ITV

Category: Television

  • Poonam Wahi launches her own production house – PWF

    Poonam Wahi launches her own production house – PWF

    Mumbai: Poonam Wahi, a seasoned executive producer with over two decades of experience in the film and advertising industry, is thrilled to announce the launch of her own production house, PWF (Poonam Wahi Films).

    After spending a couple of years at Lintas C:EX, where she honed her skills in producing high-quality content, Poonam has now branched out to start her own venture. Prior to Lintas, she was producing at Chrome Pictures, and prior to Chrome as a freelance producer with Equinox Films and Highlight Films. While freelancing she worked on feature films like Lakshay, Sarkar Raaj, 3 Idiots, One Night with the King, Darjeeling Limited, The Fall, Doors to the Seven Star to name a few.

    PWF is a dynamic content house that embodies Poonam’s vision for creating innovative and impactful storytelling. With a diverse portfolio of esteemed clients, including corporate giants like Reliance, Adani, Tata, and Danone India, as well as emerging disruptors like Swiggy, PWF is poised to make its mark in the industry.

    At PWF, collaboration is at the heart of the company’s ethos. Poonam has forged partnerships with industry luminaries from Bollywood icons like Akshay Kumar to culinary maestros like Chef Ranveer Brar, crafting compelling and impactful content that leaves a lasting impression.

    “I’m excited to bring my expertise and passion to the forefront and create unforgettable stories that captivate audiences worldwide,” said PWF founder and executive producer Poonam Wahi.

    With a team of passionate and dedicated professionals, PWF is committed to delivering top-notch results while fostering a culture of joy and camaraderie. Whether it’s brainstorming sessions or on-set collaborations, the team brings a unique blend of professionalism and enthusiasm that makes every project not just successful but also enjoyable.

  • Kannada Nadi: Spotlight on rural Karnataka – Premiering on News18 Kannada

    Kannada Nadi: Spotlight on rural Karnataka – Premiering on News18 Kannada

    Mumbai: Kannada launches ‘Kannada Nadi’ a groundbreaking news show dedicated to delivering timely and accurate news from rural Karnataka. The show premieres every night at 8.00 PM featuring authentic stories of Kannada-speaking rural communities, addressing the real concerns and issues affecting the daily lives of rural Kannadigas.

    With dedication to accurate and timely news delivery, Kannada Nadi strives to be the go-to news source for rural Kannadigas. The show aims to amplify local voices and keep viewers informed about what matters most to them in their communities. The show will focus on providing accurate and extensive rural coverage, capturing stories from every village and town for a comprehensive view of rural Karnataka.

    Kannada Nadi strives to be the most trusted news source for rural Kannadigas aiming to deliver accurate, timely, and relevant information in the region. 

  • Discover the essence of Pandharpur Wari Yatra with News18 Lokmat’s ‘Bheti Lagi Jiva’

    Discover the essence of Pandharpur Wari Yatra with News18 Lokmat’s ‘Bheti Lagi Jiva’

    Mumbai: News18 Lokmat has announced the launch of its special program ‘Bheti Lagi Jiva,’ dedicated to the grand annual pilgrimage of Pandharpur. The program, which started airing from June 29, will run until July 16, 2024 as it looks to capture the essence of the ancient tradition.

    The Wari Yatra is an annual pilgrimage to the Vithoba Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra that begins from Dehu and Alandi in Pune, following distinct routes that converge in Pandharpur. Thousands of devotees, known as Warkaris, walk hundreds of kilometres from various parts of Maharashtra and neighbouring states to participate in this spiritual journey. This year, the pilgrimage began on June 29 and concludes on July 16, the auspicious day of Ashadhi Ekadashi.

    Co-presented by Finolex Pipes & Fittings, News18 Lokmat’s ‘Bheti Lagi Jiva’ will provide comprehensive coverage of the entire journey, offering in-depth insights into the significance and traditions of Wari Yatra. A special focus will be given to the important ‘Ringans’ (a circular arrangement or pattern), capturing the pilgrimage’s spirit and determination.

