What unfolded was a quiet portrait of modern travel done right. The new Airbnb film captures the duo winging it entirely: negotiating a perfect pool day through their Airbnb host, requesting kadhi chawal and then attempting to take full credit for it, and ending the holiday with a spontaneous game of gully cricket with the Airbnb staff. No landmarks. No to-do list. Just the right people in the right space.

Speaking about the collaboration, Yuvraj Singh said, “Everyone has a style that’s uniquely their own and the best travel experiences are no different. What I love about Airbnb is that every home has a character, a soul to it. It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. When the boys brought me to Goa, the stay felt like it was made for exactly the kind of trip we wanted – unhurried, personal, ours. That, for me, is what makes a trip truly memorable.”

The collaboration is part of Airbnb’s Stay Your Way campaign, which celebrates travel experiences shaped by personal passions, friendships and the freedom to do more of what you love. Whether it’s switching off with friends, enjoying your favourite comfort food or turning an ordinary afternoon into a cricket match, the campaign highlights how no two trips need to look the same.

Abhishek Sharma and Naman Dhir added, “We landed in Goa with zero plan and full confidence and somehow pulled off the perfect trip for Yuvi Paaji. Every time he mentioned something he wanted, Airbnb made it happen. We realised the best trips aren’t about the perfect itinerary, they’re about adapting to the people you’re travelling with.”

This wasn’t just a collaboration between music and motorsport. It was the culmination of an idea already gaining momentum online – that the roar of a Formula 1 engine sounds uncannily like one word: “Stinggg.” For Alan Walker, the project brought together two worlds that have long fuelled his passions beyond music: motorsport and energy drinks. A lifelong fan of racing and racing games, he saw the collaboration as an opportunity to channel the emotion, intensity and excitement of Formula 1 into an original Alan Walker record designed for fans both on and off the circuit. Drawing inspiration from the roar of the engines and the atmosphere of race weekend, Walker transformed that experience into a track built around the tension, anticipation and release that define the sport. And it all started with a sound the internet simply couldn’t unhear.

Inspired by the growing synergy between electronic music and Formula 1 fandom, Alan Walker approached the challenge of creating a contemporary racing anthem through his own distinctive lens. Captivated by the sport’s intensity and atmosphere, he collaborated with STING® Energy and Formula 1 to access a rich archive of engine sounds and race audio. Blending these elements with his signature melodic and cinematic production style, Walker crafted an original record that captures the tension, anticipation and release at the heart of a Formula 1 race weekend. Insights gained through his exchange with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One team driver George Russell further helped shape “Sting Within Me.”

“Formula 1 already sounds electronic to me,” said Alan Walker. “The engines have rhythm, the build-up, the atmosphere, the tension, everything has a rhythm. Once I heard the ‘STING’ connection, it was impossible to ignore. I wanted the track to hit with the same pressure as a race start. Going live with it in Barcelona made it even more surreal because you could feel that emotion among fans in real time.”

“Last year, fans realised that Formula 1 sounds like STINGGG, and the response showed us just how naturally racing, sound and culture could collide.” said Eugene Willemsen, Chief Executive Officer of International Beverages, PepsiCo. “What started as a viral moment quickly evolved into something much bigger — Sting becoming the sound of Formula 1 for fans around the world. With ‘The Sting Within Me’, we pushed that idea further, turning the raw energy of Formula 1 into something fans can stream, share and experience beyond the circuit. This is about bringing Formula 1 into culture in a way that feels immediate, social and built for a new generation of fans.”

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Formula 1®, said: “Formula 1 today is much more than what happens on track, it’s about the sounds, experiences and emotion you get when engaging with our sport. STING’s new anthem is proof that the sport has grown far beyond the racetrack, with fans and consumers able to enjoy unique moments of the action in their everyday lives. Through this new track, Sting is helping more fans connect with one of the elements that makes the sport special – its visceral sound – and increase our ever-growing fanbase worldwide.”

Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India & SAARC, shared: “Alan has brilliantly captured the energy of Formula 1, reflecting the sport’s pace, intensity, and atmosphere. This collaboration showcases the powerful connection between music and sport, while reflecting our continued focus on building a broader 360-degree ecosystem for artists and partners beyond the traditional recorded music business.”

More than a collaboration, “The Sting Within Me” reflects how Formula 1 is increasingly moving beyond sport — becoming a force across music, fashion, gaming and digital culture. Through the track, STING Energy® continues to build its identity across motorsports and pop culture. The Barcelona Grand Prix debut marked the first time fans experienced the track live, hearing the emotional frequency of Formula 1 transformed into music in real time.

Released today via Warner Music India, “The Sting Within Me” is now available across all major streaming platforms.

The launch marked the entry of the NationalVG Pageants platform into Chennai, creating a structured opportunity for women to participate in city-level pageants and advance to the prestigious VG Miss & Mrs India National Pageant.

