ITV

Category: Television

  • News18 India announces its leadership during Ram Mandir consecration week with a print ad campaign

    News18 India announces its leadership during Ram Mandir consecration week with a print ad campaign

    Mumbai: In a front-page advertisement issued in The Economic Times and Indian Express on 7 February News18 India has claimed to have beaten its competitor to reach the number one position during the Ram Mandir consecration week.

    The ad campaign launched in Wednesday’s newspaper highlights News18 India’s remarkable lead over the competition. According to the latest viewership data from BARC, with 9.48 crore AMAs, News18 India remained ahead during the week of temple inauguration. (Source: BARC| Metric: AMA’s | TG: NCCS All 15+ | Period: Wk 04’24, All Days, 24 Hrs| Market: HSM | 14 Channels considered)

    The ad campaign will also go live on social media, with visibility on trade media.

    In the run-up to the historical consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Temple on 22 January News18 India significantly enhanced its coverage. It launched 100 hours of special, non-stop programming, titled ‘Shree Ram Mahaparv’. Besides the special shows, the inauguration coverage featured the channel’s top anchors, who hosted live shows from Ayodhya, providing insights into the cultural, historical, and religious significance of the Ram Temple.

  • ZEE Biskope unveils Vishkanya: A riveting addition to Its original content portfolio

    ZEE Biskope unveils Vishkanya: A riveting addition to Its original content portfolio

    Mumbai: Right from its launch, ZEE Biskope has taken the Bhojpuri entertainment market on a rise. The brand has demonstrated its strength in sharply deep diving into consumer insights. With a never-seen-before launch in the category, the channel has served the Bhojpuri entertainment industry with novel and category first initiatives at all fronts – be it curated movie festivals based on topicality, new World TV Premieres, non-fiction chat shows & comedy shows or viewer engagement drives on the marketing front that were received with humungous response from its first to its present. In short, the channel has been the thought leader in showcasing how an otherwise commoditized Bhojiwood can be professionally served with curated and hyperlocal content. Taking this spirit ahead, the channel embarked into a new journey on the content front where it is producing original movies under the banner of “ZEE Biskope Originals”. Given Bhojpuri moves are largely created for single theatre male audience base in metros and mini metros, it leaves a large throng of family viewership devoid of homely entertainment and novelty in their own beloved category. ZBO is a curated attempt to satiate this deep seated need to see cultural stories with novelty of genre and format in one’s own beloved language and thus a wholesome entertainment to be savored by each unit of family in equal enthusiasm. The inaugural original production Preet Ka Saaya launched last year received huge success as it marked 166% slot viewership growth (Wk’20, 2023 basis prev 4 wks) and the third highest slot TSV in the quarter (Q1 FY24).

    Taking this rewarding journey ahead, ZEE Biskope is all set to launch its second ZBO – Vishkanya  on 17 February at 7 pm in Jila Top band. Starring Preeti Shukla, Ritesh Updhyay & Sanyojita Ray, the movie promises to captivate audiences with its enthralling storyline, vibrant characters, stellar performances and unparalleled family entertainment. The storyline revolves around Vishkanya Devika (Preeti) who enters in the union of marriage with the son of her father’s friend Ratan (Ritesh). Unaware of Devika’s reality, Ratan falls in love with her. Devika on the contrary restrained herself from getting any close with him as that would kill him. It is this difference between the newly wed that weaves a tale that is entangled with of high family drama between Vishkanya, her husband and her in-laws. The story takes a jaw-dropping turn when a third person enters their house trying to break their union and harm Ratan. Why did Vishkanya get married to Ratan? What are the consequences of this marriage? Are Vishkanya’s motifs hidden in her past? Who is the third person who tries to harm their union? Will Vishkanya save her husband or eventually kill him? The compelling narrative with rich cultural elements, and stellar performances unfolds with the premiere of ZBO Vishkanya.

