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  • Bharat Pavilion at the 77th Cannes Film Festival inaugurated with fanfare

    Bharat Pavilion at the 77th Cannes Film Festival inaugurated with fanfare

    Mumbai: In a year that spells magic for Bharat at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, with numerous official selections across sections, The Bharat Pavilion was inaugurated amidst much fanfare today at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in France.

    Organized each year at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival by FICCI as a industry partner and NFDC under the aegis of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, this significant milestone marks India’s continued commitment to showcasing its rich cinematic heritage and fostering international collaborations with the global film fraternity.

    The grand inauguration ceremony was led by secretary of ministry of information and broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju along with H.E. Jawed Ashraf, ambassador of India to France.

    The momentous inauguration was also witnessed by esteemed dignitaries, renowned filmmakers, and industry leaders coming together to celebrate the essence of Indian cinema. Guests present included Tholoana Rose Ncheke, chairperson, the National Film and Video Foundation, South Africa, Christian Jeune, director of films department, deputy general delegate, Cannes Film Festival, and Filmmaker Richie Mehta among others.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Sanjay Jaju said “Heartening to have more Indian projects in the Cannes official selection this year, one each in the competition in uncertain regard and let me also confess that both these projects have been the beneficiaries of the support from the government in terms of the incentive as well as the official core productions.”

    “The Bharat Pavilion here would serve as a hub for networking, collaboration, promotion of Indian Cinema on the global stage. We would like to foster a greater collaboration between the Indian audiovisual industry and international counterparts, thereby enhancing the visibility and accessibility of Indian Cinema worldwide and serve the national goal of using the power of Cinema to enhance the country’s soft touch.” Added the Secretary.

    “India is gaining attention worldwide, both geopolitically and economically, due to its philosophical contributions, thoughts, and ideas. Its role in a multipolar world of great uncertainty is significant as we transition from the existing international order into a new one. All these aspects are interconnected, making it increasingly important for us to have a greater presence abroad, particularly in cinema” Said H.E. Jawed Ashraf.

    “It’s such a momentous occasion of Indian cinema here. Personally, for me, I wouldn’t have a career if not for the film festival community. The festivals have helped me unlock a career. It’s a real honour to be a part of this inaugural.“ said Richie Mehta.

    Many states like Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra among others are present representing India at Cannes Film Market this year.

    The Bharat Pavilion serves as a dynamic platform, providing a gateway to the diverse landscape of Indian films, talent, and industry opportunities and is set to host a series of scintillating panel discussions and networking sessions during the 77th Cannes Film Festival.

  • Sonam C Chhabra to debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival

    Sonam C Chhabra to debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival

    Mumbai: Sonam C Chhabra is all set to spread her wings and fly out to Cannes! One reel at a time, Sonam has become a ray of positivity and inspiration for young girls on social media.

    Chhabra, was recently seen in Amazon Prime’s popular show  ‘Made in heaven’ and emceeing at coveted live events such as Filmfare awards, India Fashion Awards and the likes. She will grace the Cannes red carpet with her presence

    Hailing from Old Delhi and now in Mumbai, Sonam started her journey as an event host and then forayed into acting and content creation. She has made a mark for herself in the entertainment industry and is currently one of India’s leading influencer and emcee. She has shared the stage with the likes of AR Rahman, Karan Johar, Sara Ali Khan, Diljit Dosanjh and many more notable figures. With an organic following of over 500k followers across social media platforms, Sonam’s thoughtful and mindful content is like a breath of fresh air.

    “While with eager anticipation I await stepping onto the Cannes Red Carpet, which is a huge testament for how far I have come along in my journey and in my career. It has not been without its fair share of hurdles and I am proud of where I am today. This milestone is a dedication to my mother whose dream was to see me there, she is not with me in this world anymore but she is watching over me” confidently said Sonam C Chhabra on this celebratory occasion.

