It's all about Alia Chalisia for Ashrut in SMTT

Shailendra Singh's directorial debut Sunshine Music Tours and Travels is not only about a musical Road trip but is also about chasing dreams and one of the characters Ashrut Jain better known as Raj​m​a Romeo in the film dreams about none other then the beautiful bubbly Alia Bhatt and wants to date her.

A source from the sets revealed, every character has a back hand story a dream that puts them all on the bus for a mad trip and Ashrut is in awe and loves Alia. Not only that but he throughout the film has carried a cut out of hers, expressing his love for her. But he goes a step ahead and has also written an Alia Chalis​​a which goes like:

Oh Dimple wali Cute Kudiye, Mere Maan ko Bhaye,

Tu kitni Soni hai Ladki, Tujhse Sachcha Pyar ho jaye.

Bhuddhiheen tenu janike Karan Kohar Mazak Udaye,

Lekin tu uski har film hit karati who yeah bhool jaye.

Hai aalia tu sundarta ka sagar, Hai alia tere talent ka Azhar,

Oscar ki trophy tu lana, desh ka tu naam badhana.

Jo bhi hamare beech mein aaye, Uska pura vinash ho jaye,

tujhse mein vivah karu aaisa, Aalia ki filmo ke jaisa...

“I am a huge fan of Alia Bhatt, So when Shailendra Sir told me about my character and his love for Alia Bhatt in the film, I was on the 7th sky. Also, the Alia Chalisa that I have written for her is directly from my heart. I wish my dream of meeting Alia comes true soon. People go crazy in love, I started praying in Love. I really want her to see my film SMTT. Hope she likes my acting” says Ashrut Jain

Maverick Digital gets the mandate for Shiv Naresh Sports

Maverick India is a Delhi based innovative digital marketing and research agency. Maverick bagged digital marketing and communication mandate of Shiv Naresh Sports. Maverick Digital provides end to end virtual marketing campaign for the brand which can increase the awareness, engage the masses and create a platform for upcoming sports stars of the country.

Shiv Naresh Sports Pvt. Ltd. is a well-established sports company, based in New Delhi, India. The company is a recognized manufacturer, supplier and exporter of sportswear, sports shoes, synthetic track, sports kit bag, electronic scoreboard and LED display screen all over India. These products are highly acknowledged by the sports personality in terms of quality and fittings. Products are also exported in the markets of Spain, USA, Canada, U.K, Australia, and West-Indies and other countries. Shiv Naresh has recently endorsed Rio Olympic players, hockey India and swimmers one among them is ShivaniKataria.

Mr. Omm dev Sharma& Vivek Banka Director’s, Maverick Digital says “We are happy to be associated with such a renowned brand Shivnaresh sports. Shiv Naresh always supported Indian Players and provided them a high quality sports-wear and goods since long. In its domain, Shiv Naresh is quite famous but in the masses it has a limited reach. Our campaign for this brand would be to create a mass connect and support the aspiring players. I am also a sports lover and  once you join hands with such brand which aims to motivate sports player gives more happiness and energy to work and deliver the out of the box campaigns.

Commenting about the association, Shiv Naresh Sports Director, Shiv P Singh said "We are glad to hire Maverick Group as our communication partner. We are involved in many activities and doing it on regular basis but the mass lever approach and awareness were missing. We have a limited reach in digital platform and this is the time when we have to capture the market and aware the people about Shiv Naresh products in large scale and digital is the best medium to reach. We are confident that Team Maverick will take our brand to next level.

Many Happy Returns Sandesh

Talented actor Sandesh Gour, known for his roles in Saraswati Chandra, Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi and other serials, debuted with his first Bollywood offering Meeradha last Friday. And today is another Friday with one more reason to celebrate - It’s his birthday today.

Having donned the hat for many interesting roles in various Indian television shows like Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya, Surya The Super Cop, Savdhaan India, Super Cops vs Super Villains, Sanjeev Kapoor Ke Kitchen Khiladi, Mahisagar, CID and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, he is all set to do another Bollywood project this year. To go on floors immediately after Ganesh Chaturthi, Sandesh is tight lipped about the project. He just mentioned that it’s a thriller film and is very interesting. The film has a message for the youth and revolves around the issues faced by youths today.

Sandesh also did a couple of short films under the tutelage and direction of Mohan Das with whom he did Pragaash and later Maufinaama which went on to receive many awards at various International Film Festivals. Though “Meeradha” had an average run, but being jovial and extrovert by nature, Sandesh says, “Life and career in this industry comes with all its ups and downs. But what is important is to rise above everything and keep on moving.” All set to explore varied roles and leave a mark with his acting histrionics, he says he is indebted to producer Surya Prakash Jethlia for having given him a break in Bollywood, “for which I will be forever indebted.”

As the young lad gears up for his next venture, we wish him all the very best and success in his ventures, and of course Many Happy Returns!!!

Keh do na Love hai... before its too late...

Stephen Lang leads the way in showing how far one can go to get into the skin of the character!

