Latest news with #ThumsUp
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Pankaj Tripathi's voice dubbed by a voiceover artist in new advertisement, fans wonder: ‘Why can't he do it on his own?
Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi recently appeared in a new advertisement for Saffola Honey. But did you know the voice in the ad isn't actually his? Fans were surprised when voice over artist and radio jockey RJ Dheeraj revealed that he had dubbed Tripathi's voice for the commercial. Pankaj Tripathi's still from a honey advertisement. RJ Dheeraj reveals having fun dubbing for Pankaj Tripathi Sharing a video of the dubbing session, Dheeraj wrote about what a fun experience it was, thanking the team for trusting him with the opportunity. He said, 'Had an amazing time dubbing the voice of the incredible @pankajtripathi Tripathi ji for the Saffola Honey ad! Grateful for this sweet opportunity 🍯🎙️✨ Big thanks to @voicecraftstudios and @gsv_insta for trusting my voice. #VoiceArtist #PankajTripathi #SaffolaHoney #gratitude.' While his voice closely matched Tripathi's tone and style, many viewers were left wondering — why would dubbing be needed in the first place? One fan commented, 'I'm curious, why do you need to dub for him when he's being paid for the ad?" Another wrote, "Why can't Pankaj ji do it on his own?" Others added, "What?? I don't understand why a voiceover is required from someone else," and "NO WAYYYY!!! Why can't they use his voice?" However, some praised the dubbing artist's performance, saying, 'Better than the original.' Another wrote, 'Even @pankajtripathi can't sound this much like Pankaj Tripathi.' One simply commented, 'Brilliant.' RJ Dheeraj has also shared several other videos on his social media where he can be seen dubbing for Salman Khan in a Thums Up advertisement and for Shah Rukh Khan in a facewash commercial. Pankaj Tripathi's recent and upcoming movies Meanwhile, Pankaj Tripathi was last seen in the film Metro... In Dino. Directed by Anurag Basu, the romantic drama also featured Sara Ali Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Aditya Roy Kapur, Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Neena Gupta and Anupam Kher in key roles. He will next be seen in Parivarik ManuRanjan, directed by Varun V. Sharma and produced by Vinod Bhanushali and Himanshu Mehra. The film also stars Aditi Rao Hydari and is currently in production.
Mint
22-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Coca-Cola sees India volumes drained in peak summer due to early rain, India-Pakistan conflict
New Delhi: The Coca-Cola Co. has said its beverage volumes in India saw a decline during the three summer months ended June 27, and attributed it to unseasonal rains and the India-Pakistan conflict, which dampened consumer sentiment in the region. 'In India, after a strong start to the year, volumes declined as our business was impacted by early monsoons and geopolitical conflict early in the important summer season," James Quincey, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) said during the company's earnings call on Tuesday. The company said it has moved to mitigate the issue. "We're engaging consumers with integrated marketing campaigns like Coca-Cola Meals supported by execution in the quick service restaurant channel—Thums Up with biryani, Sprite with spicy meals and Maaza with festivals and tailoring these activations to regional and local needs. Also, our system is adding customer outlets and recently surpassed 1 million customers on its digital ordering platforms,' the CEO said. The US-headquartered beverage company does not disclose country-specific volume growth. Overall, unit case volumes for the quarter declined by 1%. Growth in Central Asia, Argentina, and China was offset by declines in Mexico, India, and Thailand, the company said in its earnings announcement on Tuesday. Overall, net revenues during the period grew 1% to $12.5 billion. The company is stepping up its marketing campaigns in India to boost volumes in the market. Coca-Cola sells brands such as Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Fanta and Minute Maid in India. It is currently facing competition from homegrown Reliance Industries Ltd, which has relaunched a dated cola brand Campa Cola with significant vigor and lower pricing. It also competes with rival PepsiCo in India. 