  • AR Rahman faces legal trouble over Le Musk copyright issues

    AR Rahman faces legal trouble over Le Musk copyright issues

    Mumbai: Koshayojan Services Ltd and MAI Labs LLC, entities under the MAI Group, known for their cutting-edge innovations in immersive experiences, have initiated legal proceedings against acclaimed music composer, A.R Rahman, along with other entities such as Positron, LLC, Intel Corporation, and The Feelies Ltd who were involved in the production of a short cinematic sensory experience film titled ‘Le Musk’.

    ‘Le Musk’ purportedly incorporates elements strikingly reminiscent of MAI Group’s pioneering technology, raising significant questions about intellectual property rights and creative ownership in the entertainment industry. Produced and directed by AR Rahman, it is a 37-minute cinematic sensory experience. The virtual reality piece is a one-of-a-kind sensory experience using scents and haptics.

    The MAI group has enlisted the expertise of top law firm, Luthra and Luthra Law Office India, to spearhead legal action against the unauthorized utilization of their revolutionary sensory-driven technology which seamlessly integrates all five human senses into immersive content interactions, transcending the conventional boundaries of sensory experiences.

    The entities under MAI Group plan to sue him against “unauthorized utilization of their revolutionary sensory-driven technology.” The group claimed to have a technology that can integrate all human senses and create a transcendental immersive experience for all its users.

    With MAI Group’s portfolio of six cutting-edge patents, they redefine the boundaries of sensory experiences. Their patented inventions provide a novel approach to creating a unified content system that integrates all five human senses – sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch – into a single or multiple devices. By delivering a comprehensive and immersive five-sense content interaction, in which parts of the content interaction system are integrated into a piece of smart furniture, MAI Group’s innovative system is set to revolutionize the way users perceive and interact with content in its unique way.

  • Pragati, Maahi, & Arjun to perform at Cannes Film Festival 2024

    Pragati, Maahi, & Arjun to perform at Cannes Film Festival 2024

    Mumbai: In a proud moment for India, music label Saregama’s talented trio – Pragati, Maahi, and Arjun – are set to debut and perform at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. Their performances will be a marque highlight at Cannes this year, showcasing India’s rich musical heritage on an international stage.

    The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, renowned for presenting the best in world cinema, is set to take place from 14 to 25 May in the legendary French Riviera. Amidst a handpicked lineup of critically acclaimed films and glamorously dressed renowned personalities, this year’s festival promises to be an extravaganza of talent and creativity.

    The vibrant Gen Z trio’s performances will begin at the prestigious Bharat Parv event on 16 May, hosted by the Official Indian Delegation from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and supported by Kamla Mills. Celebrities, senior officials, and esteemed film guests from the international & Indian Film industry, will be in attendance. Pragati, Maahi, and Arjun will enthral the audience with a set list that blends their originals, released earlier this year, with classic all-time favorites from Saregama’s rich catalogue.

    That’s not all! On 17 May, Saregama Talent will also take center stage with another captivating performance at the Bharat Pavilion, solidifying their global presence. Adding to the star power, the legendary Shaan will grace the stage to introduce the trio and set the scene for a dynamic show that promises to be unforgettable. The event will be filmed and broadcasted on Saregama’s YouTube page, reaching fans worldwide.

    Emphasizing on the importance and grandeur of Bharat Parv, JS (Film) & NFDC MD Prithul Kumar said, “Bharat Parv is a great platform to showcase the myraid creative opportunities and a rich bank of creative talent of India. We are immensely proud to showcase India on the global stage through the performances of Pragati, Maahi, and Arjun at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. This moment embodies our nation’s cultural pride and artistic prowess, resonating with audiences worldwide.”

    Saregama India Ltd’s SVP films and events – Siddharth Anand shared, “Seeing Pragati, Maahi, and Arjun represent India’s vibrant talent at Cannes 2024 fills us with immense pride. As an artist-first company, it’s our unwavering commitment to open doors of opportunities for our talent to shine on the global stage. This is just the beginning of their journey, and we’re excited to witness their continued success.”