Addressing the gathering, India’s Leading Transformation Leader, Binita Shrivastava, Founder and National Director of VG Pageants, said that women across India possess immense potential and only need the right platform to showcase their abilities. Widely recognized as India’s Leading Transformation Leader, TEDx Speaker, Amazon Bestselling Author and Founder of Visionara Global, Binita has built a community of more than 1.3 million followers and has inspired over one lakh women through her transformational initiatives.

She said that VG Pageants is not merely a beauty pageant platform but a movement that encourages women to step beyond limitations and embrace leadership, confidence and self-expression. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vishwas Srivastava, CEO of Visionara Global, said that the organization is expanding its city leadership model across India to provide local women with access to national opportunities while creating strong city-based communities.

The Chennai chapter will be led by Radhika Lakra, City Director – VG Pageants, Chennai. Sharing her journey, Radhika spoke about balancing a demanding banking career, family responsibilities and motherhood while continuing to pursue her own dreams.

A First Runner-Up at VG Miss & Mrs India Global Icon 2026, Radhika said her journey through Visionara Global helped her rediscover confidence and purpose. At the age of 47, she chose to challenge limitations and step onto a national stage, proving that it is never too late to begin again. She said her mission is now to inspire women across Chennai to believe in themselves, restart their dreams and build a life filled with confidence and self-worth.

During the press conference, organisers announced the upcoming VG Miss Chennai, VG Ms Chennai and VG Mrs Chennai city pageants, along with Kids & Teen Fashion Shows, Runway Shows, Grooming Programs and Professional Portfolio Opportunities.

Organizers also informed that winners from the city platform will qualify for the national stage of VG Miss & Mrs India, providing participants with an opportunity to represent their city at a national level. The initiative is expected to create new avenues for women seeking confidence, visibility, personality development and leadership opportunities while positioning Chennai as an important center in Visionara Global’s expanding national network.

The carnival was inaugurated by popular comedian and actor Pugazh, who attended as the Chief Guest and officially opened the event at 5 PM. He interacted with visitors, explored the attractions, and appreciated the concept of bringing an international-style carnival experience to Chennai.
Organised by Mishri Group of Companies in association with WE1 Entertainment, the carnival recreates the vibrant spirit of Dubai through immersive décor, themed zones, and large-scale attractions. The Surreal Dubai Waterfalls stand as the signature highlight, offering a visually stunning experience for visitors.

Key Attractions

• Surreal Dubai Waterfalls (Main Attraction)
• Snow World Experience
• Avatar-Inspired Immersive Zone
• Horror House
• Amusement Rides & Carnival Games
• Shopping Stalls

The event was graced by prominent business leaders as Guests of Honour, including Parsan Chand Dugar, Managing Director, Mishri Group of Companies , Sundarlingam, Director, Jeyachandran Retail Pvt Ltd , JayantilalChallani, Managing Director, ChallaniJewellery Mart , Varadharajan, CEO, Sowbhagya Electronics

Parsan Chand Dugarsaid:“Dubai Summer Carnival has been envisioned as a unique platform bringing the festive energy of Dubai to Chennai. We aim to create a destination where families can enjoy entertainment and shopping in a vibrant atmosphere.”

Pugazhadded:“I am happy to be part of this grand initiative. I invite everyone to visit and enjoy this exciting carnival experience with their families and friends.”

Event Details

• Location: Near Maduravoyal, NH Bypass Road, Nolambur, Chennai
• Dates: April 24 – June 7, 2026
• Timings:3:00 PM to 10:00 PM

With a grand inauguration and strong public response, Dubai Summer Carnival Chennai 2026 is set to become one of the city’s biggest summer attractions, offering a vibrant entertainment experience for visitors of all age groups.

Marking the brand’s 34th store in City, the opening moved beyond a traditional retail inauguration, transforming the launch into a cinematic celebration that reflected Chennai’s vibrant movie culture while introducing shoppers to a thoughtfully designed new retail space with the new identity store.

The evening unfolded like a film premiere. Guests arrived in an atmosphere shaped by visual cues from Tamil cinema: film posters and standees, movie-ticket-inspired entries, popcorn counters, and nostalgic theatre-style elements that recreated the excitement of opening night. Auto rickshaws stationed at the entrance added a distinctly local touch, while interactive moments across the store encouraged guests and creators to explore, capture, and engage with the experience.

Kayadu Lohar officially inaugurated the store with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the formal opening of Max Fashion’s newest Valasaravakkam destination amid cheers and applause from attendees.