Acting is not just about feeling the character, but also getting into its skin, bringing a sense of realism and horror that audiences can identify with. Ace actor, Stephen Lang, goes an extra mile to add authenticity and nail the character of a blind man in his upcoming horror thriller, ‘Don't Breathe’.

He essays the role of a former member of the US military who loses his eyesight to shrapnel. To get the character as close as possible to reality, Lang wore special contact lenses that not only made his eyes look clouded over, but also prevented him from actually being able to see clearly.

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“The nature of his blindness is war wound; it’s shrapnel that shredded the eye. So it’s not just being born blind. It’s not a normal eye. They’ve been ripped up a bit. As fine an actor as I am … I can’t do that. So you create the lens. But I think we conferred about it and they did a very smart, canny job of it. It’s not that sort of zombie-like or white horror lens that you’ll see. They’re lenses that you can see the eye has been sort of messed up, but not jarringly.” says Stephen.

When asked Lang about how much he could see, he said that ​“cuts it down to just shadows.” Only an actor of Lang's caliber could carry this experiment of depicting realism and horror with such élan and ease.

Don’t Breathe is releasing September 2nd in cinemas near you.. Go watch out…

Amitabh Bachchan's dubs for free

The senior actor is known for his humility as much as his professionalism. Amitabh  Bachchan had recently made a friendly gesture for an upcoming director. Ajit Sinha, who's been an associate director on films like Vansh, Khiladi, Baazigar, Ishq, Mann, Rishtey etc. and a dialogue director on the ad film of Kalyan Jewellers and also knows the actor very well, has worked on his first project. The filmmaker is making his directorial debut with Wah Taj which is on a subject concerning social issues. So when the director approached the actor for a voice over in the film, he immediately agreed to lend his voice, which has a crucial subtext in the movie. And, in fact, he even refused to charge any fees for the same.

Director Ajit Sinha says 'When it comes to lending support Mr. Bachchan wouldn't shy away. It’s an association of past 15 years and what better blessings then to have his voice over in my directorial debut film Wah taj. I couldn't have asked for anything more. I feel really blessed.'

Releasing next friday on Janamashtami..

Releasing next friday on Janamashtami..

Do go and watch it at a theatre near you...

Films & TV World is Media Partner...

Meeradha - A beautiful love saga

Meeradha is a contemporary love saga of Krishna, Radha and Meera. With a love triangle in the first half, the story as usual shows Radha as Krishna’s first love while Meera is the modern age feminist sage whose life chronicles intense devotion to Krishna. However, the story takes a sudden but surprising turn after interval and an emotional but gripping content towards the end adds to the beauty of the film. Yes, in this modern love saga, Radha on her death bed asks Krishna to accept Meera after her. This is where the film takes a bow as Meera for the first time gets equal status as Radha who sacrifices her life and her own wishes in the service of Krishna.

Due credit can be given to the story writer (S P Jethlia who is also the Producer) for writing a story that is a bit hatke. For the first time, someone has added a new angle to the Krishna, Radha and Meera love story. Yes, instead of just being a Krishna ki deewani, Meera becomes his new bride and Krishna’s life. 

The fresher’s have done a good job especially Sandesh Gour as Krishna who looks handsome, but not a stud. Suhani Jethlia as Radha looks beautiful as always but it’s Venus Jain as Meera who with her dreamy eyes will take your heart away. The Villain’s son Laksh played by Anuj Pareek has the looks and could have done a better job as an actor as he had the opportunity to steal the show right under. On the contrary, K Venkatesh was a total waste with actually nothing to do. The director could have done a wonderful job with him but failed. The music is pleasant to the ears and although the story is quite predictable, but on the whole, Meeradha is worth watching due to its gripping tale, positive message and the fresh talents.

Arjun Kanungo's Sirikkadhey from Remo is what love songs are made of!

Heart throb Arjun Kanungo’s Tamil debut, with the talented music director, composer and singer Anirudh Ravichander, is more than what an artist could ask for. The song Sirikkadhey from the much awaited Tamil film REMO, has Arjun mellifluous sing along with debutant female singer Srinidhi and is picturised on the lead pair of the film- Sivakarthikeyan and Keerthy Suresh.

Charting a successful journey in Bollywood and sensational popularity with singles such as Baaki Baatein Peene Baad and Fursat, Arjun Kanungo steps into the South terrain with his first Tamil song.

“Remo” which is touted to be superstar Sivakarthikeyan’s highest budget movie till date, is directed by debutante director Bakkiyaraj Kannan. The actor is pairing up with Keerthy Suresh and will captivate the audience with their sizzling chemistry. If you haven't watched it yet, watch it here...

Pramod Arora appointed Director of Carnival Cinemas ​​

Dr. Shrikant Bhasi promoted Carnival Group today announced the appointment of Pramod Arora as Director of Carnival Cinemas. Pramod brings with him rich and diverse experience in the cinemas, exhibition and FMCG fund business. 

