats shortly after appearing in photos or videos with Drake. Whether it was a selfie, a meet-and-greet, or Drake simply wearing their jersey, the pattern appeared uncanny. More recently, the curse has evolved beyond just appearances. With Drake frequently placing massive public bets on major sporting events through online sportsbooks, fans and bettors alike have started tracking the outcomes. In several cases â€' including UFC fights and major football matches â€' the teams or athletes he backs have ended up losing, fueling the myth even further. Of course, from a rational standpoint, the "curse" is nothing more than coincidence. Drake is one of the most famous people in the world, and he associates with top-tier athletes â€' naturally, many of them are bound to lose at some point. But in the emotionally charged world of sports betting, narratives matter. When someone places a high-stakes bet and Drake backs the same side, the reaction online is often panic and memes â€' not celebration. Whether it's real or just superstition, the Drake Curse continues to be a cultural phenomenon. For some punters, it's even become part of their decision-making â€' betting against the team Drake supports, just in case the 'curse' strikes again. SPORTS BETTING IN INDIA Online sports betting in India exists in a legal grey area. The central law, the Public Gambling Act of 1867, prohibits running or visiting gambling houses but does not specifically address online betting or sports wagers, leaving the regulation of online betting largely up to individual states. As a result, while some states like Sikkim and Goa permit certain forms of betting, most others maintain strict restrictions or outright bans, especially on online gambling. Indian citizens can technically access and use international online betting platforms like Stake, as there is no explicit law prohibiting individuals from doing so, except in states such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, which have specifically banned all forms of online gambling. However, in the absence of a central law, the overall legal framework still remains ambiguous. Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment! Popular rap artist Drake placed a mega bet on Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the team's Indian Premier League final 2025 against Punjab Kings. RCB are set to take on PBKS in the summit clash of the tournament, at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday, June 3. Drake, known across the world for his peppy songs, has reportedly placed a staggering Rs 76.4 crore bet on the team to lift the trophy on Tuesday. The Canadian superstar has placed his wager through a crypto-betting platform called Stake. He can walk away with a potential payout of Rs 112 crore if RCB clinches the title. Courtesy: X Meanwhile, Punjabi singer and rapper Karan Aujla is backing his home team, the Punjab Kings. He has put Rs 24.2 crore wager on the final match. If Punjab Kings take the win, Aujla could walk away with Rs 28.1 crore approximately. Courtesy: Instagram IPL Final 2025, RCB vs PBKS: Match Preview THE DRAKE CURSE This is not the first time that Drake is betting on a particular team or player in a big event. Over the years, the "Drake Curse" has become one of the most talked-about superstitions in the world of sports â€' especially in the context of betting. Named after the Canadian rapper Drake, the phenomenon refers to a string of high-profile athletes and teams losing crucial games after publicly associating with him. It started as a social media joke but gained traction when several athletes â€' from Serena Williams to Conor McGregor and teams like PSG and the Toronto Raptors â€' suffered unexpected defeats shortly after appearing in photos or videos with Drake. Whether it was a selfie, a meet-and-greet, or Drake simply wearing their jersey, the pattern appeared uncanny. More recently, the curse has evolved beyond just appearances. With Drake frequently placing massive public bets on major sporting events through online sportsbooks, fans and bettors alike have started tracking the outcomes. In several cases â€' including UFC fights and major football matches â€' the teams or athletes he backs have ended up losing, fueling the myth even further. Of course, from a rational standpoint, the "curse" is nothing more than coincidence. Drake is one of the most famous people in the world, and he associates with top-tier athletes â€' naturally, many of them are bound to lose at some point. But in the emotionally charged world of sports betting, narratives matter. When someone places a high-stakes bet and Drake backs the same side, the reaction online is often panic and memes â€' not celebration. Whether it's real or just superstition, the Drake Curse continues to be a cultural phenomenon. For some punters, it's even become part of their decision-making â€' betting against the team Drake supports, just in case the 'curse' strikes again. SPORTS BETTING IN INDIA Online sports betting in India exists in a legal grey area. The central law, the Public Gambling Act of 1867, prohibits running or visiting gambling houses but does not specifically address online betting or sports wagers, leaving the regulation of online betting largely up to individual states. As a result, while some states like Sikkim and Goa permit certain forms of betting, most others maintain strict restrictions or outright bans, especially on online gambling. Indian citizens can technically access and use international online betting platforms like Stake, as there is no explicit law prohibiting individuals from doing so, except in states such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, which have specifically banned all forms of online gambling. However, in the absence of a central law, the overall legal framework still remains ambiguous. Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment! Join our WhatsApp Channel