    The channel will also broadcast special coverage on 17 July, where the viewers will witness the culmination of the Yatra live from Pandharpur, showcasing the final rituals and celebrations. The daily updates are aired at 5:21 PM from 29 June to 16 July, featuring the latest news and exclusive stories from the ground.

  • Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 reaches historic 2.7 crore viewers

    Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 reaches historic 2.7 crore viewers

    Mumbai: Launched on 10 March 2024, this season of Asianet’s Bigg Boss Malayalam captivated audiences with 25 dynamic contestants from diverse backgrounds, offering a rich tapestry of conflicts, friendships, romances, physical challenges, and strategic games. This season’s grand finale reached a historic viewership milestone, making it the highest-rated season ever in the show’s history.

    Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 maintained stellar ratings throughout its run, underscoring the deep connection between Asianet and its dedicated viewers. The show not only dominated television but also made waves on digital platforms, becoming a cultural phenomenon among Malayalis. In Kerala alone, it reached an astonishing 2.7 crore viewers (Source: BARC 2+U+R).

    The magnetic presence of host Mohanlal was a major draw, with his charisma elevating the show to new heights. This season was packed with innovative twists, including the introduction of the power room and the unprecedented simultaneous entry of six wildcard contestants. Mohanlal’s iconic ‘A 10’ digital font presentation, cinematic narratives, CID Ramdas, live sketches in the finale, and impactful social messages like organ donation kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

    Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6’s ratings soared by 35 per cent compared to the previous season (BARC 2+ Kerala U+R). The show’s viewership on Disney+ Hotstar surged by an impressive 55 per cent. Engagement metrics also saw remarkable growth, with social media mentions doubling and voting for contestants increasing by 69 per cent. The final week’s voting alone witnessed an extraordinary 87 per cent spike in votes, showcasing the show’s immense popularity and viewer investment.

    The success of Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 was amplified by its esteemed sponsors. The show was title sponsored by Ski Ice Cream and co-presented by Atomberg, Amruthaveni, Domex, and Lloyd. Key partners included India Gate, Britannia Good Day & Comfort, with Dazller Eterna as the beauty partner and Gold Winner as the health partner. Special partners featured 7Up, Squad, and Tang, while co-sponsors included K.P. Namboodiris, Premier Tissues, Milma, M4Marry.Com, Exo Gel, Kerala Matrimony, AirTel, Veranda Race, Peet & Joe, Eastern, John’s Umbrella, MyG, MI, and Confidence Group. The Prize Sponsor for the season was Confident Group.

    Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 has not only set a new benchmark for reality TV but has also become an integral part of Malayali culture, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

  • Real Madrid Foundation partners with Conscient Sports

    Real Madrid Foundation partners with Conscient Sports

    Mumbai: In a significant step set to transform the future of football in India, the Real Madrid Foundation – branch of the renowned Real Madrid Club managing its football programs worldwide-has established a pioneering partnership with Conscient Sports. This collaboration is dedicated to fostering young football at the grassroots level, combining Real Madrid Foundation and Real Madrid’s legendary football philosophy with Conscient Sports’ extensive expertise and dedication to Indian football. Conscient Sports is the exclusive partner of Real Madrid Foundation in India to develop the football program for all the country.

    The training methodology of Real Madrid Foundation and Real Madrid blends the traditional football ethos with modern coaching philosophies. It offers unique experiences tailored for young footballers and families, complementing mainstream education. This approach aims to enhance developmental goals, including leadership skills. The platform not only advances sporting abilities but also fosters high-performance individuals, inspired by Real Madrid. The programme’s curated experiences create an enriching environment for student growth in positive life values.

    Conscient Sports stands as the beacon of football development in India. Since 2010, Conscient Sports has built a robust training infrastructure, now spanning four major cities—Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru—with over 30 state-of-the-art training centres and more than 4,000 active young footballers. Creating an environment where talent thrives by blending global best practices with a deep understanding of local football dynamics, Conscient Sports’ football wing, Conscient Football, has grown into India’s largest football academy over the past 14 years, coaching more than 50,000 players across over 40 locations. This journey includes conducting over 50 nationwide camps and selecting more than 25 teams for international football tournaments. Beyond football skills, Conscient Sports fosters a youth movement, emphasizing health & wellness, focus & discipline, teamwork & leadership, and character-building through the sport. Partnering with Real Madrid Foundation, Conscient Sports continues its commitment and legacy towards the sport.