    Nidarshana Gowani, wife of real estate visionary Ramesh Gowani & owner of Kamala Mills quipped, “It’s truly exhilarating to witness the vibrant cultural representation at Cannes 2024, spearheaded by Maahi, Arjun, and Pragati. I am eagerly looking forward to the mesmerizing performances and the opportunity to showcase India’s rich musical heritage with of course, a modern Gen Z touch.”

    With their unique blend of Indian roots and Gen Z flair, Pragati, Maahi, and Arjun are ready to shine at Cannes, proving that the future of Indian music is brighter than ever.

  • 90 per cent of (9 out of 10) Delhi youth witness spike in fake news during elections

    90 per cent of (9 out of 10) Delhi youth witness spike in fake news during elections

    Mumbai: Amidst the spread of misinformation in a digital age, The 23 Watts, a new age communication consulting firm, has released a report that explores the relationship between Delhi Youth, notably Generation Z (Gen Z), and ‘Fake news.’ The report titled ‘Truth Be Told’, examines how the digitally native Gen-Z perceive, consume and navigate the complexities of misinformation.  With over 1,200 respondents aged below 25 years, across Delhi-NCR, ‘Truth Be Told’ covers three broad areas: the influence of misinformation, the experience of coming across fake news, and the opinion of the youth about who is responsible for the Fake News epidemic.  

    The 23 Watts onboarded an external expert, Vijay Ganesan, former director-Analytics & Data Strategy, Europe at Kantar  to verify the methodology applied in the report, Kantar

    ‘Truth be Told’ also sheds light on the Delhi Youth’s social media behaviours, mindsets, and information-sharing patterns, revealing these factors’ impact on their decision-making processes. Released ahead of the General Elections in New Delhi, this report seeks to foster an informed and resilient Gen Z electorate as they play a crucial role in shaping the outcome.

    Some of the key highlights from the report include:

    ●    During national events like elections, 90 per cent of the consensus experiences an increase in fake news.

    ●    91 per cent believe fake news can influence voting decisions.

    ●    80 per cent of the population alters their perceptions and opinions based on fake news influence.

    ●    59 per cent of the consensus fall trap to sensationalism, leading them to share fake news

    ●    Although 95 per cent claim to authenticate news, 45 per cent have shared unauthenticated news later found to be fake.

    ●    Only 29 per cent of individuals authenticate information through fact-checking websites.

    ●    62 per cent of the Delhi Genz consensus believe that fake news not only misleads perceptions but also plays as a tool to mend and damage reputations

    ●    89 per cent believe the government needs to do more to prevent fake news, with 69 per cent suggesting stricter policies are necessary.

    ●    Approximately 66 per cent of the GenZ population relies on internet portals (YouTube, social media, messengers, online articles) for news consumption.

    Putting forth the vision behind the report, Tarundeep Singh, chief growth officer, The 23 Watts,  says, “Born into technology and raised with information at their fingertips, Generation Z is redefining political movements, religion, pop culture, national events, and more. With fake news being at the forefront of all major happenings in the nation, through The 23 Watts Insights Studio, we wanted to understand this shifting focus. The core of our effort is to map and mine the minds of the loud and proud Gen Z to understand the lasting shift in news consumption and the spread of misinformation.”

    The primary research also highlighted that 14 per cent of Delhi Youth tend to share sensational news, without fact-checking, and only based on conjectures. All findings from the report tie back to how the high on hashtags Gen Z is on the loose, and easily swayed by their feed.

    While sharing views on the report, Kantar former director-analytics & data strategy, Europe Vijay Ganesan said, “This research explores these themes in detail with an ideal balance with the Quantitative approach needed for a piece of reliable empirical evidence and equally complemented by in-depth insights unlocked through qualitative research to understand motivations and behaviours. It’s an evolving area of research and this is an attempt to demystify the larger community. I am sure it will unlock more and more such unknowns in its immediate future iterations.”

