ITV

Category: Press Release

  • BBC World News and bbc.com announce month of China specials programmes

    BBC World News and bbc.com announce month of China specials programmes

    MUMBAI: BBC World News and bbc.com have announced the launch of a month-long season of programmes focusing on China. Designed in China, will be shown on TV and online from 6th October to 2nd November 2014. It will explore how China is innovating across a range of sectors from medical research and science, through consumer technology to the creative world of film and art.

     

    Global consumers are familiar with the “Made in China” label, but the BBC asks how long it will be before “Designed in China” becomes the mantra. China is continuing its rise and emergence as the world’s second superpower, and a range of specially commissioned specials for TV and online asks whether it can surpass its U.S., European and North Asian competitors.

     

    Liz Gibbons, Commissioning Editor, Editorial, BBC Global News Ltd, says: “Innovation has been the engine of economic growth, and lies at the heart of increased living standards; unsurprisingly, the impressive recent growth in innovation in emerging economies has been led by China. The BBC has called on its unrivalled network of bureaux in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong and on its China experts and correspondents to report on what China is doing to get ahead of the rest, and whether this increase in innovative activity will come at the expense of the West.”

     

    Click here to read more

  • India TV announces the Second Edition of Salaam India Awards

    India TV announces the Second Edition of Salaam India Awards

    MUMBAI: ‘Salaam India Awards 2014’, second edition of the unique honors, constituted by India TV last year, is back to felicitate the exceptional acts of bravery exemplified by the common citizens of India.

     

    Following the ‘nationwide call for nominations’, the 2014 edition of the coveted honors is officially underway post the Jury deliberated to decide upon the distinguishing Bravehearts last weekend.

     

    This year’s Award Jury includes India TV Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Rajat Sharma, Former India CEC, Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, Former Army Chief Gen. Deepak Kapoor, Ace Shooter Col. (Retd.) Rajyavardhan S. Rathore and Former IPS Dr. Kiran Bedi.

     

    In line with the guiding principle for the awards, the chosen honourees are those who are not intrinsically fearless but who could selflessly win over their fears to safeguard someone else’s interest while risking or even sacrificing their own lives, in the hour of need.

     

    Announcing the second edition of the honors, India TV MD & CEO, Ritu Dhawan said, “We are glad that we are again getting a chance to felicitate our real heroes, who simply inspire us all by their actions demonstrating selflessness & fearlessness, also the most important traits of a news source.”

     

    “As a leader in the Hindi news genre, it is certainly a matter of both pleasure & contentment for us to felicitate those who are not only our role models but also who bring the positive balance to humanity, our society & nation” she added.

     

    The chosen bravehearts will be honored in a glittering ceremony on Sunday, 21st September at Hotel Taj, New Delhi. Salaam India Awards will be conferred across four categories including Bravery Awards, Gallantry Awards, Jyoti Singh Awards and Special Awards.

     

    Officer’s Choice has once again decided join hands with India TV as the presenting sponsor of the initiative along with Amrapali Group as the associate sponsor. Dainik Bhaskar & Pioneer Publicity are the media partners for the initiative. Showtime Events, one of India’s premier event management companies will be managing the event.

     

    To know more about the Awards, please visit: www.indiatvnews.com/salaamindia

  • Priyanka Chopra gets applauded for her performance in ‘Mary Kom’

    Priyanka Chopra gets applauded for her performance in ‘Mary Kom’

    MUMBAI: Mary Kom, which features Priyanka Chopra in the lead, is on its way to become the highest grosser women oriented film in Indian Film Industry. On its opening day the film has made 8 Cr, 9.25 Cr on Saturday and will cross 10 Cr on Sunday as per the ongoing trade buzz. Mary Kom, a biopic on the five-time boxing champion M C MaryKom’s life, is directed by first time director Omung Kumar and co-produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. 

     

    The film has been shot for the better part in Imphal, Manipur, where the sportswoman was bred. Born in a humble home in Kangathei, Mary was only a teenager when she decided to pursue boxing, despite inviting her father’s ire.

     

    A story of a strong willed Manipur-based girl, who faced all odds to pursue her passion and who continued to follow her love for boxing even after becoming a wife and a mother of two, Mary Kom released in 1,800 plus screens in the country.  