    “Real Madrid’s legacy of excellence finds a perfect partner in Conscient Sports, whose unparalleled expertise and dedication to grassroots development in India are second to none,” said Real Madrid institutional relations director and official spokesperson Emilio Butragueno. He further added, “Conscient Sports’ extensive knowledge of the Indian football landscape and their relentless pursuit of excellence make them the ideal ally for our mission. There is no better partner in India to help us realize our vision of nurturing young football talent.”

    Conscient Sports’ director Kriti Jain Gupta expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “Over the last 14 years, football has evolved dramatically, with new emphasis on physicality, speed, tactical flexibility, and high-intensity pressing. Our young athletes need training that aligns with these advancements and prepares them for the future. Conscient Sports has continually adapted coaching philosophies to meet the evolving needs of players and their families. And this is in sync with the philosophy of the club. Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring our athletes are not only prepared for global challenges but also inspired to excel. We are dedicated to driving the growth of football in India, aspiring to host championships and tournaments that will shine a spotlight on our homegrown talent.”

    The exclusive partnership with Real Madrid Foundation is more than just a new badge; it is about leveraging thought leadership to impact sustainability & community development, to promote inclusive practices and the vision emphasises the role of sports in fostering education, health, sustainable development and social integration, leveraging influence to create positive, lasting impacts on society that go beyond sports, embracing the true essence of football, and celebrating the diverse styles, techniques, and approaches that make the sport so aspirational.

    In the past 14 years, Conscient Sports has won the trust of thousands of players who have believed, thrived, and have turned out to be wonderful human beings. Countless tournaments, effective and structured training sessions, humble coaches and supervisors, high-quality infrastructure, online training sessions during COVID, physiotherapists, CPR & first aid trained coaches at every session—Conscient Sports has always stayed ahead of the curve.

    This historic collaboration between Real Madrid Foundation and Conscient Sports promises to usher in an era of exciting new beginnings, shaping the future of football in India. Together, they will cultivate a new generation of football stars, the club’s legacy with Conscient Sports’ unmatched dedication to the sport. This partnership heralds a vibrant and competitive football landscape, positioning India on the global football map.

  • Rainy day adventures with your favourite toons – Shin Chan, Oggy, and Honey Bunny

    Rainy day adventures with your favourite toons – Shin Chan, Oggy, and Honey Bunny

    Mumbai: The rains have started, pitter-pattering on the rooftops and announcing the return of school, exams and homework. But don’t let the gloomy weather bring down your spirits. What if you could spend this monsoon with your favorite Sony YAY! toons by your side? From laughing in the classroom with Shin chan to dancing in the rain with Honey Bunny, turn monsoon season into an epic adventure:

    Unwind like Oggy

    Remember how Oggy chills out after a long day of being chased by those pesky cockroaches? Channel your inner Oggy after school. Grab some hot, steaming snacks – pakoras or samosas – cuddle up on the couch under your favourite blanket, and catch up on your favorite shows.

    Shin chan

    He’s got a pocket full of laughter and pranks, and he makes everyone laugh. School can get dull sometimes, but once you channel Shin chan, things can never be boring. You could ditch the usual games and play tic-tac-toe with your friends on your notebook or fold a tiny paper airplane and see who can make it land in the wastebasket at the corner of the classroom.  

    Dance in the rain with Honey Bunny

    The monsoon rains are a perfect excuse to splash in puddles and have some fun. The OG Jholers would be the perfect partners-in-crime for a rainy-day adventure. Put on your raincoats and boots and jump in with Honey, Bunny, Popat, and Zordaar. And fold some paper boats and race them. Who would win – you or Honey Bunny?

