Arzan Khambatta’s Life-Sized Sculptures unveiled at VR Surat – ‘Majja Ni Life’ & ‘Jaman Jalso’

-         50 Lifestyle Fashion & Food Brands Open Stores in First Phase

-         Mix of Global & National Brands Debut: Shoppers Stop, Swarovski, FCUK, Calvin Klein, Hidesign, Faces Canada and many more

27^th June, 2013, Surat: VR Surat marked the opening of its first 50 stores by unveiling two larger-than-life art installations by Arzan Khambatta at Magdalla Plaza, the city’s favourite community destination. ‘Majja Ni Life’ and ‘Jaman Jalso’, the life-sized sculptures in metal, have been inspired by the Surti love of shopping and picnics. Yazdi Karanjia, noted theatre personality and VR Surat’s Cultural Ambassador, graced the occasion.

“Art in public spaces should be simple and playful. Both ‘Majja Ni Life’ and ‘Jaman Jalso’ are fun sculptures, with a sense of movement to them. They capture everyday family scenes, such as shopping and going on picnics, adding to the visual character of VR Surat,” said Arzan Khambatta.

Sumi Gupta, Director, Virtuous Retail, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Arzan Khambatta as we continue to be inspired by Surat’s vibrant culture and rich heritage. What makes this partnership even more special is Arzan’s familial connection with Navsari – Surat’s twin city.”

Added Anupam Yog, Marketing Director, Virtuous Retail, “It is wonderful to have Yazdi-bhai Karanjia join us on this special milestone for VR Surat. Following the resounding response to the Dumas Art Project, we remain committed to expanding Surat’s cultural capital while bringing the best lifestyle brands to the city.”

The brands that have opened doors at VR Surat during its first phase are: 109F, Allen Solly, AND, Ayesha, Bagzone, Barsita Lavazza, Calvin Klein, Chemistry, Chini Thai, Color Bar, Dosa Plaza, FAB INDIA, Faces Canada, Falafel Lovers, Flying Rani, Foresight Opticals, French Connection (FCUK), Global Desi, Hidesign, Jack n Jones, Jashn, Kailash Parbat, Kraus Jeans, Laari Company, Lee, Mid day Munchies, Mothercare, Nike, Noodle Town, NOSH, O2 Spa, Olive Groove, Only, Parcos, Pepe Jeans, PUMA, Shoppers Stop, SPYKAR, Streat, Sub Station, Sunglass Hut, Swarovski, The Fruit Tree, United Colors of Benetton, Vero Moda, Wills Lifestyle, and Woodland.

 About Virtuous Retail

Established in 2007, Virtuous Retail (VR) is an institutionally owned developer-operator of community-oriented premium Lifestyle Shopping Centres in India’s top cities. Virtuous Retail’s pan-India portfolio includes prime city centre locations in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Surat and Kolkata making it the leading platform of quality retail real estate in one of the world’s most attractive consumer markets for organized retail.

Virtuous Retail combines global expertise and local knowledge to create high performance retail environments with strong urban connections. The company’s long term vision is to create new social hubs for the urban Indian consumer. It does this through "Connecting Communities™" – a platform for cultural festivals, public-private partnerships and cross-border collaborations that encourage civic pride, strengthen the local economy and enhance the city’s brand image. Virtuous Retail is sponsored by The Xander Group Inc., a leading emerging markets investment firm, which has committed US$ 600 MM in equity to the platform.