ITV

Category: Press Release

  • The Rolling Stones and Snoop Dogg join QUEST in a Search for Music

    QUEST airs: Indian Standard Times

    Sat, April 29 at 1130am and 1930hrs

    Sun, April 30 at 1130am

     

    The Rolling Stones, BB King, Snoop Dogg and James Blunt are some of the world’s biggest musical stars who join Richard Quest in his search for rhythm in this month’s QUEST on CNN.

     

    Legendary rock stars The Rolling Stones were recently granted permission to perform in China and Richard meets up with Mick, Keith, Ronnie and Charlie as they embark on a global tour and prepare to play in Shanghai. Also in Shanghai, Richard discovers that China has its own rock god in the form of singer Cui Jian.

     

    He then heads off to the MTV Asia Music Awards in Sydney where he meets critically acclaimed rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg and forms part of his entourage on the red carpet. He also talks to British chart sensation James Blunt about his phenomenal success and best-selling album.

     

    Continuing on his quest for music, Richard travels to Los Angeles to meet up with Oscar-winning songwriter Diane Warren. Recognised as the pre-eminent songwriter of her generation, Warren has written songs for acts as diverse as Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Meatloaf and Cher, resulting in more than 90 top ten hits in the US and the UK alone. Warren gives him a lesson in song writing and shows him the ingredients needed to make a hit record.

     

    Richard then takes his song to LA Reid, the head of Def Jam Records in Los Angeles.

     

     

    Rapper Kanye West and soul diva Mariah Carey are just two of the star names on his books and he can make or break a music career by pressing ‘play’ or ‘eject’. He tells Richard what makes a successful musician and how to get a start in the often cut throat business.

     

    The ‘King of Blues’ BB King talks to Richard as he prepares for his 10,000th live performance at the NEC Arena in Birmingham, England. 2006 has been a landmark year for the legendary 80 year old bluesman whose musical journey has taken him from sharecropping in Mississippi to the concert halls of the world and 14 Grammy Awards.

     

    New York’s famous Juilliard School of Music is also celebrating a birthday. Richard witnesses the school mark its 100th anniversary with a star-studded concert of alumni, including greats from the worlds of jazz and classical music, such as trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, violinist Itzhak Pearlman and America’s top soprano Renee Fleming.

     

    * Images and mpegs are available upon request

     

    AIRTIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

  • D’damas and Mukta Arts launch the music of Shaadi Se Pehle

    D’damas and Mukta Arts launch the music of Shaadi Se Pehle

    Celebrate Valentine’s Eve with the stars of the movie

    Mumbai, 13th Feb 2006: D’damas together with Mukta Arts today celebrated the season of love. The two came together for the music launch of the much-awaited movie Shaadi Se Pehle starring- Akshay Khanna, Ayesha Takia, Mallika Sherawat and Producer Subhash Ghai amongst others.
    The celebrations started with a visit by the stars of the movie at the felicitation of D’damas as the best Lifestyle retailer at Inorbit Mall, Malad. The stars also distributed free Valentine Dinner tickets at a 5 star hotel and invites to the music launch in the evening at the showroom.

    The event was then followed by a party at The Taj Lands End for the official launch of the music of the movie where one witnessed a scintillating ramp show by the models displaying the new collection by D’damas under the brand Collection g. The collection has been designed specially for Valentine’s Day. Subhah Ghai along with the two leading ladies of his movie Shaadi Se Pehle, Mallika Sherawat and Ayesha Takia unveiled the Valentine jewellery collection. Noted Music director Himesh Reshammiya left the onlookers wanting for more with his performance.

