ITV

Category: GECs

  • CNN reveals Happiness And Your Health: The Suprising Connection

    CNN reveals Happiness And Your Health: The Suprising Connection

    MUMBAI: In HAPPINESS AND YOUR HEALTH: THE SURPRISING CONNECTION, CNN senior medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta joins the eternal search for happiness. Talking with doctors, philosophers, teachers, business leaders and comedians, Dr. Gupta asks where happiness comes from, how to get it and whether people need it.

    Joined by guests including US comedian Richard Lewis (‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’) and motivational speaker Tony Robbins, Dr. Gupta reveals the surprising secrets of happy people, the ways in which happiness affects health and the intriguing results of an exclusive CNN poll.

    Fascinating aspects, issues and questions surrounding ‘happiness’ in the special include:

    ‘Born Happy’ – happiness experts say personality has deep roots in genetics. The programme features identical twins who despite growing up without knowing of each other’s existence for 25 years, noticed more than a few similarities when they first met.

     

    ‘Power of Laughter’ – “Laughing is halfway to healing” is the motto of laughter yoga. This movement, created by a Mumbai doctor, today claims more than 3,000 clubs in 40 countries. Dr. Gupta laughs along with a club in California, finding intricate links between happiness and health.

     

    ‘Unnatural Highs’ – psychiatrist Julie Holland and Nora Volkow, head of the National Institute on Drug Abuse in the US, explain the effects that drugs – legal and illegal – have on the brain and compare these effects to natural highs.

     

    ‘How to be Happy’ – viewers will hear surprising research into what really makes people happy, as well as a life lesson from someone who found himself paralysed in a car accident at the age of 29, and who subsequently suffered the deaths of his second wife, sister and parents, yet emerged from those struggles happier and wiser than ever.

     

    Dr. Gupta said, “There is more than one route to happiness and well-being. This special will take viewers on a journey and hopefully help them live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.”

    Airtimes: Indian Standard Times

    Sat, December 9 at 1230hrs and 2030hrs
    Sun, December 10 at 1230hrs

    Airtimes are subject to change.

  • Norwest Venture partners invests $10 million in Web 2.0 Sulekha.com

    MUMBAI: Sulekha.com, the online social media and local commerce destination for Indians,has announced Promod Haque’s global technology venture capital firm, Norwest Venture Partners (NVP)’s series A, investment of $10 million in the company.

     

    Sulekha.com plans to use the new capital to extend business development and marketing, primarily through alliances, and expand its service offerings into new vertical markets. NVP managing partner Promod Haque, has joined the Sulekha board of directors. Sulekha, founded and run by Satya Prabhakar, received prior funding from the Indigo Monsoon Group (IMG), led by Param Parameswaran and Harish Raghavan. IMG invests in early stage companies in the Indian Internet and Mobile domains.

     

    “Sulekha has been a Web 2.0 company even during the Web 1.0 days. It has positioned itself at the vortex of three of the largest Internet mega-trends: India, Social Media and Local Commerce through industry-leading services including Blogs, Social Networks, Classifieds and Yellow Pages. While the management of Sulekha has done a great job of developing reach and revenue, the real explosive potential, both in online and mobile platforms, is still in front of us,” said Haque.

     

    “NVP is one of the most reputed venture capital firms in the world with more than 45 years of experience in building successful companies. This, coupled with NVP’s strong interest, many investments and relationships across various industries in India, made NVP a great choice for Sulekha as we pursue aggressive growth plans in the coming year,” said, Sulekha.com founder and CEO Satya Prabhakar. “In particular, we look forward to working with Promod Haque who, with his valuable experience and vast global network, has helped numerous companies, both in U.S. and India, soar and succeed,” he added.

     

    “The marriage of trusted member to member interactions and its application to classifieds and business search/ratings holds incredible promise in spurring local commerce in India. Sulekha’s successful track record of aggregating member content and interactions by city and by vertical areas of interest will allow us to deploy the new capital to dominate this market niche,” said IMG and Sulekha.com Chairman Param Parameswaran.

     

    Sulekha’s Portfolio of Services – Interact and Transact
    By offering a user-generated platform and a trusted community network, Sulekha enables Indians to interact and transact with their peers and businesses through three popular services:

     

    Blogs and Social Networking – Sulekha provides the largest and most popular platform for Indians to voice their ideas, opinions and reviews in blogs. Users can also connect with other Indians creating online social networks. Just as social networking driven by expression has become a destination for US consumers, Sulekha brings the same experience to India and beyond.

     

    Sulekha has crafted successful offline partnerships with such companies as Penguin, DNA and Indian Express to create important additional distribution avenues for its tens of thousands of bloggers.

