ITV

Category: Press Release

  • Pixi launches in India

    Pixi launches in India

    National: PIXI, the London based beauty brand by Petra Strand will now be retailing in India. They celebrated their grand arrival with a fabulous and intimate launch party at Olive Bar & Kitchen on 2nd August. The gathering saw an array of those from the beauty media and influencer fraternity.

    Created over 20 years ago by renowned makeup artist Petra Strand, Pixi has a loyal worldwide following thanks to its pure, rejuvenating & skin-friendly products that create natural, radiant and fresh-faced looks.  Passionate about skincare, Petra creates innovative formulations that are infused with botanicals and beneficial ingredients. Petra has real-world experience as a busy working mother of four, therefore Pixi is truly about multitasking, flaw-fixing, youth-enhancing products for women on-the-go with no time to spare.

    Pixi will be bringing the award-winning Glow Tonic range to India. One of Petra’s favorites, the Glow tonic collection is a radiance-enhancing toning necessity that exfoliates, hydrates and brightens effortlessly for glowing skin. Apart from the glow tonic range, Pixi will also introduce the cult products i i.e the  Overnight Glow Serum, Glow Mud Cleanser, Glow Mist, Rose Oil Blend, Hydrating Milky Mist, Rose Caviar Essence, Peel & Polish, Rose Tonic, and the Glow Tonic To-Go will be launched in India and will be available at all Sephora outlets. Their product ranges include: Skin Treats, Makeup, Body Treats, kits, tools and a special selection named #PixiPretties which comprises of a vast makeup collection.

    Pixi's always had one mission and that is the same now as it was on the first day the Pixi store opened in Soho, London: simply to bring out the natural beauty in all women – to make women look like themselves, only better.

    Speaking on the Founder of Pixi,  Petra Strand commented, “It’s been 20 years since I’ve created this brand and every time we launch and expand our consumer audience, it fills me up with the utmost level of excitement. India is a market that I’m thrilled to be finally tapping into on account of their vigorous consumption of all things beauty and cosmetics. I’m looking forward to seeing where this journey takes Pixi”

  • All new rich and riveting British dramas to premiere solely on Zee Café

    All new rich and riveting British dramas to premiere solely on Zee Café

    MUMBAI: What makes dramas so gripping? Is it the cliff-hangers that leave you thinking, the characters that teleport you into a new world or the sheer cathartic experience? Come unravel the world of unconventional and immersive British dramas that promise to leave you #ShakenAndStirred only on Zee Café. The third season of BBC First premieres August 5, weeknights at 10 with six of the shows exclusive only to Zee Café, in partnership with BBC Studios.

    Keeping in mind the fast-paced lifestyles of its viewers and their paucity of time, Zee Café makes it easier by providing options to catch up with the shows. You could either watch the dramas weeknights or binge watch the shows over the weekend, thus enabling viewers to choose their preferred pace and watch all the compelling dramas at their convenience.

    Together with an authority in drama and an actor renowned for his craft, Nawazuddin Siddiqui – Zee Café took a differentiated approach to launch the BBC First campaign, engaging with new audiences. A familiar face and an influencer, Nawazuddin Siddiqui donned a dapper avatar in his quintessential demeanor as he candidly shared his excitement around the gripping narratives that set BBC First dramas apart. The film was promoted with high exposure on-air and on digital platforms. Further engaging with the fans, viewers also have a chance to preview a clip of Brexit: The Uncivil War one hour before the on-air telecast on Zee Café’s social handle.

    Contemporary and captivating, the BBC First dramas come in all hues and shades. With IMDB 7+ ratings, each of these stories unravel the hidden truths, stir strong emotions, cross boundaries and break rules, as they bring to life the riveting drama they breathe.

    ‘Everyone knows who won. But not everyone knows how’ – watch a riveting account of how Britain’s history was shaped with Brexit: The Uncivil War. Witness the Emmy Award Winner and Academy Award Nominee, Benedict Cumberbatch essays the role of Dominic Cummings – a backroom boy and a disruptor who ‘Takes Back Control.’ From politics to the mafia, watch an ingenious crime drama that exposes the dirty linen of Russian organized crime, with McMafia featuring, BAFTA Award nominee, James Norton and the National Film Award winner Nawazuddin Siddique. From the award-winning novel, longest-running musical and a critically-acclaimed film and now to an eight-part drama series, relive Victor Hugo’s magnum opus redefined through a modern lens with Les Misérables starring the Academy Award winning actress Olivia Colman along with Dominic West and Lily Collins. And also, the family saga layered with the perils of power, politics and media; catch the award-winning actor Richard Gere’s return to television with MotherFatherSon where his unstable son poses a threat to his family and empire. 