'In the case of India, it is never going to be a straight line, and indeed, Q2 was not. We're very bullish on India overall. Q2 did decline as I said due to the conflict and the monsoon, but we have a lot of marketing campaigns focused on India," the CEO added. Late last year, the Jubilant Bhartia Group, which operates India's largest food services business, acquired a 40% stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd (HCCB), Coca-Cola's largest bottler in India. HCCB operates 13 factories, serving 236 districts across 12 states in India's south and west. The company also partners with 11 large bottlers across India aside from owned operations. Earlier this month, HCCB announced the appointment of Hemant Rupani as its new chief executive officer, effective 8 September 2025. Quincey said the move is expected to energize the business. 'We have also just set up the first kind of re-franchising piece with the Jubilant Group for the company-owned bottling (operations) that we have in the bottom half of India. That's up and running with a new CEO. We think that will bring some new energy, focus and proactivity to the execution in the marketplace. We think we've got a strong plan from a marketing and innovation point of some re-energized focus on this transition bottler, we're pretty confident on where we'll go in India,' he added.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Geopolitical conflict, early monsoon impacted Q2 volumes in India: Coca-Cola global chief Quincey
Beverage maker Coca-Cola said its unit case volume growth declined in India in the April-June quarter, impacted by early monsoons and geopolitical conflict. 'In India, after a strong start to the year, volumes declined as our business was impacted by the early monsoon and geopolitical conflict early in the important summer season,' James Quincey, Coca-Cola's global chief executive officer, said during the company's quarter earnings call late Tuesday. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category CXO Project Management Digital Marketing Product Management MBA Artificial Intelligence MCA PGDM Design Thinking Leadership Data Science Degree others Data Analytics Healthcare Others Public Policy Cybersecurity healthcare Operations Management Data Science Finance Technology Management Skills you'll gain: Operations Strategy for Business Excellence Organizational Transformation Corporate Communication & Crisis Management Capstone Project Presentation Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow Chief Operations Officer Programme Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Technology Strategy & Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation Leadership in Technology Management Cybersecurity & Risk Management Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Technology Officer Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Starts on Apr 7, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Strategy Development Expertise Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends Data-driven Decision Making Leadership in the Digital Age Duration: 40 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Digital Officer Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details The maker of Coke and Thums Up soft drinks said its unit case volume declined 5% in the Asia Pacific region in the quarter, largely due to a decline in India and the impact of refranchising bottling operations. The company, however, noted that it was 'optimistic about recovery through targeted marketing campaigns'. India is the Atlanta-based company's fifth largest market. Live Events Quincey said to offset the disruptions, the company is 'engaging consumers with integrated marketing campaigns and tailoring these activations to local and regional needs.' He added that the Coca-Cola system recently surpassed one million customers on its digital ordering platform. On a consolidated basis, Coca-Cola's unit case volume declined 1%, with growth in Central Asia, Argentina, and China more than offset by declines in Mexico, India, and Thailand. Addressing a query on growth outlook for India, Quincey said: 'In the case of India, it's never going to be a straight line and indeed Q2 was not. But we are very bullish on India overall.' He added that the company has just set up the first of its kind re-franchising piece with Jubilant Group for its company-owned bottler. 'That's up and running with a new CEO. We think that will bring some new energy, dynamism, focus and proactivity to the execution in the marketplace. We've got a strong plan from a marketing and innovation point of view.… with some re-energized focus on this transition bottler,' Quincey said. Last year in December, Coca-Cola announced that it would sell 40% stake in its bottling arm Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCB) to the Jubilant Bhartia Group. Rival PepsiCo too had reported decline in its beverage business in India for the 12-week period ending June 14, on account of early rains.
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Spaghetti and dal makhani to dhokla with aamras: Would you try these 10 weird food pairings?