     

    Classifieds – Sulekha has the largest and most popular Indian classifieds marketplace for goods and services that fosters transactive relationships among its members in over 25 cities worldwide daily. With more than 250,000 ads and addressing 80% of online Indians worldwide, Sulekha provides unparalleled opportunities to connect members when they need to interact and transact.

     

    Yellow Pages – Sulekha.com is the provider of online yellow pages in India supporting millions of business searches every month. Sulekha leverages its vast audience to help local businesses reach customers on a daily basis, and includes user-contributed reviews, ratings and recommendations to enable consumers to make the most informed purchasing decisions. Sulekha’s yellow pages currently offer business listings in eight cities throughout India and US. Sulekha Yellow Pages is also integrated with WAP-enabled mobile phones for mobile downloads of listings.

     

    “While we are only recently witnessing tremendous interest in Web 2.0 startups worldwide, Sulekha has been a thought leader in this space for some time, and continues to make rapid strides. Sulekha’s strong and experienced management team is well-positioned to capitalize on the unprecedented Internet growth in India over the last year, and we believe the company has a first mover advantage in pursuing significant revenue-generating opportunities in the coming years,” added Haque

  • Sony to launch adaptation of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ in September

    Sony to launch adaptation of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ in September

    MUMBAI: Reality shows and Sony Entertainment Television (SET) go hand in hand and have more or less become synonymous with each other. Having already launched Indian Idol, Fame Gurukul and Fear Factor and with the buzz being high on upcoming new launches like Big Brother and Extreme Makeover; comes another adaptation of the ABC’s reality show Dancing With the Stars on Sony.

    The Indian adaptation – Jhalak Dikhla Ja – will be co-produced by Siddhartha Basu’s Synergy Communications and Theatre Red and is scheduled to launch in the first week of September. Jhalak Dikhla Ja will be a bi-weekly show and will involve a high level of audience participation and viewer interactivity.

    Dancing with the Stars is the American version of the BBC TV series Strictly Come Dancing. The concept of the show is to pair a celebrity with a professional dancer in an attempt to win a high score from a panel of three judges and then a majority of votes from the viewers, who can call in or vote online. The person who receives the lowest score is eliminated.

    SET India senior vice president and programming head Anupama Mondloi says, “We will have celebrities from different walks of life like television, Bollywood, cricket and hospitality industry.”

    When queried as to how Jhalak Dikhla Ja will be different from Star One’s successful show – Nach Baliye – which was based on the same lines, Mondloi says, “All shows have certain amount of similarities whether it is a soap or a reality show. The key differentiator of Jhalak Dikhla Ja will be the viewer interaction. We will be looking at having maximum touch points for viewers to select their favourite celebrity and choreographer pair.”

    As per the original format, phone lines open at the beginning of each show for viewers to vote for their favorite couples and stay open for 30 minutes after the show ends. The couple with the lowest score is knocked out of the competition and one couple will be knocked out of the competition each week, starting with the first week. Online voting options are also made available and only one vote per email address is allowed.

    With its pulse firmly on the reality meter, Sony will be launching the local version of Big Brother in November this year. On the other hand, Extreme Makeover will launch sometime early next year along with the second season of Fear Factor India. Another reality show on the cards is Paisa Bhaari Padega. The subsequent seasons of Indian Idol and Fame Gurukul also cannot be dismissed altogether!

    Only time will tell whether the reality overdose will eventually lead to viewer fatigue on Sony; but it’s worth keeping in mind that reality shows are just spurts in the overall programming scenario and hence Sony will also have to pull up their socks on some high voltage drama and fiction front. New fiction shows on Sony like Thodi Khushi Thode Gham, Aisa Desh Hai Mera, Vaidehi and Akela still have to pick up steam on the ratings front, where Star shows are omnipresent and Zee’s Saath Phere, Kasamh Se and Sambhav Asambhav too are definitely making a mark.

  • Channel [V] launches animated Simpoo on wireless platform

    Channel [V] launches animated Simpoo on wireless platform

    MUMBAI: Star India’s music arm Channel [V] has launched its eccentric animated character Simpoo, the math professor on the mobile platform.

    The launch of the new Simpoo Zone on the WAP site www.wap.star7827.com, the users can download the animated character on their mobile phones as wallpapers, animations, themes and soon to come video downloads.

    Star 7827 has also created a game called Super Simpoo which could be previewed on the website www.star7827.com. The Simpoo game is a Star 7827 exclusively available to BSNL, BPL, Hutch, DWL, and Spice telecom subscribers, informs an official release.

    Channel [V}’s eccentric Simpoo, India’s most popular animated character has evolved over the years from a passive Math teacher to an activist for animals, renouncing all things non-vegetarian in support of PETA. Now he enters yet another phase in his eventful life as he sets forth on a new mission of saving the school kids from giggling Gabbar, on th5e first of its kind Super Simpoo mobile game.