    The brand will be taking the movie experience a notch further with an immersive viewer engagement drive – Main Bhi Vishkanya. Viewers are invited to dress up like Vishkanya and make a video expressing their Vishkanya avatar either dancing or singing or acting and send the video to ZEE Biskope’s WhatsApp number. The 3 most creative entries will win the contest. 10 most creative entries (including the 3 winners) will be featured on ZEE Biskope on 17 Feb between 7 – 10 pm during Vishkanya movie telecast.

    Talking about this new offering ZEEL chief cluster officer, East, Samrat Ghosh said, “Since its launch, ZEE Biskope has constructively contributed towards maturing the category further. ZEE Biskope Originals is yet another step. It is not only helping to grow the category but along with that, also helping to further strengthen the film creative ecosystem in the Bhojpuri space. It is an avenue to find and showcase new pool of talents including new set of actors, directors, writers, technicians among others. The captivating stories like Vishkanya are specially designed catering to the entertainment requirement of Bhojpuri film consuming audience on TV. ZEE Biskope Originals has also opened doors for relevant brand integrations for our advertising partners who look for deeper engagements and purposeful associations for their brands.”

    On the commencement of ZEE Biskope Originals, ZEEL chief channel officer, Bhojpuri Cluster, Amarpreet Singh Saini said, “At ZEE Biskope, we are committed to create new landmarks in the Bhojpuri category through innovation and novelty. The success of the first ZBO serves as a testament to the deep appreciation our viewers hold for the captivating content we curated. Staying true to our core brand philosophy of ‘rejoicing Bhojpuriyat to its unabashed best’, the second ZEE Biskope Original movie will super serve the growing preference for family-based programming. The story weaves in regional believes and cultural folklores around supernatural phenomenon, which is bound to connect and enthral the female and family audience to the core. However, this is just the beginning of an enriching journey. We will soon go on floor with the third.” 

  • “In a country of 1.3 billion people you can expect lakhs of stories”: Network 18’s Avinash Kaul

    “In a country of 1.3 billion people you can expect lakhs of stories”: Network 18’s Avinash Kaul

    Mumbai: History TV18 has launched the much-awaited Season 10 of “OMG! Yeh Mera India.” on 6 February 2024. This show, known for its immersive storytelling, has marked a significant milestone as it celebrated a decade of inspiring narratives.

    Each episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the number of facets of Indian society, blending entertainment with education to offer a comprehensive portrayal of the nation’s essence.

    To commence the celebration of its tenth season, History TV18 decided to do things this time uniquely as it held its event at a luxury yacht along with the host Krushna Abhishek and others.

    It is no surprise that factual entertainment in India hasn’t been on the rise due to a myriad of reasons like less spending on this genre as compared globally and budget constraints. This genre stands quite unique due to the extensive research that goes into its shows and episodes.  

    Indiantelevision on the sidelines of this event, caught up with Network 18 (broadcast) CEO & A+E Network MD Avinash Kaul, where he spoke on various aspects of this show from its evolution, research, it’s longevity and many more…

    Edited excerpts

    On the main motive of creating this show

    It’s a show that was started eight years back, and now it’s in its tenth season. The whole idea was that when you look at general entertainment channels, a lot of things are covered like singing, dancing, a bit of comedy, some bit of magic, but not everybody looks at everything else that Indians do. The factual part. The factual part could mean that you could have, for example, we have featured a person who uses fire to cut hair. We also have featured a person who made an airplane on his terrace.

    Now where would you put all of these stories? It doesn’t fit into a regular talent show, it’s a passion that a person is doing for their entire life. They believe that it is creating history in their own way like a person who had the largest family in India, that was in the first season of OMG. When there was a school where there were no fees, accepting all the rubbish that you can collect that pays for the piece. In this season, we are showing a village, which is known as a ‘Hockey Village’ of India where more than 40 people who have played professional hockey have come from that village. Every house has a person who’s been on the hockey team.

