Latest news with #Gulshan
Business Standard
10 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
High Disposable Income & Demand of Quality Living to Drive Luxury Homes Growth
NewsVoir Delhi NCR [India], July 29: The definition of luxury housing in India is no longer what it used to be. As more households move up the income ladder, buyers are bringing sharper expectations to the table. Besides, the pandemic was a major turning point. It made space, wellness, and privacy non-negotiable. Today's luxury home is as much about comfort and calm as it is about status. It's where aspiration meets everyday utility; and that shift is what's driving the next wave of growth. According to a joint report by CBRE-ASSOCHAM, India's luxury housing segment witnessed an 85% year-on-year (YoY) growth in the first half of 2025, with nearly 7,000 high-end residential units sold across the top seven cities. Leading the luxury surge, Delhi-NCR clocked sales of approximately 4,000 luxury units during January-June 2025, contributing 57% share to the total luxury segment. The region also recorded a threefold increase in sales compared to the same period last year, the report said. With rising disposable incomes, the appetite for premium homes has grown wider. NRIs are returning with global benchmarks, professionals are upgrading their lifestyle; there's a clear shift toward real estate that delivers both comfort and capital appreciation. For many, a luxury home is no longer a milestone purchase--it's a strategic one. Yukti Nagpal, Director, Gulshan Group, says, "The concept of luxury has gone beyond mere possessions. With more disposable income and clearer expectations, buyers seek homes where they can experience comfort, convenience, and a certain ease in everyday living. In NCR, micro-markets like Noida-Greater Noida Expressway are seeing massive traction due to their superior infrastructure, proximity to business hubs, and access to prime facilities, aligning with what buyers look for. At Gulshan, we curate residences that are aspirational yet rooted in practicality; where every detail, from layout to location, enhances quality of life." Data from JLL showed, India's housing market is witnessing a decisive tilt toward premium homes, with properties priced above Rs 1 crore accounting for 62% of all residential sales during the first half of 2025. These homes are being snapped up not just in Delhi or Mumbai, but in tier 2 cities too. For this new class of affluent buyers, luxury housing is where aspiration meets asset-building. Saurabh Saharan, Group Managing Director, HCBS Developments, says, "In Gurugram, Dwarka Expressway's rise as a premium residential zone is no accident. With its strategic location connecting Delhi and Gurugram, infrastructure upgrades, and proximity to IGI Airport, this stretch has become a magnet for luxury homebuyers. As developers, we've noticed an increasing shift towards smart, secure, and amenity-rich homes in this corridor. What's especially driving the market now is a new wave of millennial buyers with rising disposable incomes, who want more than just shelter. They're seeking larger homes, spacious layouts, and modern amenities that match their lifestyle. This shift is pushing the demand for premium, future-ready homes, and we believe Gururgam will sustain its real estate market where homes meet these aspirations." Dr. Vishesh Rawat, VP & Head of Marketing, Sales & CRM, M2K Group, says, "In sectors like Sector 104 along the Dwarka Expressway, we're seeing a very distinct kind of luxury demand, which is quiet, thoughtful, and deeply lifestyle-driven. Affluent buyers here want homes that feel like a retreat but still stay connected to the city's pulse. But what's equally driving interest is the investment potential. With soaring property prices, strong sales momentum, and non-stop infrastructure development, this corridor is anticipated to deliver impressive ROI in the coming years. Hence, we foresee that luxury, for this segment, is about balance not excess." Vikas Dua, Founder and Director, Chintamanis Group, says, "Gurugram continues to lead NCR's luxury housing evolution, driven by a clientele with high disposable income that values brand legacy, prime addresses, and architectural statement. Branded residences, especially along corridors like the Dwarka Expressway, are being viewed as generational assets. The demand here is as much emotional as it is financial, turning Gurugram's billionaire belt a proven destination for enduring value." Simultaneously, Tier-2 cities like Dehradun, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Indore, and Lucknow have become the new luxury hubs. As per MagicBricks, the average capital appreciation across Tier-II cities stands at 17.6%, outpacing the national capital's 11.10%. Driven by NRI investments, second-home aspirations, and retirement planning, luxury is now becoming a nationwide aspiration rooted in quality living and future-readiness. Harvinder Singh Sikka, Chairman, Sikka Group, says, "The appetite for luxury homes in Tier 2 cities like Dehradun is unprecedented. With increased reverse migration, buyers are looking for elevated living without the chaos of metros. They demand panoramic views, green architecture, and modern amenities bundled into a lifestyle offering. Thus, the aspirational curve has shifted upward, and Tier 2 luxury now competes with metro-grade sophistication." Therefore, the future of luxury housing in India lies in its ability to evolve with the buyer. With disposable incomes rising and lifestyles becoming more global in taste, developers who focus on detail, design, and experience will be the ones leading the next chapter of India's luxury housing story.