     

    The movie is perched comfortable on its way to profitability. The movie has earned the distinction of breaking even in record time. Trade analysts and distributors reveal the movie is set to maintain collections over the weekend and should hit the Rs 30 Cr mark by Monday quoted a leading business daily. 

     

    “Priyanka Chopra has outdone herself. She has played Mary Kom to the hilt. She definitely deserves a National Award for this performance. Also with this Mary Kom is on its way to become the highest grosser of the year in the league of out and out woman oriented cinema. Just like Mary Kom, this film is a sure-shot winner”, says Vajir Singh, Trade Analyst and Editor of Box Office India. 

     

    Another Trade analyst and Editor of Film Information Komal Nahta says, “First day collections were 8 Cr, second day 9.25 Cr and I am sure that it will pick-up on Sunday also.Priyanka lives the character of Mary Kom and proves that she was born to play the role. She has put in tremendous effort to essay the role and all the hard work seems to be worthwhile because she shines with a mind-blowing performance which is absolutely award-worthy. It’s her most memorable performances. Mary Kom is a box office champion.”

     

    A leading distributor of Delhi, Sanjay Ghai of Mukta Arts says, “First weekend collection will be 32-33 Cr and it will made 55 Cr in its first week of release. I think that it will become tax free all over India in coming few days. Priyanka does a good job of getting into the part. She has brought the boxer to life convincingly enough. Priyanka will win most of the awards this year for her outstanding performance in Mary Kom. It leaves you rooting for our sportsmen who have put India on the world map. We should make such kind of commercially viable real life stories more often.”

     

    Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines, a leading distributor from Mumbai says, “Mary Kom didn’t disappoint as it opened decently and minted about Rs. 8.5 crore net at India box office, as per early trade estimates. Its PriyankaChopra’s best act to date. Mary Kom has shown fantastic growth of 20% on Saturday from Friday. Mary Kom is doing very well in multiplexes. This is however much bigger opening than what Mardaani and Queen got so that in itself is commendable. Mary Kom also had a benefit of no tax inMaharshtra and other states which helped boost its collection. MaryKom will also likely to have good Sunday and will have one of the top 10 opening weekends of 2014.”

     

    Mary Kom is on its way to being a part of the slew of medium budget movies which have reaped rich dividends for its makers after box office collections, satellite rights and music rights. 

  • Catch the world television premiere of ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ at 1pm and 8 pm on Sunday 14th on Sony Max

    Catch the world television premiere of ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ at 1pm and 8 pm on Sunday 14th on Sony Max

    MUMBAI: MAX, the premium Hindi movies and special events channel brings you the World Television premiere of the Indian comedy thriller, ‘Dedh Ishqiya,’ at 1 pm and 8pm on Sunday, 14th September.

     

    A sequel to the 2010 film Ishqiya, this zany black comedy thriller directed by Abhishek Chaubey brings together a strong cast comprising of Madhuri Dixit, Arshad Warsi, Naseeruddin Shah, and Huma Qureshi in lead roles. The film which encompasses good camerawork, crisp editing, strong dialogues, terrific Urdu wordplay and crackling humour is guaranteed to keep viewers glued to their television sets over the weekend.

    The plot is about the irrepressible con men duo of Khalujan (Naseeruddin Shah) and his nephew Babban (Arshad Warsi),who get separated due to a jewellery theft and find themselves in Mehmudabad.  In this town, Khalujan dons the role of a Urdu poet to win the heart of the nawab’s widow Begum Para (Madhuri Dixit) who is organizing a mushaira to choose her new husband.  Tune in to watch how the story unfolds to reveal a kidnapping plot, a love triangle and a violent shootout.

    Commenting on the mature romance that defines the film, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, says, “The film is a modern take on a Muslim social. It depicts a man falling in love with a completely desirable and unattainable lady and the process he goes through.  What the lady is going through is not quite clear. That’s what adds mystery and enigma to her character in the film.”

    Talking about working alongside Naseerudin Shah, leading Bollywood actress, Madhuri Dixit, says, “For me it was an opportunity to work with him and I am so honoured to have done that. The first film that I saw of Naseerji was ‘Masoom’. I have been a big fan of his acting. I think he is a brilliant actor.”

