India Gate Basmati & Amitabh Bachchan Unveil Top Class, No Khulla Class Campaign

New Delhi, 18th February 2025: KRBL Limited, parent to India Gate Basmati Rice—the World’s No.1 Basmati Rice Brand— has launched its latest campaign, ‘India Gate: Only Top Class, No Khulla Class,’ featuring Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan. With this campaign, India Gate Basmati Rice nudges consumers to choose packaged basmati over loose (“khulla) basmati.

In Hindi-speaking regions, nearly 70% of basmati is still purchased loose (khulla). Many consumers have traditionally opted for loose rice, assuming all basmati is alike. In a category leader stance, India Gate Basmati Rice challenges this buying behaviour inertia.
The launch of this campaign is complemented by India Gate Basmati Rice’s reimagined consumer packaging—a step designed to empower buyers with transparency, convenience, and confidence at the point of purchase. With these purposeful packs, the brand reinforces its consumer-first approach and empowers consumers to make the right choice of Basmati.

Building on the success of the 2022 ‘Basmati Rice Se No Compromise’ campaign, this new initiative takes the conversation further with Amitabh Bachchan—a voice synonymous with trust and credibility. The campaign is built on a strong consumer insight that for most important things in life, consumers always choose the very best for their families. The brand asks a though-provoking question “If everything else in life—education, career, and lifestyle—is Top Class, why settle for Khulla Class when it comes to basmati rice?”
With his presence, Amitabh Bachchan amplifies the message that India Gate Basmati Rice isn’t just about buying rice—it’s about choosing a commitment to quality, purity, and consistency.

Speaking about the campaign, Kunal Sharma, Head of Marketing & Business Head, Modern Trade & E-commerce, KRBL Limited, said:
“Staples being a lower involvement category, much of the purchase decision happens on habit. With this campaign, India Gate challenges this inertia calling out their choice of Basmati as a reflection of who they are thereby urging consumers to make the right choice. Amitabh Bachchan’s presence adds unparalleled authority to this message. He isn’t just endorsing a brand; he’s sparking a movement—a movement where consumers demand only the best for themselves and their families. With ‘Only Top Class, No Khulla Class,’ we are setting a new benchmark in the packaged basmati rice industry.”

The campaign, which went live in February 2025, is supported by a robust 360-degree media strategy. It leverages television as its mainstay, alongside Connected TV (CTV) campaigns for digital-savvy audiences. Radio partnerships, outdoor promotions with striking billboards, and retail-level activations ensure the message reaches diverse audiences. Purposeful branding in store aisles, dealer boards, and in-store activations further solidify the brand’s presence at the point of purchase.

Amitabh Bachchan Sells Mumbai Duplex for Rs. 83 Crore

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan has sold his duplex apartment in Oshiwara, Mumbai, for Rs. 83 crore, according to property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards on the website of Inspector General of Registration (IGR) The transaction was registered in January 2025.

Oshiwara, a bustling neighbourhood in western Mumbai, is known for its vibrant lifestyle and strategic location near the Lokhandwala Complex. Well-connected by roads and the Mumbai Metro, it offers a seamless blend of urban convenience and modern living. The property is located in The Atlantis, a residential project by Crystal Group in Oshiwara, spread across 1.55 acres, offering 4, 5, and 6 BHK apartments.

As per the IGR registration documents reviewed by Square Yards, the premium duplex apartment spans a built-up area of 529.94 sq. m (~5,704 sq. ft) and a carpet area of 5,185.62 sq. ft (~481.75 sq. m). It also features a spacious terrace measuring 445.93 sq. m (~4,800 sq. ft) and includes six mechanized car parking spaces. The transaction incurred a stamp duty payment of Rs. 4.98 crore and registration charges of Rs. 30,000.

Square Yards’ analysis, based on a review of IGR registration documents, reveals that the duplex apartment was purchased by Bachchan for Rs. 31 crore in April 2021 and was currently sold for Rs. 83 crore, reflecting a remarkable 168% increase in value. Additionally, the same apartment was given on rent to actress Kriti Sanon in November 2021 for a monthly rent of Rs. 10 lakh and a security deposit of Rs. 60 lakh, according to IGR lease documents reviewed by Square Yards.

Amitabh Bachchan, the iconic Bollywood actor, is celebrated for his towering presence and unmatched acting skills. With a career spanning over five decades, he has delivered unforgettable performances in films like Sholay, Deewar, and Piku. Known as the “Shahenshah of Bollywood,” he has won numerous accolades, including four National Film Awards, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and multiple Filmfare trophies. His global recognition includes the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan honours