    Visibly excited about this new phase in Simpoo’s life, Amar K Deb, Head Honcho Channel [V} says ‘We spoke to Simpoo Sir about his foray into the wireless world and in true Simpoo style he jumped at it with the small concern that his students should not spend their Math classes playing Super Simpoo instead’.

    Commenting on the launch of the Simpoo Zone, Star India St VP Viren Popli said, “In line with our promise to offer a variety of quality and exclusive content to our consumers we are very excited about the first character from Star’s TV network that is being extended to the mobile screen as a mobile game. We have created a mobile content package on our wapsite; the Simpoo zone and we hope to bring other such popular Star TV characters onto the mobile screen in the future. With the charm of your regular eccentric college math professor, Simpoo has a very good connect with young mobile subscribers. And whatever is popular on the mobile device today, it’s out here on Star 7827.”

  • Hong Kong Tourism Board associates with MakeMyTrip.com

    Hong Kong Tourism Board associates with MakeMyTrip.com

    The package includes airfare, hotel accommodation, a full-day visit to experience the magic at the newly opened Hong Kong Disneyland, a walk along the Avenue of Stars to marvel at “A Symphony of Lights” across the famed Victoria Harbour, which is awarded as the largest permanent light and sound show by Guinness World Records.

     

    Mr. David Leung, Regional Director – South and South East Asia, HKTB said, “Perfectly timed to coincide with the launch of our ‘2006 Discover Hong Kong Year’ campaign, this package from MakeMyTrip creates a great opportunity for Indian families to come and discover a ‘new’ Hong Kong. The new attractions along with Hong Kong’s existing unique products present a range of diverse and multi-dimensional offerings to the Indian visitors.”

     

    Commenting on this co-op promotion with the HKTB, Mr. Deep Kalra, Founder and CEO –MakeMyTrip (India) Pvt. Ltd. said, “We at MakeMyTrip.com are committed to offer new and exciting leisure destinations to Indian travellers. Hong Kong is one of the few international destinations where Indian travellers do not require a visa for visits up to 14-days; this also makes it easier for business visitors to take their families along to experience a lifetime of excitement packed into one visit, all in one place.”

     

    Valid till 30th June 2006, the MMT offer includes return airfare to Hong Kong, hotel accommodation, airport transfers and half-day sight seeing tours besides a full-day tour to Hong Kong Disneyland. One can book this package online at www.makemytrip.com or by calling the Toll Free: 1-600-11 8747 (TRIP).

     

  • Star News exposé on Indian Ambassador to UAE

    Star News exposé on Indian Ambassador to UAE

    Indian Ambassador to UAE hosts Republic Day event to throw a party for his newly wed daughter; misuses the National Emblem too

    April 7, 2006: The Indian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chandra Mohan Bhandari used government funds and the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India (deferred to March 02, due to the demise of the Sheikh) to introduce his newly married daughter Aparita and son-in-law Rajesh Duggal to the Abu Dhabi elite.

    Star News found out that not only was the official invitation card with the national emblem used for a personal party but the Government of India footed the bill for the reception Dinner held at the Embassy residence, Plot No 10, Sector W-59/02 Diplomatic Area, Abu Dhabi.

    This is being seen as a major breach of protocol. As per protocol the ambassador cannot use the solemn occasion of the Republic Day reception, where he hosts international dignitaries on behalf of the President of India, for a personal reception.

    The Card issued by the Embassy clearly states: “On the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India and to meet my daughters: Aparita with her husband Rajesh Duggal and Samahita, the Ambassador of the Republic of India H.E. Mr. Chandra Mohan Bhandari cordially invites _______ at a deferred Dinner Reception.”‘

    Bhandari when contacted by Star News admitted that the government paid for the dinner reception. He said he was not aware that it was improper for using an official occasion for introducing his family to guests.

    For further information
    Navin Tauro / Swati Sundareswaran; Vaishnavi Corporate Communications
    Tel: 5656 8787 / 8755 / 8743; Fax: 5656 8788

  • Shemaroo celebrates the comic Hungama of Paresh Rawal

    Shemaroo celebrates the comic Hungama of Paresh Rawal

    MUMBAI: Continuing its efforts to offer value for money packs to its consumers, home video firm Shemaroo has launched its latest VCD pack containing three hits of Paresh Rawal- Hera Pheri, Awara Paagal Deewana and Hulchul.

    The company says that at a time when the sequel to Hera Pheri is topping the box office collection charts, this pack will definitely become popular among Paresh Rawal fans.

    The company says that the pack costs Rs 349 against the regular price of Rs 447.

    Shemaroo has also released two other comedy packs in the past namely Non Stop Comedy Vol. 1 and 2. The first volume contains Golmaal, Chupke Chupke and Chasme Budoor and the second volume contains Masti, Style and Awara Paagal Deewana. Shemaroo plans to release many such value for money packs in future also.

