Havas India has launched Shortcut Shobiz India, a new experiential agency focused on the luxury and lifestyle segments. The agency has been established in partnership with Paris-based luxury and lifestyle experiential agency Shortcut and Shobiz, Havas India’s experiential marketing agency.
The launch marks Shortcut’s entry into the Indian market, following its recent expansion into Milan. The move comes amid the growth of India’s luxury market, which is estimated to be worth between $10 billion and $12.1 billion, according to the 2025 State of Fashion report by McKinsey & Company and The Business of Fashion.
Shortcut Shobiz India will be led by Farah Lauren Khan as Vice President. Based in Mumbai, Khan brings more than 15 years of experience across experiential marketing and brand strategy, with a focus on luxury and lifestyle brands.
Throughout her career, Khan has worked with global brands including Apple, Bvlgari, Cartier, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Estée Lauder, Ferrari, Gucci, Hermès, Jo Malone, Rolls-Royce, Rolex, St. Regis Hotels, Tod’s, Zara and W Hotels, among others. She will report to Sameer Tobaccowala, CEO, Shobiz.
Positioned around the philosophy of “Experiences Designed with Artistic Intelligence”, Shortcut Shobiz India will combine Shortcut’s French savoir-faire and global creative expertise with Shobiz’s local capabilities and Indian craftsmanship. The agency will design and produce experiences and events for luxury brand houses, institutions and organisations.
Christophe Pinguet, co-founder and co-president, Shortcut, said the launch marked a significant milestone for the agency following its 30th anniversary in July 2026. He said the partnership would bring together French expertise, artistic intelligence, operational excellence and India’s creative talent to develop experiences that are locally relevant and globally inspiring.
Lionel Laval, co-founder and co-president, Shortcut, said the partnership was built around shared values and complementary expertise. He added that combining Shortcut’s creative capabilities with Shobiz’s production strength and understanding of the Indian market would create opportunities for a new generation of immersive experiences across luxury, beauty, fragrance and lifestyle.
Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, SEA & North Asia (Japan & South Korea), said the partnership comes at a time when India’s luxury and lifestyle market is witnessing rapid growth. He added that Shortcut Shobiz India is the 26th expertise to be added to the One Havas ecosystem in India.
Barua also highlighted Havas India’s existing roster of more than 1,000 clients, including several luxury and lifestyle brands, and said the new agency would help deepen existing client relationships while opening up new business opportunities in the luxury category.
Sameer Tobaccowala, CEO, Shobiz, said the experiential industry in India has evolved from event delivery to creating immersive brand experiences. He added that the partnership would combine Shortcut’s global creative heritage with Shobiz’s creative capabilities, scale and understanding of Indian consumers.
Shortcut Shobiz India will operate from Shobiz’s offices across India.
