Category: Awards

  • Zee Media partners with Greenply for Hindustan Ki Shaan Awards season two

    Zee Media partners with Greenply for Hindustan Ki Shaan Awards season two

    Mumbai: Zee Media, in partnership with Greenply Industries, is thrilled to announce the second season of the prestigious Hindustan Ki Shaan Awards. This celebration is dedicated to recognizing India’s carpenters and contractors for their exceptional contributions to the interior design industry. Following a successful inaugural season, this year’s on-ground event, scheduled to take place in Mumbai on Saturday, 27 April 2024, aims to highlight and honour the remarkable skills and creativity of these vital artisans in shaping aesthetic and functional living spaces.

    Hindustan Ki Shaan Season 2 has been an impactful initiative as it included an active participation from all professional craftsmen within the wood-panel and interior furniture sectors across India, assessing entries based on criteria including design innovation, problem-solving, and the use of environmentally friendly materials. The jury panel included prominent industry figures such as Greenply Industries chairman & MD Rajesh Mittal; Greenply Industries JMD & CEO Manoj Tulsian; Wade Asia – surface reporter founder and director Vertica Dvivedi; and Furniture & Fittings Skill Council CEO Rahul Mehta who evaluated the entries based on design excellence, innovation in craft, and the use of environmentally sustainable practices and materials. The second season of the Hindustan Ki Shaan Awards will recognize and elevate the appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into creating bespoke furniture and innovative interior solutions, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

    Greenply Industries CMO Yatnesh Pandey highlighted “Celebrating these craftsmen not only fosters a sense of community among them but also builds loyalty among consumers who recognize Greenply as a brand that values the backbone of its industry. Our partnership with Zee Media magnifies the impact, ensuring that the stories of these talented artisans are appreciated on a national scale. It positions Greenply strategically as a leader committed to uplifting the entire woodworking and interior design ecosystems.”

    With Zee News as its exclusive telecast partner and Zee Media as its digital partner, the event will be covered extensively across all platforms, ensuring that the achievements of these craftsmen are recognized nationwide. This strategic partnership aims to amplify the voices of India’s artisans and connect viewers across the nation to the artistry and innovation within the craftsmanship community.

    Zee Media Corp Ltd chief revenue officer Mona Jain, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighted “Working with Greenply for the second season of the Hindustan Ki Shaan Awards aligns perfectly with our mission to create social and economic value by spotlighting sectors of our culture that are often overlooked. We are committed to enhancing the visibility of these skilled professionals, improving their career opportunities, and fostering greater appreciation for their work. This initiative is a step towards sustainable development and recognition of these essential industries.”

    Zee Media Corp Ltd marketing head Anindya Khare further added, “We are immensely proud to collaborate with Greenply for the second season of the Hindustan Ki Shaan Awards. This partnership allows us to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary talents of India’s carpenters and contractors, who play a pivotal role in enriching our everyday living spaces with their craftsmanship and innovation. Through this initiative, we aim to foster greater recognition and appreciation of their skills, which are crucial in driving the advancement and sustainability of the interior design and construction sectors.”

    The award ceremony promises not only to be a platform for recognition but also a venue for sharing transformative stories and discussing the ongoing evolution within the sector. It will underscore the critical role these craftsmen play in not just beautifying spaces, but also in making them functionally robust and environmentally sustainable.

  • AJIO Grazia Young Fashion Awards 2024 to raise future of fashion and style at a star-studded evening

    AJIO Grazia Young Fashion Awards 2024 to raise future of fashion and style at a star-studded evening

    Mumbai: The world of fashion is gearing up for a spectacular night as the AJIO Grazia Young Fashion Awards 2024, is set to illuminate Mumbai on 26 March 2024. This star-studded celebration promises an evening brimming with excitement, glamour, and jaw-dropping looks, epitomizing the fearless spirit of fashion and style.

    From urban wear to eveningwear, indie cool to menswear, footwear to sustainable fashion, and jewellery, this year’s awards boast an array of categories that push the boundaries of style and ingenuity. Embracing Urbanwear, Eveningwear, Indie Cool, Menswear, Footwear, Label Alert, Sustainable Fashion, and Jewellery, each category represents a fusion of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation, mirroring the dynamic fashion panorama in India and beyond. In addition to honouring the brightest young talents in the fashion realm, the ceremony will shine a spotlight on trendsetters from the entertainment world who continue to inspire and influence the way we dress and express ourselves.

    Worldwide Media director and  ZENL BCCL TV & Digital Network  CEO Rohit Gopakumar, expressed, “The Grazia Young Fashion Awards have been a beacon of innovation, creativity, and trendsetting within the fashion industry. As we gear up for the upcoming edition, we look forward to witnessing the convergence of talent in fashion design and style trendsetters. We are excited to see the next generation of trailblazers redefine the fashion landscape.”

