Priyank Sukhija, the CEO & MD of First Fiddle F&B Pvt. Ltd., has completed 25 years in the food and beverage industry, marking a significant milestone in his remarkable career. From a 19-year-old dropout setting up his first venture to becoming a leading restaurateur, Priyank’s journey is a testament to passion, creativity, and relentless ambition.

Starting in 1999 with the fine dining restaurant Lazeez Affaire at Malcha Marg, Priyank quickly made a name for himself in the hospitality industry. He followed this with the renowned club RPM at Priya Complex, and from there, his ventures only expanded. Despite coming from a family of lawyers, Priyank was the first to venture into business, altering Delhi’s hospitality landscape forever. Over the past 25 years, he has opened more than 30 different outlets, each unique and innovative.

Priyank’s success can be attributed to his love for food, music, and innovation. His brands, including Miso Sexy, Bougie, Diablo, Lord of the Drinks, Plum by Bent Chair, and Lazeez Affaire, have become some of the most talked-about names in the industry. “I realized that nothing makes me happier than eating and serving a delicious meal. Food, music, and innovation were what always inspired me and hence I ventured into an area that could fulfill this passion,” Priyank explains.

One of Priyank’s major accomplishments has been revolutionizing the F&B industry and introducing the concept of casual experiential dining to India. His establishment, Plum by Bent Chair, revived the Aerocity Worldmark area, while Diablo kickstarted the bar culture in Mehrauli, turning it into a vibrant hub. At Epicuria, Nehru Place, Priyank was a pioneer with Flying Saucer and is now reinventing the space with his new launch, Thanks & Beyond.

“My restaurants are known for providing an experience, and this makes them stand apart from the crowd. I believe in the ‘vibe’ of the restaurant, and that is what sets them apart. All my restaurants have an extensive menu with dishes and drinks that can be enjoyed by people of all ages,” says Priyank. His eateries have become one-stop solutions for complete entertainment, featuring performances by the most sought-after bands and artists.

With his numerous successes, Priyank’s ambition continues to grow. His current brands, including Diablo, Miso Sexy, and Bougie, have become the go-to destinations in Delhi for top artists and bands. His latest ventures, Diablo Cyberhub, Sitch, and Bizou-Bizou, have created a buzz in Delhi and NCR with their unique cocktail-focused concepts. Additionally, he is expanding to tier 2 cities with the introduction of Miso Sexy in Noida and Diablo in Goa.

In celebration of his 25 years of success, Priyank has opened a new restaurant, Thanks and Beyond, in Nehru Place. This venture is a gesture of gratitude to everyone who has supported him, a homage to Delhi for the love shown to him, and a promise of many more exciting ventures to come. This summer, Priyank has several more launches lined up, promising to bring even more innovation and excitement to Delhi’s F&B scene.

Priyank Sukhija’s journey in the F&B industry is a story of vision, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His passion for creating unique dining experiences has not only set him apart but has also significantly shaped the hospitality industry in India. As he continues to innovate and expand, the future looks incredibly promising for Priyank and First Fiddle F&B Pvt. Ltd.

In a significant announcement during the Union Budget 2024 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced changes to the tax slabs under the new tax regime. Since becoming the default tax regime on April 1, 2023, employees have had the option to switch to the old tax regime by notifying their employers at the start of the financial year. This choice, however, can only be exercised once annually.

Revised Tax Slabs and Options for Employees

With the recent changes to the tax slabs, effective from April 1, 2024, there may be an opportunity for employees to choose their tax regime again, specifically for the purpose of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on their salaries. This update is particularly relevant for those who initially opted for the old tax regime but may now find the new regime more appealing due to the revised slabs.

The government has been actively promoting the new tax regime, making it increasingly attractive to taxpayers. The recent adjustments are part of this effort, aimed at encouraging more individuals to transition to the new system. Those who have already opted for the new tax regime could also benefit from reduced taxes, contingent on the proposals passing through Parliament and receiving the President’s assent.

Implications for Taxpayers

The changes introduced in the Union Budget 2024 are designed to streamline the tax process and provide more favorable conditions for taxpayers under the new regime. It’s a strategic move to widen the adoption of the new tax framework, which offers simplified tax calculations and potentially lower tax liabilities for many.

As the new provisions come into effect, employees and taxpayers are advised to review their financial planning strategies. Understanding the benefits and implications of the revised tax slabs will be crucial in making informed decisions about which tax regime to choose.

For the latest updates on the Union Budget 2024 and other financial news, stay tuned to Mumbai Uncensored News.

The Indian stock market indices, Sensex and Nifty, continued their downward trend following the Union Budget 2024 announcement. The decline was driven by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s proposal to increase the securities transaction tax (STT) on futures and options, along with negative global market trends and foreign fund outflows. This combination of factors has further dampened sentiment in domestic markets.

Expert Opinions on the Market Downturn

V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, commented on the current market scenario, emphasizing the importance of selecting stocks with strong return potential. He noted, “With the steep increase in STCGs tax and a marginal increase in LTCGs tax on equity now a reality, investors should focus on investing in stocks that can deliver superior returns. FMCG stocks, particularly ITC and United Spirits, appear attractive from a valuation perspective.”

Vijayakumar also highlighted that despite the market’s short-term reactions, the Budget reinforces the India Growth Story with a focus on growth and financial stability.

Market Performance and Key Movers

Among the major players in the Sensex pack, Hindustan Unilever saw a 3% drop after reporting a modest 2.2% rise in consolidated net profit at ₹2,612 crore for Q1 FY25, influenced by price reductions. Other notable laggards included Bajaj Finance, Nestle, HCL Technologies, UltraTech Cement, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Adani Ports.

However, there were some gainers as well, with ITC, Tata Motors, Tech Mahindra, and NTPC showing positive movement.

Closing Numbers

The key benchmark indices experienced a volatile trading session on Tuesday, ending marginally lower. The BSE benchmark Sensex closed down by 73.04 points, or 0.09%, at 80,429.04. The Nifty index dipped 30.20 points, or 0.12%, to close at 24,479.05.

As investors navigate these changes, it’s essential to consider the broader implications of the Union Budget 2024 and its potential impact on the market. For continued updates and in-depth analysis, keep following Mumbai Uncensored News.