  • Keep watching Miilee on Star Plus and answer some simple questions to win exciting prizes in the big contest

    Mumbai, Wednesday, April 12, 2006 – This April, television viewing becomes more exciting as viewer’s get a chance to win while they watch! Starting Monday, April 17, STAR PLUS’ 9.00 p.m. show – Miilee, will have one & all glued to the tele-screen as they get to participate & win in a simple contest which brings them goodies like 5 Sony handycam’s worth Rs. 16000 each and 10 Goody bags each day.

    The contest questions will appear at the end of each episode of Miilee around 9.30 p.m. from April 17-21. All the viewers have to do is type ‘MIILEE’ followed by the correct option (01 or 02 or 03) and SMS this to 7827 or dial 1904 424 3333 followed by the correct option (01 or 02 or 03) for Televoting or just log on to www.indya.com. The answers should reach in latest by 3 p.m. the next day. The Maximum number of correct answers will win you a Sony Handycam.

  • Sony to release ‘Spiderman 3’ in May 2007 in Imax

    Sony to release ‘Spiderman 3’ in May 2007 in Imax

    MUMBAI: Imax and Sony Pictures Entertainment have announced that Columbia Pictures’ Spiderman 3 will be simultaneously released at theatres throughout the world and at Imax theatres on 4 May 2007.

    Spiderman 3 will be directed by Sam Raimi, who also directed the first two installments of the franchise. The film will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of Imax.

    In Spiderman 3, Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. As Spider-Man basks in the public’s adulation for his accomplishments and he is pursued by Gwen Stacy (Bryce Dallas Howard), who rivals M.J. for his affections, Peter becomes overconfident and starts to neglect the people who care about him most.

    His newfound self-assuredness is jeopardised when he faces the battle of his life against two of the most feared villains ever (Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace), whose unparalleled power and thirst for retribution threaten Peter and everyone he loves

  • Catch the ultimate in “Ab Aakhri Jung”on Star Gold’s Sabse Favourite Kaun

    April 1, 2006: The Sabsey Favourite Kaun Election Express vans have covered 45 towns, traveled 24,000 kms and collected almost 1 Lakh votes across the length & breadth of the country. In the last two weeks we have announced the nominations of the zonal short list. However that’s not all…. That’s not where the fun stops…there’s a whole lot more… because here comes the final short list.

    Who Is In…? And Who Is Out ….? Nomination Special
    If you have not clipped your fingers nails… then you don’t need to… For this week Schwarzkopf Palette Sabse Favourite Kaun brings you Suspense Sunday. The channel is not airing “Bhoot” but is airing the final nominations. Who will it be? Who will make it to the top 10?…If the election express has come to your zone and you have voted then you cant miss this final nomination episode. Even if you know who the winner of your Zone is, you can never be sure if he has made it to the final short list. It’s full of surprises!!! Every zone has its own super star. A hit in one zone might be a complete miss in the other. To find out more tune into “Ab Aakhri Jung” On Schwarzkopf Palette Sabse Favourite Kaun starting Sunday April 9, 2006 at 12: 30 pm Only On Star Gold.

    Election Commissioner T.N. Shoshan played by none another than veteran actor “Asrani” will announce the shortlist for every category. And the nominees are….Oops … we do not want to give it out…. You just have to watch it on Star Gold Catch“ Ab Aakhri Jung” On Schwarzkopf Palette Sabse Favourite Kaun starting Sunday April 9, 2006 at 12: 30 pm only.

    A sneak peak into Arshad Bole To:

    Bhataodekar says, “Arre baba…Aajkal murgi aani porgi…donoich danger hai…” to which Himmesh Chammiya Tara Singh harmoniously hums “Ek baar aaja aaja aaja aaja”! but Jumman Miyaan does not wish to be left behind so he along with his two-shayar friends Irshaad & Barbaad say…. “Kajra Re Kajra re tere gijre gijre naina… Aaj kal to tu free hai Zara akele mein aakar milna…”

    Dekho Kya Kehna Hai Angrezon Ke Zamane Ke Jailer Ka:

    Election Commissioner T N Soshan orders… “Below 18 no problem, already voted no problem, Age no bar… Only Voting Baar Baar…Don’t let your favourite stars down … keep those fingers clicking … just so that YOUR NUMBER ONE can be INDIA’S NUMBER ONE.”

    Once all the votes in the zones are tallied, the nominees are picked. Voting is now thrown open to the entire nation to vote for the winners in all categories. Voting in the final phase happens through SMS(7827); Internet (www.indya.com) and televoting, apart from it, all the INOX multiplexes across the country will also be a part of this voting process. To find out more about Schwarzkopf Palette Sabsey Favourite Kaun keep watching Star Gold or log onto www.indya.com to get loads of action and excitement as it happens!