    Now these stories, where else will you pick it up? Because no mass entertainment channel is picking up. News channels are too busy covering politics, crime and everything right now. So there was a space for creating everyday Indians, when they create history, chronicling all of those and immortalizing those stories. That is why this show started. Now the show is in its tenth season, which means that it has been so popular that we had to do it more than once a year. And that’s what is continuing now and hopefully will continue in the future.

    On the kind of research and production efforts went into each episode

    It’s extremely detailed, the research is all here through. The team here works in very detail, trying to capture the authenticity of the story and different length and breadth of the country wherever it is coming from. So there’s a year-long thing, and then the production teams come over and then go into every state wherever the person is shooting the story. There’s a lot of rigor in doing all of this.

    On the show contributing to the channel’s programming and overall content strategy

    As an overall content strategy, it’s the most vital part because it is everyday Indians creating history. So it’s very vital and part of the original programming that we do in India, it’s the biggest winner that we have. It’s the longest standing factual entertainment show in the country.

    On the reaction of audience since the show’s inception

    It is fabulous, because we’ve got sponsored interest, the reason we are in our tenth season is because viewers have given a whole lot of love. On digital, it is across billions of impressions. So that tells you how viral it is. Each and every story is viral. We have now covered 400 stories and are extremely well.

    On factual entertainment failing to rise in India due to lack of original Indian content

    That’s the irony because India and even the OTT platforms are still binging on crime and those kinds of genres. In a mature market when the audience grows, then obviously these things play. So I’m hoping that now more and more documentaries, more and more factual entertainment will also come on OTTs. Because of the channel’s business, there hasn’t been much acceptance of what history has or in large measure some parts, bits and pieces or competition but not really that much. I’m hoping now in the next wave of content, it will be factual entertainment content on OTT as well.

    On the longevity of the show

    See stories are unlimited. There are 400 stories only that we have done so far. In a country of 1.3 billion people you can expect thousands of stories or lakhs of stories. So it’s only as much as we want to do we can cover on. So we hope that it continues for many, many years.

  • Pavna Sports venture launches South Asia’s Women’s Handball League in India

    Pavna Sports venture launches South Asia’s Women’s Handball League in India

    Mumbai: Pavna Sports Venture have announced the launch of South Asia’s inaugural professional Women’s Handball League (WHL) in India and will be making a significant investment of Rs 100 crores which will be strategically allocated over the next three years to drive revolutionary grassroots development of the sport in India.

    The WHL will be organised under the auspices of the South Asian Handball Federation, the Asian Handball Federation, and supported by the Handball Association of India.

    As the official licensee holders, Pavna Sports Venture also plans to integrate foreign exchange programs as a crucial part of its grassroots development initiatives to provide a holistic development platform for Indian women players wherein the necessary exposure and experiences will be provided to make their name in the sport both in India and globally.

    Pavna Sports Venture executive director of Pavna Industries & chairperson Priya Jain shared the plans in detail during the press conference of the league announcement, “As a business group, Pavna Sports Venture is a strong advocate of women empowerment and we believe sports is a crucial tool to facilitate the growth of an individual in many aspects. Our investment of Rs 100 crores will contribute to establishing an inclusive ecosystem that empowers women’s handballs to thrive and secure a premium position within Women’s Sports Leagues in India. Drawing insights from the success trajectories of other sports leagues in the country, we have a long-term vision for the Women’s Handball League and expect it to achieve financial profitability within the next five to six years as per our projections. We are aiming to launch the league by January 2025 and are focused on creating a self-sustaining model with robust foundations that can prosper without relying on external financial support.”

    The financial commitment will play a pivotal role in stimulating key areas at the grassroots level such as infrastructure development, talent identification, and the creation of high-quality coaching facilities.

    With six teams set to compete in the inaugural edition, the league will feature prominent players from the Middle East, South East, Europe, and Africa who will enhance the league’s diversity and competitiveness to create a spectacle of best-in-class Handball action for fans across the country.

