Social

₹40 Meals in Arijit Singh’s Hometown: A Family Restaurant That Stays Rooted


In a time when celebrity entrepreneurs often make headlines for luxury cafés and high-end restaurant chains, a quieter and more grounded story is unfolding in Jiaganj, in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal. Here, the family of celebrated playback singer Arijit Singh runs a modest restaurant that serves vegetarian thalis for ₹40 and offers a special student price of ₹30.

The eatery is not positioned as a celebrity attraction. It is a longstanding family business reportedly managed by his father and has been functioning well before recent social media attention brought it into wider focus. Reports since 2023 and again in May 2025 have highlighted how the restaurant continues to maintain affordable pricing despite inflation and rising food costs.

Open every day from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., the restaurant serves straightforward, home-style meals. The menu includes mix veg, shahi paneer, chicken korma and biryanis, along with the budget-friendly vegetarian thali that has drawn admiration. The emphasis remains on nourishment rather than presentation, practicality rather than prestige.

In an economy where dining out has become increasingly expensive, a ₹40 thali feels almost symbolic. For students in particular, the ₹30 option makes a tangible difference. Affordable eateries like this play an important social role in smaller towns, offering dependable meals to daily wage earners, families and young people managing tight budgets.

The contrast with celebrity-owned premium cafés — where a single beverage can cost several hundred rupees — has not gone unnoticed by fans. Many see the restaurant as reflective of Arijit Singh’s public persona: understated, grounded and connected to his roots. Known for avoiding excessive limelight despite his massive success, the singer has consistently maintained a low-profile lifestyle, and the family’s continued involvement in a simple local business aligns with that image.

For the people of Jiaganj, however, the restaurant is less about celebrity association and more about daily life. It is a place to sit, eat and share a meal without financial strain. It is part of the town’s rhythm, serving food steadily from morning until night.

Sometimes, impact does not come through scale or luxury. Sometimes, it comes through consistency. In a small town in West Bengal, a ₹40 thali continues to be served every day — quietly, reliably and without fanfare — proving that staying rooted can be just as powerful as rising to fame.

Human Interest

World’s Tallest Messi Statue Unveiled in Kolkata Ahead of GOAT Tour


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

A towering 70-foot iron statue of football legend Lionel Messi has been completed in Kolkata, with organisers calling it the largest statue of the Argentine superstar in the world. Created by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club at Lake Town in South Dum Dum, the massive installation depicts Messi proudly lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy — an image etched permanently into football history. The final finishing touches are currently underway, led by Monty Paul and his team, as the surrounding area is also being readied for the grand reveal.

West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose confirmed that the statue, despite its size and complexity, was completed in an astonishing forty days. Speaking to ANI, he said, “This is a very big statue, 70 foot in height. There is no other statue of Messi this big in the world. Messi is coming to Kolkata, and there are a lot of fans of Messi.” Bose recalled the legacy of world football icons who have visited Kolkata over the years, noting that Maradona, Emiliano Martinez and Ronaldinho had all graced the city, making Messi’s arrival feel even more historic for fans.

He shared that the idea for the statue grew naturally from local expectations. “People were saying we have a statue of Maradona, so why won’t there be one of Messi,” Bose explained. The timing of the tribute has generated added excitement, with Bose emphasising its significance ahead of the 2026 World Cup: “Messi will like this statue. Inauguration will be on the 13th virtually from Kolkata.”

Organisers stated that while Messi’s security concerns prevent him from being physically present, he will inaugurate the statue virtually on December 13. They assured that the finishing work would be completed within the next couple of days. Bose also acknowledged the strong support of state authorities, saying, “The Government has helped us a lot.”

The installation has already captured the imagination of football fans across West Bengal, with many expressing anticipation for the official unveiling. According to the organisers, the massive tribute celebrates not only Messi’s unparalleled legacy but also the deep emotional connection the people of Kolkata share with the sport. The city, known for its passionate football culture, now prepares to honour one of the most celebrated athletes of all time with a monument befitting his global stature.

