Category: Press Release

  • Fame Raj Empire arrives in Surat

    Fame Raj Empire arrives in Surat

    Surat, June 21, 2006: Shringar Cinemas Limited, one of the country’s leading movie exhibition and distribution companies, has announced its foray into Gujarat with the launch of the unique six-screen FAME Raj Empire multiplex in Surat. Located at Raj Empire Mall (Near Akashwani Tower, Bhatar Road), the new multiplex will commence operations from 23rd June 2006. Designed superlatively, with state-of-the-art technology, FAME Raj Empire is all set to become the most happening movie destination in Surat.

     

    With a capacity of more than 1800 ergonomically designed seats spread across six screens, specially designed lighting, world-class projectors and fully digital sound with 3-way surround system; FAME Raj Empire brings an international movie-viewing experience to cinema-goers in Surat.

     

    Backed with 100% computerized operations, FAME Raj Empire offers the convenience of reserving movie tickets through Internet, SMS as also delivery of tickets at your doorstep. If that’s not enough, the multiplex will also provide the ‘M-ticket’ facility, which enables patrons to book movie tickets through a voice-recognition service from their mobile phone, by calling a hotline number 505 3263 and paying through their credit card. This mobile ticketing service will be available for Hutch, Airtel and Idea subscribers.

     

     

    At FAME Raj Empire, every screen has been designed on a different theme ranging from Roman, Chinese, European, Russian, Egyptian to Arabian, to add to the visual drama. In addition to its special Arabic theme, Screen 6 will offer patrons the luxurious ‘Gold Class’ (Recliner Seats) and a separate Lounge (comfortable sofas) to unwind. The other five screens will provide ‘Premium’ and ‘Silver’ seating arrangements.

     

    Speaking at the launch, Mr. Shravan Shroff, Managing Director, Shringar Cinemas Limited, said,
    “We believe that movie viewing experience at a multiplex should be no less than exhilarating. In our endeavour to take this experience to a whole new level in Surat, FAME Raj Empire promises its discerning patrons a plethora of exclusive offerings including thematic screens, luxurious seating options, exciting movies, delectable cuisine and great interactive contests.”

    The FAME foyer will offer patrons a wide variety of food and snacks to choose from…Continental snacks counters, Chinese food carts, Ice-creams, special batata wada along with the movie must-have’s such as popcorn, samosas and cola.

    As with Shringar Cinemas’ other properties in Mumbai, Kolkata, Nashik and Pimpri (Pune), which have become benchmarks in providing world-class movie viewing experience in India, FAME Raj Empire is all set to become synonymous with the ‘buzz chahiye aa jayiye’ mantra. Red carpet events, opportunities to meet with the biggest Bollywood & TV stars, exclusive ticketed movie previews, innovative & exciting contest and numerous food festivals, are just some of the elements that will keep the buzz going at FAME Raj Empire. On an average, the multiplex will provide a choice of over 6 to 8 movies per day; ranging from Bollywood Blockbusters, Hollywood Hits and best of Regional Movies.

     

    About Shringar Cinemas Ltd.
    Shringar Cinemas Limited, listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange, began with acquiring programming rights for theatres across the country and in a short span of 4 years the Company has set new standards in theater content, service and film viewing experience. April 2002 witnessed the launch of the first ever state-of-the-art five-screen multiplex of Mumbai – FAME Adlabs; followed by FAME Malad at the Inorbit Mall, FAME Nashik, FAME Raghuleela in Kandivali, FAME Hiland Park in Kolkata, and FAME Jai Ganesh in Pimpri (Pune). The latest addition is the new six-screen FAME Raj Empire multiplex in Surat, which will commence operations on 23rd June 2006. Shringar Cinemas Ltd is today growing at a rapid pace with 8 new FAME properties within the next 12 months. By the end of this year, FAME would extend its presence in Thane, Dadar and Ghatkopar (Mumbai), Chandigarh, Aurangabad, Hyderabad and Kolkata. FAME has redefined the movie-viewing experience for cinema patrons and has catalyzed the explosive growth of the multiplex industry across India

    For further information, please contact:
    Hemanshu Mistry/ Mervyn Christian
    Vaishnavi Corporate Communications
    Mobile No.: 98702 24273/ 09898064940

  • eBay India’s announces the launch of style diva

    eBay India’s announces the launch of style diva

    June 14th, 2006: eBay India, the pulse of stylish net-savvy Indian consumers, announced the launch of its maiden fashion & lifestyle contest ‘eBay India STYLE DIVA 2006’, today. The contest will see three leading Diva’s of Bollywood – the glamorous Kareena Kapoor, the sensuous Bipasha Basu and magnificent Priyanka Chopra compete for the coveted title of ‘eBay India STYLE DIVA’ to be decided by eBay India’s growing online community through an online poll.