    Sharing insights around BBC First, Prathyusha Agarwal, Chief Marketing Officer, ZEEL, said, "Three years ago at a time when the English Entertainment category was fairly skewed towards American content, Zee Café took a differentiated approach and introduced British dramas. We partnered with one of the largest networks known to be the home of premium, original British drama, BBC Studios. Over the last two years, BBC First has had an overwhelming response from audiences with 2X reach and the loyal viewers have transformed the block into a flagship property with its loyal viewers. As part of the block this year, six of the shows will be premiering in India and will be available solely on Zee Café. The added benefit this year is for the viewers to choose their consumption pace between a daily episodic or a weekend binge enabling ease of viewing for the discerning audience of Zee Café.”

    Myleeta Aga Williams, SVP and GM, South and South-East Asia, BBC Studios said, Myleeta Aga Williams, SVP and GM, South and South-East Asia, BBC Studios, said, “BBC dramas are known for their evocative screenplays, riveting plots and strong characters. With a proliferation of choice for audiences of dramas, the BBC First block has consistently raised the quality bar and we are pleased to work with Zee Café to offer this content to its viewers. Our block, BBC First has resonated so well with audiences, and we look forward to presenting them more award-winning and highly-rated British dramas in its third season.”

    Bringing some of the choicest Hollywood blockbusters, prized dramas, international news and lifestyle content for the Indian viewers, the powerful bouquet – Zee Prime English Pack – comprising &flix, Zee Café, LF and Wion, is priced at an attractive Rs. 15/- per month. That’s not all! For those who appreciate nuanced cinema, &PrivéHD brings riveting and award-winning films that stimulate the minds as they show them the other side of cinema. Zee Prime English HD Pack comprising – &PrivéHD, Zee Café HD, &flix HD, LF HD is priced at Rs 25/-. Consumers can also subscribe to the Zee All In One Pack @ Rs. 59/- per month.

  • McDowell’s No.1 Yaari Jam releases a new single ‘Apni Yaari’ with SANAM on Friendship day

    McDowell’s No.1 Yaari Jam releases a new single ‘Apni Yaari’ with SANAM on Friendship day

    MUMBAI: McDowell’s No.1 Soda through its music platform, “No.1 Yaari Jam” has been synonymous with bringing alive enthralling stories of Yaari through music. To give the spirit of friendship day an extra special boost, McDowell’s No.1 Yaari Jam has partnered with sensational music band SANAM to release an original song – ‘Apni Yaari’.

    This original featuring the band is composed by Clinton Cerejo & SANAM and written by the acclaimed lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya. The song ‘Apni Yaari’ is youthful, lively, full of emotions and embraces the essence of modern-day friendships. The song has been created by Qyuki Media and the music video has been produced by The Glitch team.

    No.1 Yaari Jam originals has partnered artists from across the country to create music that tells intriguing stories of friendship. With this new single from SANAM, the platform exemplifies yaari among millennials that can be shared with the world through social media but at its core still manages to remain very intimate, endearing and special.

    The song also highlights the real-life yaari among the band members of SANAM and how they connect with their fans. Sanam, Venkat, Samar & Keshav, the band members of SANAM, were friends before forming a band in the year 2010. In the 9 years that they have performed together, they have become one of the country’s most popular band with over 6MN followers on YouTube and some amazing hits to their credit.  Apart from playing music, they hang out, play cricket, video games, work out together and keep their yaari alive.

    Talking about this composition, Sanam Puri, the lead vocalist said, “When we were approached to create an original track with Clinton Cerejo on friendship, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to put into words what we feel about each other. Together with McDowell’s No.1 Yaari Jam, we hope our fans relate to the composition and celebrate friendship day humming this track with their yaars.”

    Adds Samar Puri, Lead guitarist and the founding member of the band, “The journey that we have taken together as friends has been magical. From hitting it off together at Keshav’s garage and composing songs, to winning various competitions together, having each other’s back on off days is what has kept us together. With this track, we had a chance to re-live our yaari moments and bring it out in the best possible way for our fans.”

    Venkat Subramaniyam, the bass guitarist with the band said, “Having known each other since our school days has helped us form bonds that were beyond any boundaries. What this did was that it brought us together to find out each other’s passion for music and understand our strengths. Today, we understand what each of us is thinking without even expressing it out explicitly. Our track is a tribute to such yaaris that do not needs words to express their love for each other.”