    Grazia India editor Mehernaaz Dhondy added, “With the Grazia Young Fashion Awards, we aim to spotlight the next generation of style and fashion pioneers who are ready to serve unforgettable looks. It’s a night of boundless possibilities, where fashion meets art and style meets substance.”

    After a spectacular celebration of fashion prowess in the previous edition by young designers and celebrated stars such as Ayushmann Khurrana, Vicky Kaushal, Varun Dhawan, Karan Johar, Rashmika Mandana, Janhvi Kapoor, Vijay Varma, Mrunal Thakur, Ishaan Khatter, and Sobhita Dhulipala, each leaving an indelible mark with their unique instinct, we eagerly anticipate welcoming the next wave of fashion and style.

    Mark your calendars for the AJIO Grazia Young Fashion Awards 2024, where fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders will converge to celebrate excellence, creativity, and the transformative power of style. Grazia.co.in for further updates as we count down to the most anticipated fashion extravaganza of the year. Catch all the action in real-time on Grazia India’s social media platforms on 26 March.

  • FEF India Fashion Awards x WION present ‘Fashion For Good’ telecast

    FEF India Fashion Awards x WION present ‘Fashion For Good’ telecast

    Mumbai: Embark on an unparalleled journey through the world of fashion sustainability as the fourth edition of FEF India Fashion Awards collaborates with WION to present the ‘Fashion For Good’.  

    Scheduled to go on air on WION, citizens can tune in for the highly anticipated first episode telecast of an impactful panel series on sustainable fashion on the 23 March at 1:30 PM, with a repeat telecast scheduled for the 24 March at 12:30 PM.

    Distinguished leaders and celebrities converged at the event, championing sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Notable attendees included Dr Darlie Koshy – Design Management Strategist, Educationist and Author, Saad Al-Qaddumi – president, World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International), Vinod Duggar – co-promoter, RDB group and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Malawi, Neeva Jain – social entrepreneur and chief PR officer, FEF India Fashion Awards, Abhay Ojha – chief executive officer, ZMCL, Mona Jain, chief revenue officer, ZMCL and many other industry experts.

    The inaugural day featured riveting panel discussions delving into critical topics such as cultural preservation, designer-craftsman collaborations, and the imperative to address fast fashion consumption patterns. These discussions aimed to illuminate the importance of sustainable practices and the pivotal role individuals play in fostering positive change within the industry.

    A standout moment of the event was the unveiling of the Approach Document to Vision Paper and the unveiling of the Manual on Sattvik Textiles, which symbolised a collective commitment towards sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Adding a dash of star power were luminaries like Tamannaah Bhatia, Actor, and Fashion Designer and Actor Masaba Gupta.

    The movement towards sustainable fashion as FEF India Fashion Awards 2024 x WION telecast ‘Fashion For Good’ discussions, paving the way for a brighter and greener future. Stay tuned for the announcement of three more engaging episodes!

  • Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2024: A spectacular evening of excellence and glamour

    Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2024: A spectacular evening of excellence and glamour

    Mumbai: The much-anticipated Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2024 concluded on 5 March at the opulent Taj Santacruz, marking a glorious celebration of innovation, talent, and excellence in the culinary, lifestyle and hospitality realms. With an electrifying atmosphere, the event showcased the crème de la crème of the industry, honoring their outstanding contributions and remarkable achievements.

    The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement as industry leaders, renowned chefs, esteemed restaurateurs, and distinguished personalities gathered for the event. The occasion boasted the presence of illustrious guests, such as Bollywood icons Bobby Deol, who received the Unlimit Performance of the Year award, Manoj Bajpayee, honored as the Iconic Artist, and Babil Khan, recognised as the Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Chitrangda Singh was featured as the digital cover star for February 2024. With their charismatic aura and impeccable style, these personalities elevated the evening, infusing it with a sense of grandeur and sophistication.

    Speaking of the event, Zee Zest chief channel officer Amit Nair said, “We gathered at the Zee Zest Unlimit awards to celebrate the trailblazers who transformed ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. The Zee Zest Unlimit Awards are a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection and the boundless creativity that defines the fields of Cuisine, Travel and Culture. As we applaud the visionaries and the trendsetters, we hope to ignite a spark of inspiration among future stars.”

    The success of The Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2024 was made possible by key sponsors such as L’Oreal Paris Hyaluron Moisture (co-presenting sponsor) and Cadbury Dairy Milk (co-powered by), along with Dazller Cosmetics as the beauty partner and Hell Energy as the energy drink partner. Other vital partners included Thriwe as the Technology Facilitator, Taj Santacruz Mumbai as the Hospitality Partner, Novotel Mumbai International Airport as the Jury Meet Partner, and exclusive gifting experiences provided by Plum, Tidy Up, Ashnam, Callebaut, and Australian Macadamia Nuts as the Gifting Partners.