     

    eBay India, which is fast emerging as the most popular online destination for fashion and lifestyle products, is also running a promotion giving five lucky winners a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the diva of their dreams at the award function finale to be hosted in August in Mumbai.

     

    To participate, all one needs to do is to log onto www.eBay.in <http://www.eBay.in> and shop or sell any product from the various lifestyle categories using PaisaPay. After casting your vote for your favourite Diva, five lucky winners stand a chance to meet the eBay India Style Diva in person!

     

    Adding another dimension to this sizzling line-up of Bollywood beauties, eBay India buyers will also win special merchandise of the eBay India STYLE DIVA contest for each and every purchase made during the promotion.

     

    eBay reveals an increasing demand for lifestyle products bought online, as it currently averages the sale of a piece of jewellery every 6 minutes, a mobile handset every 7 minutes, a piece of fashion apparel every 13 minutes and a MP3 player every 17 minutes! If that’s not all eBay India, India’s largest online marketplace offers a wide range of products listed on its site spread across 2500 categories including, Apparel, Jewellery, fashion accessories, Health & Beauty, sunglasses, Bollywood, Books, & Magazines, Cars & Bikes, Computers, Electronics, Cameras & Optics, Art & Antiques Movies, Music, , Gifts, Home, Mobile Phones, Real Estate, Toys & Baby Products, Travel etc. On any given day, there are over 100,000 live listings on the site with over 3000 new listings being added daily.

    About eBay India
    eBay India (www.eBay.in), India’s leading online marketplace, is India’s biggest online trading community where anyone can sell or buy almost anything. eBay India is a trading platform offering auctions, fixed price and classifieds modes of person-to-person trading. There are a wide range of products listed on eBay India in an array of categories including Apparels & Accessories, Beauty & Health, Bollywood Memorabilia, Books & Magazines, Cameras & Optics, Cars & Bikes, Coins & Stamps, Computers & Peripherals, Consumer Electronics, Fitness & Sports, Home, Tools & Appliances, Jewellery & Watches, Mobiles & Accessories, Movies & Videos, Music & Instruments, Services & Real Estate, Toy, Games & Baby, Travel, Tickets & Vouchers, Video Games & Everything Else. eBay India is a 100% subsidiary of eBay Inc., The World’s Online Marketplace®.

    About eBay.com
    Founded in September 1995, eBay (Nasdaq: EBAY) is The World’s Online Marketplace® for the sale of goods and services by a diverse community of individuals and small businesses. Today, the eBay community includes more than a hundred million registered members from around the world. People spend more time on eBay than any other online site, making it the most popular shopping destination on the Internet.

     

    People from all over the world buy and sell on eBay. Currently, eBay has local sites that serve Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand Poland, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In addition, eBay has a presence in Latin America through its investment MercadoLibre.com.

    ***
    For further information, please contact:

    Deepa Thomas/Sneha Deshpande
    Gaurav Bhaskar /Mythili Rao
    eBay India
    Vaishnavi Corporate Communication
    91-22-6669000
    91-22-5658787
    dthomas@ebay.com/sndeshpande@ebay.com
    gbhaskar@vccpl.com/mrao@vccpl.com
    www.ebay.in/mediacentre

  • ‘Meet The Fockers’ on Star Movies

    ‘Meet The Fockers’ on Star Movies

    Don’t miss the exclusive premiere of the Robert DeNiro and Ben Stiller starrer
    ‘Meet the Fockers’ this Friday, June 9th at 9 p.m. only on Star Movies

     

    Mumbai, June 07, 2006: Robert DeNiro and Ben Stiller are back for a new session of disastrously funny family bonding in the hilarious sequel to Meet the Parents. Tune-in to the exclusive premiere of the rib-tickling comedy ‘Meet the Fockers’ this Friday, June 9th at 9 p.m. only on Star Movies.

     

    Following the knee-slapping hit MEET THE PARENTS, director Jay Roach once again keeps audiences roaring with laughter as he presents MEET THE FOCKERS. This time, young engaged couple Pam (Teri Polo) and Greg (Ben Stiller) are getting their parents together a few months before the wedding. Greg nervously plans out every detail of the trip, only to be usurped by Pam’s domineering ex-CIA-man father (Robert DeNiro).