    In an unprecedented year for elections, out of all the risks, Fake News is one of the major threats that the youth of Delhi face today. The call for Government action is loud, with 48 per cent, demanding tighter policies, 16 per cent appealing for education campaigns to navigate these rough seas and 15 per cent advocating for national fact-checking as a solution. With a shared belief in the importance of digital literacy, the Delhi youth are calling for awareness campaigns and initiatives, arming themselves with knowledge to fight the tides of deception.

  • L’Oréal Paris celebrates 27 glamorous years at Cannes with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aditi Rao Hydari

    L’Oréal Paris celebrates 27 glamorous years at Cannes with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aditi Rao Hydari

    Mumbai: L’Oréal Paris returns as the official makeup partner of the Festival de Cannes, scheduled from 14 to 25 May 2024. With an esteemed history as the festival’s makeup partner, L’Oréal Paris enters its 27th year with the theme ‘Many Ways To Be An Icon’ that mirrors the brand’s philosophy of confidence and self-empowerment, reinforcing the belief that every individual is inherently deserving.

    This year, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aditi Rao Hydari are all set to flaunt their iconic presence at the Cannes Film Festival. It is a testament to their talent, beauty, and the ever-growing influence of Indian cinema on the global stage. A pioneer in her own right, Aishwarya was the first Indian female actor to serve as a Cannes jury member, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to global representation.

    The Indian film industry luminary and L’Oréal Paris ambassador Aditi Rao Hydari expressed her excitement, saying, “I am thrilled to embark on this journey to the esteemed Festival de Cannes as the spokesperson for L’Oreal Paris. I strongly advocate that women should confidently embrace their unique selves and I truly resonate with the theme of this year “Many Ways to be an icon”. For me, being an icon isn’t about fitting into a mold; it’s about embracing one’s unique journey and inherent worth. It is an honour to be aligned with a brand that has consistently championed the cause of women’s empowerment, fostering confidence and growth in every facet of their lives.”

    Additionally, the brand presents the fourth edition of the L’Oréal Paris Lights on Women’s Worth Award, with actress and L’Oréal Paris ambassador Elle Fanning to take over from Kate Winslet as the Juror. Founded to spotlight the gender imbalance in filmmaking, this award honors one promising female short-film director from among the official Cannes Short Films selection and the selection of La Cinef Short Films.

    L’Oréal Paris embodies an inclusive representation of beauty that resonates with women across the globe. Aligned with the brand’s core values and cause initiatives, the brand ambassadors transcends boundaries and echo the brand ethos. Through their partnership with L’Oréal Paris, they aim to amplify the message of self-worth and inspire millions worldwide to embrace and honour their unique individuality. As the Festival de Cannes’ official makeup partner, it inspires ambassadors, actors, and actresses to showcase this empowered beauty vision on the red carpet.

  • Niharika NM to attend the Cannes Film Festival for the third consecutive year

    Niharika NM to attend the Cannes Film Festival for the third consecutive year

    Mumbai: The prestigious Cannes Film Festival is set to witness a familiar face yet again as Niharika NM prepares to attend the iconic film festival for the third consecutive year. Niharika has become a staple at the world-renowned festival, captivating audiences and fashion enthusiasts alike with her appearances. Having made her debut in Hollywood with her cameo in Netflix’s widely popular series Big Mouth alongside Megan Thee Stallion, Jordan Peele, Padma Lakshmi earlier this year, Niharika is set to take the global stage yet again at the Cannes Film Festival.

    Her splendid selection of outfits at the Cannes Film Festival last year further solidified her status as a fashion icon, turning heads and garnering praise from critics and fans alike. Having been there twice in the last two years, Niharika is no stranger to the grandeur of the Cannes Film Festival. Following on from last year, Niharika will be dressed in outfits from the top-most designers from India and the world over like Indonesia, New York, London, Lebanon and Australia.