    This is not the first time that D’damas has tied up with a movie. Recently we saw the promotion of yet another upcoming movie “Fight Club’.
    Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mehul Choksi, Chairman, Gitanjali Group said, “It is an honour to be associated with Mukta Arts and we hope that this tie up brings us closer to the Hindi film industry so that we keep designing jewellery for them. We know that Valentine’s Day is here and D’damas has in store Valentine’s Day collection jewellery for all you people in love and so today we have all gathered together to launch the music of Mukta Arts’ upcoming movie Shaadi Se Pehle. We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Valentine’s Eve but to celebrate amidst the stars of the movie”.
    Collection G, which is meant for the women of today, is an attempt to celebrate her attraction for gold in a modern and stylized way. The collection g jewellery includes an exclusive line of pure gold marked with glamour, style and elegance.

    The D’damas range comprises of ornaments like pendants, earrings, chains, necklaces, bangles, bracelets and sets. D’damas offers a certificate from International Gemological Institute with every diamond jewellery product. D’damas has a whole host of brand ambassadors for their various products these include Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, Suneil Shetty, Akshay Kumar, Mahima Chaudhary, Celina Jaitely, Sheetal Mallar, Simran, Lara Dutta and former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins.

    About D’damas
    The Gitanjali Group Ltd., one of the largest exporters of diamond studded gold and platinum jewellery in India and Damas, the largest retailing jewellery brand chain in the Middle East have come together in a high profile joint venture to launch ‘D’damas’ a contemporary collection of diamond jewellery for the first time in India. The joint venture also has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Mumbai for domestic and overseas markets.

    For further information contact:
    Pooja Parekh / Shweta Mistry
    Good Relations (I) Pvt Ltd
    Tel.No. 022-23535971
    pooja@gri.co.in / shweta@gri.co.in
    9820777567 / 9820964141

  • ‘Kaun Hai Bond’ contest on Zee News

    ‘Kaun Hai Bond’ contest on Zee News

    To capture the enthusiasm and spirit around during the India – England Cricket Series, Zee News had done a contest to create interactivity between the viewers and the channel. The contest ‘Kaun Hai Bond’ was a SMS and Internet based contest for which viewers were required to predict the ‘Bond’ or the Man of the Match till the 30th over of the 2nd innings.

     

    The number of responses received through SMS on 7575 and through zeenews.com was more than overwhelming with responses coming from every nook and corner of the country. Nine handycams and a bumper prize of one car will be given to the lucky winners of the contest. The winner of the Bumper Prize is Amit Kharbanda (09815504551) from Amritsar. Sh. Laxmi Narain Goel, the Chairman of Zee News will hand over the bumper prize to the winner in a ceremony on 22nd April at 5 PM at MGF Hyundai 1 Jhandewaln Faiz Road.

     

    Zee News has been doing similar contests in the past and will be doing more such contest to create viewer interest and interactivity.

  • Satya Sai Sylada joins HTMT as Head – Human Resources

    Hinduja TMT Limited (HTMT) appoints new HR Chief for India and Mauritius

    Satya Sai Sylada joins HTMT as Head – Human Resources (India and Mauritius)

    New Delhi, March 21, 2006: HTMT today announced the appointment of Satya Sai Sylada as Head – Human Resources (India and Mauritius). He will have overall responsibility for the Human Resources function spread across 9 delivery centres in India and Mauritius.

    Satya joins us from GE Consumer Finance Servicing where he has been working for the past 4.5 years. He is also one of the very few Certified Black Belts in HR in GE where he worked full time for close to 2 years as a Black Belt improving processes and systems in Human Resources. He has a wide range of experience in various facets of Human Resources like Talent Acquisition and Retention, Employee Engagement, Compensation & Benefits and Leadership Development.

    His predecessor, Mr. Prosenjit Ganguly, after a brief but impactful stint at HTMT is moving on to pursue career interests outside the group.

    Prior to GE, Satya was with Wipro for around 3 years in their Fluid Power Business. He started his career with Bellary Steels after his Masters Degree in Human Resources from Andhra University and a Program in Business Management from Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta.

  • Red FM’s Valentine’s special ‘Date with Dino’

    Red FM’s Valentine’s special ‘Date with Dino’

    Valentine’s round the corner and as part of the celebrations RED FM, India’s most popular FM station, is bringing to its listeners a Valentines’ Week Bajaate Raho style.