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Karan Aujla Wants the Whole World to Hear His Punjabi Pop
In the video for his latest single, 'Courtside,' Karan Aujla cruises around Miami's South Beach in a Rolls-Royce Cullinan wearing Maybach shades and a Richard Mille watch. Flowing in his native tongue over a breezy, bass-heavy beat, Aujla pulls up to Cartier and the Louis Vuitton store in the Design District, then rolls to the Hard Rock Stadium, where he dives into the celebrity who's who that is the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. 'I saw DJ Khaled in there,' the Punjabi-born rapping, singing, and songwriting sensation tells me when I catch up with him trackside in early May. Aujla has just shot some video scenes with the Stake F1 team, who cut the artist a seven-figure sponsorship deal in 2023 after he reached out via IG. More from Rolling Stone Trump Takes Credit for India, Pakistan Cease-Fire as Fighting Continues 'We Were Unhinged': The Stars of 'Deli Boys' on Playing the Show's Lovable Screw-Ups Hanumankind Is Aiming Even Bigger Than 'Big Dawgs' The Florida sun is playing hide-and-seek with storm clouds before the starting gun, but during a moment of fair weather he whips out his iPhone and shows me some of his DMs back and forth with Timbaland. 'I really want to work with him,' Aujla says of the legendary producer. 'He uses a lot of Indian instruments in his songs — but in his own style, where it doesn't even sound like an Indian instrument.' Creating a unique style has been Aujla's musical quest from Day One. Raised in northwest India 'in the middle of nowhere' before moving to Vancouver as a teenager, Aujla landed on a sound that blends his homeland's rich musical traditions with the latest pop, hip-hop, and R&B. Today he's at the forefront of Canada's surging Punjabi music wave, boasting several billion streams between Spotify and YouTube, and selling out arena tours throughout both Canada and India, with a U.S. and Europe tour kicking off this summer. Along the way, he's experienced an extreme lifestyle upgrade. 'I love dressing up,' he says, unabashed. 'I love buying nice clothes, cars, nice timepieces. I always wanted it, but we didn't really have the money when we wanted it. Now we're making it, so we might as well spend it somewhere, you know?' Born in 1997 in the rural village of Gurala, Jaskaran Singh Aujla lost both his parents by the age of nine and says he took care of himself for several years before moving to Canada to live with his sisters. Kicked out of school because making music interested him more than going to class, he supported himself as a longshoreman while writing songs for other artists — refusing to quit until the release of his 2018 breakout hit, 'Don't Worry,' a duet with the Punjabi star Gurlez Akhtar. After paying all those dues, Aujla has earned the right to savor his success. 'I love living life and just enjoying,' he says. 'Yeah, I'm pretty good at doing that.' He's also pretty good at making hit songs. Last year Aujla became the first South Asian artist to win the Fan Choice Award at the Junos, an honor he shares with Canadian superstars Avril Lavigne and Justin Bieber. 'If you're dreaming, make sure you dream big,' he said as he accepted the trophy. His upcoming shows in North America and Europe, known as the It Was All a Dream Tour, will begin this July, soon after the release of his third solo album. Aujla's biggest dream of all is to take modern Punjabi music worldwide and make it the next Afrobeats or K-pop — a sound that can attract people outside the culture to gravitate toward something real. India, of course, is not a monolithic place but a vast subcontinent containing 22 official languages, more than 1,000 dialects, and 28 diverse states. 'Punjab is a state on the north side, and we speak a different language than the rest of India,' Aujla explains, relaxing in a plush hotel suite overlooking Miami Beach. 'There's a huge Punjabi culture. Punjabi food is different. Punjabi songs are different. We have a drum called a dhol. We have our own keyboard tool called a harmonium. But we don't use them in every song anymore. We're trying to flip the sounds and create a fusion.' Within India, Punjabis are often known as hardworking, passionate people who know how to party. In the early 2000s, the traditional Punjabi dance music known as bhangra blew up in the U.K., home to a Punjabi population almost half a million strong. Jay-Z cosigned the movement when he hopped on a Panjabi MC remix in 2003, scoring a sizable chart hit in the U.S. A few years later, British Asian artist Jay Sean blew up big enough to sign with Cash Money Records and collab with Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj, but most of his biggest songs were recorded in English. This time around, the wave is coming from Canada, where the Punjabi population is twice as big as in the U.K. 'It's basically another Punjab,' says Aujla, who was surprised early on to find Canadian Punjabis who don't speak their native language. 'We're just trying to bring the culture up, educate more people about it,' he says. 'Like people know Latin trap or Afrobeats.' With more than 1.4 billion people in India and 2 billion South Asians worldwide, the numbers are there to build a major movement. 'It's not gonna happen overnight, but the more we talk about it, the more songs we put out, the great music we do will help it become a thing. I really want Punjabi music to be heard more on the streets,' Aujla says. 'Playing in hotel lobbies and cafes. Like, it has to be a normal thing — and cool.' Working with Indo-Canadian producers like Ikky, Yeah Proof, and Signature by SB, Aujla and a handful of like-minded artists have created a new sound and built a following. He's also collaborated with American acts from OneRepublic to YG. And while he sprinkles English into his lyrics, he's determined to stay true to his roots and push theth Punjabi, the pure, authentic form of the language — a traditional rural slang with minimal influence from Hindi and other dialects. 