ITV

Category: Press Release

  • Golf – Dubai Desert Classic Live on Ten Sports

    MUMBAI: Tiger Woods will try to defend his title at the Dubai Desert Classic live and exclusive on Ten Sports. 12 time Major champion Woods is in remarkable form, having claimed his 7th consecutive US PGA tour victory on Sunday at the Buick Invitational and will attempt to hold on to a title that he won in dramatic style last year, beating Ernie Els in a play off.

    The Dubai event continues to grow in stature every year, attracting a field of the worlds top golfers with a total prize money of 2.4 million dollars. It will be played on the Majlis course of the beautiful Emirates golf club in the heart of Dubai. The European stars looking to disturb Tiger Woods’s hold on the title include Ryder Cup hero Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood and Colin Montgomerie. In all 9 of the 12 players from the European team in the Ryder Cup will be in action

    However, many eyes in the first 2 rounds will be on former world number 1 Greg Norman, who returns to Dubai to play alongside the current stars, even though he has been concentrating on his golf course development business in recent years. Norman was world number 1 for 331 consecutive weeks, a record that only Tiger Woods has broken.

    The other major contender will of course be Ernie Els, the champion in Dubai in 1994, 2002 and 2005, looking for revenge from last years play-off defeat. The coverage on Ten Sports is in addition to the channels’ live coverage of the FBR Open from the United States, leading to 7 hours a day of live golf this weekend.

    Ten Sports broadcasts exclusive coverage of the US PGA tour, European tour and the US PGA Championships as well as coverage of the top Indian golf events.

    Schedule:

    Day
    Date
    Time
    Event
    Friday 2/2/07 15:00 EPGA: Dubai Desert Classic Day 2 (Live)
    Saturday 3/2/07 14:30 EPGA: Dubai Desert Classic Day 3 (Live)
    Sunday 4/2/07 16:30 EPGA: Dubai Desert Classic Day 4

  • Catch Mallika Sherawat and Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Koffee with Karan on February 25th at 9 p.m

    MUMBAI: Karan loves to serve his coffee ‘hot’… and the next episode promises to be ‘piping hot’! His first guest is saucy, sexy and sensational… She is the unofficial brand ambassador of the show, having been mentioned in practically each and every episode of the last season! This Sunday, meet the quote-a-minute, bold and brash, Mallika Sherawat.

    Karan’s second guest is one of the finest filmmakers in Bollywood… a man behind many-a-masterpiece and Karan’s favorite director, meet Sanjay Leela Bhansali only on Koffee with Karan. Watch this unusual combination together for the first time, in an exciting and entertaining t?te-?-t?te, this Sunday, February 25th at 9 p.m. on Star One and Star World!

    Sanjay and Mallika hit it off instantaneously, as they meet for the first time on the sets of Koffee with Karan. Mallika talks about how glad she is to be on the show, after being discussed at length, last season! She opens her heart out on the show, discussing several topics varying from her sensational quotes, which make headlines and the various characters she’s enacted… from the sexy and sensuous role in Murder to the girl-next-door in Pyaar Ke Side Effects.

    She admits on the show that she suffers from a major superiority complex! Sanjay talks about how Mallika has proved him right; as he had predicted that she is the most promising newcomer, when he was on the show last season. He talks about his upcoming film Sanwariyan, his love-hate relationship with Aishwarya Rai and the fact that he is envious of his fellow-directors, to the extent of avoiding their films. Watch him give precious advice to Mallika on how to tackle rumours and how to deal with her superiority complex!

    And as always, the eagerly awaited rapid fire round results in some very interesting revelations. So which actors would Mallika like in her harem of hunks and how would she like to be pampered by them? Which older man would she like to seduce? Who does she think has the sexiest butt in Bollywood? Who does Sanjay think is the most over-rated actor and director in Bollywood? Who would he choose between Madhuri, Aishwarya and Rani? Who takes the hamper home? Sanjay or Mallika? Karan definitely has a tough time deciding the winner of the most desired possession on his show – the coffee hamper!

    Excerpts from the interview:

    Karan: Welcome to Koffee with Karan!!!

    Mallika: Thanks!

