Launch Overview

On October 30, 2026, Times Internet, the digital arm of The Times of India Group, unveiled its new premium credit card — the 1838 Reserve — at an intimate cultural gathering held at Sujagi in New Delhi. The card was ceremonially revealed at precisely 18:38 hours, a symbolic nod to the founding year 1838 of The Times of India. The event was built around the theme “India's Heritage Reimagined” and unfolded in three curated chapters: What We Inherit, What We Carry Forward and What We Create.

Card Design and Features

The card’s visual identity is anchored by an original artwork created in collaboration with Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan award‑ee Krishen Khanna, inspired by his celebrated Bandwala series. This motif turns the card into a wearable piece of art. Key lifestyle benefits include:

  • Personalised travel assistance – visa application handling at the cardholder’s doorstep and fast‑track immigration at international airports.
  • Dedicated 24/7 lifestyle manager offering concierge services and priority reservations at Michelin‑starred restaurants.
  • Premium privileges such as four annual Royal Signature grooming sessions at Truefitt & Hill, complimentary luxury villa stays through Lohono Stays, and curated gifts from brands like Marshall, Smeg and Le Creuset.
  • Global hospitality status across programmes including Accor+ Gold, GHA DISCOVERY Titanium, Harrods Gold and Banyan Tree Voyager.
  • Exclusive access to VIP seating for RCB IPL matches and invitations to flagship Times Group forums such as the ET Startup Awards and the World Leaders Forum.

Cultural Event Highlights

The evening’s second chapter showcased The Manganiyar Seduction, a theatrical musical production conceived and directed by Roysten Abel. More than 40 musicians from Rajasthan’s Manganiyar community performed on a four‑tiered illuminated stage, playing traditional instruments including the kamaicha, khartal and dholak. The show built from a solitary Sufi vocalist to a powerful crescendo, illustrating how traditional art forms can be re‑interpreted for contemporary audiences.

Culinary experiences formed the final chapter. Guests first sampled creations from Nisaba by Chef Manish Mehrotra, followed by an exclusive five‑course sit‑down dinner curated by Chef Garima Arora—the first Indian woman to earn a Michelin star and the first Indian chef to earn two Michelin stars, currently heading Gaa in Bangkok. Chef Arora’s menu blended Indian flavours with a global culinary language, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of Indian gastronomy.

Target Audience and Strategic Positioning

The 1838 Reserve is positioned for a select community of founders, investors, creators, industrialists and leaders shaping modern India. It is presented not merely as a financial instrument but as a “distinctive expression of Indian heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary ambition.”

Executive Remarks

  • Harshita Singh, Business Head, Financial Services, Times Internet, said: “1838 Reserve is a celebration of legacy and craftsmanship, bringing together our heritage along with work of art by Krishen Khanna. It reflects the spirit of everything the Times of India Group has stood for since 1838.”
  • Krishen Khanna, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan award‑ee, added: “Art reflects the aspirations of its era. With 1838 Reserve, my work moves from the canvas into the hands of those actively shaping India's future.”
  • Avi Kumar, CMO of Ferns n Petals (FNP), commented: “Luxury today is about creating experiences that feel distinctive and stay with you. At FNP Luxe, we bring this to life through bespoke décor, considered gifting and artisanal details that make every occasion feel exceptional.”

Company Profile

Times Internet is India’s largest internet network, reaching over 450 million monthly users across news, sports, fintech, credit cards, loyalty and premium subscription services in English and a wide range of Indian languages. The launch of 1838 Reserve expands its fintech and lifestyle portfolio, aligning digital reach with high‑net‑worth consumer experiences.

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