Pramod joins Carnival Cinemas from Everstone Capital Advisors Pvt Ltd. As a Director of Everstone, he helped steer consumer facing businesses of the company. He spent 18 years at PVR Cinemas as their Group President to make it India’s largest and most premium cinema multiplex company. He has also served as the Chief Operating Officer at Oberoi Realty and was instrumental in the growth strategy of the company in various real estate asset classes.

Chairman of Carnival Group, Dr. Shrikant Bhasi said, “I am extremely confident in Pramod’s capabilities and am positive that he will add immense value to our cinema business. He will play a pivotal role in ensuring that we accomplish Carnival's vision of 1000 screens by 2017.”

Commenting on his appointment as a Director of Carnival Cinemas, Pramod Arora said, “I am excited to be a part of the Carnival family and witness yet another revolution in the making from Shrikant!  I look forward to the challenge of executing Carnival’s vision of a 1000 screens by 2017. My mandate is to fast track growth of Carnival Cinemas and make Carnival Cinemas one of the most preferred brands in India and I am confident that we will execute our plans well.”

Pramod further added, “In the past, I have held executive positions where I helped develop cinemas for classes. Carnival Cinemas is the only enterprise forging ahead and creating cinemas for the masses. As an independent Director, I also look forward to learn, guide and mentor the team and together with our CEO PV Sunil, we will strive to make Shrikant’s audacious dream of 1000 screens a reality.”

Pramod is very well known in the Media & Entertainment industry for his contribution in developing the cinema multiplex business in India. Adept in all facets of retail, real estate asset class and cinema multiplex development, his flair for spotting business opportunities ahead of time, mergers, acquisitions, structured deal constructs and brand building,  makes him a force to reckon with.

During his tenure and leadership at PVR, he steered the Delhi based company with a single multiplex 4 screen company to a powerhouse of 500 screens by means of organic growth and acquisitions.

Carnival Cinemas is one of the largest multiplex chains in India. Carnival Cinemas acquired Anil Ambani’s Big Cinemas in December 2014. The Group also acquired Glitz Cinemas, which was a part of Capital 18; a subsidiary of Mukesh Ambani’s Network 18 Media in 2015 and also acquired HDIL’s multiplex chain Broadway Cinema.

Carnival Cinemas has presence in 20 states and is currently present in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Telengana, Uttarakhand and Chandigarh.

Gold Fogg, golden sip of energy by R Z International unveils its new digital commercial

All that glitters may not be gold, but all that energizes is Gold Fogg, a sip of high energy from R Z International. Developed as a perfect answer to refresh, energize and revitalize an individual’s busy lifestyle, Gold Fogg is set to make its place in the minds and hearts of every Indian through this refreshing new digital commercial featuring its brand ambassadors Sunny Leone and Jackky Bhagnani.

The new power packed commercial by Gold Fogg narrates story of today’s generation youth, played by Jackky Bhagnani and Sunny Leone who are planning their ideal date. To ensure Jackky’s parents are not at home, he replaces his father’s cold drinks with Gold Fogg energy drink so he can feel refreshed and energized after a long day at work and plan an outing with his mother. The ad truly reflects the youth life of the current generation and will go live on 19th August, 2016 on Youtube, Facebook and a few television channels.

Speaking on this development, Mr. Rahul Vinakiya, Managing Director, R Z International Pvt. Ltd said, “We are very excited to launch our new commercial with Sunny Leone and Jackky Bhagnani. Gold Fogg is a lot more than an energy drink. Through this energizing and power packed new commercial we intend make our presence felt in everyone’s daily life, young and old, and revolutionize the energy drinks’ space.”

True to its tagline, ‘Live Your Way’, Gold Fogg is a new drinking habit. It empowers an energy drink lover with high energy levels and renewed zest. This fizzy drink is endowed with handpicked ingredients and extracts known for their energizing qualities. Besides offering a reservoir of energy, it has a proven effect on physical and intellectual performance of our body.

Watch the new ad here..

Badshah’s driving slow will make you want to press the replay button

Rapper, composer, singer Badshah who is currently touring US as a part of the Dream Team today dropped his new song “Driving Slow” which promises to make you a fan of his if you are not one now!

The uber cool rapper, we hear is a huge car fanatic and the video features his  mean machine the BMW 640 D. The song instantly connects with you and the sound that is so fresh makes you want to listen to it on loop.

Says Badshah, “This is especially for my fans who have supported me ever-since i started out as an underground artist. It is all about my me, my journey and I really hope  people get inspired by it."

With a swag like no other the rapper surely has us has hooked on to this one, listen now!

SPN to launch English movie channel Sony Le Plex HD on 23rd August

Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt. Ltd. is all geared up to launch its new high definition premium English movie channel Sony Le Plex HD on Tuesday 23rd August at Taj Lands End, Bandra. A premium English movie channel, the launch was actually planned around June 2016, but the delay was caused due to seeking regulatory clearances and approvals by the network.

Sony Le Plex HD will serve avid movie viewers with films that are popular and critically acclaimed. The focus for the channel would be to present the movies in a manner not seen before. The channel will serve the discerning audiences who seek entertainment beyond the mainstream movies from Hollywood.