    “We are proud to be part of this historic moment as we launch India’s first Women’s Handball League. This league is a significant step forward in our mission to promote and develop women’s handball across the country. By joining forces with Pavna Sports Venture and international Handball federations, we aim to elevate the standard of women’s handball in India and provide our athletes with a world-class platform to compete at the highest level. This league marks the beginning of a new era for women’s handball in our nation,” stated Handball Association of India & Secretary General of South Asian Handball Federation league chairman Anandeshwar Pandey.

    Women’s handball in India has been on the rise with over 300,000 girls and women actively engaging in handball across various levels in India, representing schools, colleges, universities, CISF, CRPF, Railways, Services Sports Control Board (Army, Navy, Airforce), Sports Authority of India, Sports Promotion Board, and more.

    The WHL promises to be a game-changer for women’s handball in India by not only providing a transformative platform for players to showcase their skills but also creating future champions.

  • Forbes India and GoKwik Future of Commerce conclave explores dynamic forces shaping the industry

    Forbes India and GoKwik Future of Commerce conclave explores dynamic forces shaping the industry

    Mumbai: The Future of Commerce conclave presented by Forbes India and GoKwik, brought together industry visionaries, entrepreneurs, and experts who are pioneers in carving the future of commerce. The event held in Bengaluru, featured a series of talks and panels, which addressed key themes such as technological innovation, customer experience optimization, and the collaborative ecosystem driving the next phase of commerce.

    In a world characterised by rapid technological advancements and shifting consumer dynamics, the Future of Commerce conclave was aimed at unravelling the evolving e-commerce landscape, digitalisation, and shifting customer expectations.

    GoKwik CEO & co-founder Chirag Taneja set the tone of the evening in his opening address, highlighting the significance of such discussions in shaping the future of commerce. Speaking on GoKwik’s journey, he said, “Innovation in commerce thrives on collaboration. GoKwik, in its short three-year journey, has addressed challenges, revolutionized payment methods, and contributed significantly to financial services. As we look ahead, we envision a future where India becomes a 15 per cent digital market, and GoKwik is poised to shape the commerce landscape with foresight and innovation.”

    Distinguished speakers Ananth Narayanan (founder, Mensa Brands), and K Ganesh (serial entrepreneur associated with BigBasket, Portea Medical, BlueStone, and HomeLane) participated in an engaging ‘Fireside Chat’ on ‘Pioneering the Future of Commerce.’ In another ‘Fireside Chat’ with Ashish Agrawal (MD, Peak XV) and Rajat Agarwal, (MD, Matrix Partners India), the duo decoded ‘A venture capitalist’s guide to e-commerce success’

    In his session, Nik Sharma (CEO, Sharma Brands), provided a global perspective on the direct-to-consumer (DTC) market.

    In a panel discussion with Gaurav Khatri (co-founder & CEO, Noise), Priyanka Gill, (group co-founder, Good Glam Group), Manish Chowdhary (co-founder, WOW Skin Science) and Prashanth Aluru (co-founder & CEO, TMRW ‘House of Brands’), the speakers shared their views on shifts in consumer behaviour and trends in the commerce industry.

    The evening also saw a tech accelerators panel discussion with Vargab Bakshi (vice president, Wix.com), Nitin Navneet Tatiwala (vice president, FedEx Express MEISA marketing) and Ananth Jayarajan (technical partnerships lead, Shopify APAC).

    The last session of the conclave delved into the transformative impact of fintech on payment ecosystems, redefining how consumers and businesses engage in transactions. The insightful panel featured Deep Agrawal (head of payments at PhonePe), Akshay Aedula (CRED); and Antariksh Parmar (product manager, ONDC).

    From the rise of digital-first brands, move towards an omnichannel approach, optimisation of customer experience, enhancement of payment solutions, growing enabler requirements and creation of an overall collaborative ecosystem, the conclave successfully facilitated insightful discussions among visionaries who are paving the way for unprecedented yet sustainable growth.