    Get mesmerized with Urdu poetry, by catching the world television premiere of ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ at 1pm and 8pm on Sunday, 14th September only on Sony MAX

  • Microsoft Devices launches Nokia X2 in India

    Microsoft Devices launches Nokia X2 in India

    MUMBAI: Microsoft Devices Group today unveiled the Nokia X2, the newest addition to the Nokia X family of affordable smartphones designed to introduce the “next billion” people to the mobile Internet and cloud services. The Nokia X2 is representative of the evolution of the Nokia X family, delivering an enhanced experience across user interface, hardware and apps.

    The Nokia X2, available at a best buy price of Rs. 8699 offers stunning design, a more visually striking Fastlane and more Microsoft services. It also offers upgraded specifications including a 4.3-inch ClearBlack display,5MP rear camera with autofocus and flash; and a VGA front camera.

    “The Nokia X2 is a compelling choice for the new generation of smartphone buyers providing an enhanced experience across interface, hardware and apps. The enhancements on the Nokia X2 lead to a richer, faster and easier experiencedesigned to introduce the “next billion” people to the mobile Internet and cloud services.” said Sari Harju, Head – Mobile Phones, Nokia India Sales Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of Microsoft Mobile Oy.

    Nokia X2- Holistic User Experience

    The Nokia X2 hasthe next-generation Nokia X Software Platform 2.0 and major enhancements to the user interface. People can choose between three types of screens to facilitate navigation: the colorful “home” with resizable tiles; Fastlane to access recent apps and future calendar items; and a new Lumia-inspired apps list, from which people can pin items to the home screen. A pull-down notifications tab also allows people to glance at connectivity options as well as actionable items, such as software updates available for download. A new home key and visual multitasking complete the experience.

    Like the Nokia X, the new Nokia X2 provides access to a world of Android apps and popular Microsoft services and signature Nokia experiences  while allowing people to switch between their favorite apps with the Fast lane feature. The Nokia X2 delivers an even more intuitive, smoother user experience powered by a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™200 processor featuring a dual core 1.2Ghz CPU and 1GB of RAM.

    Stunning, distinctive design

    The Nokia X2’s stylish exterior remains as bold as the original Nokia X but incorporates a brand-new cool translucent outer layer, making it really shine whatever the time of day.The Nokia X2 features a seamless monobody and showcases a new approach to the design of the exchangeable back covers that fuses a brightly colored core with a translucent outer layer. The overall result is a durable device that appears lit from within.The Nokia X2 will be available at launch in glossy orange, black and green, with glossy yellow, white and matte dark grey coming later to the lineup.

    Compelling data offer on the Nokia X2

    To allow consumers to enjoy apps on Nokia X2, Microsoft Devices has tied up with Airtel to give users free unlimited download of Android Apps for six months. The plan allows upto 500MB of free usage through which consumers can download their favorite apps via the Nokia Store and the 1Mobile store.

    Microsoft and Nokia services for the Nokia X family

    As a gateway to Microsoft services, the Nokia X family is driving strong uptake of services such as Skype and OneDrive, while complementing the Lumia family of smartphones. The Nokia X2 will debut with Outlook.com, Skype, Mix Radio and Here maps and OneDrive pre-loaded, with more available from the Nokia Store, including the Bing Search app. Consumers get free 15GB + 3 GB OneDrive cloud storage on Nokia X2.

    New-to-the-lineup services including OneNote and Yammer are also available to download free from the Nokia Store. OneNote allows people to create notes and save them to the cloud through OneDrive, while Yammer makes collaborating with people online as easy as posting to a social network. The option to automatically backup the camera roll to OneDrive takes full advantage of 15GB of free cloud storage now available through the service, for safe guarding photos, videos, documents and more.

    The Nokia X2 will be available as a dual-SIM device and will be available in the Indian market starting today at a best buy price of Rs. 8699/-

    Nokia X2: Specifications at a glance

     

  • Calcutta Football League continues to score high with football fans

    Calcutta Football League continues to score high with football fans

    MUMBAI: The Calcutta Football League (CFL) organized by the Indian Football Association (IFA) which is associated with the All India Football Federation is one of the oldest football leagues in the world. The first CFL was played under the banner of the IFA in 1898.

     

    CFL 2014 opened to an unprecedented response of 27.5 lakh television viewers across the first week and continued gaining further momentum in week#2 when 32.2 lakh viewers hooked on to their television sets (CS 4+, WB market).Over the period of the first three weeks the league saw a total of 55 lakh viewers tuning in from all over India. In 2013, the league got average 37 TVT’s per match and in 2014, it has now got average 52 TVT’s per match indicating over 40% increase in viewership (CS M 25+ AB, WB market). These numbers clearly indicate the popularity of football as a sport and, it also signals a strong affinity of the masses towards domestic football.