    Red FM gives Mumbai girls 2 fun options for Valentine’s Day :

    “Date with Dino” As part of a weeklong programming initiative, RED FM will give-away – ‘a date with one of the sexiest men in Mumbai – Delicious Dino Morea’.

    This Valentines don’t stick at home watching those old romantic films on television or try to jostle for space in overcrowded malls. Just tune into Red FM 93.5 from 7th February 2006 and write a four-line poem proposing to the delicious Dino Morea. If he likes a poem, the girl gets a Valentine’s Day Date with Dino. And even if you don’t make it to the lucky three, your poem still gets aired on Red FM 93.5 and who knows, someone else might just ask you for that magic date.

    THE RED FM LOVE TEST
    How loyal is your love? This will be the Red Fm’s Love Test.
    Red FM 93.5 will run promos inviting listeners to take part in this test – all they have to do is nominate their Boyfriend or Husband. RED FM will call up their Boyfriend / Husband – LIVE ON AIR

    Watch out – Dangerous Mamla Hai ! RED FM will do this all day on the 14th of FEB – ONE BOUQUET PER HOUR.

    Says, Abe Thomas, COO – RED FM, ” These are two very ‘bajaate Raho Ideas’ that Mumbai has come to expect from RED FM. RED FM, 93.5 is differentiating itself from the other stations on the basis of its “we play only hit music” promise and a youthful attitude that stimulates the people of the city on issues that concern them.”

  • MetLife launches Met Smart Plus, Met Smart Premier

    New Delhi, July 19, 2006: MetLife announced that it has launched Met Smart Plus and Met Smart Premier – new and improved variants of their unit-linked Permanent Insurance plan – Met Smart, which was included in their product portfolio last year. Designed in accordance with the recently issued IRDA’s ULIP guidelines both Met Smart Plus and Premier retain their previous quality of transparency while providing life cover up to the age of 100. These products also offer the flexibility of choosing one’s cover as well as the amount of premium paid. With a “never-before” choice of six investment fund options to suit one’s risk/return profile Met Smart Plus and Met Smart Premier allows the flexibility to switch between funds to suit ones risk profile.

    Met Smart (Plus & Premier) have a minimum sum assured of Rs. 60,000 with no upper limit. It has another unique feature of flexible premium paying option after the third policy year. A policy holder also has the option of increasing or skipping premium payments as and if the situation so demands .There is the option to withdraw from funds anytime after the third policy year to meet one’s financial requirements. The first two partial withdrawals in each policy year are free of charge. Met Smart (Plus & Premier) premiums also qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 and its benefits – including Partial Withdrawals and Maturity Proceeds qualify for deduction under section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

    According to MetLife, these two products cater to people who range from the absolute risk averse to the ones who are willing to take risks. Met Smart Plus and Met Smart Premier have been designed keeping IRDA’s recent stipulations in mind. There has been a perceived increase in awareness of Unit-linked plans and most customers today are aware of the options available.

    MetLife has voluntarily formulated a unique internal accreditation programme for their financial advisors in view of the fact that any unit-linked product requires an in-depth knowledge of the risks involved which needs to be put forth to the customers. After sales are made, the company also has a call-out programme to ascertain whether the customers have been appropriately briefed about the product by the advisor. MetLife also has a dedicated committee with international expertise, which looks into the appropriate investments of funds, he said.

    About MetLife

    MetLife India Insurance Company Private Limited (MetLife) is an affiliate of MetLife, Inc. and was incorporated as a joint venture between MetLife International Holdings, Inc., The Jammu and Kashmir Bank, M. Pallonji and Co. Private Limited and other private investors.