     

    Not only has he purchased an RV, insisting they’ll be driving from New York City to the Fockers’ home in Miami, but he’s bringing along his perfect baby grandson. When they finally arrive at the Fockers’ house, Greg’s parents, Bernie and Roz (Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand), turn out to be sex-addicted hippies and not at all what the Byrnes (DeNiro and Blythe Danner) had expected. With one pitfall after the next, the film takes the concept of awkward in-law experiences to new heights, leaving no stone unturned from stories about past sexual experiences to detailed discussion of current ones. Every conversation is totally inappropriate and downright embarrassing, keeping audiences braced for the next disaster. Along the way, all six cast members turn in topnotch performances, with Hoffman, Streisand, and Stiller leading the charge in true Focker spirit.

    So, make sure you tune in to this fun film ‘Meet the Fockers’ this Friday, June 9th 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
    Asst. Vice President – Publicity
    STAR (India) Ltd.
    Tel No. 91-22-56305555

  • Kumar Sanu Junior makes to the semi finals of ‘Rin Mera Star Superstar’

    MUMBAI: Looks like there’s another Kumar Sanu in the making as Star Plus show “Rin Mera Star Superstar” gets Jaan Sanu (Kumar Sanu’s son) entering the semi-final rounds of the show on December 8, 2006 at 7:30 pm on Star Plus.

    On asking show jury- Sachin Pilgoankar what he has to say about this; he adds, “ Jaan has definitely got ‘sur’ and ‘taal’ as a genetic gift from his father but what I admire about him is that he is using this gift to the best of his advantage and trying to get ahead in life on his own effort.”

    But has he reached this far on own merit or are the judges partial to him because of his father’s celebrity status?? Judge Sachin comments “Both Farida Jalal and I are judges on this show and we are not here to create biases and favoritism among contestants.

    We have chosen those contestants who we felt have immense talent and Jaan is one amongst them. We have definitely not chosen Jaan in the semi-finals because of his father. On this show, contestants have to create and use their own identity to come ahead and not their parents”

    Jaan, whose magical performance moved the judges, feels it is unfair that people believe that he has got selected for the semi-finals because of his father. In his defense, he says, “I have worked hard to come so far in the show and I am struggling just like any other contestants to win this title.

    My name is attached with my father Kumar Sanu’s name but I don’t want to get ahead in life using his name, I am here to create an identity of my own and so no where in the show have I used my fathers name. I have given my best performance and that’s why I have got selected.”

    Jaan, whose last performance won him accolades from celebrity guest Pooja Bhatt will now be in the semi-finals competing with contestants- Santosh Kapdi (14) and Ashwini Shukla (11) from Mumbai, and 7 other contestants from Pune, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur. ….

    Will Jaan manage to beat his competitors and woo the audience and the judges once again by recreating the same magic in the semi-finals? To know watch out for the semi-finals of ‘Rin Mera Star Superstar’ on Friday, December 8th 7.30 pm only on Star Plus!

  • Indian IT software and services grow by 31.4% in FY 05-06

    Exports grow by 33% to clock revenues of USD 23.6 billion
    Domestic market revenues grow by 24%
    Indian IT software and services industry forecast to register strong growth of around 25-28% in FY 06-07

    Bangalore, June 01, 2006: NASSCOM, the chamber of commerce and “voice” of the IT software and services industry in India, today announced the findings of its annual survey on the performance of the Indian software and services industry (excluding hardware) and the outlook for FY 2006-07.

    As per the NASSCOM survey, the Indian IT-ITES industry has recorded 33% growth in exports, clocking revenues of USD 23.6 billion in FY 2005-06, as compared with export revenues of USD 17.7 billion in FY 2004-05. FY 2005-06 also saw the overall Indian IT-ITES industry (including domestic market) growing by 31% registering revenues of USD 29.6 billion, up from USD 22.5 billion in 2004-05.

     

    Of the total IT-ITES exports in FY 2005-06, IT software and services grew by 33%, registering revenues of USD 13.3 billion; while ITES-BPO segment clocked revenues of USD 6.2 billion, recording a growth of 37%. Engineering services and product exports grew from USD 3.14 billion in FY 04-05 to USD 4 billion in FY 05-06. Domestic market clocked revenues of USD 6 billion in FY 04-05 from USD 4.8 billion in FY 05-06.