    Karan: So you are finally on the show. Everyone used to ask me when are you getting Mallika Sherawat on the show?

    Mallika: I’ve provided enough entertainment for Koffee with Karan. I’ve been made fun of… been ridiculed!

    Karan: No! No! That’s not what used to happen!

    Mallika: Of course! That was it! You think I don’t know!

    Karan: (Laughs)

    Mallika: No harm! I’m sitting here and as Robert De Niro said, “You didn’t knock me down! I’m still standing!”

    Karan: You were always the option when we asked the men, who was the sexiest woman they thought.. The answer was always you! You think you were a safe option for them?

    Mallika: I think I am a woman who dared!

    Karan: Oh really?

    Mallika: Yes! Probably that’s why the answer… but I take it as a compliment.. as a big compliment…

    Karan: What else can she ask for and when people say things about her and about her being honest and controversial… What do you have to say about that?

    Sanjay: I think… I just said… She is what she is. She doesn’t pretend herself as someone else. She speaks her mind out and to her I want to say “Kuch to log kahenge… logo ka kaam hai kehna. You just do what you are doing.. be what you are and keep working!”

    Mallika: Very encouraging Sanjay! Thank you so much! You know I must say something. Everyone told me that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is this intense Guru Dutt kind of director. ..don’t joke with him too much. Be very serious and Karan Johar is extremely sensitive… don’t offend him.. Keep your mouth shut!

    Karan: You can offend us! We won’t mind too much!
    Sanjay: We’re used to not feeling like you! And it really doesn’t make a difference!

    Karan: Aren’t you seeking love in your life?

    Mallika: I want to seek love! Lots of love!

    Karan: Love from a man, darling! Not from the masses.

    Mallika: Am talking about love from a man, yes!

    Karan: There’s never a lonely moment, you want to share?

    Mallika: There are lots of lonely moments. I am alone. I live alone in the city. Family is not here. It gets excruciating being lonely. But I have to learn to deal with it. I genuinely haven’t met a man who doesn’t believe that women are superior to men. The day I meet a man…

    Sanjay: But Mallika… Why should a woman be superior to a man?

    Karan: Exactly!

    Mallika: I somehow have a clinical disorder!

    Sanjay: I don’t think you should suffer anymore from it because its important to know that men are women are equal! Men should not say that women are inferior and women should not think so either..

    Mallika: Are both of you’ll ganging up on me?

    Sanjay: No!

    Mallika: Yes! You are ganging up on me!

    So, make sure you book your couch space for this Sunday as Karan catches up with the sizzling Mallika Sherawat and the master-director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, on Koffee with Karan this Sunday, February 25th on Koffee with Karan, on Star One and Star World, at 9 p.m.

  • Channel [V] launches Lola Kutty calendar

    MUMBAI: In recognition of the love and adoration of the nation, Channel [v] unveiled the very first edition of VJ Lola Kutty’s 2007 Deluxe Time and Tide calendar. The ‘Beauty on Duty’ was overjoyed to shoot for her calendar on exotic beaches and extended her New Year greetings to all and sundry.

    Namaskaram and Happy New Year!

    Since the start of my career as a TV personality in 2004 I have been working long hours for many days and weeks and months. Recently my family members told me that time is having its way with me and I should not only look at hourly time but daily time, weekly time and monthly time.

    I thought about this and realized that time is all around; it is with you, behind you and in front of you. And one must see all the time, all the time.

    Days, weeks and months must always be in front of you where you can see them and exactly what they are doing to you.

    A calendar is the best method way of ensuring this.

    The reason I have taken some trouble for landscaping of this calendar is that I believe that time should always be something to look forward to such as picnics and holiday times.

    Hence I have presented a variety of seaside and beach holiday pictures, at the same time taking into account the steps one should take to be careful during such occasions.

    My friend Glory Princess Joseph agreed with me. Infact she said that so many of my activities are in front of the camera why not also take a picnic in front of the camera?

    Thus this calendar was born.

    It is my sincere wish that you find this calendar useful as well as beautiful like my Aunt Thangamma’s handbag.