The network has made significant investment in securing rights for movies from Hollywood and the premieres on the channel which includes Spotlight, Ex-Machina, Foxcatcher and Straight Outta Compton to name a few and will also be home to critically acclaimed movies like The Inglorious Basterds, Schindler’s List, Taxi Driver, Gladiator, Philadelphia, etc.

Just Buy Live becomes India’s largest distributor with 2500+ marquee brands

Just Buy Live, the world’s first e-distribution platform, has accomplished a new feat by partnering with 2500+ marquee Indian and international brands, becoming the largest distributor in the country. On boarding 500 new and small businesses on an average every day, the company is confident of providing its services to over 100 thousand (one lakh) of these businesses in the next 100 days.

Just Buy Live has received a phenomenal response from the retailer community within a short span of time. Selling over 500,000 products from 2500 brands, including competing brands, across categories like Food, Beverages, Personal Care, Mobile and Auto, Just Buy has successfully brought on board 80 out of India’s and world’s 100 most trusted brands including Apple, Xiaomi, Samsung, Micromax, YU Mobiles, Oppo, Patanjali, ITC, P&G, Unilever, Coca Cola, Pepsico, Amul, Nestlé to name a few.

Commenting on achieving this significant milestone, Sahil Sani, Chairman and CEO, Just Buy Live said, “Just Buy Live was launched with a vision to democratize, disrupt and amplify the distribution industry by empowering retailers with a robust platform and direct access to a wide distribution range. The good news is that we are just getting warmed up. We are delighted with the response we have received from retailer ecosystem, and aim to double the record by becoming official distributors of 5000 brands by the end of 2016.”

Just Buy was launched with a high decibel TV and digital campaign targeting retailers with a strong message of giving hope to a vital section of India’s economy: its 15 million brick-and-mortar traders. The platform is currently catering to over 50,000 retailers, from paanwallas to udipis, kiranas to supermarkets, mobile stores to chemists. Caught between traditional and rigid distribution networks on one hand, and modern e-retailers with their aggressive discounting practices, India’s retailers are a worried lot. Just Buy is the first concrete measure striving to eliminate their worries by giving them a technology edge. It is no wonder that it has cemented its place for life in the system.

“When Just Buy was launched, one of the early challenges was to ensure that brands and manufacturers go for this disruptive concept. Expectedly, the idea got instant acceptance from companies, owing to the wide reach and benefits offered by the app and access to live data streams for business and brand owners,” Sahil further added.

Just Buy Live benefits retailers with numerous advantages by providing them access to a wide range of brands to choose from. The ability of a retailer to provide better choice to its customer is directly proportional to his chances of success. With the Just Buy app, a retailer isn’t restricted to the brands that his local distributor provides, but instead has unrestrained access to a much wider range of products delivered to his doorstep playing a vital role in aiding their expansion plans. Furthermore for retailers, margins, offers and schemes offered by the brands are critical, by selecting products that give the best margin, retailers can improve their revenues and also pass on the cost advantage to their buyers if they choose.

The ‘Just Right’ timing of the Just Buy launch, its unique business-to-business platform in the e-commerce space that connects brands and retailers and the faith reposed in it by both, all seem to point to one thing – the 100 thousand number is just a milestone in what’s turning out to be an exciting journey.

Just Buy Live is the world’s first and largest e-distributor. Launched in 2016, Just Buy Live has a Brand to Retail business model (B2R) that is unique in its efficiency, innovations and scale. The app empowers retailers by enabling them to buy goods directly from brands, while saving more through schemes and deals offered in real time.  The app’s user-friendly interface maximises convenience, democratises product access and unlocks higher profits for retailers. For brands & manufacturers, it offers wider reach, unlimited scale and relevant data.

Just Buy’s app can be used by dukandaars of all kinds - from paanwallas and kiranas to supermarkets, chemists, mobile stores, electronic shops and many more.  The app hosts over 500,000 products from 2,500 brands across categories like Foods, Drinks, Personal Care, Auto, Mobile, Tech, Home, Fashion, Toys, Sports, Stationery and others.

ItzCash eyes Rs 5,000 crore biz from entertainment segment : Strengthens Partnership with BookMyShow & dittoTV

ItzCash India’s leading digital payments facilitator is betting big on the Indian entertainment industry. The company has inked strategic partnerships with the country’s largest online   entertainment ticketing brand – BookMyShow and India’s first Live TV platform – dittoTV.

ItzCash which forayed in the entertainment space nine years ago with satellite cable / DTH recharge for Dish TV, currently garners 20% - 22% of its business from the segment. With the country’s strongest offline network reach, comprising of more than 75000 retail touch points and a dominant play in the DTH & Cable TV segment the company is now vigorously eyeing the Movie Bookings and Mobile TV sectors to drive incremental growth for the next two fiscals.

BookMyShow has added a new Cash Top-Up feature to its ‘MyWallet’ to make it even easier for everyone to transact on their app or website. This tie-up will allow users to recharge their MyWallet by paying cash at the nearest ItzCash World outlet. While in its partnership with dittoTV, the company aims to capitalize on its offline network to offer revolutionary Rs. 20 easy-recharge for monthly subscription.

