Category: TV Shows

  • COLORS redefines mythological marketing through ‘Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav’

    COLORS redefines mythological marketing through ‘Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav’

    Mumbai: A trailblazer in curating engaging marketing strategies and distinctive content, COLORS brings ‘Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav’, a magnum opus that has set out to write itself as a mythological masterpiece in the history of Indian television. Created and produced by Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s Swastik Productions, the show stars Ram Yashvardhan as Lord Shiv and Subha Rajput as Goddess Shakti. Evoking the quintessence of Gods in an era that modernises at a breakneck speed, the GEC mapped out a comprehensive marketing plan to garner eyeballs and spark excitement among the audiences. Given that the epic illustrated devotion-like love, its campaign assimilated all those who share the rich roots of the history that bind us. To spread the glory of the deities among their devotees, COLORS created an on-ground buzz during religious events such as Ganga Dussehra and Maasik Shivratri.

    Making an auspicious beginning, the campaign brought in celebrations of Ganga Dussehra in Varanasi, India’s renowned spiritual destination, where a Maha Ganga Aarti was conducted on an exclusively branded stage in Assi Ghat. The visual splendour of the ghat was accentuated by dancers dressed as Shiv and Shakti performing an enchanting Anand and Shiv Tandav. Additionally, branded mantra booklets were distributed in Assi Ghat, Prayagraj, Haridwar and Rishikesh. To win the hearts of Shakti devotees, COLORS conducted a Mata Ki Chowki in five cities – Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Prayagraj, and Dehradun by leveraging the COLORS’ Golden Petal Club in these markets to further amplify the reach. Furthermore, the channel curated visually sublime branding outside over 50 temples, on rickshaws, and on-look walkers in key markets such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Through a branded canter with a LED screen, 4 lakhs+ devotees travelling to Kedarnath and Vaishno Devi were tapped. For the culmination of this campaign, producer Siddharth Kumar Tewary and lead actors Ram Yashvardhan and Subha Rajput sought blessings at Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi). Ram Yashvardhan, adorned in the attire of Lord Shiva, performed a mesmerizing Shiv Tandav, captivating the audience with his divine movements. Following his performance, Subha Rajput, dressed as Goddess Shakti, performed the enchanting Anand Tandav alongside Ram Yashvardhan at Rajendra Prasad Ghat. To conclude the magnificent spectacle, a maha aarti led by Siddharth Kumar Tewary at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

    Harnessing the momentum created for the show, the promotional spree included a collaboration with Ranveer Allahbadia through ‘The Ranveer Show’ that featured the host talking about the epic saga of Shiv and Shakti with the renowned Hindu mythology expert Dr Vineet Agarwal. Touching upon lesser-known facts about the timeless story, the episode of the talk show received over 500k views in less than two days. Influencers across different genres such as makeup, dance, and art were roped in for creating captivating content based on the epic.

    Viacom18 head of marketing and digital, Hindi Mass Entertainment Sapangeet Rajwant said, “COLORS takes great pride in crafting creative strategies that get the audience to notice and engage with the show. Bringing back the mythology genre after three years was a special milestone for COLORS and so our marketing campaign was as simple as connecting with the audience in person at the right place and at the right time that is during holy events such as Ganga Dussehra and Maasik Shivratri. The objective was to have the viewers embrace our show as the biggest saga of the universe’s first love story. We successfully sparked conversations around the show through temple visits, branding, giveaways and religious activities such as Mata Ki Chowki and Maha Aarti. Our campaign garnered an overwhelming response from the masses, generating great impressions and reach”. 

    Overall, the campaign across platforms generated 80 million impressions (approx.), tapped a reach of 65 million and garnered 45 million views. Its digital leg amassed six million views and an approximate reach of 5.5 million through influencer engagement.

  • Shemaroo TV brings the timeless epic Ramanand Sagar’s ‘Ramayan’ to delight audiences

    Shemaroo TV brings the timeless epic Ramanand Sagar’s ‘Ramayan’ to delight audiences

    Mumbai: Shemaroo TV is excited to announce the telecast of the timeless epic Ramanand Sagar’s ‘Ramayan’ starting from the 3rd of July 2023. This masterpiece, known for its storytelling and moral teachings, will grace television screens every Monday to Sunday at 7.30 pm. With a deep understanding of audience preferences and the enduring love for mythological dramas, Shemaroo TV aims to revive the nostalgia and enchantment associated with this series. Ramanand Sagar’s ‘Ramayan’ has remained an enduring favourite, appealing viewers with its engaging narrative and powerful performances. Prepare to go back in time as this epic saga unfolds, delivering an unforgettable experience for audiences nationwide.