    Sincerely,
    Lola Kutty

  • Amrita TV on Award-Winning Spree

    MUMBAI: The Union of German Malayali Association, Germany, recently gave away its Annual TV Awards for 2006 wherein Amrita TV was presented with four Awards in different categories.

    ‘Santwanam’, the unique channel identity programme where celebrities spend time to bring joy to the lives of the underprivileged and homeless in various shelter homes, orphanages, hospices, won the “Best Television Programme Award”.

    A highly appreciated programme, Amrita TV doesn’t accept advertisements for this programme, but facilitates well-wishers establish contact with the concerned institutions for contributions, donations, assistance, et al. “Super Star” which created new benchmarks in music reality programmes in South India ,bagged the “Best Music Show Award”.

    ” Sathi Lelavathi” a comedy show on the channel for the past few months, won the “Best Female Comic Artiste Award” . A”Special Jury Award” was given to Mr Neelan, Chief Executive Editor ,News Division, for “Overall Contribution to Media Field”

    Film City magazine announced seven awards for Amrita TV .Of this, the channel’s telefilm “Neermathalathinte Pookal” won three awards for “Best Telefilm”,”Best Direction” and “Best Photography” .

    Another telefilm produced by Amrita TV ,”Irulmekhagalkkum Madhye” bagged the awards for “Best Screenplay ” and “Best Actor”.Amrita TV’s longest running program “Udayamaritam” which has done 700 episodes got the award for “Best Anchor”

    Meanwhile ,on Feb 14 ,at an award presentation ceremony in Trivandrum, Amrita TV will be presented with 15 of the 29 Kerala State Television Awards 2006, which were announced last year

    Amrita TV , a 24-hour Malayalam satellite channel set up in 2005,has a global footprint covering India, Australia, Middle East, USA, UK, Europe, Canada and parts of South Africa.The channel is also available on internet through JumpTV, the world’s premier internet-based service provider for IPTVs and mobile devices.

    Amrita TV’s website which has a blog forum based on the music reality program”Super Star”, averages one million hits a month

  • Ranji Trophy Finals gain high ratings for Neo Sports

    Ranji Trophy Finals gain high ratings for Neo Sports

    Mumbai: According to a press release by the company, Neo Sports channel has met with unprecedented success in its efforts to rebrand and repackage domestic cricket. The viewership ratings touched new heights with the Ranji Trophy Finals between Mumbai & Bengal. The Finals saw peak ratings in the range of 2 TVRs across key markets like Mumbai – 2.1, Delhi – 2.1, Kolkata – 1.7 & WB 1 mn+ – 1.7.

    Additionally, the finals also propelled the Neo Sports ratings ahead of general entertainment, movies, news & music channels across key metros, Source: TAM, TG:CS Males Sec AB 15 years +, February 2nd – February 5th, 2007. Even markets not affiliated to the teams playing in the final garnered high peak ratings with UP 0.1-1mn – 1.6, AP 0.1-1mn – 1.3, Gujarat 0.1-1mn – 1.5, Gujarat 1mn+ – 1.2, Maharashtra 1mn+ – 0.9, Rajasthan1mn+ – 0.8, Bangalore – 0.7.

    “Neo Sports has been highly successful in marketing and presenting Indian domestic cricket. From the Challenger series to the Ranji Trophy, we have consistently managed to garner significant viewership. This only reaffirms our belief that Domestic cricket, when packaged well can attract large audiences. We now look forward to the All Star Series for The Deodhar Trophy starting 25th February to continue in the same vein especially with the inclusion of some of the key Indian players heading for the World Cup.” said Neo Sports Broadcast Pvt. Ltd.CEO Shashi Kalathil.

    Neo Sports which launched on October 1st, 2006 with the Challenger Series, became the No.1 sports channel within the 1st week of launch on the back of domestic cricket. Neo Sports Broadcast Pvt Ltd has an exclusive distribution tie-up with Star India, to take Neo Sports across the length and breadth of the country. The channel is available on Cable, DTH and new media platforms.

  • CINEMAC Short / Documentary Film Competition on Feb 14, 2007 at Delhi Campus

    NEW DELHI: Rai Foundation’s College of Media and Communication (CMAC) organized a pre launch screening of ‘Bollywood Bosses’ of History Channel and CINEMAC Short / Documentary Film Competition on February 14, 2007 at Delhi Campus.