    Keshav Dhanraj, the drummer with the hit band adds, “We’ve been friends for the longest time, and now we understand each one’s emotions and can connect deeply. As friends first and band members later, we love that we can put away work and relax when it is needed. Therefore, it is important to have such yaars in one’s life who can help you unwind and enjoy moments in life”

    Khushboo Benani, Content and Brand Advocacy Head for Diageo India said, “No.1 Yaari means something personal and special to every individual. Hence this Friendship Day we wanted to pay homage to all the different friends and their unique yaari through a song which makes you want to say – this is our story. The powerful combination of SANAM, Clinton and Amitabh has helped us create a very hummable song that we hope will be shared among yaars.”

    The song release will be supported by a UGC campaign and the McDowell’s No.1 Yaari Jam platform is looking forward to creating a fan tribute by creating a video of fans singing along with Apni Yaari.

  • NewsX special weekend shows on 3rd & 4th august

    NewsX special weekend shows on 3rd & 4th august

    MUMBAI: This weekend on NewsX-The Sunday Guardian-The Roundtable, there will be an interesting faceoff between Mr. Subramanian Swamy, Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha and Mr. Hasnain Masoodi, National Conference leader and Member of Parliament on the issues related to Kashmir Valley including additional troops in the valley and implementation of Articles 370 and 35 A. 

    In this week’s Cover Story there will be an exclusive interview with Mr. Manish Tewari, Member of Parliament. During the discussion, Mr. Tewari discussed about the role of Congress as opposition party along with this he also spoke about the future of the party.

    In another show Policy & Politics, there will be Mr. Skand Ranjan Tayal, Former Indian Ambassador to South Korea and Mr. Ashok Sajjanhar, Former Indian ambassador to Kazakhstan. The former ambassadors discussed upon the defense relations between India, Russia and USA.

  • PhonePe clocks 335 Million transactions in July. Hits USD $95 Billion Annual TPV Runrate

    PhonePe clocks 335 Million transactions in July. Hits USD $95 Billion Annual TPV Runrate

    MUMBAI: PhonePe, announced today that it has achieved an annual TPV (Total payment volume) run-rate of $95 billion while clocking 335 Million transactions in July. PhonePe’s TPV run-rate has grown nearly 5X in the past year, since crossing the $20Bn mark in June 2018. This phenomenal growth has come on the back of the exponential expansion of PhonePe’s merchant network, both online and offline.

    PhonePe has invested aggressively on its marketing activities this year and was the official co-presenting sponsor for the TV broadcast of VIVO IPL 2019 and the Official co-presenting sponsor for the TV broadcast of ICC World Cup 2019.

    Sameer Nigam, CEO and Founder PhonePe said, "We are thrilled by the rapid adoption of PhonePe services across India. Last month alone, the PhonePe app was used by 60 million users. This means one out of every 15 Indian adults used the PhonePe app in July. This is both very exciting and very humbling for our company which launched less than 3 years ago.”   

  • Aptronix partners with smule for the first ever smule all star jam

    Aptronix partners with smule for the first ever smule all star jam

    MUMBAI: Apple’s largest Premium Reseller in India, Aptronix is partnering with Smule, world’s #1 singing app for the launch of Aptronix’ first major retail experience in the country. The launch is slated for this weekend in Mumbai.

    Smule is a community of music lovers and brings together fans, artists and their unflinching passion for music. The fact that Smule is a top grosser on the App Store is testimony to its popularity and success. Smule in partnership with Times Bridge aims to bring music back to its roots by playing a pivotal role in transforming the music landscape from one of passive listening to collaborative creation.

    To celebrate this partnership, Smule has organised a Smule All Star Jam, which will be a first of its kind Live Smule experience in India. The event will include live performances, musical sessions and a masterclass with leading Indian music artists, including renowned music composer and singer Salim Merchant, popular playback singer Nikhita Gandhi and the winner of India's first Smule Mirchi Cover Star – Ashmik Patil.

    For the first time, for an Indian live audience, Salim Merchant will share insights on the art of composing while also singing some of his favourite milestone tracks. The event will also witness the first ever Live Duet with fans, led by popular singer Nikhita Gandhi performing with talent from the Smule community. 

    Music composer and singer Salim Merchant said, "I’m excited about the masterclass and I’m really looking forward to meeting budding musicians and sharing my journey with them."

    Singer Nikhita Gandhi said, "I love that we live in a world that can connect singers with fans so easily because at the end of the day we are all just fans and avid lovers of music! Thank you Smule for making karaoke so fun and I'm surely looking forward to the LIVE experience!"