The company has been witnessing a consistent growth of approx. 40% Y-o-Y in the entertainment sector and is now aiming to grow its current volume for Rs. 3,000 Crore to over Rs. 5,000 crore by FY2018.

Commenting on the partnerships Mr. Bhavik Vasa - Chief Growth Officer, ItzCash said, “India is fast becoming a Digital Country and will soon be the world’s 2nd largest market with 650 million Internet users and 520 million Smart phone users by 2020 as per a recent Google-BGC Digital Payments report. Food and Entertainment sector tops the list of adoption and growth of digital payments.

Our partnership with BookMyShow and dittoTV will benefit the larger sections of the society while enhancing customer experience. While with these tie-ups, our partners will leverage our deep entrenched retail network, we plan to aggressively build on our customer base in the online entertainment industry.”

Marzdi Kalianiwala, Vice President - Business Intelligence and Marketing, BookMyShow, said, “At BookMyShow, we believe in customizing our offerings to address the needs of our consumers. While acceptance for online payments is on the rise, a significant set of users still remain to be apprehensive about it, either due to lack of proper internet infrastructure facilities or security concerns, which prevents them from actively using BookMyShow to meet their entertainment demands.  By introducing Cash Top-Up to our ‘MyWallet’, we are eliminating these barriers and extending our services to those who prefer cash as their preferred mode of payment. We are delighted to partner with ItzCash, which will enable users book tickets on the BMS app and website without having to use their credit/debit cards or net banking.”

With a stark change in consumer preferences and a steady growth in disposable incomes over the years, the spend on entertainment has continuously been on the rise. And with India’s Pay-TV poised to grow to $12.3 billion by 2018, ItzCash is targeting an average growth of 42% in its overall revenues through such new services for the Indian consumer.

City BMM Students “Shoot To Kill...Tobacco”

In a country where every second issue struggles to keep its head up for social attention, tobacco awareness lies at the bottom of the pit as far as focus is concerned. But a bunch of enthusiastic young media students from Mumbai have taken the first steps to change this priority.

“Shoot to Kill Tobacco: Make an AV contest” is the city’s largest BMM only initiative launched by the Salaam Bombay Foundation, involving young media students who scratched their heads to create innovative audio-visuals, aimed at changing the pace of anti-tobacco awareness in the city.

On Wednesday, the team from Sathaye College was an elated bunch as their AV won the first prize at the competition. The winners were felicitated at a function held at the Mudra House, Mumbai, which headquarters India’s largest integrated marketing communications and services network, the DDB Mudra group. The event was attended by eminent personalities from the media and film industry.

As part of the contest, students from Mumbai’s top BMM colleges were required to produce a three to four-minute-long audio-visual which could be a docu-film, an advertisement, a news package or any other that fit the AV format and focused on addressing the issues of tobacco usage in India. The winner was shortlisted by a grand jury comprising of some of the most renowned names from the industry including musician Salim Merchant, ace photographer Atul Kasbekar, Sonal Dabral, Chairman & CCO, DDB Mudra Group and Nikhil Taneja, Head of Content & Development, Y-Films and noted Bollywood screenplay and script writer Rekha Nigam.

Students from some of the most prestigious colleges in the city including, K L Raheja, MD, Thakur, Sathaye, Patkar amongst others participated in the contest. Each college had two teams representing it. What made the contest even more distinctive was the fact that the winning team received the propitious opportunity to pursue a one-month internship with the Mudra Group.

The team at Salaam Bombay Foundation conceptualized the idea of the contest as an endeavour to sensitise youngsters and create awareness among them about the ill effects of tobacco use through fresh out-of-the-box ideas. Also, with a growing demand for tobacco-control messages that are more creative, more appealing and less horrific, the team hoped that an attempt like this one could bring in a fresh perspective to tobacco-control campaigns. Said Aditi Parikh, VP, Communications & Development, Salaam Bombay Foundation, “Most of the images that are used in tobacco ads are so horrific that they turn off the viewer. But the issue is very critical and needs to reach more and more people. Through this contest, Salaam Bombay Foundation is offering an opportunity for the youth to reach out to their own age group and raise awareness about an issue which needs critical social attention”

The contest also gave the participating students an opportunity to showcase their work before some of the best minds in media. Mr. Sonal Dabral, who was part of the jury that selected the winning team, said "The quality of work presented by the participants today was excellent. Use of tobacco in India is a pressing matter and needs fresh thinking to provide effective communication solutions. It was therefore a delight to see these young creative minds grapple with this difficult subject and come up with such engaging ideas.”

One of the students from the winning team said. “Tobacco is a well acknowledged social and health evil. It affects young as well as old people alike and it is important to create awareness about the issue and the audio visual medium is one of the best ways to do that. We are glad that Salaam Bombay Foundation provided us this platform through this contest to bring out our ideas about this danger.”