     

    CFL 2014 is being telecast ‘Live’ on Jalsha Movies of STAR network. Iconic teams like East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohemmedan Sporting Club along with several other teams are showcasing their talent in this coveted league. These matches are being played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Barasat Stadium and with the participation of star players like Ranty Martins, Katsumi, Piere Boya and Shilton Pal, the league ensures it is never short of excitement.

     

    “CFL is the oldest football leagues in the world. Being played in the city of Kolkata – a city that eats, drinks and lives football – the tournament will never lose its charm and will only rise in terms of the popularity in the coming years. Each year the league enjoys a tremendous response and similarly, this year too, there has been a considerable spike in the viewership numbers,” said Mr. Kevin Vaz, Business Head – Star Jalsha and Jalsha Movies.

     

    Having started on August 10, 2014, currently, this month long league is in the deciding stages and the last match would be played on September 12, 2014.

  • Finding Fanny fun on Comedy Nights With Kapil

    Finding Fanny fun on Comedy Nights With Kapil

    MUMBAI: In a first time on Comedy Nights With Kapil, comedian Kapil Sharma enacted a dream sequence, singing ‘Paani Da’ where he imagined the dream girl of Gen Next Deepika Padukone wherever he looked and lo and behold! Deepika actually appeared in front of his eyes – accompanied by her Finding Fanny co-star Arjun Kapoor.

     

    Unfortunately for Arjun, his entry had him see Palak everywhere! “It’s not a dream to see palak everywhere! It’s a nightmare!” said the funny Kapoor. We don’t blame him – Palak went ahead to proclaim that she wanted to marry him!

     

    Luckily for him, Deepika had tricks up her sleeve to cheer up his day. In spite of Kapil being at his flirtatious best on the show (Note: He sang a made up version of a Hindi song for Dips… ‘Fanny Re’), Deepika went ahead and placed a kiss on heartthrob Arjun’s cheek. Poor Kapil!

     

    As a celebrity, quirky fan requests are normal. Arjun did not look shocked when a fan asked him to repair Kapil’s old Kinetic Luna and actually even obliged. Unfortunately, for the hottie, he failed and ended up making Dips and Kapil sit on the Luna while he pushed them around! We’re sure that made Kapil’s day!

     

    Other fun moments included Daadi and Gutthi dressing up as Dimple Kapadia and doing a ‘hot’ number on the song ‘Shake your bootiya’. So hot were they that Arjun and Deepika could not resist and had to join in! Arjun and Deepika also learnt to jive on the show!

     

    Click here for Slideshow

  • IAA Young Turks Forum announces Mentorship program on Teachers Day

    IAA Young Turks Forum announces Mentorship program on Teachers Day

    MUMBAI: The International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter has invited Sangita Jindal, Chairperson of JSW Foundation to launch its Mentorship program for 700 young professionals with about 35 leaders on Friday, September 19 at Bombay Stock Exchange’s International Convention Hall. The Mentorship program will be launched right after interactive session on “Engaging with the Audience – Lessons from the Entertainment Industry” between R. Balki, Chairman, Lowe Lintas and Stefan Haves renowned Director from Hollywood from 4 pm onwards. Anish Trivedi, renowned Theatre personality and Author will moderate this session.  The HBO South Asia is the Presenting Partner and Mahindra Special Services Group and NASSCOM are the knowledge partners of the IAA Young Turks Forum.

     

    “IAA is for the first time doing a double event – an high energy interactive session followed by a mentorship programme where 20 young executives will have their questions answered on their personal career issues by one of the 35 seasoned professionals/entrepreneurs assembled at the event. The interactive session too will be a very engaging one since Balki and Stefan are well known professionals. Balki in addition to award winning advertising work has also directed two successful Bollywood films “Cheeni Kum” and “Paa”. Paa won 5 awards out of 14 nominations at the 16th Star Screen Awards. Stefan Haves on the other hand is also an acclaimed director, creator and producer of circus, theater and film whose creations have appeared across the globe,” said Srinivasan K Swamy, President IAA India Chapter & Vice President, Development, Asia Pacific.