Do you like the idea of fusion foods or recipes? Experimenting with new flavours can be exciting and combining different cuisines can lead to innovative dishes. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, chef Nehal Karkera shared 10 food combinations that might raise some eyebrows. Also read | Masala dosa ice cream to gulab jamun burger: 5 bizarre food combinations that went viral Do spaghetti and dal makhani go together? Don't say no before you give it a try. (Representative pic: Freepik) He listed the strangest food pairings he has tried so you don't have to (but you should). For instance, having ice cream and fries together might seem strange, but the contrast between sweet and savoury can be intriguing. Nehal said, 'I've always believed that food shouldn't be taken too seriously. It should be fun. Flirty. Maybe even mildly concerning. So, in the spirit of chaos and curiosity, I decided to crowdsource some madness. I threw out a question on my Instagram asking people to share their weirdest food combos — the kind they swear by, the kind they make in secret, and the kind that makes other people look at them like they need an intervention.' He added, 'So, after taste-testing these combos (yes, I risked my gastrointestinal peace for this), I present to you a list of weird Indian(ish) food pairings that truly, weirdly, gloriously work. They may not belong in a 5-star menu, but they definitely belong in your next midnight kitchen experiment.' Ahead are some of Nehal's 'truly unhinged food experiments'. He's talking about the kind of combos that make your stomach ask, 'Are you okay, bro?' but then your tongue goes, 'Wait a minute… hold up…' The cucumber and sugar combination might seem unusual, but it's actually used in some cuisines, like Asian. (Unsplash) 1. Cucumber + sugar = watermelon vibes 'Sounds fake, tastes like childhood. Slice some chilled cucumber, sprinkle a bit of sugar, and wait. It tricks your brain into thinking you're eating watermelon. The texture's similar, and the sugar boosts the hidden fruitiness of cucumber. Is this sorcery? Probably. But it works,' Nehal said. Recipe: Cut 1 cucumber into thin discs. Sprinkle 1 tsp sugar. Chill for 10 minutes. Eat. Question reality. 2. Port wine + Thums Up (desi sangria's evil cousin) 'This might sound like a mistake, but in parts of Goa, it's actually a legit drink. (I've heard it's called Kanamuchi or something similar). Sweet, fizzy, with that deep, raisiny hit from port—it's cola meets communion wine,' Nehal added. Recipe: ⦿ 60 ml Port wine ⦿ 90 ml chilled Thums Up ⦿ A squeeze of lime (optional, but adds brightness) ⦿ Serve over ice. Drink responsibly. Judge never. 3. Spaghetti + dal makhani He said, 'Call it cultural confusion or north-south-Italy fusion, but this works. The creamy, earthy dal coats the pasta like a desi Alfredo sauce. Add some chopped dhaniya (coriander) and a squeeze of lime? You're basically inventing a new cuisine.' 4. Dal chawal + aloo bhujia According to Nehal, 'This is just science. You take a comfort classic, and you add crunch. It's texture play. It's childhood. It's the food version of adding Hotstar subtitles to your life.' 5. Upma + mango pickle He said, 'If upma ever felt like your sober friend at a party, this combo gives it a tequila shot. The spicy, oily chaos of mango pickle gives bland upma a spicy side quest.' Maggi noodles with tomato ketchup might not be a traditional combination for everyone, but it's actually popular among some people. (Freepik) 6. Maggi + tomato ketchup Nehal said, 'Maggi purists will scream, but try this once. The ketchup adds a sweet-tangy twist and makes it taste like the cheaper cousin of hakka noodles. Which, honestly? Isn't a bad thing.' 7. Masala Lays + Nutella 'This one feels criminal, but it's sweet, salty, and crunchy — everything your dopamine receptors love. It's like if Diwali and Halloween had a baby,' Nehal added. + chapati He also said, 'Sometimes you're broke. Sometimes you're just lazy. This is peak jugaad. Wrap Maggi in a roti and you've got a budget burrito. Add some cheese, and boom — culinary upgrade.' 9. French Fries + vanilla ice cream 'McDonald's didn't invent this combo, but they should have. Hot and cold, salty and sweet — it's like that toxic ex you still think about sometimes,' he said. 10. Dhokla + Aamras 'This is a Gujarati fever dream, but a genius one. Sweet mango pulp soaks into the fluffy, tangy dhokla like syrup into pancakes. You'll never look at breakfast the same again,' Nehal concluded.
Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Community, Commerce and Refreshment: How Coca-Cola India is Enabling Vendors and Reaching Millions in Puri
PRNewswire New Delhi [India], July 8: As Odisha welcomed millions of visitors for Ratha Yatra 2025, Coca-Cola India, in partnership with its bottling operations, ensured access to refreshment and hydration for those attending one of India's largest cultural festivals. The company's on-ground presence made chilled beverages easily accessible across Puri, while supporting the local economy. To make this possible, the company ensured availability of beverages through a strong retail and distribution network across the city of Puri. Along with hydration points, kiosks and mobile units deployed across Puri, the company leveraged its expansive retail and bottling network to ensure economic empowerment for the local partners as well. Aligned with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's vision, this effort reflects Coca-Cola India's broader strategy to strengthen last-mile retail, enable economic opportunity at the grassroots level, and reinforce its presence during high-footfall cultural moments. The carts were managed by local vendors, including women entrepreneurs, creating direct income opportunities during the festival. By equipping retail outlets and prime hotspots with coolers, Coca-Cola India supported small businesses and ensured widespread access to chilled beverages throughout the celebrations. Vinay Nair, Vice President, Franchise Operations, Developing Markets, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, "Our engagement in Puri reflects Coca-Cola India's focus on hydration with purpose. By enabling product availability at scale and creating livelihood opportunities for local vendors and women entrepreneurs, we are creating a positive socio-economic impact in the region. This has been possible through the strength of our bottling network, our distributor partners, retail customers and the unwavering commitment of our dedicated teams on ground." Prasanna Borah, Commercial Cluster Head, Odisha, AP, Telangana, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, said, "Coca-Cola's strategy of enabling local entrepreneurship is translating into tangible impact across Odisha. Through our strong retail reach and execution on-ground, we're not just delivering beverages, we're delivering opportunity, and growth. It is a model of execution that builds both commerce and community." Coca-Cola India continues to train and equip local vendors and women entrepreneurs to manage retail outlets through its Superpower Retailer programme, turning seasonal footfall into long-term economic stability. Gayatri Senapati, a local retailer, said, "I've been selling Coca-Cola products for over 11 years. During Ratha Yatra, lots of people visit and everyone wants something cold. We stock up on Kinley, Thums Up, Sprite, Coca-Cola, and Minute Maid. Our display attracts people and makes us feel proud." Rajesh Kumar Rana, owner, Nrusingha Sweets shop in Puri, said, "We've been running this shop for over 25 years, and Coca-Cola has become a big part of our journey. With so many festivals, people come here throughout the year. Ours is a traditional sweet shop where we also keep chilled beverages like Coca-Cola, Sprite, Thums Up and water. Whatever visitors need, we make sure it's there." Ajay Shah, a local distributor, said, "We've been working with Coca-Cola since 2002. Back then, business was slow, but we knew it would pick up in the future, and it did. Today, we are going really strong. We run six trucks, and during festivals like Ratha Yatra, things really take off for us." Anchored in the company's business with purpose approach, Anandana (The Coca-Cola India Foundation) and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) had launched the PET Waste Clean-up Drive initiative to help manage plastic waste during the festival. As part of the Maidaan Saaf campaign, the effort led to reducing plastic litter with city-wide collection and public engagement, through beach cleanups, plog runs and awareness drives. For further information, please visit About Coca-Cola India Coca-Cola in India is one of the country's leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company, in line with its vision of 'Beverages For Life', offers a wide portfolio of products, which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy-based products. In India, its beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Thums Up XForce, Charged, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Kinley Soda, Rim Zim, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices and Honest Tea. The Company also offers hydration beverages including Limca GlucoCharge, Smartwater, Kinley, Kinley Copper, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water. Premium products constitute Schweppes' range and Smartwater. In addition, it offers a Costa Coffee range of tea and coffee. The Company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. The Company, along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners has a strong network of close to 5 million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people's lives, communities and the planet through water and packaging initiatives, sustainable agriculture and emission reductions across its value chain. Globally together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Photo: Logo:
