Located within Phoenix Marketcity Pune, the new store will span approximately 21,000 sq. ft. and offer UNIQLO’s complete range of LifeWear apparel for men, women, and children. Designed around simplicity, quality, and functionality, the store aims to deliver a seamless and elevated shopping experience for Pune consumers.

The launch marks a significant addition to Phoenix Marketcity Pune’s international fashion portfolio, further strengthening its position as one of the city’s premium lifestyle and shopping destinations.

Driven by increasing customer appreciation for high-quality, everyday essentials, UNIQLO continues to expand its presence in India by bringing its globally recognized LifeWear philosophy — clothing designed to make everyday life better — to newer markets across the country.

Commenting on the launch, Anshuman Bharadwaj, Senior Centre Director- Phoenix [Pune Malls], said: “At Phoenix Marketcity Pune, we continuously strive to bring globally admired brands and elevated retail experiences to our consumers. UNIQLO’s arrival marks a significant addition to our international fashion portfolio and reflects the evolving aspirations of Pune’s shoppers who increasingly seek quality, functionality, and contemporary global fashion under one roof.”

The new store at Phoenix Marketcity Pune will feature UNIQLO’s modern retail design language along with the brand’s signature visual identity, offering shoppers an immersive and contemporary retail environment.

The store will officially open to customers on:
Date: Friday, 15 May 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Venue: UNIQLO, Phoenix Marketcity Pune

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Designed for the new generation, the campaign captures a powerful cultural shift where Gen Z and Gen Alpha are no longer just audiences, but aspirants ready to take on the world. Starting from May 7 to May 15, the initiative will blend beauty, style, and global pop culture, offering customers an opportunity to prepare for the spotlight through curated, high-engagement activations.

The experience complements the growing excitement around HYBE INDIA’s global girl group auditions. Running online from March 31 to July 31, the auditions tap into India’s emerging pool of young, aspirational talent, further amplified by on-ground auditions on May 17 and HYBE INDIA Pop-Up Park on May 16 in Pune, offering interactive experiences and an opportunity to enter the company’s world-class training and production ecosystem.

“Shoppers Stop announces its nationwide campaign, ‘Get Spotlight Ready’, in partnership with HYBE INDIA,” said Kavindra Mishra, Customer Care Associate, Managing Director, and CEO of Shoppers Stop. “For decades, Shoppers Stop has played a pioneering role in bringing leading global brands closer to Indian consumers. With ‘Get Spotlight Ready’, the brand takes its journey forward, now enabling Indian talent to shine on a global platform. This marks a significant shift in its purpose, from curating global experiences for India to nurturing India’s talent to the world stage.”

As part of the Pune leg of the campaign, India’s belly dancing sensation Saumya Kamble will take the stage on May 9 at Shoppers Stop, Phoenix Mall of Millennium, Pune at 5 PM, delivering a high-energy performance that promises to captivate audiences while inspiring young aspirants to pursue their dreams.

Shoppers Stop will prepare aspirants to ‘Get Spotlight Ready’ through an immersive ecosystem that blends style, skill, and self-expression with expert-led sessions. Aspirants will be able to explore five curated fashion and beauty looks, discover their complementary colours at the colour analysis zone, and capture their transformed style at an interactive, high-energy photobooth.

Each experience is designed to help participants refine not only their appearance, but also how they present themselves with confidence. ‘Get Spotlight Ready’ with Shoppers Stop is an invitation for aspirants to prepare, transform, and own their moment in the spotlight.

The post Shoppers Stop Partners with HYBE INDIA to Launch India’s First Global Girl Group Audition appeared first on NRI News.

With this range, Santoor Shower Gels brings its signature sandalwood ingredient into a liquid body wash format aligned with modern bathing routines. Infused with sandalwood and gardenia extracts, the range focuses on skin softness and glow. The formulation features a gentle, pH‑balanced profile intended for regular use.

To reinforce this, the brand has introduced the ‘Sandalwood Ka Remix’ campaign, which presents the ingredient in a refreshed, modern context. As part of this, actor Sreeleela has been onboarded as the brand’s ambassador, reflecting a blend of tradition and contemporary appeal.