Through the initiative, Salaam Bombay Foundation also aimed to create awareness among youngsters about the marketing tactics used by tobacco companies around schools and colleges to attract youth. Said Ms. Parikh, “Our colleges are huge breeding grounds for tobacco addiction. Exposure to various marketing strategies by tobacco companies makes the students more vulnerable. Through this contest we wanted to offer an opportunity for the youth to reach out to their own age group and raise awareness about an issue which needs critical social attention.”

I always wanted to debut with a lead role in Bollywood: Suhani Jethlia

Though Suhani Jethlia is debuting with Meeradha, she carries poise and confidence. If the director’s statements are to be believed, Suhani is all ready to steal the hearts of the audience with her brilliant performance. According to the director, she has been roped in to essay Radha in the film. “She has been cast because she is meant for the role that she’s doing. She has given a brilliant performance in the film and believe me, Suhani is an excellent actor who can give a brilliant output.” We thought it’s time to test this debutante actress and check her confidence levels. Films & TV World editor Soham Siddharth caught up with her on Independence Day during her movie promotion in Mumbai. A tete-a-tete with this glam doll..

Films & TV World: You are making your debut with the most romantic film of the season. How do you feel about it?

Suhani Jethlia: I am so excited that my film Meeradha is releasing today. I always wanted to debut with a lead role in Bollywood and god has answered my prayers. While growing up I kept on hearing a lot of stories about how much an actor has to struggle before making it big, but I am really lucky to get work quite easily and that too in our home production. But at the same time I’m nervous also as it’s my debut. I am just keeping my fingers crossed and praying to the almighty and hoping for the best. There is a fear but I believe that public will like our movie for sure.

FTV: Tell us about your character in the film?

Suhani: I played the character of Radha - a very stylish, sexy, modern, rich girl. She is naughty too but sincerely loves Krishna. I am really happy that I got to play the character of Radha as I could portray all sorts of emotions. And being a youth oriented romantic commercial film, I had to look gorgeous and glamorous too.

FTV: To look glamorous, have you taken any special care?

Suhani: Not at all. As this is our home production, I rather had to multi-task and manage a lot of things including shooting and production at the same time.

FTV: How was it working with team Meeradha and especially Sandesh Gour?

Suhani: It was really a great experience. I want to appreciate all the team members’ efforts and like to add that all have done a great job. As this is almost everyone's debut, so all are full of enthusiasm and excited too. As regards Sandesh, I want to say that he is very cooperative, loveable, hardworking man with a great soul. While shooting on sets with the director sir he also helped me a lot. And in future if I got a chance to work with him then I will definitely not think twice.

FTV: How different is your role from Venus?

Suhani: My role is totally different from Venus. She is a very sincere girl and I am just opposite to her. There is just one similarity between both of us - we both love Krishna by heart. However, she is playing Meera and me Radha.

FTV: Did you any time wanted to do Venus’s role?

Suhani: No, never. This thought never crossed my mind as I had the option to play any character that I wanted to choose - be it Radha or Meera. I have myself selected the character of Radha and I think Venus has done a splendid job as Meera. Only she could do justice to it. And I am very happy with my character Radha, which in any way is diametrically different from the one performed by Venus. Also the role of Radha suits my real life nature too. But in future I am ready to play all sorts of roles.

FTV: Have you taken any acting course before entering films?

Suhani: Not really. But since childhood I am very active in all cultural and sports activities and that has helped me a lot while shooting. I have also given many stage shows and naturally I was confident that I won’t have any nervousness or anything while facing the camera or shooting for my movie.

FTV: Was it easy being your father’s film?

Suhani: This is a professional project. Of course, the producer happens to be my dad, but instead of that being a plus point, I was expected to give my best shot. It wasn’t that I was free to do anything; rather it tied me down with more responsibilities. Many have the notions that since my dad is the writer- producer, he selected me for the lead role. But this is absolutely wrong and I was selected by our director Ashish Sinhaji. In a way, I am glad that I got this opportunity because of my hard work and my talent, which added to my confidence.

FTV: You have also sung for the project. Are you a trained singer?

Suhani: Yes basically I’m a singer by profession. I have completed my Senior Diploma in Music from Prayag Sangeet Samiti (Allahabad). In a way, you can say that I’m debuting as a singer actor and I have an one item cum party song which is also picturised on me.

FTV: What is your special number from the film?

Suhani: Its not my own number. I rather love “Tumhari chahaton ka silsila” sung by Shaan sir. He has an amazing voice and that song literally takes my heart away. I am happy that the song is shot with me and Sandesh and it will forever be a memorable part of my life.

FTV: What are you looking to do in future?

Suhani: I am waiting for the audience reactions to the movie and especially my acting. If my work is good, if the audience and the industry accepts me whole-heartedly, I will surely make a career in this field. And I am really hoping that after Meeradha, I will certainly make it happen in the field of singing and/or acting. Given a chance and if good roles come to me, I will definitely go ahead. Rest all depends on what the almighty has planned for me. I’m sure it has to be good. Amen..!!