  • Experience Pracchand Ashok’s grandeur on COLORS

    Experience Pracchand Ashok’s grandeur on COLORS

    Mumbai: The greatest love stories are not without their trials, but what happens when fate writes a timeless saga that changes the course of history? Witness the colossal power of love as COLORS takes the audience back in time to the glory of the Mauryan and Kalinga dynasty with its magnum opus ‘Pracchand Ashok’. Making a stellar edition to its library of riveting love stories, the channel treats the viewers to the royal odyssey of Samrat Ashok and Princess Kaurwaki whose thirst for power and yearning for affection collide. After curating iconic franchises that were household favourites, COLORS and Balaji Telefilms unite to raise the bar of storytelling yet again with the historical romance that shaped destinies of empires. Starring actors Adnan Khan and Mallika Singh in the roles of Samrat Ashok and Princess Kaurwaki respectively and produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, ‘Pracchand Ashok’ premieres on 6 February, 2024 and airs every Monday – Friday at 10:00 pm only on COLORS.

    ‘Pracchand Ashok’ recounts the tale of Samrat Ashok and Princess Kaurwaki, two legends who are as different as day and night. While Kaurwaki dreams of a partner with a heart of gold, cherishing family values above all, Ashok is a relentless conqueror who thinks of family as a chink in one’s armour and unafraid to spill blood for power. However, deep within, he harbours a burning desire to create a legacy, earning respect for his mother, who’s been treated no less than a maid in the kingdom and securing a place for himself in his father’s heart. Kaurwaki seeks a noble companion while Ashok wants to be feared, craving dominion over everyone. Amidst conflicting ideals and aspirations begins a love story that alters the history of Bharatvarsh.

    Popular actor Adnan Khan said, “Getting the chance to essay the role of Samrat Ashok is like living out a childhood fantasy. Joining the COLORS family, especially with a grand show like Pracchand Ashok, is an incredible opportunity to connect with its massive set of viewers across the country. I’m grateful to COLORS and Balaji Telefilms who have trusted me to embody a legend, whose life spans from the conquest to compassion. I promise that this show will enliven the historical romance on Indian television screens.”

    On essaying the role of Princess Kaurwaki, Mallika Singh said, “Working with COLORS, a channel loved by many, and the incredible Ektaa R Kapoor is a dream come true. Princess Kaurwaki’s huge role in Samrat Ashok’s life and how she shaped history is a story that deserves to be told. I believe my calling as an actor through this show is to pay tribute to the legendary woman, who knew the power of love. I am beyond excited for my collaboration with COLORS and Balaji Telefilms and hoping that our hardwork pays off.”

    ‘Pracchand Ashok’ navigates the historical romance of Samrat Ashok and Princess Kaurwaki. Growing up with an unwavering belief in the potency of love, Kaurwaki stands in stark contrast to Ashok, who fosters hatred and animosity, oblivious to his destined path. She serves as a beacon of hope in his life. Additionally, a myriad of emotions intricately weaves Samrat Ashok’s journey. From his indelible connection with his father to his relentless pursuit of respect and justice for his mother, every emotion is explored with depth and nuance, further adding layers to the narrative. Joining the stellar cast are seasoned actors such as Rakshanda Khan as Helena, Chetan Hansraj as Bindusar, Surendra Pal as Chandragupta Maurya, Manoj Kolhatkar as Chanakya, Aarush Shrivastava as Sushim, Dinesh Mehta as Subhandhu, Ankit Bhatia as Bhadrak, Shalini Chandran as Dharma, Leena Balodi as Salukkhavati, Manish Khanna as Padmanabhan.

    Get ready for a historical love saga in ‘Pracchand Ashok’ premiering at 10:00 pm on the 6 February 2024 and airing every Monday to Friday only on COLORS.

  • Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah celebrates 4,000 episodes

    Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah celebrates 4,000 episodes

    Mumbai: It’s a momentous achievement, the iconic television show “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” has reached a significant milestone with the completion of its 4,000 episodes. This remarkable feat is a testament to the enduring connection that the show holds with Indian audiences.

    Having captivated viewers since its inception, “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” has become a cultural phenomenon, transcending the boundaries of entertainment to become an integral part of Indian households. The 4,000-episode mark is not merely a numerical milestone but a reflection of the show’s unwavering commitment to portraying the essence of Indian life with humor, warmth, and reliability.

    The show’s enduring success also lies in its ability to seamlessly weave in and celebrate the rich Indian culture and values. Through its characters and storylines, “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” has become a mirror reflecting the values and traditions that resonate with viewers across generations.

    The show’s family-centric narratives have struck a chord with audiences of all ages. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to bring families together, fostering a sense of unity and shared laughter.

    Even in the hustle and bustle of today’s modern life, the show stands out for its positive storytelling. It reinforces the importance of values such as friendship, community, and tolerance, making it a source of joy and inspiration for millions of viewers.

    Beyond entertainment, “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” has actively contributed to social awareness by addressing contemporary issues with a touch of humor. The show’s social messaging adds depth to its entertainment quotient, making it both relevant and impactful.

    Neela Film Production and Neela Mediatech creator, producer and MD Asit Kumarr Modi said “Reaching the 4,000-episode milestone is a humbling experience. It reaffirms our commitment to creating content that not only entertains but also resonates with the heart of India. It’s a celebration of our cultural ethos. The show’s success is a collective achievement, and we express our gratitude to the viewers, channel, and our team for their unwavering support.”

    As the show continues to carve its legacy in the annals of Indian television history, the 4,000th episode of “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of narratives that celebrate the essence of India.

    The brand has successfully forayed into animation with nursery rhymes across five regional languages and mobile games based on the characters.

  • Eurosport, DD Sports to broadcast the Indian Veteran Premier League from 23 Feb

    Eurosport, DD Sports to broadcast the Indian Veteran Premier League from 23 Feb

    Mumbai: Eurosport and DD Sports will broadcast the upcoming first edition of the much-awaited Indian Veteran Premier League (IVPL) which will be played from 23 February to 3 March 2024, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun.

    Organised by the Board for Veteran Cricket in India (BVCI) and managed by 100 Sports, the IVPL promises an extraordinary showcase of cricketing talent, bringing together International cricket sensations such as Virender Sehwag, Munaf Patel, Suresh Raina, Rajat Bhatia, Chris Gayle, Praveen Kumar, Yusuf Pathan, Herschelle Gibbs, Anrureet Singh, and many more.

    This proud moment for all veteran cricketers registered with BVCI will be part of the action towards fulfilling their dreams to play with international stars for the first time.

    Scheduled to run from 23 February to 3 March 2024, in the picturesque city of Dehradun, the IVPL will witness six strong teams vying for glory in this unique cricketing spectacle. The matches will be broadcasted live in India on the Eurosport channel and DD Sports.

    BVCI acting president and IVPL chairman Praveen Tyagi said, “We are excited for our first season which will be a highly attended event, and all live matches will be on Eurosport, DD Sports and too. We are trying to create one of the best leagues in  India after IPL, we have added the World’s best cricketers for the stature of Veteran Cricket, such as Chris Gayle, Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina. This will  infuse a new energy for Veteran Cricket in India as well as it will work like magic for Veteran Cricketers, who are living their passion for playing with International Cricketers from the World.”

    The participating teams include VVIP Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan Legends, Red Carpet Delhi, Chhattisgarh Warriors, Telangana Tigers, and Mumbai Champions. Each team is a powerhouse of talent, as cricketing legends and regional stars come together to relive their passion for the game. Each team will have four to five iconic players from across the world.

    The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun is all set to be the epicenter of this cricketing extravaganza, providing fans with an unparalleled opportunity to witness their favorite cricketing icons in action. It will be a comprehensive viewing experience for fans as they can watch all the live action on Eurosport and DD Sports.