    “Shemaroo TV has always prioritized delivering top-notch content that resonates with diverse audiences. Ramanand Sagar’s ‘Ramayan’ is a timeless saga which holds a special place in Indian television history. We are delighted to be the medium where people will be able to relive the magic of this iconic series” expressed Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd. COO of broadcast Sandeep Gupta.”

    Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on an extraordinary journey with Ramanand Sagar’s ‘Ramayan’ as it airs on Shemaroo TV starting on 3 July 2023, at 7.30 pm. Tune in to witness the timeless saga unfold and immerse yourself in the world of Ramayan.

  • Glitz and glamour galore: TV9 Bangla Ghorer Bioscope Awards 2023 throws a spotlight on excellence

    Glitz and glamour galore: TV9 Bangla Ghorer Bioscope Awards 2023 throws a spotlight on excellence

    Mumbai: The TV9 Bangla Ghorer Bioscope Awards 2023 was bestowed for the first time with grandeur and enthusiasm on Saturday, 17 June 2023 at JW Marriott, Kolkata. The event celebrated the exceptional talents and contributions of the Bengali television industry, OTT content creators, and YouTubers, showcasing the remarkable growth and creativity in the entertainment space. It brought together the crème de la crème of the entertainment industry, creating an unforgettable night of celebration and recognition. The event was graced by the Guest of Honour, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, Anurag Thakur. Followed by the stars of Bengali Film Industry like Prosenjit Chatterjee, Dev, Rituparna Sengupta, Subhashree Ganguly, Raima Sen, Srabanti Chatterjee, Soham Chakraborty and many more who graced the red carpet, added a touch of elegance and excitement to the evening.

    The award show aimed to acknowledge and applaud the outstanding achievements of individuals and productions in the realm of Bengali serials, online streaming platforms (OTT), and YouTube. The event brought together renowned artistes, industry professionals, and esteemed personalities, making it a memorable night filled with glitz, glamour, and celebration. The award show recognized the immense impact and influence of television serials, Bengali OTT content, and Bengali YouTubers on the cultural landscape of West Bengal. The winners were selected through a meticulous process that involved a combination of audience voting and expert jury panels comprising industry veterans and experts. Highlights from the evening included performances by artistes like Rupam Islam, Nachiketa, Sourendro-Soumyojit and many more. Celebrities and influencers dressed in their glamorous best were met with a flurry of flashbulbs and eager fans. The ceremony was hosted by the charismatic trio of Arpita Chatterjee, Parambrata Chatterjee and Abir Chatterjee, who brought their signature charm and wit to keep the audience entertained throughout the evening. The award show featured a multitude of categories, encompassing various genres and formats. From Best Bengali Serial and Best Reality Show to Best Web Series and Best YouTuber, every facet of the industry was recognized and appreciated. The winners were selected through a rigorous process, with a panel of esteemed industry experts named Prabhat Roy, Anriruddha Roy Choudhury, Shankarlal Bhattacherjee, Dhritiman Chatterjee, Moon Moon Sen, Ratul Shankar, Ujjal Chakraborty, Arghakamal Mitra, Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, Joy Sarkar, Srijato, Debesh Chattapoadhaya, Dr. Kunal Sarkar, Aniruddha Chakladar and Abonti Chakraborty evaluating the entries based on creativity, originality, and impact. Among the notable winners of the night were renowned actors and actresses, talented directors, promising newcomers, and exceptional content creators. This award show will be telecast on TV9 Bangla on Sunday, 25 June at 06:00 pm.

    TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das, stated in his address, “Art is the only man-made concept that unites people. Language, Religion Politics, everything is divisive, only Art unites beyond everything. TV set has brought Bioscope to the corner of the room. Another aspect of it is that the potential of Soft Power has increased manifold. It is a deadly weapon and with it a society can be steered towards one’s choice. Now I think Film and Entertainment with this potent combination of Soft Power and unifying ability can elevate life to what extent! I am an eternal optimist. Always optimistic. Hopefully That day will come, and this Bengal will again guide the country. And through this we will relive the time when again it will be-What Bengal thinks today India thinks tomorrow.”