    Mr. Joy Bhattacharya, Vice president, programming of the History Channel, Mr. Raza Haider, President of Shikha – a Development Communication Organization and Head of the Dept. – Cinema Studies at School of Communication & Cine Arts and Ms. Sabiha Farhat, Documentary Filmmaker were jury members for the CINEMAC Short / Documentary Film Competition.

    Mr. Bhattacharya in his principle lecture told students that they have made a difficult choice by opting for media, which is not essentially all about glamour and money. It takes hard work and passion to excel in the field. The pre-launch screening of ‘Bollywood Bosses’, a production of History Channel, was appreciated by students a lot. It’s followed by award ceremony.

    CINEMAC, an all student venture, at CMAC is a film club that screens documentaries, short films, Classics and Contemporary Cinema from Bollywood to Hollywood. This is the first time that CINEMAC in four years of its existence organized this competition. It involved CMAC alumna work that they produced during their stint with college; along with the current students’ work.

    Kunal Pruthi’s directorial venture “I was scared of Ram’ won the first prize. Kunal is Programming Head of 104 Radio Tarang. His film touched sensitive religious issues with great deal of sensibility. Abhijeet Singh’s ‘Manzar’ and Rohit Sarkar’s ‘Calling to My Will’ won the second and third prizes. The distinguished jury members Mr. Haider and Ms. Farhat gave crucial feedback on all the nominations.

    The CMAC students enjoyed the program, which offered an objective view on their work. CMAC Dean Ms Kakul Rizvi showing satisfaction over the success of the event said the College would broaden the spectrum of this competition by inviting larger participation next time.

  • CAG Shield Cricket Tournament – Quarter Finals – 24th February 2007

    MUMBAI: The quarter finals of the CAG Shield started with a bang on 24th February 2007 at Cross maidan and Azad maidan. Two of the favourites Adfactors Advertising and Rediffusion locked horns at Cross maidan. Adfactors won the match quite handsomely by 132 runs. Batting first Adfactors put up a mammoth score of 302 runs in stipulated 43 overs powered by innings of Nilesh Patil (90 runs), Sunil Patil (60 runs) and Sandesh Gaikar (52 runs). In reply Rediffusion team got out in 170 runs. Ganesh Panchal was the only player who survived the Adfactor bowling. He made 55 runs in 59 balls. Sandesh Gaikar took 4 wickets in 35 runs and was adjudged the man of the match.

    In another quarter final match, Percept beat Ambience by 7 wickets. Ambience chose to bat first after winning the toss. Ambience team got out in only 164 runs. Shailendra Singh (3 for 50) and Rupesh Mulam (3 for 20) were the most successful bowlers. Bhavik Patel with 58 runs and Sanjay Yadav with 43 runs made a valiant effort to make the total go beyond 150 runs. Percept reached the target (165 runs) steadily with 7 wickets to spare. Indrajeet Yadav scored 74 runs in only 63 balls, which took the Percept score close to the needed target. This performance won him the Man of the Match.

    The match between O&M and Group M was a one-sided affair. After winning the toss Group M opted to bat first and scored only 206 in 42 overs. Only Sachin Puthran (82 runs) and Rahul Bhogte (55 runs) were able to reach in double figures. Anand Gharat took 3 wickets in 40 runs. In reply the O&M innings came to an end in mere 85 runs. Rajeev Doshi swept through the O&M batting line up and ended up with brilliant bowling figures of 4.5-1-7-5. He was adjudged the man of the match.

    Interactive Avenues team experienced a grueling defeat at the hands of Vyas Giannetti Creative VGC). After winning the toss VGC team put Int. Avenues in to bat. Int. Avenues batsman were absolutely clueless about the VGC opening pace attack and were bowled out for a paltry 54 runs in 13 overs. In one of the memorable bowling performance of CAG Shield tournament, Vaibhav Sane ended up with dream figures of 6-2-15-8, clean bowling 7 batsmen from Int. Avenues. VGC cake-walked towards the necessary target of 55 runs in only 6.4 overs with no loss. Vaibhav Sane was adjudged the man of the match.