    An esteemed panel renowned for their significant contributions to the industry meticulously assessed and scrutinized entries across every category, while consumers cast their votes for their preferred choices to determine the victors. The jury – a mix of culinary and beverage experts, authors and filmmakers, influencers, photographers, and music artists – evaluated the entries based on their understanding and expertise in the industry. Their discerning judgments ensured that only the most deserving establishments and individuals were honored at the prestigious Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2024.

    Among the distinguished winners were:

    Best Japanese Restaurant: Mizu Izakaya, Mumbai

    Best Progressive Indian Restaurant: Masque, Mumbai

    Destination Dining: NAAR, Kasauli

    Best Café: Cou Cou By Oberoi, Mumbai

    Best Concept Restaurant: Ekaa, Mumbai

    Best Restaurant in a 5 Star: Wasabi By Morimoto, Taj, Mumbai

    Best New Restaurant: Lupa, Bengaluru

    Best Asian Restaurant: Yi Jing, ITC Kohenur, Hyderabad

    Best Regional Indian Restaurant: O Pedro, Mumbai

    Legacy Restaurant (Luxe): Bukhara, ITC Maurya Delhi

    Legacy Restaurant (Popular Choice): Chaitanya Assal Malvani Bhojangruh

    Best Vegan Restaurant: Justbe By Nidhi Nahata, Bengaluru

    Best Designed Restaurant: The Bagh Gourmet Garden and Bar, Amritsar

    Best Indian Craft Beer: People’s Lager, Goa Brewing Co.

    Best Indian Wine: The Source Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, 2023

    Best Nightclub: antiSOCIAL, Mumbai

    Best Cocktail Bar: Copitas, Bengaluru

    Best Indian Craft Gin: Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin

    Best Indian Whisky: Amrut Fusion

    Best Boutique Hotel: The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa

    Best Sustainable Resort: Brij Lakshman Sagar, Pali

    Best Wellness Resort: Raffles Udaipur

    Best Wildlife Resort: Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries India, Tipeshwar

    Hotel Brand of the Year: ITC Hotels

    In addition to these remarkable establishments, the Zee Zest Unlimit Awards also recognised individuals who have left an indelible mark on the industry:

    The Unlimit Icon: Jiggs Kalra

    The Unlimit Icon: Floyd Cardoz

    Best Mixologist: Varun Sharma

    Best Expat Chef In India: Bawmra Jap

    Best Indian Chef Working Internationally: Chintan Kiran Pandya

    Chef Of The Year: Regi Mathew

    Iconic Artist: Manoj Bajpayee

    Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Babil Khan

    Unlimit Performance of the year: Bobby Deol

    The Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2024 not only celebrated excellence but also served as a platform to inspire and motivate the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals. As the industry continues to evolve, these awards stand as a testament to its resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and setting new standards of excellence.

    The show will be telecast on 30 March 2024 at 9 pm on Zee Zest, Zee Zest HD and 31 March 2024 9:00 pm on Zee Café, and will be available to stream on zeezest.com.

    Watch the glimpses from the evening: https://zeezest.com/food/zee-zest-unlimit-awards-2024-sees-winners-all-around-some-expected-and-some-surprises-5615

  • Hyundai Exter shines at Zee Chitra Gaurav Awards

    Hyundai Exter shines at Zee Chitra Gaurav Awards

    Mumbai: The prestigious Zee Chitra Gaurav Awards, an annual event hosted by the Zee Marathi, celebrates excellence in both artistic and technical aspects of the Marathi-language film industry in India. The award ceremony attracts top talents from the industry and has a history of successful collaborations with renowned brands. This year marked a significant milestone as Hyundai, with their latest offering Exter, joined as a co-sponsor for the Zee Chitra Gaurav Awards for the first time.

    During the event, Hyundai Motors India the chief operating officer Tarun Garg had the honour of felicitating deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar. Marathi Superstar Siddarth Jadhav delivered a captivating performance with Hyundai Exter, adding to the glamour of the evening. Additionally, key personalities from Zee Marathi partnered with Hyundai for the engaging ‘Aapli Manasa, Aapli Car’ contest. The collaboration extended to various Hyundai showrooms across Maharashtra, garnering an enthusiastic response from the audience. The inaugural collaboration between Zee Chitra Gaurav Awards and Hyundai as co-sponsors proved to be a resounding success for both parties.

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. chief growth officer, ad revenue Ashish Sehgal said – “We are thrilled to partner with Hyundai Motors in this curated 360-degree promotional campaign, leveraging the massive reach and popularity of our shows and characters. Zee Marathi has deep-rooted connections with people across Maharashtra and this campaign ably synergizes the brand values of Hyundai and Zee to create everlasting bonds with the audiences. Looking forward to creating more such memorable experiences for our consumers and wishing superlative business outcomes for Hyundai, as we grow together.”

    ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chief cluster officer, North, West & premium channel Amit Shah said, “The collaboration with Hyundai for the Zee Chitra Gaurav Awards has been a resounding success, showcasing the perfect blend of creativity and innovation in the entertainment industry. The positive feedback highlights the productive outcome of this partnership, indicating a successful and mutually beneficial relationship between the two entities.”