    Thakur said, “I think OTT has emerged as one of the biggest mediums during COVID-19 and it has bridged the gap between geographically disabled areas. I believe soft power doesn’t have any boundary but the content in OTT is being watched by families so the issue of regulation I am keeping the query before you. Streaming content is being watched in other mediums rather than traditional means like TV, Indian content is getting more recognition now like the song ‘Naatu Naatu’ and the documentary ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ both have the Academy Award 2023. I congratulate the recipients in the different categories. It is a recognition of your contribution in the fields of art and entertainment. It is my absolute pleasure to stand before you and offer heartfelt congratulations to ‘TV9 Bangla Ghorer Bioscope Awards 2023’ their first-ever Award Show celebrating performances of Bengali TV serial & OTT shows and artistes. It is a one-of-a-kind award show since it is hosted by a Bengali News Channel honouring artistes.”

     

  • TV celebs shower love for Sony SAB’s new show Vanshaj

    TV celebs shower love for Sony SAB’s new show Vanshaj

    Mumbai: Sony SAB’s family drama Vanshaj has most definitely been the talk of the town. Be it a lavish set or the ensemble star cast, the show has turned heads everywhere. With its engaging narrative of inheritance versus capability, Vanshaj has set itself apart from stereotypical television shows. It has taken grandeur, royalty, and opulence to a whole new level while maintaining its strong and uplifting messaging. While Vanshaj is sure to get its audiences thinking and marveling at its narrative; it has also struck a chord with TV celebrities alike, garnering love from all over the industry. Some actors even took to their social media handles to showcase their support for the show.

    Jay Bhanushali: Thought-provoking and great to see a story challenging gender roles in family businesses. Kudos to Swastik Productions @sktorigins @swastikproductions @sonysab

    Tina Dutta: Must watch Vanshaj – redefining storytelling on television, Kudos to Swastik Productions and Sony SAB @swastikproductions @sonysab @sonysab @rahultewary @g3gill

    Vishal Aditya Singh:

    Himanshu Soni: Congratulations and best wishes @sktorigins @rahultewary @swastikproductions @sonysab Starting from today 10:00 pm @rakeshstar @anjali_tatrari @imsheenabajaj @impuneetissar

    Sumedh Mudgalkar: Thought-provoking and great to see a story challenging gender roles in family businesses. All the very best! Kudos to Swastik Productions and the entire cast @sktorigins @swastikproductions @sonysab

    Aabhaas Mehta: Congratulations on this journey! Onward and upward! @sktorigins @swastikproductions @rahultewary @sonysab @g3gill

    Akangsha Rawat: Saw the 1st episode yesterday, it was fantastic!! Waiting to watch the 2nd tonight!

    @sonysab Vanshaj by @swastikproductions @sktoriginsA

    Subha Rajput: Don’t miss Vanshaj on @sonysab at 10pm

    Mohit Duseja: The world of Mahajans!

    Watch Vanshaj only on Sony SAB every Monday to Saturday at 10 PM

     

  • COLORS presents ‘Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav’

    COLORS presents ‘Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav’

    Mumbai: COLORS’ new magnum opus ‘Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav’ revolves around two of the revered deities – Shiv and Shakti. It portrays their journey of duty, sacrifice, and separation that leads to tap, tyag, and tandav. Having curated a show in the mythological genre on an extravagant canvas earlier, COLORS and Siddharth Kumar Tewary have teamed up yet again for a visually stunning saga. Starring Ram Yashvardhan and Subha Rajput in the roles of Shiv and Shakti respectively, the upcoming show captures the journey of two divine entities, who share an inseparable bond spanning across eras. Enriched with the finest VFX and soulful music, ‘Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav’ created and produced by Tewary’s Swastik Productions, premieres on 19 June and will air every Monday to Friday at 8 PM only on COLORS.

    Talking about the show, Viacom18’s Shital Iyer said, “The mythology genre has invariably garnered tremendous popularity and has laid the foundation for television’s realm. Over the years, we have witnessed how this genre has been a constant favourite among viewers across all demographics. Shows rooted in mythology foster a sense of cohesive viewing experience, and we are thrilled to bring back this genre on COLORS, presenting our rendition of the universe’s first love story – Shiv Shakti. Partnering with Siddharth Kumar Tewary yet again is wonderful as we reinforce our imaginative forces together to give the audience a magnum opus. With the introduction of this show to our diverse content slate, we aim to fortify our weekday primetime and we are confident that it will make a significant impact in the 8:00 pm slot.”