'I don't want my music to sound like something that's been done before,' says Aujla, who keeps a guy named Milano on his team to help him bridge the gap. 'He doesn't understand Punjabi, but he knows the culture. Taking him with us, it just helped me create something different. How do we flip these sounds? How do we combine them into something that makes it cooler? Like, if somebody doesn't understand Punjabi, they could just vibe with the music or the melodies.' After leaving Miami, Aujla will return to the luxury villa in Dubai that he now calls home, then spend a week in the little village where he was born. 'My parents didn't even take me to a hospital,' he says. 'My mom had the delivery at a house. It's crazy to think that I come from a village with only 200, 250 houses.' That's where he says he learned all the morals of life after his parents passed, raising himself as an orphan, pressing his own school uniform every day. Although Aujla is supposed to be taking a break in Miami, the work never really stops. After our interview, there's a photographer waiting to shoot promo images for Warner Music Canada. And of course he's got to complete the music video before leaving town. 'Even when I have time off, I'm still working, but at least I'm not writing all the time. The writing process gets kind of heavy, 'cause it's a lot of thinking.' Still, he loves creating new songs. He compares it to opening a portal — the melodies come from somewhere else and flow through him. His songs tell stories about his life and his people, inspirational stories that are universal enough for everyone to relate to. Aujla's success allows him to live the high life, and his fans love seeing him dipped in ice and designer outfits. But there are also drawbacks to success. Gang culture in the Punjabi community has been well-documented, including the alleged extortion of successful artists. 'In Canada, yes, and in India — it's been there always,' Aujla says. 'Even the old Punjabi singers were going through it. They went through extortions or gang violence, which makes it really hard for you as an artist. But I feel like it's getting better now.' On his 2021 debut album, Bacthafucup, Aujla's music reflected the rougher side of life, but on more recent work — including the 2023 set Making Memories — he grapples with the responsibility that comes with having such a large audience. 'Artists within the culture are trying to make a stand,' he says, 'and coming together to keep the violence out of their lyrics.' He has also made a point of putting aside any rivalries with artists in the booming Canadian Punjabi scene. Aujla has written for Diljit Dosanjh, the 41-year-old O.G. of the movement, reportedly penning the title track of his 2020 album G.O.A.T. in just 10 minutes. During a show in Mumbai last December, Aujla was joined onstage by AP Dhillon — whose 2024 album The Brownprint cemented him as another top Punjabi artist — dispelling social media talk of any tension amongst artists. 'Music isn't a fucking sport,' Dhillon declared. 'There is no winner or loser in this game.' 'If we don't do it now, when else are we gonna do it?' Aujla tells me. 'Back in the days even I had a few grudges against some artists — I don't know over what?' He laughs. 'I'm over all that. We're all from the same place, and I feel like right now we all realized that this is the time to support each other if we want to make it big. 'Cause unity is everything.' On one of his earlier solo tracks, 'Let Em Play,' Aujla sampled the Hollywood Walk of Fame speech where Snoop Dogg famously declared, 'I wanna thank me.' Aujla says he relates to the work ethic, the confidence, the audacity. 'When I was back home, I used to listen to a lot of Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent,' he recalls. In recent times, he's collaborated with Bombay rapper Divine and shared the stage with Hanumankind. 'I would definitely say J. Cole is one of the guys that taught me how to write properly,' Aujla adds. 'How to flow nicely and fit English words into Punjabi and not sound forced. That's the main thing. It has to sound natural.' And of course he named his tour after the timeless Biggie line, 'It was all a dream' — the sound of a young man whose whole life is changing because he found a way to tap into his God-given lyrical gifts. Aujla definitely relates to that feeling. 'Coming from where I come from, I never thought this would be the life that we're living today,' he says. 'I'm very grateful getting all this, especially through music, all the love and support. When I came to Canada, to a totally different country, I didn't know what I was supposed to do. So it was all a dream.' That's the feeling he's trying to convey on his next album. One thing he doesn't have yet is a name for the sound that's taken him so far. 'It's such a hard question, 'cause I don't even really have a name for this genre yet,' he says. 'It's Punjabi music, sure, but is it pop? Is it folk? Is it rap? We're getting inspired from different cultures and rooted in our own culture and trying to mix everything together. We still don't have a name, but when we have it you'll be the first to know.' Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
CBC
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Watch South Asian stars Chani Nattan, Inderpal Moga and Jazzy B perform at the 2025 Juno Awards
One of the two new newly added categories at this year's Juno Awards is South Asian music recording of the year. Nominees included AP Dhillon, Karan Aujla, Jonita Gandhi and Sandeep Narayan. Chani Nattan, Inderpal Moga and Jazzy B were also nominated for their collaboration Coolin, a hit song that has racked up over four million streams on Spotify, which they performed on the Junos stage on Sunday night. Watch their dynamic performance above.