    Reflecting on her past Cannes experiences, Niharika shared, “Being invited to witness the grandeur of the Cannes Film Festival for the third time feels lovely. For the film enthusiast in me, it’s like a dream I don’t wake up from. I’m looking forward to experiencing cinema at its finest yet again. ” Niharika NM’s journey from newcomer to Cannes regular is a testament to her passion for the arts and her dedication to her craft. Beyond the glitz of the red carpet, she remains committed to using her platform to champion entertaining and relatable storytelling through her videos.

    Having worked with the creme-de-la-creme of the Indian film industry, right from Aamir Khan to Mahesh Babu, from Yash to Priyanka Chopra, Niharika has stamped her authority through her shareable videos. Stay tuned as Niharika NM takes Cannes by storm for the third consecutive year, promising yet another unforgettable moment at the world’s most prestigious red carpet.

  • Paytm Insider & Bhasha Centre present Mallika Shah’s ‘I Killed my Mother/ It Wasn’t My Fault’

    Paytm Insider & Bhasha Centre present Mallika Shah’s ‘I Killed my Mother/ It Wasn’t My Fault’

    Mumbai: Continuing its tradition of delivering diverse and engaging experiences to its audience, Paytm Insider is bringing you an insightful play ‘I Killed my Mother/ It Wasn’t My Fault’, through its theatre initiative ‘Manch’ in collaboration with Bhasha Centre. A tafreehwale production, the play is crafted by writer-director Mallika Shah and produced by Meghana AT. Scheduled for 11 May at the G5A Warehouse in Mumbai, this 65-minute comedy-drama promises to resonate with young urban women (and urban mothers) through its compelling narrative. A story that brings to the stage the troubles of young adults navigating society — online and offline. Generation gaps? Doomscrolling? Lonely Swiping? Job hunting and hunting and never finding? This play promises to leave you thinking and laughing too!  So, if you enjoy theatre, this is your chance to experience a comically absurd yet realistic play — secure your tickets exclusively on Paytm and Paytm Insider today!

    ‘I Killed My Mother / It Wasn’t My Fault’ journeys into the complex emotional world of a 25-year-old girl, who is oscillating between her inner and outer world. As she navigates through an ‘ordinary’ day, the narrative touches upon more than just a surface conflict between a mother and daughter. It goes on to portray the Protagonist grappling with the relentless cruelty of self-doubt, societal pressures, unemployment, singlehood, and generational discord. Through a comically dark lens, infused with pop culture and multimedia elements, it will immerse the audience in a painfully realistic dramatisation of the turbulent thoughts of this young girl.

    Paytm Insider business head Varun Khare said, “At Paytm Insider, we’re about fueling the flame of theatrical brilliance and crafting tasteful moments for our audience. We’re glad to have partnered with Bhasha Centre, Meghana & Malliak AT to bring this piece to life. ‘I Killed My Mother/ It Wasn’t My Fault’ is a cynical comedy play featuring an extraordinary ensemble. If you’re a theatre enthusiast or even experiencing theatre for the first time, be ready to dive headfirst into a world of captivating narratives that will leave you spellbound!”

    The production showcases a talented ensemble featuring Shreya Sharma, Astha Gulati, Dusha, Meghna Manglani, Anoushka Zaveri, and Mithil Raj Goswami. With such a stellar cast, the play promises to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

    Book your tickets here, priced at Rs. 499 onwards to discover a gripping storyline that awaits you.

  • NCLT approves resolution plan of Sapphire Media Ltd for Big 92.7 FM

    NCLT approves resolution plan of Sapphire Media Ltd for Big 92.7 FM

    Mumbai: The Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved the resolution plan of Sapphire Media Ltd for the iconic radio network Big 92.7 FM, owned by Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd.