On this campaign, S. Prasanna Rai, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting, said, “Sandalwood has always been at the core of Santoor’s heritage. With Santoor Shower Gels, we are reimagining this timeless ingredient in formats that are relevant to today’s consumers. As we take this step forward, we need to partner with someone who reflects this blend of tradition and modernity. We are delighted to welcome Sreeleela on board as the face of Santoor Shower Gels. Her vibrant screen presence and contemporary appeal align well with the brand and our consumers.”

Speaking about the association, actor Sreeleela added, “I have always associated sandalwood with timeless beauty and care. What I love about Santoor Sandalwood Beauty Wash is how they’ve given this classic ingredient a modern twist. The idea of ‘Sandalwood Ka Remix’ felt very relatable to me; it reflects how our generation blends tradition with a fresh perspective. I’m delighted to be the face of Santoor Shower Gels and to be part of this exciting journey.”

Conceptualised by Bates Bengaluru, the campaign gives a fresh spin to a classic. Much like old songs reimagined for today, it presents sandalwood in a modern body wash format. The campaign will be rolled out across television and digital platforms as part of an integrated outreach strategy.

The Santoor Shower Gel range is available in multiple variants, including Saffron & Marigold and Lemon & Frangipani, priced at ₹ 135 for 250ml across retail stores and online platforms.

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By Dr. Bhushan Shitole, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Vencer Hospital, Pune

Pune has always had a strong sporting culture, but in recent years, the city’s relationship with physical activity has changed visibly. Sport is no longer limited to trained athletes or structured clubs. It now lives in weekend cricket groups, badminton leagues, football turfs, cycling communities, gym challenges, running events, and fitness-driven social circles. That is a positive shift. But it has also created a medical reality we need to talk about more seriously.

Many people are becoming active faster than they are becoming physically prepared.

This is where sports medicine enters the conversation. Unfortunately, many still think sports medicine is only for elite athletes or people playing at a professional level. That is far from the truth. Today, the need for sports injury management is rising among everyday working adults, students, fitness enthusiasts, and even middle-aged individuals who are trying to become healthier but do not always understand how to condition the body correctly.

In Pune, especially, this becomes even more relevant during the summer months. As temperatures rise, so do the risks linked to dehydration, poor recovery, muscle fatigue, and reduced physical efficiency. People often head out for a run, a cricket match, or a high-intensity workout without respecting the effect heat has on the body. Muscles tire faster, balance changes, and concentration drops, and once that happens, the risk of strain, sprain, or overuse injury rises sharply.

What we now commonly see is not only one major traumatic injury. Very often, the real problem is repetitive stress. A person who sits for long hours through the week suddenly plays an intense match on the weekend. Someone with poor core strength signs up for a run without progressive training. A gym user lifts with enthusiasm but without form, mobility or recovery. The body may tolerate this for some time, but eventually it starts sending signals in the form of knee pain, shoulder stiffness, ankle instability, back strain or recurrent swelling.

These are not small signs to be ignored. They are early warnings.

The value of a sports medicine specialist in Pune lies in identifying not just the site of pain, but the reason behind it. Is the problem coming from weak muscles, poor biomechanics, inadequate warm-up, overload, or an untreated structural issue? Unless this is understood properly, many people keep treating symptoms while the actual cause continues to worsen.

At times, when there is persistent locking of the knee, ligament injury, meniscal damage, or recurrent joint instability, further intervention may be required. In such cases, the role of an arthroscopy surgeon in Pune becomes important. Arthroscopy can help diagnose and treat select joint conditions with precision, while allowing a more focused path toward recovery. But even then, no treatment is complete without guided rehabilitation, strength rebuilding, and a carefully planned return to activity.

“People should not wait for a severe injury before taking orthopaedic advice. In many cases, early intervention, correct diagnosis, and structured rehabilitation can prevent long-term damage and help patients return to sport safely and confidently,” says Dr. Bhushan Shitole, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Vencer Hospital, Pune.

Pune should absolutely continue to play more, move more, and live more actively. But the city also needs to build a deeper understanding of how to move intelligently. Fitness is not just about motivation. It is about preparation, discipline, recovery, and respect for the body.

That is why sports medicine is no longer a niche field. In a city like Pune, it is becoming a necessary part of modern healthcare.

The post Strengthening Pune’s Active Lifestyle: The Importance of a Robust Sports Medicine Approach This Summer appeared first on NRI News.

The new zone reflects how Pune is changing. Training has become a routine for many. Running communities are growing. Athleisure is now part of everyday style. Phoenix Marketcity has responded by creating a cluster where shoppers can explore store formats that feel premium and immersive, with product stories that are being introduced to Pune for the first time.

Speaking on the development, Anshuman Bharadwaj, Senior Centre Director Phoenix [Pune Malls], said,

“Phoenix Marketcity Pune has been focused on building experiences that feel current and relevant to the city. The sports and athleisure zone is a step in that direction. With flagship stores coming together in one cluster, we are creating a stronger destination for consumers who are serious about sport and also for those who choose athleisure as part of their daily wardrobe.”

Nike anchors the zone with one of the largest stores in Maharashtra, the only flagship in Pune, built on a premium store design with an immersive global look. The store showcases Nike’s most iconic global categories, including Jordan, Air Force 1, and Dunks, along with a curated mix of performance, lifestyle, running, and training essentials. The product selection reflects Nike’s latest offerings while ensuring customers have access to key franchise collections.

Adidas adds a flagship format store that reflects the brand’s global design ethos. The launch spotlights the EVO SL, a shoe engineered for Effortless Moves and Endless Looks, bringing a comfort-meets-style narrative that fits daily movement and city pace.

ASICS strengthens the zone’s running focus through a flagship format store built for performance seekers. A key highlight is the GEL Nimbus 28, featuring FF BLAST PLUS cushioning for cloud-like comfort, PureGEL shock absorption, an engineered knit upper for adaptive comfort, and a HYBRID ASICSGRIP outsole for traction. The store reinforces ASICS as a strong destination for runners seeking advanced comfort and dependable performance.

Skechers expands the zone’s offer with a flagship format presence that supports everyday comfort and easy movement, adding depth to the athleisure category within the cluster.

The post Discover Pune’s Largest Athleisure and Sportswear Zone at Phoenix Marketcity Viman Nagar appeared first on NRI News.

INDIA: Global hair styling brand got2b launches in India on 20th January 2026, with its bold new way to look at hair, that’s not only about self-expression but also about creativity, and breaking the rules. Designed for people who see hair as a personal statement rather than a routine, got2b arrives to give Indian consumers the freedom to experiment, play, and own their look with confidence.

Born in Germany and inspired by urban counterculture, got2b has always stood for individuality and creative freedom. The brand doesn’t follow trends; it encourages people to create their own. Known worldwide for its edgy personality and high-performance styling products, got2b has built a loyal global following among those who like to push boundaries and express who they are through their hair. The brand brings this fearless spirit to India, with products designed to work across different hair types, textures, and climates.

“Young India is rewriting the rules of self-expression with confidence and creativity,” said Kartik Kaushik, General Manager – Henkel Consumer Brands India & South Asia. “got2b is designed for Gen Z — a generation that loves to experiment, push boundaries, and express who they are through their hair. It’s a bold, playful brand that celebrates individuality.”

The got2b India launch introduces a range of styling essentials made for bold looks and real-life wear from the cult-favorite Glued Gel and ultra-strong Glued Hairspray that offers 72 hours of non-sticky hair to the Glued Wax for flexible, no-crunch hold for fierce spikes. The lineup also includes two innovative dry shampoos: the Extra Fresh Dry Shampoo with an Apple & Sandalwood scent for up to 48 hours of long-lasting fragrance, and the Extra Volume Dry Shampoo with Lemon & Bergamot Scent. With got2b, hair becomes a playground, no rules, no limits, just self-expression

The brand will be available across all beauty marketplaces, including Nykaa, Tira, Sephora, Blinkit, Amazon & Zepto.

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In addition to the runner-up title, Dr Naik was honoured with the subtitles Mrs Talented and Digital Diva, recognising her outstanding performance and communication skills. The Diva Pageants team also acknowledged her contribution towards raising funds for Sparsh NGO, crowning her as a mark of appreciation for her social initiative and community impact.

Sharing her inspiration behind participating, Dr Naik reflected on the deeper purpose that guided her decision. “I have always believed that life carries a larger meaning, and that God nudges us when it is time to move. When I saw the call for Mrs Maharashtra 2025 by Diva Pageants, there was no hesitation. It felt inevitable, like a door opening exactly when I was ready to walk through it. Some opportunities do not arrive to be chosen, they arrive to be claimed.”