Whether the film will do any magic at the box-office or not is an entirely different ballgame. However we are sure that it will surely earn fame for this pretty girl from Bhilwara who’s debuting as an actress as she is a natural and doesn’t have to act. It’s time to watch her talent in acting as the film releases today pan India. Go catch it at a movie theatre near you.

Ashok Saraf dancing to Cheap Thrills is the best thing you would see today!

Sia’s Cheap Thrills, the song that has been ruling the clubs and parties all over India, today has literally crossed over to the other side with Being Maharashtrian creating a fun video of Ashok Saraf, Sachin Pilgaonkar dancing to the song. Cheap Thrills seems to be the only English / International song to have so many UGC’s as it is a song that people own in some way or the other. We are sure this video will definitely bring a smile to your face, check it out now!

http://video.genfb.com/1652188798432892

Pidilite presents Rakhis made by students across India to the Indian Army on Raksha Bandhan

Pidilite’s, the maker of iconic brand Fevicol, launched a nationwide Rakhi making initiative on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The brand encouraged children across India to create handmade Rakhis and cards for their brothers in Armed Forces, as a token of gratitude and respect for them. On the eve of Raksha Bandhan Pidilite presented these Rakhis to the Army Jawans.

 

For the campaign, Fevicol had provided tutorial sheets of 6 unique ideas for Rakhi creation, which kids took the guidance and inspiration from while creating the Rakhis. Fevicryl also provided sheets to beautify and add different kinds of design to the Rakhis. Over one lakh students across 300 schools and 50 cities pan-India participated in the event. The initiative was organised in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Surat, Baroda, Nagpur, Nashik, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Jaipur, Udaipur, Indore, Varanasi, Lucknow, Chennai and Pune among other cities.

As a part of the campaign, Pidilite had also associated with Om Creations Trust, a leading NGO for differently-abled young adults. These young adults who suffer from Down syndrome paid tribute to the spirit of the army jawans by presenting their exquisite Rakhi creations to guest of honor Lt.Col. K.J. Singh, C.O.D, Mumbai region who had graced the occasion with his presence.

 

Mr. Rahul Sinha, President- Arts & Stationery Business, Pidilite Industries said, “It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm with which children across India created hand-crafted Rakhis to thank the Indian army for protecting the nation. The Indian Army has appreciated the efforts taken by the students and was delighted to receive the rakhis. The initiative was successful in bringing vital stratas of the society together by means of art and it gives immense satisfaction to know that Pidilite served as an inspiration to students take up art and ignite their inner creativity.”

Pidilite’s art & stationery business, with brands like Fevicol and Fevicryl, constantly strives to nurture creativity among children through Art and Craft, and facilitates this through its range of products, as well as innovative content ideas.

Michael Phelps has Steve Aoki to thank for his medals, guess why?

Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has had a record-breaking time over there in Rio de Janeiro, winning his 13th individual gold medal, bringing that to a record-breaking 28 total medals. This Baltimore bullet Has Steve Aoki to thank for all his medals and that’s because the swimming champion listens to him before taking the jump into water!  In his recent interview he mentioned right before winning the 4×100-meter medley relay last Saturday, he listened to Steve Aoki and Afrojack’s “No Beef.” ! We are sure Steve will be happy to hear this…

Bollywood Superstars Katrina Kaif & Sidharth Malhotra take Kala Chashma Craze Global with CNN International Appearance

Baar Baar Dekho continues to take the world by storm as two of Bollywood’s biggest superstars, Katrina Kaif and Sidharth Malhotra, and the lead stars of the film, performed live to the hit Bollywood track, Kala Chasma, on CNN International’s flagship programme Quest Means Business in New York.

Performing to 350mn + viewers worldwide, this may well have been the first time that two major Bollywood stars have performed live to a Bollywood track on a US news network as part of their film promotion.

Their appearance on CNN is only the latest chapter in Baar Baar Dekho’s global domination. It comes after the film’s song,Kala Chashma, broke the internet with over 47 million views on YouTube and sparked a massive viral dance phenomenon called the #KalaChashmaChallenge that has taken over the world. 

The craze has since gone global and has even been played for the Indian hockey team at the Olympic Games in Rio. Presented by Eros International in association with Excel Entertainment and Dharma Productions, Baar Baar Dekho is directed by Nitya Mehra and will hit cinemas on 9th September 2016.

The popularity of Kala Chashma worldwide as well as lead actors Sidharth Malhotra and Katrina Kaif’s appearance on CNN international only furthers cements the global popularity and audience for Indian cinema.

Wishing you all A very Happy Raksha Bandhan..

Raksha Bandhan is a special day for brothers and sisters pan India. It’s a celebration of the bond of love and adoration shared between brother and sister. But many of our actors from the films and television fraternity stay away from home and also don’t get holidays to be with the family during such celebration time. And some are going to celebrate it in a very special way. As all get ready to celebrate the festival in their own style and elan, Films & TV spoke to quite a few of them and tried to know how they are going to bring in this festival of bonds and threads.