     

    NASSCOM has projected overall software and services will grow by 25-28% clocking revenues of USD 36-38 billion in FY07. IT-ITES exports are likely to grow by 27-30% in FY 06-07, posting revenues between USD 29-31 billion.

     

    Mr. Kiran Karnik, President, NASSCOM, said, “The excellent performance of the Indian software and services industry once again reinforces our confidence that the industry is on course to meet the projected target of USD 60 billion exports by FY 10, as projected in the NASSCOM McKinsey Report. This growth is also reflected in the employment trends, both direct and indirect which according to our estimates is to the tune of 4.3 million.

     

    “With less than 10% of the market currently addressed, a large market opportunity exists for the sector which will ensure sustained demand led growth. Factors like evolution of global delivery model, unbundling of large IT outsourcing deals with larger India based delivery shares, and the large contract values due for renewal over next two years are some of the positive indicators for the sector. In the last year India’s strength has emerged through large client wins, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, movement of the industry towards stable pricing model and a gradual positive shift in the outsourcing debate”.

    “However, along with the opportunity, there are a challenges that call for focused efforts. These include concerns about the quality and skill sets of graduates, infrastructure, maintaining the attractiveness of India for IT investments and steps to boost the domestic market”, he added.

  • ‘Fear Factor’ delivers well for Sony

    ‘Fear Factor’ delivers well for Sony

    Mumbai: Fear Factor India has delivered well for Sony Entertainment Television’s (SET) India. The reality show, which was being produced by Endemol, managed to reach out to 26 million viewers across India.

    It also provided close to 100 per cent leap in Sony slot performance. Fear Factor touched a peak of 5.3 TVR in the Hindi speaking market (HSM) strata as well as delivered strong performance in all key rating markets, according to a official communiqué from the channel.

    Fear Factor also attracted significant ratings among the kids and youth and garnered above 5+ TVRs in this TG. What’s more, the show also managed to cut across a large socio economic spectrum with universal appeal to SEC ABC base.

    It garnered strong TVRs in key markets with 4.6 TVR in Delhi, 3.8 in Mumbai and 3.7 in Gujarat.

  • Fair & Lovely foundation awards 91 scholarships to women

    MUMBAI: The Fair & Lovely Foundation has conferred 91 scholarships to women students for graduate, post-graduate, and doctorate studies under its scholarship program, 2006. Ms.Chandra Iyengar, Principal Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Home Department was the Chief Guest at the awards function held in Mumbai today.

     

    In its fourth year since inception, the Fair & Lovely Foundation scholarships are given to deserving women to pursue higher studies at graduate, post-graduate and doctoral studies. The Fair & Lovely Foundation has awarded over 200 scholarships till date.

     

    Most of the scholarships have gone to women who are the first graduates in their families. With Fair & Lovely Foundation’s Scholarships, these students will now be able to pursue graduate and post-graduate degrees and diplomas in fields ranging from Computer Applications, Medicine, Business Administration, Technology, Journalism, Engineering, Veterinary Science and Psychology, among others.

     

    On the occasion, Ashok Venkatramani, Vice President, Skin Care, Hindustan Lever Limited (HLL) said, “Fair & Lovely Foundation is extremely delighted for these young women who have shown remarkable courage and determination to chase their dreams in their quest for education.

     

    We have found that each one of them have an indomitable drive to achieve clubbed with confidence in themselves, despite all odds. Education brings this confidence and transformation. We at Fair and Lovely strive to continue touching many more lives and helping every woman transcend her boundaries.”

    The past scholars of Fair & Lovely Foundation have been able to carve a niche in the field that they had chosen and we do hope the 90 winners announced today would continue to do so in future.

  • Puma debuts in India – Leaping Cat Adds To The Soccer Fever

    New Delhi, 23rd June, 2006: Leading Sport Lifestyle Company PUMA today announced the launch of its mega store in Chennai. With the launch of this exclusive store, Puma leaps into the Indian Market and takes a step closer to achieve its aim of becoming the most desirable sports lifestyle brand in India.

    Puma promises to offer a wide range of apparel and accessories in a completely novel and unique environment through its exclusive branded store. Done in the official colors of Red and White and spread over a sprawling fifteen hundred square feet, the store houses the entire international collection of Puma apparels, shoes and accessories. Apart from the sports performance products, the store caters to a new product range. The new product range will be available through “Motorsport”, “Moto”, “Golf”, “Yoga/Lounge” and “Beach Wear” collections. Besides this, Puma will also offer new products and colorways to consumers over four seasons in a calendar year. Being the official licensees for Ferrari and B.M.W, this PUMA store will also host a range of these branded shoes, apparels, accessories and promises to provide customers more than what they could have asked for.