    With over 138 years of experience, the MetLife companies serve millions of customers in the Americas and Asia with one goal in mind – to build financial freedom for everyone. The MetLife companies are a leader in group benefits that serve 88 of the top one hundred Fortune 500® companies, and provide benefits to 37 million employees and family members through its plans sponsors in the U.S. The MetLife companies are also ranked #1 in group life and #1 in commercial dental in the U.S. The MetLife companies are the number one life insurer in the U.S. with approximately US$3.3 trillion of life insurance in force. In India, MetLife was incorporated in 2001, and aims to differentiate itself through customized need based selling, simple and innovative products, and technology-backed service experience, to tread its path to build financial freedom for everyone.

  • Star Movies to feature ‘Hard Target’ on 8 April

    Star Movies to feature ‘Hard Target’ on 8 April

    Don’t hunt what you can’t kill… HARD TARGET
    Get set for some hard-hitting action with Hard Target, starring Van Damme on Saturday, April 8th at 9 p.m. only on Star Movies

    Mumbai, April 4, 2006… Star Movies knows what it takes to make a Saturday evening exciting – a movie that will keep you at the edge of your seat! Watch out for John Woo’s Hard Target a slick action movie, laced with dark humor, packed with bone-crunching fights and blazing with spectacular firepower. Action movie lovers are in for a complete treat this Saturday night, April 8th at 9 p.m. only on Star Movies.

    Chance Boudreaux (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is a tough, out of work seaman trying to find work in New Orleans, where troubles are growing higher every minute. The police are picketing and the law enforcement is at a minimum. Meanwhile, Natasha Binder (Yancy Butler) has come to the city in an attempt to find her father, who has not been heard from in some time. Natasha has been unaware that her father was homeless, and in a bleak attempt for money, became the prey in a human hunting “game”. Natasha then hires Chance to protect her, as well as solve the mystery of who killed her father. But when Chance becomes involved in the hunting, as the prey, the risks have been doubled.

    This action film is expertly directed by talented action film director, John Woo, who truly understands how to put an exciting, hard-hitting action movie together. He maintains his high standards and reputation with this effort, which grossed $74,189,677 at the worldwide box office.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    So tune in to Hard Target and get set for some non-stop action and excitement this Saturday night, April 8th at 9 p.m. only on Star Movies.

    About Star
    STAR is a leading media and entertainment company in Asia. STAR broadcasts over 50 television services in nine languages to more than 300 million viewers across 53 Asian countries. STAR channels cover all genres including general entertainment (Star Plus, Xing Kong, Star Chinese Channel, Star One, Star Utsav, Star World, Vijay, Phoenix Chinese), sports (ESPN, Star Sports), movies (Star Chinese Movies, Star Gold, Star Movies), music (Channel [V]), and news and current affairs (Star News, Star Ananda, Phoenix InfoNews Channel). STAR controls over 20,000 hours of Indian and Chinese programming and also owns the world’s largest contemporary Chinese film library, with more than 600 titles, featuring superstars including Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat and Bruce Lee. In partnership with leading companies in Asia, STAR businesses extend to filmed entertainment, television production, cable systems, direct-to-home services, terrestrial TV broadcasting, wireless and digital services. STAR is a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation. www.startv.com

    For further information please contact:
    In Mumbai
    Zeenat Khan Shiraz Bhavnani / Aditi Chada
    Asst. Vice President – Publicity Vaishnavi Corporate Communications
    STAR (India) Ltd. Tel: 91-22-5656 8787
    Tel No. 91-22-56305555 Fax: 91-22-5656 8788
    Email:sbhavnani@vccpl.com / achada@vccpl.com

  • Essel Propack ‘s Global Sales Record a Growth of 11% in The First Quarter Ended March 31, 2006

    Essel Propack ‘s Global Sales Record a Growth of 11% in The First Quarter Ended March 31, 2006

    Global sales – Rs. 2,121 Million
    EBIDT – Rs. 513 Million
    Net profit – Rs. 187 Million

    Mumbai, March 26, 2006 : Essel Propack, the global leader in laminated tubes, recorded a growth of 11% in its consolidated revenues during the First Quarter of 2006 over the corresponding period of last year. The Net Sales during the quarter under consideration touched Rs. 2,121 Million with a PAT of Rs. 187 Million.