     

    (The CAG Shield Cricket Tournament: Presenting Sponsor- Visage Images, Radio partner- Radio One, Print Partner- Mid Day, Web partner- Exchange4Media)

     

    Brief Scores

    ADFACTORS: 302 FOR,
    P. CHAVAN – 90 RUNS, S. PATIL 60 RUNS, S. GAIKAR – 52 RUNS
    P. CHINDARKAR – 3/60
    REDIFFUSION: 170 ALL OUT,
    G. PANCHAL – 55 RUNS
    S. GAIKAR – 4/35
    MAN OF THE MATCH: SANDESH GAIKAR

    AMBIENCE: 160 ALL OUT,
    B. PATEL – 58 RUNS
    S. YADAV – 43 RUNS
    S..SINGH – 3/50, R. MULAM – 3/20,
    PERCEPT: 166 FOR 3,
    I. YADAV – 74 RUNS,
    S. JADHAV – 36 RUNS, M. WALSE – 38* RUNS
    MAN OF THE MATCH: INDRAJEET YADAV

    GROUP M: 206 FOR 9,
    R. BHOGTE – 55 RUNS
    S. PUTHRAN – 82 RUNS
    A. GHARAT – 3/40
    O & M: 85 ALL OUT,
    N. SALVI – 39 RUNS
    R. DARSHI – 5/7, D. NAIDU – 3/16
    MAN OF THE MATCH: RAJEEV DARSHI

    INT. AVENUES: 54 ALL OUT,
    V. SANE – 8/15
    VGC: 57 FOR 0
    A. YALVIGI: 45* RUNS
    MAN OF THE MATCH: VAIBHAV SANE

    Semi Finals will be played on 3rd March 2007

    VGC Vs. GROUPM ( MCA Grounds, BKC , Bandra)
    PERCEPT Vs. ADFACTOR ( PJ. Hindu Gym, Marine Drive)

  • Sony Pictures Imageworks picks up equity in FrameFlow

    BANGALORE: US based Sony Pictures Imageworks (SPI) has announced an equity investment in renowned visual effects and animation studio FrameFlow, which has its production operation in Chennai. As part of the deal, FrameFlow will become Imageworks India and will work seamlessly with Sony Pictures Imageworks’ main production facility in Culver City, California.

    The newly named entity expects to quadruple its workload in the coming years and deepen its capabilities through investments in infrastructure, technology and training from Sony Pictures Imageworks. Imageworks India also plans a significant growth in its current talent base of 80 employees. To accommodate anticipated expansion, Imageworks India will relocate to a larger office in Chennai with a seating capacity of up to 300.

     

    “We are extremely excited to announce this partnership with Sony Pictures Imageworks, an Academy Award-winning visual effects and animation facility. We are deeply honored to be chosen to join the Imageworks family. It’s a testament to the passion and talent of our team and creative leadership of Krishnakant Mishra to receive this supreme validation of the quality of our work “, commented Hitesh Shah, co-founder of FrameFlow and now the Co-Managing Director of Imageworks India .

     

    Also speaking at the occasion, Abhaya Kumar, Managing Director of FrameFlow’s Indian operation added, “This relationship represents the culmination of our strategic vision to expand and deepen our capabilities through integration with an industry leader like Imageworks. We look at this strategic investment as a part of the continuing Indian Success Story – one that elevates the standing of the whole Indian visual effects and animation industry on the global stage.”

     

    FrameFlow was founded three years ago to deliver high-quality effects support to top facilities worldwide. Prior to becoming Imageworks India, FrameFlow proved its value by working with Sony Pictures Imageworks on movies such as CLICK, GHOST RIDER and SPIDER-MAN 3 among many other projects.

     

    “The level of professionalism and quality of work that we experienced in working with the FrameFlow team was exemplary, and gave us the confidence to extend and establish a strong long term relationship ,” said Jenny Fulle, Executive Vice President, Sony Pictures Imageworks and now the Co-Managing Director of Imageworks India . “We are very excited about expanding our capacity with Imageworks India in Chennai.