    Commenting on the partnership Viral Jani, Sr Vice President, Times Bridge said, “We are delighted with the overwhelming response that Smule has received from the Indian music enthusiasts, and what better way to celebrate it than with the All Star Jam, bringing together people who are passionate about music, under one roof. The partnership for the launch of India's first Flagship Apple Premium Reseller Store by Aptronix is special as Apple has been a great global partner for Smule.”

    Commenting on the unique launch, Meghna Singh, Director, Aptronix – Premium Lifestyle & Fashion India Pvt. Ltd. (PLFIPL), said, “Connecting not just people but souls the world over, music is a language that spells love, joy and passion. In tandem with today’s technologically savvy and fast paced world, Smule comes in as a wave of melodic freshness and rhythmic notes.”

    “Taking the concept of sharing beyond borders, I love that the Smule app lets one sing and create music to share with friends and artists around the globe! Enabling music to go a full circle, they have created a world of their own and I am happy to be a part of it. I look forward to putting technology at its best use – to connect people and make the world a closer and harmonious place striking a peaceful chord!” she added.

  • VYRL originals and Akull of laal bindi fame, bring to you ‘I LOVE YOU’

    VYRL originals and Akull of laal bindi fame, bring to you ‘I LOVE YOU’

    MUMBAI: VYRL Originals, after releasing their back to back emotional and heartfelt tracks, is set to bring you a peppy romantic track with Akull. His previous track, ‘Laal Bindi’ was a chartbuster amongst the youth which became a cult on social media and digital platforms. After the mega success of ‘Laal Bindi’, Akull is sure to make you want to express your love with ‘I Love You’.

    Just like ‘Laal Bindi’, Akull brings a melodious rendition in ‘I Love You’ that is hummable and addictive. We live in a day and age where people hesitate to express their feelings and love to even friends and family, The song depicts the true sense of being in love and a perfect track that will encourage you to convey your love fearlessly.

    This track is penned by Akull along with the popular rapper, Mellow D and the video is shot in the picturesque locations of Turkey which is directed by Kenneth Lawrence. Akull is seen playing the part of a love stricken guy strumming with the guitar, taking the lady he loves to various beautiful locations and proposing her by expressing his love.

    VYRL Originals is the frontrunner in building the culture and category of non-film music in India. Non-film music is making waves across streaming platforms, radio stations and other media. It is slowly and surely becoming a rage amongst the youth who are looking for original and meaningful music today. With “I Love You”, VYRL brings to its audience a tune to cherish and express love this season.

    Akull on the release of his second track with VYRL Original shares “I am extremely happy and truly looking forward to the release of my new track ‘I Love You’. With this track we intend to spread love and get people to express love to their loved ones which is rare now-a-days. I am thankful to the entire team of VYRL Originals for their immense support and constant faith in me.”

    On the release of this song, Vinit Thakkar, Senior Vice President, Universal Music Group India & South Asia said, “Akull is an extremely talented singer-songwriter and music producer. We saw an amazing response with his debut single ‘Laal Bindi’ last year across all digital and social media platforms. As an artist, Akull has grown phenomenally in the last 12 months and I am proud that the entire VYRL Originals team has made a significant contribution in his journey and I am very excited about his new release ‘I Love You’ which is out today”. 

  • Watch the digital premiere of Salman Khan starrer Bharat on Amazon Prime Video

    Watch the digital premiere of Salman Khan starrer Bharat on Amazon Prime Video

    MUMBAI: Amazon Prime Video announced the digital premiere of superstar Salman Khan-starrer Bharat. Starting August 3, Prime members across 200 countries and territories can catch the 2019 blockbuster period-drama after its theatrical release. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film stars viewer’s most favourite Salman Khan as the titular character, whose life runs parallel to India’s journey since its independence. Bharat features Katrina Kaif as the bold and beautiful Kumud Raina, a government officer and later, a news anchor. The film marks the return of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s on-screen re-union, which was last seen in the 2017 blockbuster Tiger Zinda Hai (also available on Prime Video).

    Speaking about the digital premiere of Bharat, Salman Khan said, “Bharat is a special film that traces the story of India through the main character. The film is very close to my heart and I had a great time being a part of it. I am happy for the love the film has received through its theatrical release and look forward to all my fans across the globe reliving the experience on Amazon Prime Video.”