    Highlighting the transformative effect of the collaboration on the event, Zee Marathi chief channel officer V.R. Hema shared, “Each year, Zee Chitra Gaurav flourishes with exceptional content and unwavering industry support. Our continuous improvement is fuelled by sponsors who amplify our event’s reach and impact. Collaborating with Hyundai Motor this year posed unique challenges, but our extensive teamwork ensured a memorable experience. We eagerly anticipate more such partnerships to elevate our content and meet brand objectives for our clients.”

  • ZEE Rishtey Awards 2024 set to dazzle with Danube Properties as exclusive title sponsor

    ZEE Rishtey Awards 2024 set to dazzle with Danube Properties as exclusive title sponsor

    Mumbai: With the festival of colours around the corner, Zee TV, the flagship channel of one of India’s leading media and entertainment conglomerates, is gearing up to paint the town in vibrant hues as it announces the much-awaited annual gala, the Zee Rishtey Awards 2024. This year’s edition promises to be a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur, celebrating the cherished relationships viewers have with their favourite Zee TV characters. In sync with the spirit of Holi, the awards ceremony will bring families together for love, joy, laughter and heartfelt celebrations.

    Zee Rishtey Awards recognises and honours the outstanding contributions of actors, directors, producers, creative teams and technicians. This year, as the Zee Kutumb unites to celebrate familial bonds, viewers can expect a mesmerizing showcase of talent, with their favourite stars setting the stage ablaze through spectacular dance performances.

    What sets this year apart is the extraordinary level of advertiser interest, with the prestigious title sponsorship secured by Danube Properties, Dubai. This marks a historic first-time association between Zee TV and Danube Properties, an award-winning developer in the Middle East, and is a testament to the event’s ever-growing significance and appeal.

    ZEE chief growth officer – advertisement revenue Ashish Sehgal, expressed his enthusiasm about the milestone collaboration, saying, “The Zee Rishtey Awards hold a very special place in the hearts of millions of our viewers. While we take the grand celebrations to the zenith this year, we are thrilled to welcome Danube Properties, Dubai as our title sponsor for the first time. Their commitment and support speak volumes about the event’s unmatched popularity, legacy and reach. Together, we look forward to create a memorable and captivating experience for our audience and partners alike.”

    Danube Group founder and chairman Rizwan Sajan highlighted the strategic significance of associating with Zee Rishtey Awards, “At Danube Group, we believe in the power of communication, and we strive to achieve that through impactful collaborations. Zee Rishtey Awards is a perfect combination of being an excellent platform to connect and entertain Indian audiences globally. Indians accounted for the highest investments in Dubai and Danube Properties in 2023. Our exclusive payment plan of 1% EMI per month with fully furnished homes and 40 plus amenities made it possible for thousands of Indians from anywhere in the world to own a home in Dubai. This partnership is aimed at making homeownership more accessible. This is not just about visibility; but about creating conversations with families across the globe.”

    Apart from Danube Properties as the title sponsor, Zee Rishtey Awards 2024 boasts of a prestigious lineup of sponsors, including the co-powered by partners Cadbury Dairy Milk, Himalaya Turmeric Face Wash, and Colgate. The event’s support extends further with Special Partners Smith & Jones Pasta Masala and Rajdhani Poha, while Bandhan Bank takes the spotlight as the official Banking Partner. The show’s allure is further enhanced by the Trusted Partnership with Garnier Color Naturals and the Associate Sponsorship from Reli Spray, collectively reflecting a dynamic collaboration of industry leaders in this celebrated awards ceremony.

    Zee Rishtey Awards 2024, promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment, glamour, and celebration. As the countdown begins, Zee TV invites viewers to join the festivities and revel in the magic of relationships, all set to unfold on the grand stage of the Zee Rishtey Awards. The awards ceremony will be telecast on Sunday, 10 March at 7 pm.

  • Fourth FEF India Fashion Awards x WION addresses sustainability through the lens of fashion

    Fourth FEF India Fashion Awards x WION addresses sustainability through the lens of fashion

    Mumbai: The highly anticipated 4th edition of the PEPSI presents FEF India Fashion Awards (FEF IFA) 2024 x WION, was inaugurated on 7 March 2024, by Sa’ad Al Qaddumi, president, World Crafts Council-International, Dr Darlie Koshy, ex. chairperson NIFT, creator, NDP, fashion designer, celeb stylist, entrepreneur, Sanjay Nigam, founder, FEF India Fashion Awards, Vinod Dugar, co-promoter of RDB Group, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Malawi, and Neeva Jain, chief public relations officer, FEF IFA.

    The first day of the two-day event held at St. Regis Hotel, Mumbai, saw a congregation of industry stalwarts coming together and having insightful conversations. Celebrities who added style and glamour to the ‘Fashion for good’ sessions on the inaugural day were, Tamannaah Bhatia, Actor, and Masaba Gupta, Fashion Designer and Actor.