    The NCLT Bench comprising technical member Madhu Sinha and judicial member Reeta Kohli approved the resolution plan submitted by Sapphire Media Ltd in its order dated 6 May.

    “The interlocutory application is allowed. The Resolution Plan submitted by Sapphire Media Ltd is hereby approved. It shall become effective from this date and shall form part of this order,” the bench said in its order.

    Big FM, owned by Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd, has been going through the insolvency process since Feb 2023. The Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) was initiated under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code of 2016 and Rohit Mehra was appointed as the resolution professional.

    A committee of creditors of Big FM was also appointed, which approved Sapphire Media Limited’s resolution plan on November 11, 2023, with a voting share of 88.97% under the provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

    The resolution professional subsequently filed an application with NCLT Mumbai seeking approval of Sapphire Media Limited’s resolution plan. As per the plan, Sapphire Media Ltd will pay Rs. 261 crores to secured and operational creditors as against the total claims of Rs. 947.5 crore.

    The NCLT order also directed the monitoring committee to supervise the implementation of the resolution plan and file the status of its implementation before it from time to time.

    The acquisition by Sapphire Media Ltd is expected to inject fresh energy into Big FM. As the country’s largest radio network with 58 stations and a reach of over 1,200 towns and 50,000 villages, the brand will reinforce Sapphire Media Limited’s pan-India presence.

  • Ankush Bahuguna becomes first Indian male beauty content creator to debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival

    Ankush Bahuguna becomes first Indian male beauty content creator to debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival

    Mumbai: One of the most popular and widely-loved content creators, Ankush Bahuguna, will be seen making a debut on the red carpet of the picturesque town of Cannes on the French Riviera for the 77th Cannes Film Festival — an event that is as much about fashion as it is about films. This makes Bahuguna the first male beauty content creator from India to make an international presence and showcase his talent on a global platform. To mark this milestone, Ankush is being styled by ace celebrity stylist Akshay Tyagi for the red carpet.

    Emerging from a childhood shadowed by self-doubt and bullying as well as navigating through the complexities of his early career choices, Ankush Bahuguna’s journey from the capital city of India to Cannes is nothing short of inspiring. He was a year into pursuing architecture when he found solace in expressing himself through writing and discovered his passion for creating content. Bahuguna has worked his way to become one of the biggest names in the Indian beauty and comedy content creation spaces today, with millions of followers across social media platforms. The niche he has carved for himself with his versatility in the digital landscape around beauty, breaking gender norms and juggling genres through highly captivating and engaging content resonates with audiences globally.

    Ankush is also the only male beauty creator with a popular YouTube series. ‘Wing It With Ankush,’ in association with one of the biggest beauty brands in India, is where he experiments with make-up inspo with established names from different walks of life. The series has garnered millions of views across the two seasons. Furthermore, Ankush was also the first male beauty creator who made it to the cover of Forbes magazine and was featured on the Forbes list of India’s top digital creators of 2023. He also made his runway debut with celebrity stylist Esha Amin at the Lakme Fashion Week in 2023.

    To Ankush, entertaining the masses is a well-trod territory, and to up the ante, he deep-dived into acting with the web series Joint Venture (2019) and Badboli Bhavna (2022). He has also bagged several prestigious accolades like the Cosmopolitan Indian Blogger Award for ‘Beauty Influencer of The Year Male (Popular Choice)’ in 2022 and 2023 and Cosmopolitan India’s Breaking Barriers Award, ‘Outstanding Beauty Creator of the Year‘ at the Myntra x Grazia Glammy Awards in 2023, amongst other noteworthy ones.

    Ankush’s prolific journey has seen him breaking barriers and restrictive gender norms through his content revolving around beauty, make-up, and skincare. His debut at the Cannes Film Festival will not only add to his many firsts as a male beauty creator but will also definitely add his distinct voice to the global conversation about normalising make-up and grooming for men.