    Tune into Sony YAY! and beat the back-to-school blues with your favourite toons!

  • Neelu Vaghela on learning Gujarati for COLORS Gujarati: “My husband was my biggest support

    Neelu Vaghela on learning Gujarati for COLORS Gujarati: “My husband was my biggest support

    Mumbai: With the promise of bringing to the screens ‘Asal Gujarati Nu Asal Entertainment,’ COLORS Gujarati presents a mythological blend of culture, tradition, and divine storytelling in its new offering ‘Shyam Dhun Lagi Re’. ‘Shyam Dhun Lagi Re’ navigates through a heartfelt journey of Narsinh Mehta’s life from the lens of Lord Krishna. By bringing home-grown content that resonates with the rich culture of Gujarat, COLORS Gujarati is set to redefine the landscape of regional television. The channel not only aims to elevate the standard of Gujarati entertainment but also promises to captivate audiences with its unique and soulful narratives.

    The ensemble cast for the show includes talented and popular actors like Neelu Vaghela as Dadi Baa of Narsinh Mehta, Krishna Bharadwaj as Shri Krishna, Paresh Bhatt as Narsinh Mehta, and Hitu Kanodia as Narsinh Mehta’s father. The show will also feature original bhajans sung by the popular singer Parthiv Gohil, adding a musical essence to this spiritual saga.

    Neelu Vaghela, who is making her Gujarati debut with ‘Shyam Dhun Lagi Re,’ shares that her husband played a pivotal role in helping her prepare for her role by assisting her with speaking the language. Although she previously understood Gujarati, this is her first time speaking it.

    Elaborating on the preparation for her role, Neelu Vaghela, who essays the role of Narsinh Mehta’s dadi, said, “I am very excited to mark my debut in the Gujarati entertainment space with ‘Shyam Dhun Lagi Re’. My husband was my biggest support, patiently helping me perfect my pronunciation. My co-stars also played a pivotal role in enhancing my skills, making the set feel like one big Gujarati family. We are all putting in our best efforts to ensure the show resonates well with the Gujarati audience, capturing the true essence and spirit of their culture

    ‘Asal Gujarati Nu Asal Entertainment’ with ‘Shyam Dhun Lagi Re’ premieres on 15 July at 7:30 pm, and thereafter airs every day only on COLORS Gujarati

  • PUMA onboards cricketers Riyan Parag and Nitish Kumar Reddy

    PUMA onboards cricketers Riyan Parag and Nitish Kumar Reddy

    Mumbai: Sports brand PUMA India, to deepen their connection with Gen Z consumers, onboard Riyan Parag and Nitish Kumar Reddy, the country’s promising cricketers and batters. This move reinforces PUMA’s commitment to nurturing young talent and solidifying the sports brand’s connection with youth culture in the country.

    Riyan Parag, a 22-year-old right-hand batsman from Guwahati, has made significant strides in the cricket scene. He is the highest run-getter among uncapped players in the recent cricket league and was part of the victorious Indian Under-19 team at the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Likewise, Nitish Kumar Reddy, a 21-year-old all-rounder from Andhra Pradesh, has been making headlines for earning the Emerging Player title in the recent cricket league.

    With this, the duo joins the PUMA family and will promote PUMA’s footwear, apparel, athleisure, and accessories through various events and initiatives.

    Riyan Parag commented, “Joining PUMA is an incredible honour. I have always admired PUMA’s dedication to sports and their unwavering pursuit of excellence. Being part of a brand that champions performance and innovation is truly inspiring. I am excited to represent PUMA and hope to motivate young cricketers to follow their passion with the same commitment and enthusiasm that the sports giant embodies.”

    Nitish Kumar Reddy said, “The association with PUMA is a major milestone for me, and I am eager to represent the sports brand both on and off the field. I believe that together, we can achieve amazing things and inspire the next wave of athletes to follow their dreams with the same passion and commitment.”

    As per the Instagram Trend Talk preview for 2024, nine out of ten Gen Z individuals in India consider themselves part of a fandom. The same study also highlighted that India has the highest percentage of sports superfans among Gen Z, compared to any other country.