Dr Naik credited her unwavering support system for standing by her throughout the journey. She described her husband, Sagar Devrukhkar, as her biggest cheerleader and pillar of strength, and expressed gratitude to her mother-in-law, Shveta Sharad Devrukhkar, her mother Aparna Naik, her father, brothers, extended family, friends, colleagues, and students for their constant encouragement. She also acknowledged the guidance and mentorship of Anjana Mascarenhas and Karl Mascarenhas, Founders of Diva Pageants, calling them her guiding stars throughout the pageant journey.

Recalling her stage experience, Dr Naik shared that nervousness quickly gave way to confidence. “There were nerves, of course, but the moment I stepped on stage, they disappeared. I believe that when you prepare with devotion off the stage, leadership shows up when you are on the stage.”

Professionally, Dr Shivani Naik is an Assistant Professor of General Management at Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, NMIMS, with over 15 years of academic and four years of corporate experience. She is also an author, researcher, PhD Co-Supervisor, mentor, trainer in leadership and entrepreneurship, and a voice-over artist, with an extensive portfolio of academic publications, patents, awards, and international recognitions.

Looking ahead, Dr Naik aims to deepen her work in education and mentorship, using platforms like pageantry to help build self-aware, confident women who are conscious of their health, safety, skills, personality, and self-worth, enabling them to stand strong in their own power.

The post Dr. Shivani Naik’s Journey to 1st Runner Up at Mrs. Maharashtra 2025 appeared first on NRI News.

The night witnessed the crowning of three major international titleholders: Geetanjali Lenka as Mrs India Millennium World 2026, Rekha Paladee as Mrs India Millennium Universe 2026, and Meenu Singh as Woman of the Universe India 2026, who will represent India on global stages.

Behind the scenes, Mrinalini Bhardwaj, Saee Khalate, Mrunali Tayade, Madhavi Ghosh, and Paulyn Kasote worked tirelessly to ensure precision, elegance, and seamless execution of the grand finale.

Organisers stated that Mrs Maharashtra has evolved into a prestigious platform that nurtures confidence, leadership, and purpose, enabling women to step into global arenas with strength and authenticity.

Elite Category
3rd Runner Up: Smita Gulhane
2nd Runner Up: Rakhi Jain
1st Runner Up: Dr. Sunita Tondge
Winner: Shilpa Sudhakaran

Gold Category
3rd Runner Up: Megha Kendrekar
2nd Runner Up: Virja Shah
1st Runner Up: Dr. Shivani Naik
Winner: Pranjali Bhonde

Silver Category
3rd Runner Up: Bhupali Rane
2nd Runner Up: Lata Pandey
1st Runner Up: Ridma Kakani
Winner: Aarti Borole

Winner Curvy: Pooja Falor

The post Mrs Maharashtra 2025: Celebrating a Legacy of Empowerment, Elegance, and Excellence appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: Tribe Stays, India’s pioneering premium managed-hospitality company, has raised $2.8M (₹24 Cr) led by Artha Venture Fund (promoted by Anirudh Damani) and co-led by RiverWalk Holdings (promoted by Satveer Thakral). The round also saw participation from Kunal Khanna (Founder & CEO – Vivaldis), Krishna Jain, and other prominent HNIs/family offices.

The fresh capital will be used to scale Tribe’s footprint under its three luxury sub-brands: Tribe Student Accommodation (hostels), Tribe Commune (co-living), and Tribe Suites (executive apartments). Currently operating 650 beds in Pune, Tribe is set to launch 1,000 additional beds this financial year, with a roadmap to expand to 25,000 beds across Tier-1 & Tier-2 cities, including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Gurugram, and Pune.

Speaking on the announcement, Yogesh Mehra, Founder & CEO, Tribe Stays, said, “This funding round is a strong validation of Tribe’s vision to redefine how young India experiences living. Our focus has always been to go beyond just accommodation and deliver a premium lifestyle experience through thoughtfully designed spaces, hospitality-driven services, and a vibrant community. With this investment, we are well-positioned to expand aggressively into new markets and strengthen Tribe’s position as the gold standard in student housing, co-living, and executive living.”