    Speaking of the First Quarter results, Ashok Goel, the Vice Chairman & Managing Director stated in Mumbai, “Results for the first quarter are in line with our expectations. The seasonal and cyclical swing in volumes & revenue has been anticipated. This is built into our internal projections for the current year.”

    The turnaround operations at the acquired units of Arista Tubes, UK, and Essel Propack (UK), formerly Telcon Packaging, are on schedule. The expansion project at Arista, UK, is expected to be completed by the end of April 2006. These units are expected to move towards breakeven levels by June 2006. These units will further contribute to the profitability and margin improvement of the Company from Q3 2006. The start-up units of Russia and Mexico are going through a stabilization and volumes ramp-up mode. Operating costs for the Q1 2005 and Q1 2006 are not comparable because the Q1 2006 results include the operating costs of new Nalagarh plant (Himachal Pradesh, India), Essel Propack (UK), Russia, Mexico and the new US expansion which were not a part of the Q1 2005 results. The coming months are expected to show higher volumes and increased revenues from these new investments. Finance cost and depreciation are higher due to increased loans taken for Nalagarh project, for capacity expansion in USA, Arista (UK) expansion and Essel Propack (UK) acquisition. Also other income such as exchange gains in Q1 2005 has not occurred in Q1 2006. These too have impacted the profits in Q1 2006.

    On the short term outlook, Ashok Goel said, “Going forward in the second half of 2006, the loss making operations in Europe are expected to turn around. This should help in the improvement of the margins.” To sustain a double-digit growth, the Company has rolled out a multi-pronged approach. Mini-tubes will spearhead the Company’s penetration into pharmaceutical sector. At the same time, Company is broadening its customer base for laminated tubes by targeting toiletries, haircare and food sectors. Plastic tube is another focus area for the Company aimed at cosmetics industry. Other than the Indian and European markets, the Company has unveiled plans for foray into US market with plastic tubes by setting up a new facility. On the long term perspectives of the Company, Ashok Goel said, “Our earnings guidance remains unaltered for the year 2006. The revenues are expected to grow at 15-18% levels over 2005 and PAT is expected to grow along similar lines.”

    On March 29, 2006, Essel Propack had announced its foray into Medical Devices business. Then the Company was in the process of acquiring two companies namely Tacpro Inc., USA, and Avalon Medical Services, Singapore. The entire process of acquisition was completed on April 11, 2006. Revenues amounting to Rs. 360 Million is expected from the Medical Devices business during the period April 12, 2006, to December 31, 2006.

    Essel Propack, the largest speciality packaging company in the world, is promoted by Essel Group. Essel Propack, head quartered in India, manufacturers laminated and plastic tubes. The Company provides packaging solutions to toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and Industrial sectors all over the world. Recently, the Company forayed into Medical Devices business. The Company has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in 14 countries with 24 plants across the globe. Essel Propack’s stock is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange.

    Press contacts : Mumbai : Ramdas Warrier – 98209 04179;
    Delhi : Chetan Saxena @ 98113 23282

  • Star Ananda ranks second amongst all TV channels in Tam week 13

    Star Ananda ranks second amongst all TV channels in Tam week 13

    MUMBAI: Bengali television viewers have delivered a startling verdict on STAR Ananda, according to the latest TAM ratings. The Channel has bested all except ETV Bangla amongst the General Entertainment Channels, while leaving news channels trailing far behind, an unprecedented feat in television viewing!

    In Kolkata, STAR Ananda delivered a reach of 2,460,000 as compared to ETV Bangla’s 2,797,000 and ahead of Aakaash Bangla at 2,423,000 (TG: CS 15+; TAM Wk 13 – 26th Mar – 1st Apr 2006). Closest news competitor Tara News achieved a reach of only 1,492,000. In all of West Bengal, STAR Ananda meanwhile notched an impressive reach of 3,404,000 behind only ETV Bangla. Meanwhile, Tara Newz languished far behind at 2,089,000 amongst the news channels.