    PUMA’s strategic alliances and innovative marketing campaigns in the country have catapulted the brand to global stardom, which is supported by a battery of Brand Ambassadors in Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Harmanpreet Kaur, MC Mary Kom, to Avani Lakhera and Gen Z sensations in Ibrahim Ali Khan and Shanaya Kapoor, along with a vibrant social media community of 13 million followers.

  • Sahil Chopra promoted as associate VP at Viacom18 Media

    Sahil Chopra promoted as associate VP at Viacom18 Media

    Mumbai: Sahil Chopra has been promoted as associate VP at Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. He announced the news via Linkdin post stating, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Associate Vice President at Viacom18 Media Private Limited!”

    Previously, he was associated with JioCinema as senior director – Brand & Sports Marketing, where he was the creative strategy lead for sports portfolio – TATA IPL, BCCI domestic series, Olympics, WPL etc.

    Chopra is a marketing specialist with 11+ years of experience in content marketing across Media platforms. Skilled in creating value for businesses via brands. Trained in Digital Marketing and Social media marketing from the Indian School of business (ISB), Hyderabad and PGDM in Brand Management from MICA.

  • Dr Mansukh Mandaviya unveils Tasva’s Ceremonial Dress for team India at Paris Olympics

    Dr Mansukh Mandaviya unveils Tasva’s Ceremonial Dress for team India at Paris Olympics

    Mumbai: Tasva, the men’s Indian wear brand by Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. and celebrated designer Tarun Tahiliani has taken on the prestigious task of designing the ceremonial dress for Team India at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. The minister of youth affairs and sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, unveiled the official ceremonial Dress for Team India in the presence of Indian Olympics Association President, Dr PT Usha.

    Tasva is all set to bring to Paris, the fashion capital of the world, its fresh take on Indian traditional wear. The ceremonial attire draws inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry of India and embraces a patriotic spirit reflected in the iconic tricolour palette of saffron, green, and white.

    “We’re incredibly honoured to dress Team India,” Tasva chief design officer Tarun Tahiliani shared at the Kit Unveiling ceremony. “We worked closely with the Indian Olympic Association to create an attire that tells a story about India. The garments are designed to be visually captivating while also ensuring comfort and practicality. As our athletes make their grand entrance on a barge along the Seine for the opening ceremony, the airy, lightweight attire is perfectly suited for the summer warmth of Paris in July.”

    “We want our athletes to walk out on the global stage feeling like they are ambassadors of Indian culture and heritage,” Tahiliani continued. “This is our dream — to see our traditions celebrated and honoured around the world.”

    At the opening ceremony, Team India’s male athletes will wear a kurta bundi set while the female athletes will don an elegant saree with ikat-inspired digitally printed panels in saffron and green, blue buttonholes representing the Ashoka Chakra, with an ivory base which represents peace and unity. The look is completed with modern trainers adorned with traditional Benares brocade, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary fashion.

    Tarun Tahiliani added, “This ceremonial dress beautifully combines classic Indian style with a modern, athletic touch. The kurta bundi set is crafted from lightweight moss cotton, ensuring breathability and comfort. The saree, a symbol of grace and cultural identity, is reimagined in viscose crepe for a natural drape and breathability, ensuring our athletes feel both elegant and comfortable.”

    Sharath Kamal, who leads the Olympic Men’s Table Tennis team and the flag bearer of Team India at the Paris Olympics expressed, “Putting on this ceremonial dress was a powerful experience. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and connection to our heritage. The lightweight fabric just makes it ideal for the occasion.”

    Tasva brand head Ashish Mukul echoed this sentiment: “The official ceremonial dress not only captures the essence of Indian style, it stands as a symbol of national pride and achievement, crafted specifically for those who have earned the honour of representing India on the global stage.”

    Tasva not only celebrates India’s rich cultural heritage but also showcases the country’s modern, dynamic spirit to the world. As the athletes step onto the global stage, they do so in an attire that is a true reflection of the essence of India — timeless, vibrant, and ever-evolving.