     

     

    As part of Sony Pictures Imageworks, Imageworks India will continue to provide visual effects and animation services as a resource to the industry. Imageworks India (formerly FrameFlow), has been a trusted partner to other top visual effects and animation studios in the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

  • BBC World lines up Budget programming

    MUMBAI: As India gears up for the annual Union Budget, BBC World, the BBC’s international 24-hour news and information channel launches its special programming on the Indian Budget 2007, giving in-depth analysis and insights into various issues concerning the subject. There will be daily updates and discussions on World Business Report as well as Asia Business Report, and Asia Today beginning on 26 February.

    BBC World’s Business Correspondent for India Karishma Vaswani, says, “As an international news channel, BBC World reports on the most relevant events and from across the world. As India makes it’s presence felt on the world map, the annual budget will affect not only our audiences in India, but worldwide. BBC World will bring its viewers the latest updates on the 2007 Indian budget along with in-depth analysis and international perspective with financial experts from around the globe.”

    The major highlights of the programs are as follows:
    Monday, 26 February: The first day of the budget series will cover the most topical discussion, on inflation. BBC World speaks to financial experts and the average person on the street, who will discuss inflation and its effect on the common person in India. BBC World will debate whether inflation rates will remain at the current percentage and the effect of rising global interest rates on local investment.

    Tuesday, 27 February: An exclusive interview with Alan Rosling, executive director of Tata Sons, who has played a pivotal role as foreign investor to India in the past. The episode will witness him share his views on the current needs of foreign firms and the expectations of Indian companies from this budget.

    Wednesday, 28 February: On the first day of the budget session, BBC World will focus on the expectations of various sections of the Indian society. From the manufacturing firms hoping for reduced import duties, to new funding ideas for entrepreneurs and issues related to income tax and a better living for the average Indian.

    Thursday, 1 March: A post-budget wrap up, BBC World will give a crisp and precise summary of the Union Budget 2007 along with comment and analysis.

    Friday, 2 March: BBC World will close its budget special with interviews of well known entrepreneurs and corporate personalities, who will share their views on the new budget.

  • Savitha Goud is Essel Karnatakas best sportsperson

    MUMBAI: Ms Savitha Goud, National-level Cycling Champion has won the “Essel Karnataka’s Best Sportsperson” Award. The award was presented to her by the Chairman of the Essel Group and Zee Network, Mr. Subhash Chandra at a ceremony in Bangalore on February 22, 2007. The other winners are Mr. Arvind Savur (Cue Sports), Mr. Madiah (Golf), Ms. Malathi Holla (Wheelchair Athlete) and Mr. Pankaj Advani (Billiards and Snooker).

    The process of selecting Karnataka’s Best Sportsperson began in January. Nearly 150 nominations were received from the sportspersons and their well-wishers. A committee comprising senior journalists short-listed 15 sportspersons from among the nominations received. The list of the short-listed candidates was in-turn placed before an eminent Jury headed by Justice M. Ramakrishna, which selected five finalists.

    The public was invited to choose one among the top five finalists as the “Essel Karnataka’s Best Sportsperson” through SMS and tele-voting. Ms. Savitha Goud secured the highest number of votes and emerged as the winner.

    At the award ceremony held on February 22, 2007, sportspersons who have rendered yeoman service were also felicitated. They included: Ms. Ashwini Nachappa (Athletics), Mr. Ahmed Khan (Football), Mr. T.R. Swamy (Wrestling), Mr. Brijesh Patel (Cricket) and Mr. Prakash Padukone (Badminton).

    This is the second in the series of awards instituted by the Essel Group in Karnataka. The first award ceremony held in January was dedicated to Karnataka’s Best Legislator. “Our’s is a Group fired by the spirit of nationalism and patriotism. Through these awards, we hope to inspire the youth and instill in them a pride for India’s rich heritage. The awards represent the group’s strong resolve to empower the people and thereby build a vibrant and resurgent India” said Mr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman of the Group.

    “Our effort is to identify unsung heroes and celebrate their achievements. So that it serves as an inspiration to the youth,” said Mr. M. Gautham Machaiah, Vice-President, Corporate and Public Affairs, Essel Group.