Sumit Chandan, CEO, Max Fashion India shared: “Chennai has always been one of our most dynamic and culturally vibrant markets, and the launch of our Valasaravakkam store reflects our continued commitment to growing alongside its evolving fashion community. With this opening, we wanted to create more than just a retail destination; we wanted to design an experience that feels rooted in the city’s love for cinema and storytelling. By blending fashion with a cinematic celebration, we aimed to make the launch memorable, immersive, and truly reflective of how our customers engage with style today.”

Known for her work across Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Marathi, and Tamil films, Kayadu Lohar represents a new generation of performers who blend relatability with star appeal. Her youthful energy, expressive style, and strong connection with Gen Z audiences made her presence feel especially aligned with the spirit of the evening where fashion, fandom, and pop culture naturally intersected.

“Being part of this launch felt incredibly special because it celebrated two things Chennai truly loves cinema and fashion. The energy of the evening, the audience excitement, and the cinematic reveal made it feel like stepping into a film moment,” says Kayadu Lohar. “Max Fashion represents style that is accessible, expressive, and youthful, which makes it easy for people to experiment with fashion in their everyday lives. I loved interacting with everyone here and experiencing the store firsthand.”.

Spread across 14,000 sq. ft., the Valasaravakkam store has been designed to offer a spacious, structured, and easy-to-navigate shopping experience. Dedicated sections for women, men, and kids allow customers to move seamlessly across categories, making discovery intuitive while encouraging relaxed browsing for families and young shoppers alike. The open layout and contemporary design language reflect Max Fashion’s focus on creating a more comfortable and enjoyable in-store journey.

Chennai continues to be one of Max Fashion’s strongest markets, driven by a growing community of young, trend-aware consumers seeking fashion that balances accessibility with self-expression. The new store responds to this evolving mindset, offering versatile styles suited to everyday life from workdays to social outings.

The decision was made at a special cabinet meeting on March 13, where the government endorsed the Travancore Devaswom Board’s (TDB) resolution to protect Sabarimala’s traditional practices. The government will file an affidavit with the Supreme Court by March 14, responding to questions about constitutional and legal aspects that are not directly related to women’s entry.

This move comes as review petitions against the 2018 verdict, which allowed women of all ages, are set for hearings starting April 7 before a three-judge bench. The BJP leader, Kummanam Rajasekharan, has criticized the government’s decision, claiming it is an attempt to gain political advantage in the next election.

The CPI(M) state secretary, MV Govindan, however, emphasized that the party maintains its core position, seeking expert input and considering believers’ feelings while balancing faith with rights. He denied any ideological reversal, citing the party’s history of respecting customs through expert input.

Phoenix Marketcity Chennai partnered with Vamos Run Club for the Women’s Day Marathon with 3K, 4K and 5K categories. Open to men, women, and kids, the event saw a total of 1500+ enthusiastic runners. The run was followed by an engaging Zumba session and a Coffee Rave, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Complimentary refreshments kept participants energised throughout the event, and every runner received a finisher’s medal upon completing the race.

Later that day, Phoenix Marketcity collaborated with Young Indians (Yi) Chennai for “The Power Within” – an exclusive panel discussion for International Women’s Day 2026. Esteemed speakers Ms. Veena Kumaravel, Founder of Naturals Salon, Ms. Pooja Srinivasa Raja, Founder of The Love Hope Company and Executive Director at Adyar Ananda Bhavan, and Ms. Renuka, Digital content creator and Influencer, shared inspiring stories on women’s inner strength and leadership. The panel was moderated by Mr. Kapil Agrawal, Shuchi Friction Additives. The discussion brought out the speakers’ journeys and highlighted how strength, perseverance and purpose helped them create meaningful impact. The event also featured the “GiveToGain Awards,” an initiative by Yi Chennai to recognise women who are working tirelessly at the grassroots level to uplift communities.

As a proud venue partner, Phoenix Marketcity Chennai once again reinforced its commitment to community engagement and meaningful experiences by hosting these impactful events. Through initiatives like these, Phoenix Marketcity continues to create vibrant platforms that bring people together while promoting wellness, inclusivity and shared experiences.

The competition, aimed at promoting pride in Tamil culture and arts, was held during the auspicious month of Margazhi, from 15th December 2025 to 20th January 2026. Participants were invited to share their creative selfie Kolam photos via a dedicated WhatsApp number. There was an overwhelming response from the public after being held for the first time in 2020. The contest garnered an overwhelming response, with over 2500 entries from across Tamil Nadu.

The top 50 entries were recognized by Mrs Poornima Ganesan and rewarded with special kitchen necessity gifts during the grand prize function. The event celebrated the artistic talent and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, reflecting Sreeleathers’ commitment to fostering community engagement and cultural preservation.