Fashion Value Chain
12 hours ago
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
High Disposable Income & Demand of Quality Living to Drive Luxury Homes Growth
The definition of luxury housing in India is no longer what it used to be. As more households move up the income ladder, buyers are bringing sharper expectations to the table. Besides, the pandemic was a major turning point. It made space, wellness, and privacy non-negotiable. Today's luxury home is as much about comfort and calm as it is about status. It's where aspiration meets everyday utility; and that shift is what's driving the next wave of growth. Rising India's luxury housing segment According to a joint report by CBRE-ASSOCHAM, India's luxury housing segment witnessed an 85% year-on-year (YoY) growth in the first half of 2025, with nearly 7,000 high-end residential units sold across the top seven cities. Leading the luxury surge, Delhi-NCR clocked sales of approximately 4,000 luxury units during January-June 2025, contributing 57% share to the total luxury segment. The region also recorded a threefold increase in sales compared to the same period last year, the report said. With rising disposable incomes, the appetite for premium homes has grown wider. NRIs are returning with global benchmarks, professionals are upgrading their lifestyle; there's a clear shift toward real estate that delivers both comfort and capital appreciation. For many, a luxury home is no longer a milestone purchase-it's a strategic one. Yukti Nagpal, Director, Gulshan Group, says, 'The concept of luxury has gone beyond mere possessions. With more disposable income and clearer expectations, buyers seek homes where they can experience comfort, convenience, and a certain ease in everyday living. In NCR, micro-markets like Noida-Greater Noida Expressway are seeing massive traction due to their superior infrastructure, proximity to business hubs, and access to prime facilities, aligning with what buyers look for. At Gulshan, we curate residences that are aspirational yet rooted in practicality; where every detail, from layout to location, enhances quality of life.' Data from JLL showed, India's housing market is witnessing a decisive tilt toward premium homes, with properties priced above Rs 1 crore accounting for 62% of all residential sales during the first half of 2025. These homes are being snapped up not just in Delhi or Mumbai, but in tier 2 cities too. For this new class of affluent buyers, luxury housing is where aspiration meets asset-building. Saurabh Saharan, Group Managing Director, HCBS Developments, says, 'In Gurugram, Dwarka Expressway's rise as a premium residential zone is no accident. With its strategic location connecting Delhi and Gurugram, infrastructure upgrades, and proximity to IGI Airport, this stretch has become a magnet for luxury homebuyers. As developers, we've noticed an increasing shift towards smart, secure, and amenity-rich homes in this corridor. What's especially driving the market now is a new wave of millennial buyers with rising disposable incomes, who want more than just shelter. They're seeking larger homes, spacious layouts, and modern amenities that match their lifestyle. This shift is pushing the demand for premium, future-ready homes, and we believe Gururgam will sustain its real estate market where homes meet these aspirations.' Dr. Vishesh Rawat, VP & Head of Marketing, Sales & CRM, M2K Group, says, 'In sectors like Sector 104 along the Dwarka Expressway, we're seeing a very distinct kind of luxury demand, which is quiet, thoughtful, and deeply lifestyle-driven. Affluent buyers here want homes that feel like a retreat but still stay connected to the city's pulse. But what's equally driving interest is the investment potential. With soaring property prices, strong sales momentum, and non-stop infrastructure development, this corridor is anticipated to deliver impressive ROI in the coming years. Hence, we foresee that luxury, for this segment, is about balance not excess.' Vikas Dua, Founder and Director, Chintamanis Group, says, 'Gurugram continues to lead NCR's luxury housing evolution, driven by a clientele with high disposable income that values brand legacy, prime addresses, and architectural statement. Branded residences, especially along corridors like the Dwarka Expressway, are being viewed as generational assets. The demand here is as much emotional as it is financial, turning Gurugram's billionaire belt a proven destination for enduring value.' Simultaneously, Tier-2 cities like Dehradun, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Indore, and Lucknow have become the new luxury hubs. As per MagicBricks, the average capital appreciation across Tier-II cities stands at 17.6%, outpacing the national capital's 11.10%. Driven by NRI investments, second-home aspirations, and retirement planning, luxury is now becoming a nationwide aspiration rooted in quality living and future-readiness. Harvinder Singh Sikka, Chairman, Sikka Group, says, 'The appetite for luxury homes in Tier 2 cities like Dehradun is unprecedented. With increased reverse migration, buyers are looking for elevated living without the chaos of metros. They demand panoramic views, green architecture, and modern amenities bundled into a lifestyle offering. Thus, the aspirational curve has shifted upward, and Tier 2 luxury now competes with metro-grade sophistication.' Therefore, the future of luxury housing in India lies in its ability to evolve with the buyer. With disposable incomes rising and lifestyles becoming more global in taste, developers who focus on detail, design, and experience will be the ones leading the next chapter of India's luxury housing story.
News18
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Sitaare Zameen Par Box Office Day 8: Aamir Khan's Film Eyes Rs 100 Crore Club
Last Updated: Aamir Khan's "Sitaare Zameen Par" nears Rs 100 crore at the box office in its second week, earning Rs 94.95 crore. The sports comedy drama stars Khan as a former basketball coach. Aamir Khan's Sitaare Zameen Par continues its strong run at the box office as it enters its second week. As it enters Day 8, the emotional drama is now inching close to the Rs 100 crore mark. Released exclusively in theatres with no OTT tie-up, the film has steadily drawn audiences throughout its first week. According to the latest report by Sacnilk, Sitaare Zameen Par has earned Rs 94.95 crore in its first week at the box office. On Friday alone, the film brought in Rs 6.05 crore, as per early estimates. With a steady one-week total of Rs 88.9 crore earlier reported, the Aamir Khan-starrer has maintained a consistent pace. If the current trend continues, the film is expected to enter the Rs 100 crore club by the end of its second weekend in theatres across India. The film has now surpassed the lifetime India collection of Akshay Kumar's Kesari 2, which had capped at Rs 92.53 crore. Sitaare Zameen Par is considered a spiritual successor to Aamir Khan's 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par. The original film followed the moving story of Ishaan, a dyslexic child played by Darsheel Safary, and touched hearts across the nation with its sensitive portrayal of learning disabilities. It also featured Tisca Chopra and Vipin Sharma. On the other hand, Sitaare Zameen Par is a sports comedy drama film produced by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit. Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra and Simran Mangeshkar will make their Hindi cinema debut with the film. The film also boasts a strong supporting cast with seasoned performers like Dolly Ahluwalia, Gurpal Singh, Brijendra Kala, and Ankita Sehgal. The story centres on Gulshan, a former star basketball coach portrayed by Aamir Khan, who is ordered to coach a group of neurodivergent children as part of his community service following a DUI offence. What starts off as a begrudging assignment soon evolves into a life-changing experience for both him and the team. Genelia Deshmukh plays Sunita, Gulshan's supportive wife. N ews18 gave 3.5 rating to Sitaare Zameen Par. A part of our review read, 'Unlike Taare Zameen Par's Nikumbh, Gulshan isn't perfect. This is a flawed, man-child character, dealing with his own traumas, learning to navigate life with the help of those who suffer developmental delays. So far, on paper, Sitaare Zameen Par seems rather fantastic, novel, and heartfelt. And don't get us wrong — it definitely is all of that. But it also has its share of flaws that become a bump in its path to becoming a great film. To start with, at 2 hours 39 minutes, the film appears to be an extremely long and slow-moving affair." First Published:
Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
In a society determined to ‘fix' people with disabilities, ‘Sitaare Zameen Par' shows that everyone has their own normal
Written by Lubna Ismailee Cinema has the power to reflect society and sometimes, to change it. Last week, I went to watch Sitaare Zameen Par, and it was altogether a different experience. I saw many kids watching the movie. They would cheer throughout the film, 'Sitaare, Sitaare, Sitaare.' It was amazing to witness this enthusiasm. When asked what their key takeaway was, they said, 'Sabka apna-apna normal hota hai' (everyone has their version of normal). This seemingly simple takeaway captures the essence of the film. At its heart, the movie challenges societal definitions of 'normal', particularly through the journey of Aamir Khan's character, Gulshan, a basketball coach who is initially biased against his intellectually disabled students. When a judge assigns him to train them, his immediate reaction is dismissive: 'Pagalon ko sikhaunga main teen mahine ke liye? (Do you really expect me to train these mad people for three months?)' His words reflect a widespread societal mindset, one that reduces disabled individuals to labels and limitations. Section 2(c) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, defines a 'barrier' as any factor — social, attitudinal, or institutional — that hampers full and effective participation in society. The film captures this attitudinal barrier with nuance and clarity. Unfortunately, intellectually disabled people are labeled as mad and good-for-nothing. As per the State of the Education Report for India: Children with Disabilities, a 2019 report by UNESCO, about 45 per cent of children with disabilities in India do not attend school at all. Stigma from peers and teachers, low expectations, and a lack of disability-friendly curriculum contribute to dropouts. 'People would often look at us with pity,' says the mother of 33-year-old Shaurya Mehrotra. She says, 'The doctor said he is a gone case when he diagnosed my son has Down Syndrome. He will live like a vegetable, without doing anything.' Thirty-year-old Aditi Verma's mother shares, 'Since my daughter was a slow learner, other parents would pass insensitive comments like she is abnormal, pagal hai ye (she is mad), and suggested their children maintain distance from Aditi.' Instances like these highlight the importance of Dolly Ahluwalia's character, Preeto, Gulshan's mother in the film. Gulshan's coach was unwilling to audition him, let alone train him, due to his short height. Hence, throughout the movie, Preeto taunts Gulshan as 'tingu' (shorty), reminding him of his barriers. She recounts how her belief in Gulshan made him not only a basketball player but assistant coach to the national basketball team. We all need that cheerleader in our lives who accepts us, believes in us, stands by us, and cheers us on regardless of the circumstances. Shaurya and Aditi's mothers are among those cheerleaders, and the result? Shaurya has been running Banana Studio, a pottery studio in Gurugram, for more than a decade now. 'He can drive, goes to the pub, and enjoys his life,' adds his mother. Since 2016, Aditi has been running Aditi's Corner, a café in Navi Mumbai, managing it all by herself. She has recently opened another branch. The Census 2011 report shows that only 36 per cent of disabled people are in the workforce, of which 47 per cent are male, while only 23 per cent are female. The movie also doesn't shy away from showing harsh workplace realities. Gulshan's students, adults, and employed are not just surviving but thriving, yet they are not immune to exploitation. One student is underpaid and overworked despite being highly efficient. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), persons with disabilities are 30 per cent less likely to be in the labour force. Those employed earn 12 per cent less per hour, and in lower-income countries, the gap widens to 26 per cent, much of it due to bias. The soundtrack of the film carries this spirit of rebellion and resilience. One track goes, 'Free baith ke humko makhi nahin maarna, har daav jeetenge hum…Hum hukum ke ikke…' Another, titled 'Good for nothing,' challenges societal labels: 'Good for nothing… palat ke humne zamaane se kaha, bhaad mein jaana…' These lyrics portray persons with disabilities not as subjects of pity or unattainable inspiration, but simply as capable, driven, and deserving people. In a world of 8.2 billion, people with disabilities bring talent, creativity, and perspective. However, every day, they face challenges that hamper their ability to contribute equally to our societies. This is not only a violation of their rights but a loss for our society and its diversity. Ensuring that people with disabilities have access to equal opportunities and decent work does not happen by accident. It requires dedicated and sustained action. In a society that tirelessly tries to 'fix' people with disabilities, maybe it is time we fix our definition of 'normal'. Disability is beyond our control, but becoming a Gulshan or a Preeto is not! The writer is an advocate at the Delhi High Court
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Sitaare Zameen Par: Where teacher is no saviour but a learner
For decades, Indian cinema has revered the miracle teacher — a larger-than-life figure whose empathy and determination single-handedly transform a struggling child into a success story. However, 'Sitaare Zameen Par' signals a subtle but important shift in this storytelling device. Transformation is never unilateral In 'Sitaare Zameen Par', Aamir Khan plays Gulshan, a disgraced basketball coach sentenced to work with a team of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. At first glance, Gulshan appears poised to follow the familiar arc — a flawed man who becomes a hero through his redemptive impact on his students. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the real transformation is his own. Unlike Nikumbh Sir in Taare Zameen Par, who identifies Ishaan's dyslexia and revives his academic and emotional life, Gulshan is not the central healer. Instead, his basketball players — each with unique strengths, quirks, and emotional depth — challenge his prejudices, reshape his worldview, and teach him the value of dignity, patience, and humility. By softening the saviour narrative, the film also implicitly critiques the idea that individual heroism is a solution to systemic issues. Gulshan's growth is significant, but he does not fix the broader world — nor does the film pretend he can. His role is not to rescue but to learn, adapt, and make space. In replacing the miracle teacher with the teachable teacher, 'Sitaare Zameen Par', offers not just a more inclusive story, but a more human one. This shift reflects a growing understanding in both education and cinema: transformation is rarely unilateral. Progress, especially in inclusive spaces, emerges from reciprocal relationships. What's missing However, the film falls short in its treatment of certain systemic issues. The casual portrayal of workplace abuse and the lack of critical engagement with the exclusion of individuals from public spaces—such as schools, parks, and transportation—diminishes the film's potential impact. In a society where access remains a persistent barrier for many, representation alone is not enough. What is equally essential is interrogation: a deeper, more honest critique of the structures that perpetuate marginalisation. The film also stops short of critiquing the systems — educational, social, and legal — that perpetuate exclusion. Inclusion is not only about kind teachers and supportive peers; it's also about policy, structure, and accountability. A nod to these broader issues would have elevated the film's impact from emotional to systemic. The film only lightly touches on parental involvement. In reality, parents are often central to shaping attitudes toward inclusion, success, and diversity. A subplot that explored a parent's transformation could have deepened the narrative and made the message more holistic. (Geetha Subramaniam is a curator of effective teaching and learning strategies. She served as the Senior Manager - Academics at Chettinad Education and Services.)