Let’s see who is going to celebrate how and what gifts they will be giving their sister on this special day. We at FTV on purpose have also tried to get you the promising ones and who are sure to score a name and a mark in this industry soon. One among them is Sandesh Gour who is going to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with his sister in his home town Nagpur on this special day. And what gift is this brother going to give his sister? Well, he will take her to a Bollywood Movie Premiere which she always dreamt of. Which movie? Read more to know.

Sandesh Gour

Actor - Meeradha

My sis always dreamt of going to a Bollywood Movie Premiere. I could have taken her to a few, but since my family is at Nagpur and the Premieres happening in tinsel town Mumbai, it was a bit difficult. But this time, I have decided to take her to one and that too in her own city. Yes, I will be taking her tomorrow to a special premiere in Nagpur of my own film – Meeradha. And I hope she loves and cheers the hero in the film. Cos as a brother, I’m her favourite always.

Sumit Bansala

Producer - Keh Do Na Love Hai, Nirnay & Kar Gayee Chull

I will be having a traditional event and will be celebrating at home with my sister coming over to tie rakhi all the way from Delhi. Rakhi to me is not only a festival of thread representing love and affection, but the magic of this bond is that it strengthens relations between siblings. I still recollect when I was unwillingly force-fed a lot of traditional Indian sweets on this special day. As for what I will give her? I usually buy her clothes and whatever she wants, but this time I have a special gift for her.

Sachin Chhabra

Film & TV Actor

Though I don't have a real sister, my two cousin sisters tie me rakhi. One has already sent me through post and so will celebrate it on Skype with her. The other one is gonna come home and it will be great time for re-bonding. Normally, we brother gets gifts but yes even we give them cash as a shagun or u may say bribe. But the love of a sister is only for all the lucky ones. And I'm real lucky to have wonderful sisters for life.


Armaan Khan Basith

Model & upcoming star

I have been extensively travelling all over Thailand and will be returning home tomorrow. Though we don’t celebrate Raksha Bandhan that way, but this year will be something different as I will be celebrating it. It will be etched in my memory forever. I’m just looking forward to come back to India and celebrate it. I will try to surprise with some unique gift as the festival is all about celebration and spreading love and happiness.

Rishank Tiwari

Film Actor - Love Day

Rakhi alwys reminds me of my first childhood friend and playmate‚ my sister. More than celebrating the bond of a brother and sister, rakhi is all about friendship for me and this year fortunately my I have planned a big surprise for my sisters - loads of gifts and chocolates and a surprise get together with all my family at my sisters place. That’s the plan.

Sunny Goraya

TV Actor - Bade Acche Lagte Hai & others

Rakhi has always been a very special occasion for me. This is a day when we all gather to celebrate the love and bond of brothers and sisters. This year is no exception, however, will be missing my elder sis as she is married and settled in the US. My younger sister Preeti is here and she loves shopping. I have already taken her for shopping and she is all excited about the stuff she bought for herself. Di has sent me a rakhi and my younger sis will tie me for her. As usual there will be loads of mithais and I gorge on them as I take a break from my usual diets. This festival makes me feel closer to my sisters and needless to add that I love them a lot and they too.

Girish Nagpal

Actor - Strings of Passion Nirnay & Kar Gayee Chull

I don't have a real sister but I have many cousins. This time due to work commitment I am in Mumbai otherwise I am at my hometown with my cousins. I have received my Rakhi’s through courier which I will ask my local rakhi sister to tie me. Apart from the ones couriered to me, one of my cousin sent it on whatsapp and said eco friendly Rakhi. I too am gonna reciprocate by sending her currency through whatsapp. Hail the internet era.

Karan Singh Chhabra

Film, TV Actor & Anchor

It’s a beautiful festival promoting love between brother and a sister. It’s a special bond which I always cherish. This year I will be celebrating Raksha Bandhan on the sets of the television show Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasma with all ladies on the show tying me Rakhi. The show which is already celebrating more than 2000 episodes is paying a special tribute to the jawaans of the armed forces who defend us and help us live in peace. All the ladies of the show plan to celebrate Raksha Bandhan by tying rakhi’s to the army Jawaans and I’m roped in for this special episode.

Amit Khandelwal

Model & upcoming star

These days, youths mostly are living apart from their families for their career. Same is with me. For me raakhi is a family celebration of happiness and joy galore. It’s a festival which unites two souls for lifetime – a bond that speaks of protection of sister by his brother selflessly. I am in my hometown Indore and will be celebrating it with my sister and family. This is one celebration, I cannot forego without being home at any cost.

Soham Maiti

Actor & Model

I’m based here in Mumbai for my career and I’m unable to go home. However, I will go to my rakhi sister's place and though she is not my real sis she is more than a real sis to me. She is my mentor and guide at every situation and she not only ties rakhi on my wrist but takes care of my emotional needs as well as here in Mumbai I live alone. I will try to surprise her with some unique gift. And of course being a festive day, it’s a day to keep aside all diet charts and celebrate by gorging on good food.

We at Films & TV World wish them all the best in their endeavour and wish all our readers a very Happy Rakshabandhan.