    The event included a variety of sessions and panel discussions centred around the theme of “Fashion for Good” and its implications for the fashion industry. The agenda was both insightful and thought-provoking, covering topics that decoded the role of fashion in films and beyond.

    FEF India Fashion Awards chairman said, “ Fashion for good is not just a trend, but a conscious commitment to weave sustainability into the fabric of style. Fashion must echo the need for choices that are responsible, improving the lives of small artisans and craftsmen who play a very important role in keeping our heritage alive .”

    Talking about the fourth edition of the event, FEF India Fashion Awards, founder Sanjay Nigam said, “We are delighted that distinguished guests and speakers shared their thoughts about sustainability and fashion at the 4th edition of the FEF India Fashion Awards. Our theme, ‘Fashion for Good,’ is more than just a slogan; it represents a commitment to promoting sustainable fashion. We hope to spark transformative change in the industry through the thought-provoking conversations that took place today. Insights from today’s conversations will help pave a future in which fashion not only dazzles but also respects the environment and preserves our rich heritage.”

    World Crafts Council president Sa’ad Al-Qaddumi, said, “Following the impactful discussions at the FEF India Fashion Awards, it is evident that the industry is ready for a sustainable and culturally enriching shift. The “Celebrating WCC: Contributions towards Sustainability” panel showcased our united dedication to responsible fashion. Reflecting on these exchanges, I believe the momentum built will drive us towards a future where fashion becomes a positive force for both the planet and preservation of culture and heritage.”

    Dr Darlie Koshy, design management strategist, educationist, and author said, “The panel discussion has opened up new dimensions which will help to innovate a sustainable future for the fashion ecosystem from production to consumption and beyond.”

    While talking about the importance of fashion, Actor Tamannaah Bhatia mentioned, “In the past there was more individuality. Today, you try to find yourself through fashion, which is what happened to me. I am now able to make choices and not be apologetic about it.”

    Throwing light on the sustainable practices followed in her brand, Fashion designer and actor, Masaba Gupta said, “As a brand, we make small changes every day to make ourselves sustainable. With all the waste fabric that remained, we started making scarves, masks and scrunchies. We have put a strong system in place to recycle.”

    The Fashion Entrepreneur Fund panel, emphasised the need for a collaborative fashion ecosystem, inviting fashion entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas and grab the opportunity to transform dreams into reality. FEF yet again showcased its commitment to shaping the future of fashion entrepreneurship, bridging the gap between an aspirant and a visionary.

    Presented by PEPSI, powered by Raj Niwas Silver Elaichi and Wild Stone Code, the 2-day event, co-powered by Mario Foods, Kuber Shoppe and Dromen & Co. Managed by Talent Factory, this fashion celebration is backed by sponsors, including Navnit Motors, Johnny Walker Refreshing Mixer (non-alcoholic), Baggit, Lakme Salon, Mitsubishi, EbixCash, Epic, 1 Magnolia Lane, Alphabet, and Triper.

  • “I think the international Indian-South Asian diaspora is very fond of Bollywood and starve for it”: Zee Studios’ Shariq Patel

    “I think the international Indian-South Asian diaspora is very fond of Bollywood and starve for it”: Zee Studios’ Shariq Patel

    Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, a powerhouse in India’s media and entertainment, is set to host the ‘Maruti Suzuki Arena Presents 22nd Zee Cine Awards 2024.’ Set against the backdrop of a triumphant 2023 for Indian cinema, the event promises to honor outstanding contributions to the industry.

    Recently, stars like Alia Bhatt, along with Maruti Suzuki and ZEEL representatives, unveiled the chic trophy. The kickoff event featured actors sharing memories from past editions, with an exciting performance lineup announced for the much-anticipated on-ground event on 10 March.

    Delving deeper, Indiantelevision.com caught up with Zee Studios chief business officer Shariq Patel to gain insights on Zee Cine Awards 2024 being special; impact that Zee Cine Awards aims to create in the world of Bollywood celebrations and more…

    Edited Excerpts:

    On Zee Cine Awards’ evolution over the years, and the 2024 edition particularly being special

    What will make the 2024 edition special, is Shah Rukh Khan, as he is coming back to the Zee Cine Awards after nine years, he is the showstopper for us. This year, there is a certain amount of enthusiasm as cinema has bounced back, especially after how well the films like ‘Pathaan’, ‘Gadar 2’, ‘Jawan’, ‘Rocky Aur Raani Kii Prem Kahaani’ did last year. An entire boom happened at the box office; that’s why we are following the mantra of ‘Cinema Zindabaad’ this year for the award show. We took the line from the movie ‘Gadar’ and made it into ‘Cinema Zindabaad Tha, Hai Aur Rahega’. With two key people in the industry associated with the award show- Shah Rukh Khan coming on board and Bobby Deol, along with the Deol family, the main agenda is to put the spotlight on the fine talents of the industry. The excitement is a lot more, with movies like ‘12th Fail’, ‘Sam Bahadur’ and some great performances that were delivered. It’s a natural progression, and I think it’s interesting because the films were so loved in 2023, it has been a landmark year in terms of Box-Office collection. post covid, everyone thought that Box-Office was going to die, but the audience has come back saying ‘We Want Cinema’, especially with OTT emerging and everyone thinking that overall habits have changed, and people just prefer sitting at home. All these theories got de-bunked in 2023 much to the elation to all of us, who actually are involved in this field.