Chief Guest shared her thoughts on the occasion, “It is truly heartening to see Sreeleathers champion our cultural heritage through the Online Selfie Kolam Contest, especially during the sacred month of Margazhi. To be chosen three times from thousands of participants is an honour—it inspires me to keep our Margazhi kolam tradition alive with even more creativity.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sushanto Dey, Partner, Sreeleathers said, “We are proud to associate with Sreeleathers in celebrating Tamil culture through this beautiful Kolam contest. The overwhelming participation year after year reaffirms that our traditions are alive and thriving in the digital age”

Mrs Pujarini Dey, Partner, Sreeleathers said, “Sreeleathers has beautifully blended tradition through this unique Online Selfie Kolam Contest. I am especially delighted to see Sreeleathers celebrate the artistic brilliance of countless women who wake up before dawn each Margazhi to create these stunning kolams.”

What began as a niche industry initiative has now evolved into a marquee annual platform on the region’s culinary calendar. QuizBites continues to attract seasoned professionals and emerging talent alike, showcasing the growing appetite for knowledge-driven engagement within the hospitality sector.

This year’s edition featured an upgraded, high-intensity format with buzzer rounds and rapid-fire sessions that tested culinary expertise, reflexes, and teamwork. The competitive spirit remained high throughout the event, culminating in a gripping final round where six teams battled for top honours.

Winner: Culinary academy of Hyderabad

The event was graced by Chef Damodaran, President of the South Indian Culinary Association, and Chef Sheetharam Prasad, General Secretary of SICA, whose continued leadership has strengthened the platform’s credibility within the industry. Their presence made QuizBites’ growing stature as not just a quiz, but a professional networking and skill-enhancement forum for chefs.

Chef Damodaran said, “QuizBites 4.0 was an exhilarating event that demonstrated the extraordinary talent within South India’s culinary community. It’s inspiring to see chefs push the boundaries of their creativity, knowledge, and skill. The passion and camaraderie at this event speak volumes about the future of our culinary industry.”

As host and driving force behind the initiative, Ispahani Centre ensured seamless execution and a premium experience, leveraging the elegant setting of the GRT Grand to deliver a professionally curated event. Over four seasons, the Centre has positioned QuizBites as a consistent and credible industry property that celebrates excellence and fosters community.

Mr. Kesan, Director of Ispahani Centre, said, “We are proud to host the fourth season of QuizBites and see how the platform has grown year after year. The enthusiasm and participation show us the strength of South India’s culinary talent. We look forward to nurturing initiatives that bring professionals together and spotlight excellence.”

Backed by Ispahani Centre, the South Indian Culinary Association, and Anjali Oils, QuizBites 4.0 further cemented its standing as South India’s foremost culinary knowledge platform for four successful seasons in, and continuing to scale new heights.

The Chennai outlet spans approximately 400 sq. ft. and is configured with four nail stations, three pedicure loungers, a dedicated lash and brow zone, and a digital-first booking and payment infrastructure supporting UPI and card transactions. The space has been designed to reflect the brand’s aesthetic identity – minimal, modern interiors with a beige-chrome palette – while maintaining operational efficiency. Critically, every service on the menu is designed to be completed within 60 minutes, a deliberate operational commitment that sets YBE apart from conventional salons and directly addresses the time constraints of its core clientele: working professionals and college students who expect quality without the wait.

YBE’s service offering spans three categories. The nails menu includes gel polish applications – among them Cat Eye and Nail Art formats – Gel X systems, manicures, and pedicures. Lash services cover Classic, Hybrid, and Volume extensions, as well as lash lifting. The brow bar offers lamination, tinting, and shaping. A number of these treatments, including Gel X application, advanced nail art techniques, lash lifting, and brow lamination, are not widely available in a standalone salon format in Chennai, positioning YBE as an early entrant in the city’s organised beauty bar segment. All techniques are drawn from international markets and delivered by a team trained by professionals from TIP&TOE, with senior technicians overseeing quality and consistency at the outlet.

The brand’s pricing model is designed to bridge the gap between premium and budget offerings. Gel polish and mani-pedi services are priced at accessible rates for the target demographic, lash services are competitively positioned against premium salons, and introductory offers are available at launch.

Chennai was identified as the first location on the basis of its rapidly growing urban youth population – college students, young working professionals, and content creators – and the relative absence of organised, specialised beauty bar formats in the city. YBE is structured as a scalable, franchise-ready model, with expansion planned across metro and Tier 1 cities including Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, and subsequent rollout into Tier 2 markets.

“YBE has been built to address a clear gap in the Indian beauty market – a focused, process-driven format that delivers international-standard services at a price point accessible to the Gen Z and young professional consumer. Chennai is the right starting point, and we are committed to building a consistent, quality-led experience as we scale.” – says Manisha Surave , South Zonal Operation Head, Grey Trendy Professional Pvt Ltd.

Salon Address:

Second Floor, No. 46,
Besant Avenue Street,
Urur, Adyar, Chennai – 600020.