Tribe’s portfolio is uniquely positioned to serve long stays of up to one year for students, corporates, professionals, and extended-stay guests.

“We believe Tribe is emerging as one of the most promising players in India’s organized managed-living space,” said Anirudh Damani, Managing Partner, Artha Venture Fund. “The company addresses a massive, underpenetrated market in student and professional housing with an asset-light, hospitality-led approach that is both scalable and profitable. The team’s deep sector understanding and execution capability give us strong conviction that Tribe can set new benchmarks for premium living experiences across India.”

With a growing demand from universities and companies for relocation and managed accommodation solutions, Tribe aims to become the preferred partner for institutions and employers seeking reliable, premium living options.

Jai Sumer Singh, Co-founder and Partner, Riverwalk Holdings, said, “Tribe is well-positioned to address the gap that exists in the premium managed co-living space in India. Scaling sustainably in this category requires deep hospitality DNA coupled with real estate excellence. The Tribe team has built those foundations early and will emerge as a leading operator going ahead.”

With its Pre-Series A funding, Tribe is set to play a transformative role in India’s managed-hospitality sector, creating premium, scalable, and community-driven living solutions for the next generation.

As it enters its next phase of growth, the company is now focused on deepening its presence across major cities, scaling sustainably, and setting new benchmarks

The post Tribe Stays Secures $2.8M Investment from Artha Venture Fund to Enhance Premium Co-Living Spaces in India appeared first on NRI News.

The Pop Mart x Lenskart eyewear collection will launch in Singapore—online and in select Lenskart stores—from the first week of December. The range introduces collectable, character-inspired designs aimed at consumers who enjoy expressive, playful, and culturally resonant fashion accessories.

The partnership builds on Lenskart’s expanding set of cultural collaborations, including Harry Potter, Hello Kitty, Pokémon, Dragon Ball Z, Superman, and Batman. These collaborations are helping Lenskart broaden the appeal of its eyewear through design-led storytelling that connects deeply with fans and emerging subcultures.

Meller, founded in Barcelona, has grown into one of Europe’s most influential D2C youth eyewear brands, distinguished by its bold silhouettes, street-culture-inspired palettes, and expressive, fashion-forward aesthetic. With over 700k followers and strong traction across Europe and the U.S., Meller has built a vibrant global community and a deep connection with young consumers seeking distinctive, design-led eyewear.

In India, Meller will now be available across Lenskart’s retail network as well as online via the Lenskart app and website. The brand will roll out first to ~500 curated stores identified using GeoIQ intelligence to match high fashion-affinity catchments.

Through brands like Meller, John Jacobs, Owndays, and creative partnerships such as Popmart, Dragon Ball Z, and Harry Potter, Lenskart is gradually building a thoughtful premium portfolio shaped around what the new generation of customers wants. The eyewear industry has shown how strong platforms can help brands rise, and Lenskart hopes to play its part in enabling the next wave of expressive, design-led brands. Each brand represents a distinct design philosophy and consumer segment, enabling Lenskart to cater to a broader spectrum of global customers seeking individuality, premium quality, and style. On the lens technology side, global innovators Tokai and Rodenstock have also partnered with Lenskart.

“Our customers inspire every decision we make. They’re seeking global design, individuality, and brands that feel authentic,” said Peyush Bansal, Co-founder & CEO, Lenskart. “Meller’s bold aesthetic and strong community make it a wonderful addition to our House of Brands. And through creative partnerships like Pop Mart, we hope to bring moments of play, imagination, and collectability into eyewear in ways that delight our customers.”

He added, “By bringing together brands like John Jacobs, Owndays, and now Meller, alongside collaborations such as Pop Mart, our goal is to offer customers more choice and better experiences. We see ourselves as an enabler for the next generation of eyewear brands — providing the platform and capabilities for them to reach more people and unlock their potential.”

Powered by Lenskart’s distribution scale, full-stack supply chain, design ecosystem, and advanced technology capabilities, partner brands can reach new audiences and grow more meaningfully across markets.

As global eyewear evolves, strong multi-brand platforms have played a pivotal role in shaping the category. With its House of Brands vision, Lenskart aims to empower the next wave of expressive, design-led eyewear brands and cultural collaborations worldwide.

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