    Are there any new or innovative award categories introduced for Zee Cine Awards 2024 to reflect the changing dynamics of Bollywood

    No, the categories pretty much remain the same because we are not looking at adding anything which isn’t there, it is basically honouring excellence in all departments of Cinema. Everyone knows what those departments are, so we are not creating any new departments or awards. The idea is to honour thousands of people who give their blood, sweat and tears to come up with movies on a week-on-week basis, it’s like holding in high esteem for the best of the lot.

    On some exciting details about the star-studded lineup and collaborations for Zee Cine Awards 2024, and in what ways do brands, sponsors, and celebrities benefit from their involvement in the event

    I guess the brands look at sponsoring any event which gives a positive rub-off, the bigger the event, the greater the recall and obviously if the event is in line with what the brand stands for, there is a positive rub-off that association brings in, which has happened with Zee Cine Awards and other film awards. I believe even in other big events like IPL, or other sports properties, there is always an association benefit that brands get. I think if you talk to the Maruti Suzuki team or any other sponsors, it’s easy for them to hire the same artist and do TVC or get their brand ambassadors to be a part of the event of the same scale. But shooting over one to two days and being posted or premiered later on might not have the same impact as much as an event of this kind and as it offers positive brand allure that rubs off so on the brand. Hence, they might choose this.  However, the on-ground event is on the 10 March, so the excitement will be there from today till its actual on-air date, which will probably be a week or so later. So, that 20-day effect of conversations around it, especially the trade media and consumers as such, will always be a positive benefit.

    On the enduring impact that Zee Cine Awards aims to create in the world of Bollywood celebrations

    I think it’s honouring the talent; we have been putting out a lot of our old winners and if you see some of those clips on our Instagram page, everyone from Hrithik’s debut till this year, it’s a platform which gives opportunities, and make known of the brand Zee actually is. There is an ingrained association that every big actor or artist has with Zee, and this award kind of solidifies it in a slightly different manner. All the big actors, directors, and technicians have at some point or the other won a Zee Cine Award over the last 22 years, which kind of deepens the association. You have heard how everyone talks about it and how there is a specific emotional connection with it, whether they have performed, won, or have been nominated. There is a bit of that family feeling that Zee brings, being the true homegrown brand.

    On Zee Cine Awards catering to an international audience, and the efforts that are being made to showcase Indian cinema on a global platform

    I believe that if you speak to Ashish Sehgal (chief growth officer- ad sales) or Ruchir Tiwari (chief cluster officer- Hindi movies), they will be able to provide you with a better understanding of that. I think the international Indian-South Asian diaspora is very fond of Bollywood and starve for it. Like how Ashish mentioned that we cater to 17 channels that are distributed all over the world, which automatically includes cinema. This creates a complete circle where you can watch a large number of movies on the Zee platform, and then see many artists performing and getting appreciated.

    On Zee Cinema/Zee TV planning to elevate the viewer experience in 2024, navigating creative challenges to make award shows entertaining and engaging, and adapting to the digital transformation and industry trends for Zee Cine Awards

    I believe that in order to keep the audience engaged for the expected three hours, they should get entertained; it is the same thing as watching a series, a film or a TV show. We are asking for the time of the audience, and the moment you are asking for their time, you need to make sure that it is engaging, there is entertainment happening, so either there is a big performance, a gag, some fun moment or felicitation of the award, it’s a mix and match of all. So, creatively delivering that is a challenge for us, for which we have teams. And the rest of it will be giving three to four thousand people who are on-ground, a grand experience to enjoy those particular four or five hours a day in the arena watching these actors perform and being present under the same roof as them.

  • Zee Cine Awards 2024 press conference shines bright!

    Zee Cine Awards 2024 press conference shines bright!

    Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, a prominent name in India’s television, media, and entertainment landscape, is gearing up to revive the grand celebration of Bollywood with the return of the ‘Maruti Suzuki Arena Presents 22nd Zee Cine Awards 2024.’ Against the vibrant backdrop of an exhilarating 2023, a year marked by the resounding success of Indian cinema with blockbuster hits, the awards ceremony promises an evening of honoring the industry’s finest achievements. This March, Mumbai will once again transform into the epicenter of Bollywood glamor, welcoming a constellation of stars including actors, directors, producers, and technicians for this eagerly awaited gala.