    ‘Shiv Shakti’ encapsulates the intense journey of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti’s love, duty and sacrifice. Their efforts and celebration of transforming one another is an inspiration to every love story in the world. While Shiv signifies the natural state of consciousness, Shakti marks the birth of nature. He is the destroyer, and she is the nurturer. These two supreme energies complete each other. For the first time, Shiv Shakti’s love story   will be narrated from their point of view in the upcoming saga.

    Tewary said, “I have always believed that our mythology is an integral part of the history, legacy, and culture of our country. Swastik Productions is proud to have remodelled the mythology genre on television with shows that have enthralled viewers over the years. With the love of the audience, we now offer Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav, that portrays the true meaning of duty in love. Through this show, we are transporting viewers to a divine, mystical, and fantastical world of two of our biggest Gods & Goddesses. With its pure story, raw emotions, original music, and impressive visuals, we aim to provide viewers an unforgettable experience. We are thrilled to be collaborating with COLORS and combining our creative prowess to embark on a magnificent journey of Shiv Shakti.” 

    Set designer Omung Kumar B. has created five ethereal-looking sets (Kailash, Forest, Indra Lok, Asur Lok & Daksh Darbar) that enliven the divine realm of the show and reflect its grandeur. With numerous magnificent aspects woven into its design, the sets showcase a never-before-seen opulence on television.

  • MTV Roadies returns with season 19: ‘Karm ya Kaand’

    MTV Roadies returns with season 19: ‘Karm ya Kaand’

    Mumbai: MTV Roadies, India’s most iconic youth reality show, is back with a bang! India’s leading youth entertainment channel, MTV, a part of Viacom18’s youth, music, and English entertainment (YME) cluster is thrilled to announce the latest season of the unrivaled youth adventure reality television show MTV Roadies – ‘Karm ya Kaand’. With an aim to scale up action, season 19 of MTV Roadies is all set to redefine entertainment with high-octane action, daredevilry, and electrifying competition! As host Sonu Sood and gang leaders Prince Narula, Gautam Gulati, and Rhea Chakraborty bring unmatched entertainment to fans across the nation, watch the highly anticipated journey of T.A.C MTV Roadies – Karm ya Kaand co-powered by Wildstone with Yamaha FZ-X as the riding partner and Eeken by Paragon as associate partner, premiering on 3 June, and thereafter every Saturday and Sunday at 7 PM only on MTV and JioCinema. 

    Known for its thrilling challenges and relentless pursuit of adventure, MTV Roadies has been the ultimate platform for young enthusiasts to prove their mettle and showcase their true spirit. The phenomenal response to the multi-city on-ground auditions and personal interviews, which stood as a testament to the show’s unceasing popularity, set the tone for the power-packed new season. With higher stakes, the metaphorical journey will see contestants grapple with a heady mix of colossal challenges and unexpected twists and turns on the road to triumph, the daring odyssey will span from Kurukshetra to Kaza, including destinations like Patiala, Chail, Kullu, and Sissu en route. 

    The journey promises a staggering new format, beginning with a brand-new element, the Sonu Astra, akin to the twist of fate, completely overturning a decision – thereby determining and even altering the destiny of gang members in the game. Roadies’ currency ‘Roadium’, which was introduced last season will continue to play a pivotal role in enabling contestants to power up and get special advantages. The journey of Karm Ya Kaand will follow a cycle of Roadium Tasks, Immunity Tasks, Buyouts, and Vote outs. 

    Commenting on the launch of MTV Roadies 19 Karm Ya Kaand, Viacom18 business head –Youth, Music, and English Entertainment Anshul Ailawadi said, “MTV Roadies is back and it’s bigger than before. Fans are going to be awed by the level of intensity and competition this season. Roadies Karm Ya Kaand is going to be a manic ride – packed with entertainment.”

    With its unique blend of drama, action, and adventure, the upcoming season of MTV Roadies promises to be bigger, better, and more exciting than ever, with Sonu Sood leading the way and Gang Leaders Prince Narula, Gautam Gulati, and Rhea Chakraborty adding their tadka to the mix!

