Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad   

Mahesh Babu opens Jos Alukkas outlet

PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU

‘PRINCE' CHARMING:Actor Mahesh Babu going around the Jos Alukkas showroom at Punjagutta

HYDERABAD: Many youngsters passing by Punjagutta on Saturday morning went crazy on spotting actor Mahesh Babu, who opened Jos Alukkas' first jewellery showroom in the city. Cheering and whistling, his fans went wild soon as he arrived at Punjagutta to inaugurate the showroom.

Autograph hunters

The scene was no different inside the showroom. Visitors tried every trick to get his autograph and capture images of the star on their mobile phones, giving a tough time to a battery of news channel camera persons and photographers, covering the event.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Mahesh Babu said he was proud to be associated with Jos Alukkas and promoting their brand. To a question, the star said he had not presented any jewellery to his wife. “But I am looking forward to it now,” he said.

Jos Alukkas which has its presence across Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry opened its 25th showroom in Hyderabad. There are plans to open four more showrooms, including Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, said Varghese Alukkas, Managing Director of Jos Alukkas.

“Our annual turnover is Rs. 1,000 crore and we are targeting Rs. 1,400 crore next financial year,” said Mr. Alukkas. Besides, choosing from wide range of jewellery, including wedding, antique, customers have the opportunity to buy personalised diamond jewellery, he said. Mayor Banda Karthika Chandra Reddy was also present on the occasion.

Arrested

Meanwhile, the police arrested two persons of Jos Alukkas, a jewellery showroom holding them responsible for slow down of traffic at Punjagutta.

This was a first of its kind reaction by the police in recent times over public events resulting in traffic jams. As hundreds gathered to have a glimpse of the star and scores of motorists too stopped by to find out what was happening, traffic came to standstill at Punjagutta junction.

“The higher-ups already announced that permission should be obtained for events like inauguration or organising an event involving celebrities,” Punjagutta SI U. Srinivas Reddy, said. He maintained showroom communications manager, Gangadharan and MD John Alukkas, invited action under section 188 (disobedience to law duly promulgated by public servant) of IPC as they didn't secure permission.

Sections 21 and 76 of City Police Act too were invoked against the duo. They were arrested and presented before a local court.

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