Business

IHCL Adds 15 Hotels to Portfolio, Strengthens Eastern India Presence


Mumbai, July 21, 2025 – India’s largest hospitality brand, The Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL), has announced a significant expansion by signing a strategic agreement with Ambuja Neotia Group for the development of 15 new hotels, marking a major milestone in their longstanding collaboration, which now spans over 40 properties.

This move is aimed at unlocking the vast tourism potential of Eastern and North Eastern India, focusing particularly on West Bengal, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh—regions known for their natural beauty and cultural richness.

“IHCL’s pioneering legacy of destination creation now extends to the East and North East. We are delighted to grow our partnership with Ambuja Neotia, whose developments reflect the spirit of the region,” said Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL.

The new properties will include a mix of Taj, SeleQtions, Tree of Life, Gateway, and Ginger brands, catering to a broad range of travelers—from luxury to upscale and experiential segments. These hotels will be located in scenic and emerging tourist destinations like Darjeeling, Lataguri, Sunderban, Rabong (Sikkim), Siliguri, Shimla, and Raichak.

“This is a testament to the strength of our collaboration. With Taj being named the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand, these destinations will gain visibility on the global tourism map,” said Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group.

🏨 New Hotels Overview:

BrandDestinations
Taj Resorts & VillasDarjeeling, Lataguri, Sunderban, Rabong, Shimla, Raichak
SeleQtionsKolkata (2), Siliguri, Raichak, Digha
Tree of LifeLataguri, Ramgarh
GatewaySiliguri
GingerHaldia

📌 IHCL Portfolio Snapshot

Current Operating Hotels (Select):

  • Taj: Chia Kutir (Darjeeling), Guras Kutir (Gangtok), Taal Kutir & City Centre (Kolkata)
  • SeleQtions: Raajkutir (Kolkata)
  • Tree of Life: Present in Agra, Corbett, Jaipur, Varanasi, Srinagar, Gangtok, and more

Upcoming Projects:

  • Taj Ganga Kutir (Raichak)
  • Tree of Life: Sirmaur, Naldehra, Shivpuri

🏢 About the Partners

IHCL (Indian Hotels Company Ltd.)
A Tata Group company, IHCL operates iconic hospitality brands including Taj, SeleQtions, Tree of Life, Vivanta, Ginger, and the Claridges Collection. With over 400 hotels in 14 countries, IHCL leads India’s hospitality sector with a strong commitment to sustainability and destination creation.

Ambuja Neotia Group
Based in Kolkata, Ambuja Neotia is a diversified conglomerate with interests in real estate, hospitality, education, and healthcare. Notable projects include City Centre malls, Raichak on Ganges, and Neotia Bhagirathi hospitals.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Entertainment

Monali Thakur Rushed to Hospital After Experiencing Breathing Difficulties During Live Performance


Renowned Bollywood singer Monali Thakur faced a terrifying moment during a live performance in Dinhata, West Bengal, when she experienced severe difficulty in breathing. The incident occurred on January 21, leaving the audience and her team in a state of panic.

According to eyewitnesses, Monali Thakur was performing on stage when she suddenly complained of breathing difficulties. Despite efforts to continue her performance, her condition worsened, prompting her team to rush her to the hospital immediately.

Monali Thakur was admitted to a private hospital in Cooch Behar, where she is currently undergoing treatment. Her team has confirmed that she is receiving the best possible medical care and is being closely monitored by doctors.

As of now, Monali Thakur’s condition is stable, and she is responding well to treatment. Her team has requested fans and well-wishers to pray for her speedy recovery.

The news of Monali Thakur’s hospitalization has sent shockwaves among her fans, who have taken to social media to express their concern and support. Fans are praying for her speedy recovery and wishing her a speedy return to the stage.

Monali Thakur is a talented Bollywood singer known for her hit songs like “Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” from the film Dum Laga Ke Haisha and “Sawar Loon” from the film Lootera. She has also participated in several music reality shows, including Indian Idol and Rising Star.

We wish Monali Thakur a speedy recovery and hope she returns to the stage soon, entertaining her fans with her mesmerizing voice.