    STAR Ananda’s election-related programming has also been well received, with its array of special programmes for the West Bengal State Assembly Elections receiving the thumbs up from viewers. Bolun Bidhayak – STAR Ananda’s live on-ground debates pitting the bidhayaks against the electorate – provided exciting numbers grabbing 49% marketshare in the 9 pm to pm slot and 58% in the 1.30 pm to 2.30 slots amongst all news channels. Meanwhile, Jot, Ghot, Vote – STAR Ananda’s election-specific bulletin – captured 57% in the 5.30 to 6 pm slot and 56% marketshare in the 8.30 to9 pm slot (Mon-Sat).

    This record showing for STAR Ananda comes on the heels of an impressive TAM Week 12 for the Channel where it garnered 50% marketshare in Kolkata and 48% in the Rest of West Bengal and featured all 40 of the top 40 programmes, and 49 of the top 50 programmes in the Rest of West Bengal.

    STAR Ananda has constantly scored with its programming, positioning and packaging, bravely showcasing the people’s point of view. The recent ratings are merely a huge endorsement of its stand to empower viewers. Having introduced a paradigm shift in news broadcasting, this unambiguous success of STAR Ananda will leave much to be desired from other Channels.

  • Over 1000 teams apply for AXN’s ‘The Amazing Race Asia’

    Over 1000 teams apply for AXN’s ‘The Amazing Race Asia’

    Applications reveal the passionate, adventurous and crazy side of Asia

    Mumbai, 10 April 2006 – AXN’s The Amazing Race Asia looks set to feature some of Asia’s most passionate and colourful characters, after registration for The Amazing Race Asia closed on 31 March. AXN received over one thousand applications from all corners of Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, India, Korea, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Brunei and even Nepal.

    The hopeful applicants come from a broad and fascinating cross-section of Asia. From rich businessmen to people who need a new start in life, and from young students to the elderly, the applications revealed that people from all walks of life have gone to extreme lengths to compete in The Amazing Race Asia.

    Hopeful contestants stripped, danced, cried and begged for the adventure of a lifetime, demolishing the myth that Asians are conservative and reserved when it comes to television.

    Applicants performed crazy stunts, acted out Amazing Race fantasies, and bragged about past glories in their videos, which brought out the creative and quirky side of Asia, and demonstrated the passion Asians have for The Amazing Race Asia.

    The application process also showed that the digital revolution has well and truly taken hold in Asia. More than a third of the applications were shot and edited professionally, and the AXN application committee was incredibly impressed by the quality of the video applications. The videos were so entertaining and inventive that they would make a fantastic program on their own.

    Potential amazing racers also gave some intriguing reasons why they want to take on the challenging race, guaranteeing there will be plenty of personal drama as The Amazing Race Asia unfolds. For example, some teams are couples who want to revive the love in their relationships, while others want to use the race to rediscover themselves. For some, the race would be a once in a lifetime chance for challenge and adventure.

    “The response has been amazing, and AXN wants to thank everyone for the tremendous effort they have put into their applications, and for the passion they have shown for The Amazing Race Asia,” said Ricky Ow, General Manager of SPE Networks – Asia.

    The 10 to 12 teams who will compete in The Amazing Race Asia will be cast by the end of April.

    About AXN
    Delivering top rated series, blockbuster features, adventure-reality and first-run lifestyle sports programming, AXN is a leading international television destination among young adults 18-34. AXN is seen in 50 countries across Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, and is part of Sony Pictures Television International’s diverse portfolio of over 40 global networks. Sony Pictures Television International is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

    AXN Asia is available to more than 37 million households 24-hours daily throughout Asia in Taiwan, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, South Korea, Macau, Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Maldives, Mongolia and in hotels and VIP compounds in China. AXN can also be seen in 40 million cable television households on time-block basis in China. More information about AXN India can be found online at www.axn-india.com.

    For further information, please contact:
    Deepa/ Kehkashan
    LinOpinion
    #9820453418/ 9821131138