    In an atmosphere exuding glamor, Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, alongside Maruti Suzuki India’s CMO & senior executive officer Shashank Srivastava and ZEEL’s chief growth officer – advertising revenue Ashish Sehgal, unveiled the elegant trophy for the prestigious ‘Maruti Suzuki Arena Presents 22nd Zee Cine Awards 2024’. The press conference was a nostalgic journey as actors Bobby Deol, Aparshakti Khurana, and Mouni Roy fondly reminisced about anecdotes and cherished moments from previous editions of this esteemed awards gala.

    The kick-off event set pulses racing with the announcement of the performances by some of the most revered figures in the film fraternity, including Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Ananya Panday, Bobby Deol, Ayushmann Khurrana, Mouni Roy, Utkarsh Sharma, Simrat Kaur, and more. Adding to the allure, the evening will be gracefully hosted by the charismatic duo of Ayushmann Khurrana and Aparshakti Khurana, with the irrepressibly witty Sunil Grover injecting moments of levity with his humor.

    However, the crescendo of excitement reached its zenith when the curtain was lifted on the biggest surprise of the kickoff meet – the return of actor Shah Rukh Khan, who is poised to grace the Zee Cine Awards stage after a hiatus of nine long years.

    Amidst the fervor of the event, Indiantelevision.com on the sidelines of the event, seized the opportunity to engage with.

    Ashish Sehgal, Chief Growth Officer, Ad Revenue, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited and Ruchir Tiwari, Chief Cluster Officer, Hindi Movies, ZEE. During the interaction, they provided illuminating insights into the award show and beyond.

    Edited excerpts

    On Zee TV integrating digital platforms to maximize the reach and impact of Zee Cine Awards

    Sehgal: Today we are very focused on how we are trying to build our reach not only in linear television, but also in the digital space. If you see social media, the entire meta ecosystem we had almost 150 million reach and almost 60 million followers across all our pages. That’s a humongous amount of viewership, which no broadcaster had till date. However, we feel that there are many platforms like Meta, YouTube, etc, we know don’t see them as competition, but more like our platforms. So the idea is how we can take our content to our consumers as much as possible? Hence, we have a proper strategy behind building viewership amongst all the platforms, whether it is telcos, whether it is YouTube ecosystem, or whether it is like a Meta ecosystem. So our digital presence is going to be quite formidable.

    On the landscape of Hindi cinema influencing the execution of Zee Cine Awards

    Tiwari: The Cinema cluster at ZEE holds a strategic commitment to recognizing and applauding exceptional cinema. Over our three-decade legacy, we have positioned ourselves as adept aggregators of quality films, spanning 8 languages across 17 channels. The Zee Cine Awards stands tall as our iconic initiative, dedicated to honouring the finest performances of the year.

    Celebrating its 22nd edition, this year holds special significance against the backdrop of the uncertainties that loomed over Hindi cinema, following the challenges posed by Covid. It started with Pathaan, then came Gadar 2, Jawaan, and now Animal. Apart from these mega successes, there were incredible stories like  ’12th Fail’ , Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway and Sam Bahadur. This cinematic journey in 2023 has proven to be a transformative one, marked by a resurgence of joy as the industry got back its confidence and garnered a renewed appreciation and so much love from the audiences.

    The narrative of 2023 unfolds as a narrative of comebacks, symbolizing the resurgence of Hindi cinema, the return of Shahrukh Khan, and the revival of the Deols. This thematic underpinning is integral to our presentation, encapsulated by our tagline, ‘Cinema Zindabaad’. It reflects our commitment to not only acknowledging excellence but also embracing the triumphs and resurgences that have defined the cinematic landscape this year.

    On the strategies Zee TV employs to ensure sponsors receive tangible returns on their investment to the award show

    Sehgal: Zee Cine Award is not just a one day event like how normally people perceive it. For us it’s a festival for almost two and a half three months. We showcase the show across all our channels, and also various Hindi speaking markets whether it is Bhojpuri, whether it is Bangla, Marathi apart from all the Hindi channels and the free-to-air channels as well,  so that maximum reach happens on the show and the content is curated before and after also for the show. While there will be one day of the awards, prior to that we start building a lot of content which will be in promoting but at the same time facilitating or you know kind of showcasing what you are going to see during that one day. So Zee Cine Award is always a culmination of the award. Now having said that, how does it help the sponsors? Sponsors do get mileage across these three months, so they can actually build their whole campaigns around this show. Secondly, these sponsors do not just run their inventory there, we create a lot of content for the sponsors within the show. There is a lot of customisation of the brand’s energy along with our shows . We create moments within the show and before the show, which helps advertisers build their message within that. It’s a 360 degree, where they get a lot of mileage in ground presence and for Maruti we do dealer visits with our stars who would go and promote the listing in the dealership etc.