  • Shemaroo Umang launches new prime-time original ‘Kundali Milan’

    Shemaroo Umang launches new prime-time original ‘Kundali Milan’

    Mumbai: Shemaroo Umang, one of the most promising Hindi general entertainment channels has added yet another family drama to their existing line-up of prime-time originals, ‘Kundali Milan.’ Starting from 29 May 2023, the show is all set to mesmerise and engage audiences with its enchanting romantic tale of love on the channel, every Monday to Saturday at 7:30 PM.

    Set in the holy town of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, ‘Kundali Milan’ unfolds a beautiful love saga filled with love, destiny, sacrifice, and unbreakable bonds. The story revolves around Anjali, Yash and Richa. Anjali is a devoted daughter who deeply cares for her family and will do anything to make them happy. Yash and Richa, childhood sweethearts, dream of a love that knows no limits. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when an astrologer predicts Yash’s future which brings uncertainty in the lives of the three. However, Anjali embraces this twist of fate with love, determined to make her family happy. As they begin on their extraordinary journey, surrounded by traditions and support, drama fills the air. Will their determination and belief lead them to ultimate happiness and togetherness?

    Featuring a talented ensemble cast led by Ankit Bathla, Shubhanshi Raghuvanshi and Prachi Bohra, ‘Kundali Milan’ promises captivating performances that delve into the complexities of love and the enduring power of relationships. Audiences can expect to be absorbed by their compelling portrayals as they bring to life the rich emotions and dynamics woven throughout the show. Shemaroo Umang has licensed the production responsibilities to Arvind Babbal Production Pvt which has been behind the success of popular shows like Mithai, Madhuri Talkies, Dil Jo Keh Na Saka and many more.

    Commenting on the much-anticipated launch of ‘Kundali Milan’, Shemaroo COO – broadcast business Sandeep Gupta said, “With Kundali Milan, we have added another gem to our consistent stream of original programming and we are extremely proud that we are staying true to Shemaroo Umang’s promise of Naya Rishta Nayi Khushiyan. It is our commitment to ensure that our audience can always look forward to fresh and engaging content, which can further enrich their entertainment journey.”

    Since its launch in April 2022, Shemaroo Umang has garnered a loyal following through its diverse range of programming. With the addition of ‘Kundali Milan’ to its lineup, the channel continues its commitment to providing diverse content. So, watch the leads of the show from the by-lanes of Mathura depicting a unique journey of love every Monday to Saturday at 7:30 PM, starting from 29 May 2023.

    Shemaroo Umang is available on all major DTH as well as on cable networks and DD Free Dish, ensuring that viewers across the nation can enjoy this compelling drama from the comfort of their homes.

  • Roadies 19 ‘Karm Ya Kaand’ releases new anthem song

    Mumbai: The battle between Karm and Kaand just got real with the new MTV Roadies anthem composed and performed by MTV Hustle 2.0 fame – SuperManikk and Wicked Sunny.

    The eponymous anthem features the gang leaders – Prince Narula, Gautam Gulati and Rhea Chakraborty and host Sonu Sood in gripping combat ready gear.

    https://drive.google.com/open?id=1i_dnDyxwmpuxO5Ucg1aDAGDEu2mORl4M&authuser=0

    Catch MTV Roadies – Karm ya Kaand starting 3 June 2023, on MTV and Jio Cinema every Saturday and Sunday at 7 pm.

  • ‘Pratishodh – Zunj Astitvachi’ serials’ Mamta celebrates mother’s day with transgender individuals

    Mumbai: ‘Pratishodh – Zunj Astitvachi’ on Sony Marathi channel is a thriller series that explores the unique relationship between a mother and her daughter. In this serial, we witness the challenges Mamta and Disha have to confront in their future, stemming from certain events in their past. Mamta in this series runs her own lunchbox-making business.

    The lead characters of the series – Mamta, Disha, and Shannobi – celebrate International Mother’s Day in a unique and inspiring manner. They engaged with transgender workers from ‘The Trans Cafe’ in Versova and ‘Tweet Foundation’ in Goregaon, shedding light on the challenges these individuals face while trying to earn a living. On this occasion, ‘Mamta’, who portrays the role of a transgender mother in the series, along with her daughter ‘Disha’ and ‘Shannobi’ (Mamta’s friend), had an insightful discussion with Nishtha Nishant. Nishtha Nishant is a transgender scientific researcher and human rights activist. Her ‘Tweet Foundation’ (Transgender Welfare Equity and Empowerment Trust), aims to provide shelter, education, employment, skill-building, and counselling support to transgender individuals. The Trans Cafe is a business run by a transwoman, which has created job opportunities and social support for transgender people in the city.