  • Aaj Tak Bangla hits one million YouTube subscribers

    Aaj Tak Bangla hits one million YouTube subscribers

    Mumbai: Aaj Tak Bangla, the leading Bengali YouTube channel from the stable of India Today Group, marked a significant achievement by surpassing one million subscribers within a mere one year and five months since its launch.

    Breaking away from conventional news reporting, Aaj Tak Bangla has captured over 30 million views on YouTube in a month (Source: vidiQ | YouTube video views | 1-31 Jan-2024) with its refreshing and dynamic approach. The channel, led by news editor Showbhik Chowdhury and input editor Indrajit Kundu, has become the go-to source for news-hungry intellectual Bengali audiences, delivering an impressive 3k plus news stories in a month.

    In addition to its ground-breaking news coverage, Aaj Tak Bangla has ventured into infotainment news, carving a unique space in the media landscape. This diverse content strategy has garnered a niche viewership, establishing the channel as a trendsetter in the digital news arena. One of the standout features of Aaj Tak Bangla over the past year is the introduction of AiNA, the world’s first Bengali AI Anchor. This groundbreaking move has set-forth a new standard in news presentation, showcasing Aaj Tak Bangla’s commitment to innovation and staying ahead of the curve.

    Aaj Tak Bangla has also emerged as the largest Bengali news media WhatsApp channel, amassing an impressive following of 1.28 lac within just three months. This achievement surpasses the nearest competitor, who lags behind with only 80,000 followers. The rapid growth of the WhatsApp channel reflects Aaj Tak Bangla’s commitment in engaging its audience across various platforms.

    In an industry where traditional media adapts to new formats, Aaj Tak Bangla stands out as a true trendsetter, challenging mainstream media and establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with. The channel’s rapid growth and unwavering commitment to quality content have positioned it as a key player in the evolving digital news landscape.
     

  • This Year’s wearable artworks & crafts design fest at GJEPC on 12, 13 February

    This Year’s wearable artworks & crafts design fest at GJEPC on 12, 13 February

    Mumbai: Come and fall in love with design once again this Valentine’s Day! The Wearable Artworks & Crafts Design Festival will be celebrated at the gem & jewellery export promotion council’s Artisan Design Jewellery Awards 2024 on 12-13 February, at the Ice Factory, Ballard estate in Mumbai. Among many design themes, ‘Jewellery as Art’ will take centre-stage at the two day event held on the eve of Valentine’s Day to celebrate people’s love and passion for art, design and jewellery. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is the apex body of trade in India, supported by the ministry of commerce & industry.

    The final judging round for the seven editions of The Artisan Awards 2024, powered by GIA, was held on 22 January, 2024. Of the twenty captivating and well-finished jewellery pieces, the jury picked out six winners from the two unconventional themes of The Artisan Awards 2024: ‘Unusual Materials’ and ‘Objet Trouvé.’ This edition of The Artisan Awards received more than 600 entries from around the world including India, Canada, USA, Bahrain, Egypt, Dubai, and Pakistan.

    The largest-ever congregation of luminaries and aesthetes from the world of Arts, crafts & design; curators, art gallery owners and patrons; art school teachers, deans and students; socialites, celebrities, connoisseurs, architects, painters and sculptors; along with jewellery designers (experienced and young) will grace GJEPC’s Artisan Jewellery Awards 2024 gallery showcase at Ice Factory. The discussions will revolve around two exciting and unconventional themes ‘Unusual Materials’ and ‘Objet Trouvé’ of the seven editions of GJEPC’s The Artisan Jewellery Awards 2024.

    The first theme, ‘Objet Trouvé’ (found objects) explores art crafted from visible yet frequently altered objects that are atypical yet serve as art materials due to their non-art function.

