ITV

Category: Television

  • 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.

  • Amrita TV had an eventful May 2006

    Amrita TV had an eventful May 2006

    The second issue of Amrita TV’s monthly e-bulletin, Amrita TV Glimpses, May ’06, encapsules a snapshot of major happenings at the channel:

    1. Amrita TV on Dish TV Platform: To cater to the growing demands of viewers nationwide, Amrita TV has partnered with Dish TV, India’s first Direct to Home entertainment service, to make Amrita TV’s programmes available more widely across the country. Amrita TV is available on Dish TV Channel number 933.

    2. Super Star Screen Test : Amrita TV is launching “Super Star”, a mega talent hunt to showcase the best Malayalam music performer in the 15-28 age group. Nearly 3500 participants from Kerala and outside the State registered for the screen tests conducted by renowned music celebrities at Hotel Taj, Kochi/Kozhikode and Hotel Mascot. Branded the Brooke Bond Super Star, this 90-episode reality show which has been shot in specially erected sets and in locales like The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach will be telecast from June 12 (8.30 pm).

    3. Amrita TV Wins 15 Kerala State TV Awards: Amrita TV bagged 15 of the 29 Kerala State Awards for excellence in television–perhaps the highest number by a one-year old channel.Some of the Awards are –Best Telefilm, 2nd Best Telefilm, Best Script, Best Story, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Photography, Best Editing, Best Music Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Compere, Best Commentator.

    4. Live Election Coverage in 140 Constituencies: Amrita TV’s multi-location live coverage, reporting and analysis of Kerala elections, especially on the day of the results, won accolades for its professionalism and finesse, and was rated at par with the best news channels in the country. From April’06, Amrita TV has been on the election trail covering the Kerala elections in 140 constituencies with OB van/ news team traversing all the districts of Kerala, to capture the voice of the people — alongwith hard-hitting exclusive features with political leaders, analysts and experts.

    5. World Cup Coverage : On the eve of the World Cup, Amrita TV is running a Fifa segment in its News bulletins highlighting various perspectives of the World Cup with profile of teams, star players, goal of the day, predictions, snippets, sidelights, et al. A ready reckoner leaflet indicating the complete World Cup Matches Schedule was printed and distributed across the country by Amrita TV.

    6. National Brands on Amrita TV : Besides Kerala companies and government institutions who patronise Amrita TV, leading national and global brands are advertising on Amrita TV, e.g. IOC, BSNL, Bru, Brookebond, Annapurna, Parachute, Kissan, Rexona, Hamam, Lux, Sunlight, Lifebuoy, Surf Excel, Pepsodent, Hewlett-Packard, Smyle, Moods, Charagh Din etc.

  • Tune in to the exclusive premiere of ‘Dungeons and Dragons – 2’ this Friday night at 9 p.m. only on Star Movies

    Tune in to the exclusive premiere of ‘Dungeons and Dragons – 2’ this Friday night at 9 p.m. only on Star Movies

    MUMBAI: Viewers are invited to return to Izmer once again in this sequel to the popular Dungeons & Dragons film. Fantastical adventures unravel, as five intrepid Izmer residents have to prove their worth, while constantly facing deadly threats such as giant dragons and other gruesome creatures.

     

    The five characters at the center of the film must prove both their mental and physical agility to defeat the encroaching foes as the movie progresses. Starring Mark Dymond, Clemency Burton-Hill and Bruce Payne make sure you tune-in to the exclusive premiere of Dungeons and Dragons – 2 this Friday, December 15th at 9 p.m. only on Star Movies.

     

    Based on the phenomenally successful role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons 2 takes you deeper into the dark and fantastical world of this epic. When the evil sorcerer Damodar braves a perilous whirlwind vortex to steal the elemental black orb he declares a sinister plan of vengeance against the kingdom of Ismir.

     

    Berek, a decorated warrior, and Melora, an amateur sorceress join four heroes representing Intelligence, Wisdom, Honor and Strength to battle against Damodar’s growing army of gruesome creatures, flying harpies and an ice dragon to reach a vault room holding the orb. Together, they build their own army to retrieve the orb using elemental forces to defeat Damodar before he summons the sleeping black dragon whose omnipotent evil powers could lay waste to the entire kingdom.

     

    Dungeons and Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God is a 2005 fantasy film directed by Gerry Lively. It is a straight-to-TV sequel to the 2000 film Dungeons & Dragons, which in turn was based on the popular role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. The only returning actor is Bruce Payne reprising his role as the evil Damodar.

    So don’t forget to tune in to the exclusive premiere of Dungeons and Dragons – 2, this Friday, December 15th at 9 p.m. only on Star Movies.

  • Mothers Special on Boogie Woogie

    MUMBAI: Exchanging aprons for dancing shoes these mothers have done women proud. Stepping out of the comfort zone of their homes these mothers joined the Boogie Woogie All India Mother’s Dance Championship a month back.

     

    And what a journey it has been for these mothers and the viewers too. Heart-breaking eliminations over, these brave hearts have now reached the final round and all set to put their best foot forward to win the coveted title of “All India Boogie Woogie Mother’s Dance Champion”.

    The countdown has begun. The pressure is mounting. The winner of the title will walk away with the prize money of Rs. Four lakh in her kitty while the runner up bags a cool one lakh! The other two contestants don’t go empty handed — they go home with Rs. 25000 too!

    The last four super moms will set the stage on fire with their electrifying numbers. Don’t miss the finals of this very special episode of Boogie Woogie these moms teach you how to have your cake and eat it too!

    Stay tuned to Boogie Woogie on Saturday, December 23, 2006 at 8 p.m only on Sony Entertainment Television.