     

    “HBO has always had a strong connect with youth audiences and we are delighted to be associated with this thought exchange platform for young leaders,” said Ms. Monica Tata, Managing Director HBO South Asia, Presenting Partner of the IAA Young Turks Forum.

     

    Manish Advani, Head – Marketing and Public Relations, Mahindra Special Services Group, who is Chair of the IAA Young Turks Forum said, “I can say from my own experience one moment’s association with a leader could change one’s life. The only difference between the leader and the beginner is, that the leader has failed more times than the beginner has even tried. Through this initiative we are offering our future leaders an opportunity to learn about the failures of our current leaders to create a better world for our future generations. This event is the third one and promises to be better than the one when 800 young people participated.”

  • Ynon Kreiz, maker studios CEO, to keynote at MIPCOM 2014

    Ynon Kreiz, maker studios CEO, to keynote at MIPCOM 2014

    MUMBAI: MIPCOM today announces that Ynon Kreiz, CEO of Maker Studios, a next-generation media and technology company and the world’s largest network of online video content for millennials, will deliver a keynote address as part of MIPCOM’s Media Mastermind Keynote Series. Kreiz will address delegates in Cannes on Monday, October 13.

    Organised by Reed MIDEM, the 30th anniversary of MIPCOM will take place in Cannes, France, from Monday, October 13 – Thursday, October 16.

    Kreiz joined Maker’s board as Chairman in May 2012 and was appointed Executive Chairman and CEO in May 2013. Under Kreiz’s leadership, the company was acquired by The Walt Disney Company in May 2014. During the keynote, Kreiz will discuss this year’s MIPCOM theme, The Global Quest for Original Content, he will address how Maker is packaging original shows featuring its biggest talent partners for cross-platform appeal.

     

    Attracting more than 8.5 billion views monthly with over 550 million loyal subscribers globally, Maker is the leading network of online video content for the coveted millennial demographic. Maker offers a massive content slate that spans 23 curated vertical genres and is home to both top digital and traditional stars along with the most-watched short-form content in the online video industry including the most-subscribed YouTuber in the world PewDiePie and the award-winning “Epic Rap Battles of History,” the most-viewed series on YouTube. With 55,000 creators in its network, Maker has enormous scale and reach. Launched in May, proprietary web platform Maker.tv offers viewers premium, curated content from Maker’s hyper-syndicated network.

    “With Ynon Kreiz at the helm, Maker is driving the short-form content revolution and becoming a major source of online video content for millennials,” said Laurine Garaude, TV Division Director, Reed MIDEM. “Ynon’s expertise in traditional entertainment coupled with online video is a perfect fit for this year’s MIPCOM theme, The Global Quest for Original Content.”

  • Bigg Boss 8 to take off on 21 September

    Bigg Boss 8 to take off on 21 September

    MUMBAI: Ever since the first promo of Bigg Boss Season 8 hit airwaves, audiences have been curious and eager to find out more about when the zabardast journey as the promos promise, will finally take off!

     

    COLORS announced that its marquee show, Bigg Boss, will take viewers on an unanticipated ride every day starting September 21, 2014 at 9:00 PM. With host Captain Salman Khan all set to rattle you off your seats this festive season, the upcoming edition of Bigg Boss promises to be more actioned packed journey full of excitement and revelations.

     

    Following this development, the prime time properties of COLORS – Beintehaa will move to the 11 PM time band every Monday to Friday from September  22nd  and curtains will fall on Rangrasiya as Rudra and Myra’s love saga will meet its logical conclusion on September 19th. With the aviation theme piquing the audience curiosity, this season of Bigg Boss surely cannot be given a miss! .The teaser campaign of Salman Khan dressed as a Pilot will be followed by a series of spellbinding promos shot by ace director Rohit Shetty that will reveal what the viewers can look forward as he prepares for a new season with its unsuspecting contestants.

     

    While audiences await the advent of the new season, Bigg Boss Season 8 has already won the attention of multiple brands with Snapdeal coming on-board as the Presenting Sponsors marking the e-commerce site’s first association with COLORS and Bigg Boss. Other sponsors who have been roped in this season include Powered By Sponsors Oppo Mobiles, Driven By Sponsors Maruti Suzuki and Associate Sponsors Garnier Men, TVS Motors and Cardekho.com.

     

    So mark your calendars starting Sunday 21st September at 9 PM on COLORS for some high voltage entertainment!