    A ‘found object’, whether it’s natural, man-made, or even just a fragment, is preserved due to an inherent connection by the artist. It can be treated as a work of art in itself, and as a muse for inspiration.

    The idea was to design a piece of jewellery that depicts the essence of ‘Objet Trouvé’ by taking an object of your past and reimagining it in a modern form. Examples of ‘found objects’ could include vintage poker chips, antique coins, collected shells, vintage Venetian glass beads, buttons, and beachcombed shells.

    The second theme, ‘Unusual Materials’ encouraged designers to create a dialogue between the familiar and the unexpected by combining contrasting materials with at least 50 per cent precious materials. Unusual materials could include cement, titanium, wood, porcelain, bamboo, slate, meteorite, glass, recycled plastic, leather and more.

    GJEPC chairman Vipul Shah, stated, “GJEPC’s vision extends beyond the conventional, aiming to redefine the landscape of jewellery design. Through the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards competition, India seeks to elevate itself and position as the global premier design hub, aligning with the government’s campaign of design in India. Through this design competition, GJEPC reaffirms its commitment to encourage an environment that will nurture the creative spark within designers.”

    GJEPC convener, promotion & marketing, Milan Chokshi adds, “Each year, we strive to introduce a distinctive theme, challenging participants by collaborating with curators to elevate their engagement. Over the past seven years, the Artisan Awards have assumed increasing significance globally, with India recognising them as the most coveted accolade. This prestigious award serves as a driving force, inspiring designers, budding students, and manufacturers to create thematic jewels at the highest echelon. The quality of production within this thematic framework is truly remarkable.”

    The esteemed jury comprised Alice Cicolini, renowned UK jewellery designer; Biren Vaidya, managing director, The Rose Group; Payal Singhal, fashion designer; Apoorva Deshingkar, GIA India – senior director of education and market development; and Toktam Shekarriz, Dubai-based jewellery designer.

    The technical jury comprised of Devinder Layal (Jewellery Artiste and educationist), Meenal Choksi (head of design, Moksh Fine Unseen Jewellery); Sushama Kalzunkar Sawant (PD & merchandising head, Dia Gold Creations); Janki Choksi (founder, Janki Choksi Designs); Gunjan Sapra (COO & head of department, jewellery designs, International Institute of Gemology, and a GIA instructor) to honour the best and most talented jewellery designers.

    Alice Cicolini said, “As a jewellery designer, the prospect of an award process like this is truly invigorating. I find great excitement in witnessing competitions that encourage designs using more unconventional materials and explore global trends. The freedom afforded to India’s young designers through these themes is commendable and inspiring. Personally, there are a couple of pieces from today that stand out to me as not only intriguing designs but also impeccably crafted.

    “Having worked in India for nearly two decades, I can attest that it stands as one of the most extraordinary nations for jewellery production, boasting incredible craftsmanship. Witnessing the remarkable work emerging from this country is always a source of excitement. Moreover, it is refreshing to see young jewellery designers break free from traditional constraints, allowing their imaginations to take flight—an approach actively encouraged by institutions like this one. Design, being a commercial art form, requires assurance that there is a market for innovative work.”

    Payal Singhal was fascinated by the exploration of innovative materials and the creation of pieces that could endure for generations. Reflecting on India’s design and manufacturing talent, Singhal noted, “The Artisan Awards showcase a remarkable standard. The ability to work with challenging materials and produce versatile, aesthetically pleasing, and finely crafted jewellery is a testament to the high level of expertise present in our country. The innovation displayed at the awards reinforces my belief that India possesses superior capabilities in terms of design, quality, and finishing.

    “As for elevating jewellery into wearable art, initiatives like The Artisan Awards play a crucial role. By encouraging designers to view jewellery as an artistic expression rather than just ceremonial or status symbols, we encourage a shift towards wearable art. Supporting and motivating young designers and jewellery brands to embrace this perspective will contribute to the evolution of jewellery as a form of artistic expression rather than merely a complement to attire or a symbol of status.”