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Monday, October 13, 2025

Brandma

Le Sancy, the soap that made Rahul a name to remember way before Shah Rukh Khan

The boat-shaped soap was a case of great advertising that just didn't work.

Fauji: The show that launched a broody, chain-smoking SRK on the path to Bollywood glory

From nearly going to jail to babysitting duty on set, a behind-the-scenes look at the show that catapulted Shah Rukh Khan to stardom.

‘Man’s best friend’ — cult Czech classic bike Jawa is back because the brand never died

After two decades, the sturdy, beautifully designed race-track favourite is back in Indian markets. But its fans say Jawa never really went away.

With Ulta Pulta, Jaspal Bhatti spearheaded a brand of sharp political satire

Long before YouTube gave us AIB and Kunal Kamra, Doordarshan televised the variety sketch show that took on corruption in all its forms.

Mangola, a slurpy, happy feeling that wasn’t cool enough for Frooti & Pepsi generation

Homegrown Parsi company Duke and Sons gave Mumbai its first mango-based drink, but couldn't survive in the post-liberalisation heat.

How Dyanora TV kept its consumers ‘in touch’ with the latest technology

Ruling the television market during the time of the license raj, this TV set became the one to buy.

Rola Cola is back, thanks to the power of nostalgia, social media and a sweet price-point

Parle relaunched Rola Cola this week after 13 years thanks to a social media movement #BringBackRolaCola.

Charminar — the ‘rugged’ cigarettes that promoted toxic masculinity

The brand endorsed an idea of masculinity that involved men inviting you to hold that cigarette as an extension of your hand because that’s what would ‘satisfy’ you.

Target — the kids’ magazine of the ’80s that has spawned fan groups in the new millennium

During the times of Champak and Tinkle, this children’s magazine was ahead of its time in its writing and art. 

Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne: India’s Walter Mitty and a popular political tool

The Doordarshan show about an adventurous daydreamer made Raghubir Yadav a star.

On Camera

Resetting Afghanistan ties is geopolitical need. Gandhis are showing their diplomatic ignorance

With two hostile neighbours in the immediate vicinity and one in the greater region, it is imperative that New Delhi forge alliances that can offer some stability.

Niti Aayog recommends fully decriminalising 12 offences under new I-T Act to ‘foster more trust’

Recommendations appear in Niti Aayog’s Tax Policy Working Paper Series–II. It says there is a need to shift away from fear-based enforcement to trust-based governance.

India, UK sign £350 mn deal for Martlet. What are these Lightweight Multirole Missiles

In service with the British military since 2019, it is also known as the Martlet missile. Ukrainians have also deployed these missiles against Russian troops.

CJI, IPS, IAS & Homebound: A wake-up call 75 years in the making

Education, reservations, govt jobs are meant to bring equality and dignity. That we are a long way from that is evident in the shoe thrown at the CJI and the suicide of Haryana IPS officer. The film Homebound has a lesson too.