Latest news with #VertuAscentRetroClassic


Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil spotted using Rs 10 lakh phone of the company founded by Nokia
Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil is making headlines, this time not for a movie but for his choice of mobile phone. A video showing the Pushpa actor attending the puja ceremony of the upcoming film Mollywood Times, directed by Abhinav Sunder Nayak and starring Naslen, has gone viral on the internet. The clip, in which Fahadh is seen taking a call, shows him using a keypad phone. While fans initially thought it was a basic device, closer inspection revealed that it was a high-end phone from the luxury brand Vertu, started by Nokia in 1998. Notably, the company closed its UK manufacturing operations in 2017. Vertu Ascent Retro Classic keypad phone In the video, Fahadh is seen walking out of the venue while on a call. The device in question appears to be the Vertu Ascent Retro Classic Keypad Phone. According to Vertu's official website, this model costs $11,920 (approximately Rs 10.2 lakh). Built by the UK-based company Vertu, the phone boasts of a titanium casing, sapphire crystal components, and hand-stitched leather. It weighs 173 grams and is about 22 mm thick. Though it looks basic, the device supports Bluetooth, GPRS, SMS, and MMS. It also comes with a patented stainless-steel keypad and a 24/7 concierge service accessible through a dedicated button, available in over 170 countries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The phone is currently listed as out of stock. When Fahadh Faasil said he does not have a social media account In a 2023 interview with Pinkvilla, the Joji actor said, 'I never had a social media account. I was on Facebook in my college days and that's all. I prefer to connect with people on a personal basis rather than on social media. I have always been like this, and I don't want to change.' In June 2025, actor Vinay Forrt also spoke about Fahadh's digital habits during an interview with Club FM. He said, 'Fahadh avoids smartphones and social media entirely, and prefers using a basic keypad phone.' Although Forrt did not name the brand, the viral video has led many to believe that the Vertu is his regular phone. JBL Tour Pro 3 First Look: Screen On Earbuds AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now


Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fahadh Faasil still uses a minimalistic keypad phone, but what's behind its whopping ₹10 lakh price tag?
In an age of ultra-slim foldables and AI-powered smartphones , Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil has sparked a surprising conversation—not about his upcoming films, but about his phone. At a recent puja ceremony in Kerala for Abhinav Sundar Nayak's next film starring Naslen, the soft-spoken superstar was spotted carrying what looked like a basic keypad phone. But fans and tech buffs alike were stunned when they discovered the true cost of that humble-looking device. According to a report by Mid-Day, the device isn't just any old keypad phone. It's a Vertu Ascent Retro Classic—a luxury model handcrafted by Vertu, the world-renowned maker of elite mobile phones. The model currently sells for a jaw-dropping $11,920, or around ₹10.2 lakh. What looks like a throwback to the early 2000s is, in fact, an elite fashion statement wrapped in titanium, sapphire crystal, and top-tier leather. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Technology healthcare others Data Analytics Finance Leadership Digital Marketing Cybersecurity Operations Management Artificial Intelligence PGDM Management Public Policy Project Management Degree MBA MCA Data Science Design Thinking Others Product Management Healthcare CXO Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks MIT xPRO CERT-MIT XPRO Building AI Prod India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks MIT xPRO CERT-MIT XPRO Building AI Prod India Starts on undefined Get Details Vertu: Vintage outside, opulent inside Vertu was founded in 1998 as a luxury arm of Nokia and quickly became the go-to brand for celebrities, royalty, and high-net-worth individuals who wanted their phones to be more than just functional—they had to be fashionable. The Economist once captured Vertu's ethos perfectly: "If you can spend $20,000 on a watch, why not on a phone?" The brand was designed to elevate the mobile phone to the level of jewelry, and Fahadh's model reflects exactly that. Vertu, a luxury arm of Nokia founded in 1998 became the go-to brand for celebrities, royalty, and high-net-worth individuals. (Images: Vertu) More than a phone, a philosophy? Fahadh Faasil's decision to carry a keypad phone might seem odd to some, but it aligns with the actor's minimalistic public persona. Known for his intense, layered performances in Malayalam cinema and beyond, Fahadh keeps a low profile off-screen. While many celebrities are launching apps or flaunting foldable tech, his old-school choice suggests a certain intentional detachment from the hyper-connected world. You Might Also Like: From Narivetta to Moonwalk: Watch these Malayalam OTT releases on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar Perhaps it's a nod to a simpler time, or perhaps it's a conscious effort to stay grounded while riding the high waves of stardom. Either way, it speaks volumes—quietly. 'Mareesan' gears up for release Fahadh is all set to return to the big screen in Mareesan, a travel thriller directed by Sudeesh Shankar. The film, which also stars legendary Tamil actor Vadivelu, has already created buzz with its teaser and soundtrack. The recently released single 'Fa Fa', written by Madhan Karky and composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, blends philosophy and humour in a way few others can. The teaser cleverly uses the iconic track 'Aaha Inba Nilavinile...' from Mayabazaar to hint at tension and adventure between the lead characters as they embark on a journey through fields, towns, and hidden corners of South India. The film, which features actors like Vivek Prasanna, Renuka, and Sithara in key roles, is scheduled to release on 25 July, 2025.