    Unveiling the details of this exciting brand Mr. Rajiv Mehta, Managing Director, Puma Sports India Pvt.Limited said “We believe that the sports apparel segment has a huge potential in the Indian market. Today customers look for a world-class, quality product. Puma is all this and more! Puma is a strong product coupled with a unique and fun experience, which will redefine the sports lifestyle market in the country.”

    There could not have been a better time to launch the Puma store when the entire country is going Ga-Ga over soccer and 12 of the 32 teams in this year’s finals will be wearing Puma–including all five qualifiers from Africa, especially as the 2010 World Cup will be held in South Africa . The expansion plans of Puma Sports India are ambitious, with the aim of establishing Puma in India at parity with the Global Brand position. The long term mission of the company in India is identical with the global Puma mission, namely to become the most desirable sports lifestyle company in India.

    About PUMA

    PUMA® is the global athletic brand that successfully fuses influences from sport, lifestyle and fashion. PUMA’s unique industry perspective delivers the unexpected in sportlifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories, through technical innovation and revolutionary design. Established in Herzogenaurach, Germany in 1948, PUMA distributes products in over 80 countries. For further information please visit www.puma.com <http://www.puma.com> and www.pumafootball.com

    For further information, please contact :
    Teena Sukheja @ 9871597718
    Himani Ghildiyal@ 9891374069
    hghildiyal@perfectrelations.com <mailto:hghildiyal@perfectrelations.com>
    Perfect Relations

     
  • A Kidzee School near you

    Zee Interactive Learning Systems Ltd. (ZILS), the education arm of Zee Network, Asia’s undisputed leader in pre-school education with Kidzee, has grown to a network of 400+ schools across India and abroad in a short span of 36 months. Kidzee employs the concept of ‘learning by playing’. The personalized tender care in a Kidzee school stimulates the budding mind to understand and handle day-to-day situations.

     

    The renowned Indian Film actor Anil Kapoor on 5 June inaugurated the new Kidzee School, in Walkeshwar, Mumbai.

    Anil Kapoor addressed the media and appreciated ZILS for its efforts in providing quality education in the pre school segment. Zee Interactive Learning Systems AVP Prem Jain, gave a keynote address on behalf of ZILS, “Kidzee provides, comprehensive age appropriate learner centric programme at par with international standards, it ensures holistic development enabling the child to face the challenges of the modern world.”

  • Celebrate the good times at the ‘Watches And More Fest 2006’…

    MUMBAI: The Fashion Accessories Lounge of Egana India Pvt. Ltd. this festive season has announced their annual Watches And More Fest (WAM Fest) with exciting offers on brands like Esprit Time, Cerruti 1881, Pierre Cardin Swiss, Mexx Time etc.

    The WAM Fest is across all WAM outlets in Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai. Every customer gets an opportunity to choose from a plethora of lifestyle and premium watches and jewellery brands.

    The Fest commences December 20, 2006 through till January 20, 2007. Consumers can walk into any WAM store across India and spoil themselves. So, what you waiting for, its time to loose control!!! This festive season the WAM Fest brings offers as listed below:

    Lifestyle Brands

    Esprit Timewear

    Buy any Esprit Timewear and get the second one at 50% discount.

    Pierre Cardin Swiss

    Buy Pierre Cardin swiss and get Watches & More Gift Voucher worth Rs. 1000 absolutely free.

    Mexx Timewear

    Buy any Mexx Time and get the second one free.

    Carrera

    Buy Carrera and get Carrera Sling Bag & Carrera Belt worth Rs. 2000 absolutely free.

    Puma

    Buy Puma Time and get the Puma World Cup watch absolutely free.

    Allen Solly

    Buy any Allen Solly Time and get the second Allen Solly Watch free.

    Premium Timewear Brand

    Buy Cerruti 1881 and get WAM vouchers worth Rs. 2500 absolutely free.

    Fashion Jewellery Bands

    Buy above Rs. 1000 from Esprit Jewel, Mexx Jewel, Carrera Jewel, Rose By Beevee, Pierre Cardin & Tanya Rossi and get surprising gifts from Esprit absolutely free.