    On Zee Cinema envisioning the future of award shows in the era of digital platforms

    Tiwari: Content is always platform-agnostic, it inherently transcends platforms, seamlessly adapting to both linear broadcasting and OTT channels. The beauty lies in its universal accessibility, reaching audiences regardless of the medium. The overarching objective is to maximize viewership.

    Sehgal: TV gives you the highest reach. But at the same time digital will become an engagement partner for us before the show. As I said, we will use your social media for engaging, remoting bytes of the stars when they’re coming, then the whole content will be also showcased on digital platforms like our Zee5 and later on to YouTube etc. So we use platforms now to take the content to as many people as possible. We are creating content which is platform agnostic.

    Tiwari: Few properties exhibit a natural compatibility across all mediums. Notably, in non-fiction and event categories, award functions exemplify the synergy between digital and linear domains. They thrive in the digital realm, presenting a seamless blend that resonates well with audiences on both fronts.

  • Zee Cine Awards continues its association with Maruti Suzuki Arena for its 22nd Edition

    Zee Cine Awards continues its association with Maruti Suzuki Arena for its 22nd Edition

    Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, India’s leading television, media and entertainment powerhouse, is bringing back the biggest celebration of Bollywood – ‘Maruti Suzuki Arena Presents 22nd Zee Cine Awards 2024.’ Set against the backdrop of a spectacular 2023 – a year when Indian movies made a roaring comeback with record-breaking blockbusters and it felt almost as if a chant of ‘CINEMA ZINDABAD’ was echoing within the walls of the theatres, the awards ceremony promises to be an evening of recognition for some of the finest work by the film industry. This March, once again, Mumbai will play host to Bollywood’s crème de la crème, actors, directors, producers and film technicians as they come together for this much anticipated star-studded extravaganza.  

    At a chic and glamorous affair, Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt, alongside Maruti Suzuki India CMO & senior executive officer Shashank Srivastava and ZEEL chief growth officer – advertising revenue Ashish Sehgal, unveiled the sleek trophy for the ‘Maruti Suzuki Arena Presents 22nd Zee Cine Awards 2024’. At the press conference, actors Bobby Deol, Aparshakti Khurana and Mouni Roy walked down memory lane and recounted anecdotes and special moments from the previous editions of the esteemed awards show. The kick-off meet announced an exciting line-up of performances by some of the most popular faces of the film fraternity including Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Ananya Panday, Bobby Deol, Ayushmann Khurrana, Mouni Roy, Utkarsh Sharma, Simrat Kaur amongst others. The evening will be hosted by the charming Ayushmann Khurrana and Aparshakti Khurana while the witty Sunil Grover will take over for a few fun segments. Excitement hit the roof when the big surprise of the kick-off meet was finally revealed – The Baadshah of Bollywood – Shah Rukh Khan is all set to perform at Zee Cine Awards after nine long years!

    Bhatt said, “I always look forward to performing LIVE on stage! Last year’s performance at Zee Cine Awards was one of the most memorable one for me, I’m even more excited to be performing second year in a row for them. It’ll again be a very very special act and truly dedicated for my audiences. Zee Cine Awards have a legacy of their own and it’s been a long-standing relationship with the Zee team that has only become stronger in the years. The thrill and energy of a live performance is unbeatable and I can’t wait to get onto the Zee Cine stage!”

    Deol said, “Privileged to announce the Maruti Suzuki Arena Presents 22nd Zee Cine Awards 2024. After having attended the ceremony regularly over the years, I’m thrilled to perform this time. Brace yourselves for a night of excitement, as Abrar will have everyone dancing to ‘Jamal Kudu’ and some delightful surprises.”

    Srivastava said, “This association is continuation of our exciting partnership between India’s largest automotive channel Maruti Suzuki Arena and one of biggest celebration of Bollywood – Zee Cine awards, to celebrate the magical and extravagant world of Bollywood. Maruti Suzuki believes in bringing the Joy of mobility to all and creating exciting new experiences. Maruti Suzuki Arena is bringing this vision to reality with future ready products like The All New HOT & TECHY Brezza that goes above and beyond your expectations. And Zee Cine brings alive the world of entertainment, top notch experiences and much more and truly we found our match to reach out to our audiences.”

    Sehgal said, “The year 2023 has been a stellar chapter for Indian cinema, with box office records shattered and a slew of blockbuster hits captivating audiences worldwide. We aim to take the entertainment quotient to a whole new level through the presence of some of the most sought-after faces of the fraternity and exciting performances at the ‘Maruti Suzuki Arena Presents 22nd Zee Cine Awards 2024.’ We have an excellent lineup including Shah Rukh Khan who’s performing with us after 9 years, Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Ananya Panday, Bobby Deol, Ayushmann Khurrana, Mouni Roy, Utkarsh Sharma, Simrat Kaur and we’re committed to making it an evening to remember. Cinema buffs who wish to experience the thrill of watching their favorite stars perform LIVE and win accolades at the ground event in Mumbai on 10th March can buy their passes via BookMyShow!”