    Bharat has been inspired from a Korean film An Ode to My Father, a wartime drama where a man longs to see his father and sister, who have been separated from him at the time of the Korean War. Rewritten in the political context of India, Bharat, is a life saga of an eight-year-old boy named Bharat (Salman Khan), who makes a promise to his Father that he will keep his family together in all circumstances. The boy keeps this promise over the next 60 years of his life, despite each decade throwing a new set of challenges at him – some humorous, some thrilling, some romantic, and some life-threatening. His resilience, loyalty and a never dying spirit mirror the fundamental qualities of our nation Bharat. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar the film also features a stellar star cast such as Disha Patani, Tabu, Jackie Shroff, Sunil Grover among others, making the movie a delightful watch.

    Amazon Prime Video has the largest selection of latest & exclusive movies and TV shows, stand-up comedy, biggest Indian and Hollywood films, US TV series, most popular Indian & international kids’ shows, and award-winning Amazon Originals, all available, ad-free, with a world class customer experience. The service includes titles available in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Gujarati and Bengali.

    To watch Bharat and newest releases in Hollywood & Bollywood, the latest US TV shows, kids’ favorite toons and Amazon Originals, please visit www.PrimeVideo.com or download the Amazon Prime Video app today and sign-up for a Prime membership only at ₹999 annually or ₹129 monthly.

  • Zee Heroes to Premiere on Zee Telugu starting August 4

    Zee Heroes to Premiere on Zee Telugu starting August 4

    Kickstarting the latter half of 2019 with a bang, Zee Telugu is all set to introduce an adventurous show ‘Zee Heroes’. In the wilderness of Thailand, 10 daredevil challengers must test their grit and give their best performance for laborious tasks that will lead to conquering the winner title. An amalgamation of thrill, adventure, courage, reality, entertainment and a whole lot of fear, Zee Heroes will premiere from August 4th at 9 PM only on Zee Telugu and Zee Telugu HD.  

    The 10 handpicked contestants for the show include Singer Anudeep, Actor & Bigg Boss Season 2 fame Samrat Reddy, Attarintlo Akka Chellalu lead Actor Aakarsh Byramudi, Roadies contestant Milind Chandwani, Jabardasth fame Ram Prasad, Comedian Vidyulekha, Actress & Bigg Boss Season 2 fame Tejaswi Madivada, Actress Apoorva Srinivasan, Muddha Mandaram fame Sunanda Malashetty and Miss India AP Srishti Vyakaranam.

    With the exuberant Lakshmi Manchu hosting the show, the contestants will be pushed beyond their comfort zone to face their most dreaded fears and emerge victorious. The viewers will witness a comprehensive mix of celebrity contestants execute the most daring challenges along with Lakshmi’s inimitable sense of humor.

    Which one of your favorite contestants will give the toughest fight and overcome their fears to win the Zee Heroes title? 

  • Nicktoons welcome kids to their New Academic year with their Immersive School Contact Program

    Nicktoons welcome kids to their New Academic year with their Immersive School Contact Program

    MUMBAI: As the kids kickstart the new academic year, Nickelodeon is all set to amp up the fun and entertainment quotient for kids with the latest edition of School Contact Programme. Presented by Ford, Co-powered by Casio and Parle Mazelo in association with Yellow Diamond Rings, India’s leading kids’ entertainment franchise is back with it’s annual ritual of welcoming children across schools with a high decibel power packed programme.

    The latest edition will have two campaigns run under this program – Turn Up the Fun with Nickelodeon’s Gattu Battu and SONIC’s Prank Sessions with Golmaal Jr. Nicktoons. The program is specially designed for the young viewers that will inspire them to welcome the new academic year on a positive happy note.

    Organised across 650 schools, the campaign kick-started on July 22 for a period of four weeks and will see Nickelodeon and SONIC’s favourite characters –Magictoon Rudra, Super Jasoos Gattu-Battu and Prank gang of Golmaal Jr engage with children in schools across the country. The channel will host a blend of fun games, interactive activities, selfie sessions which will give our young viewers a chance to win some exciting prizes. The month long school contact program will be conducted across 17 cities including – Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Aurangabad, Surat, Kanpur, and Pune to name a few.

    Speaking about the initiative, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head, Hindi and Kids TV Network commented on the initiative, “At Nickelodeon, catering to children and their evolving entertainment preferences has been at the core of all our initiatives. We treat every campaign with an innovative approach to create inspiring, unique and meaningful experiences for kids. With this edition of the School Contact Programme, we look forward to positively engage with kids beyond television by providing them with an immersive platform to interact with their favourite toons.”