    Mamta’s story shares many similarities with Nishtha’s and those of many others in the transgender community. Mamta spoke about her journey in the series. She shared how she raised her daughter, ‘Disha’, as a transgender mother, the challenges she faced, and the societal reactions she encountered on her path to financial independence. She also highlighted the difficulties she had to confront while raising Disha, how Mamta stood steadfast through them, and how she imparted good values to Disha.

    Disha expressed that her unique bond with her transgender mother has given a completely new perspective to the mother-daughter relationship and has made her understand the true definition of a mother. Disha’s struggle for Mamta’s existence can be seen in the series. Additionally, Shannobi stated that people like Mamta need support from family, friends, and society to live a life of dignity and acceptance for who they are.

    The main characters of the serial ‘Pratishodh – Zunj Astitvachi’, Mamta, Disha, and Shannobi, celebrate ‘Mother’s Day’ with transgender individuals who are striving to earn a living with dignity. The Trans Cafe and Nishtha Nishant’s meeting with Mamta was an inspiring experience for Mamta, definitely something to learn from. Sony Marathi business head Ajay Bhalwankar, expressed the belief that their work will definitely help Mamta to face the problems in her life. ‘Pratishodh – Zunj Astitvachi’, is a reflection of the life and challenges faced by transgender individuals and their families. Don’t miss the inspiring journey of societal change led by Mamta and Disha!

    Don’t forget to watch ‘Pratishodh – Zunj Astitvachi’ on Sony Marathi, airing every Monday to Saturday at 10 pm.

  • Jyotiraditya Scindia and Raj Thackeray honour outstanding work at Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards 2023

    Mumbai: Always committed to encouraging and celebrating the outstanding work of individuals, Lokmat Media Group once again hosted one of the most prestigious and respected awards in the state of Maharashtra, ‘Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards (LMOTY) 2023’ in Mumbai.

    Lokmat honoured people who excel in politics, administration, social service, arts, sports and entertainment and celebrated their accomplishments. The Award celebrated and saluted the voice and recognizes the phenomenal work of the nominees who have changed the landscape of the state with their efforts and hard work.

    The event witnessed the presence of prominent personalities like Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation & Steel, Govt. of India and Raj Thackeray, Founder & Chairperson, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) as a guest of honors. Other special invitees at the event were Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group; Varun Dhavan, Indian Actor; Riteish Deshmukh, Indian Actor, Director; Jayant Patil, Former Finance Minister, Maharashtra; Amruta Fadnavis, Banker, Singer, Social Worker; Nana Patole, President, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee; Dr. Amol Kolhe, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha; Praful Patel, Member of Rajya Sabha and Lifestyle coach and motivational speaker Swami Gaur Gopal Das.

    Rishi Darda, Joint Managing & Editorial Director, Lokmat Media Group said, “LMOTY is a platform to felicitate and salute some outstanding personalities for their phenomenal work over the years. Lokmat is a promising media group that will continue its work of encouraging people in various fields. Our three-level rigorous process of analyzing the work and selecting the winner is what makes this award so renowned. We have honored distinguished persons who are change-makers in Maharashtra with this prestigious award. And I believe our efforts will keep motivating people to do good work in their respective fields and we will keep felicitating such individuals.”

     Union Minister of Civil Aviation & Steel, Govt. of India, Jyotiraditya Scindia congratulated the Lokmat Media Group and Darda Family for hosting the event and all the attendees for attending the event and said, “This award event is an iconic and historic event which gets all Maharatrian together under one roof. I have a very strong relationship with this state. Though my constituency is Madhya Pradesh but my motherland is Maharashtra and will always remain. Today, we see Maharashtra’s prominence in various sectors like industrial, educational and cooperative sectors. But this land has a great history. Maharashtra has always been recognized for its culture and sacrifice. This land has seen many great people like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Jyotirao Phule. I always believe the revolution and transformation in India started from Maharashtra. The great India that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had dreamed of has come true under the leadership of our Prime Minister. Today Maharashtra has become a very independent and strong stage and contributes 15% of the total GDP of India. So, Maharashtra is a foundation on which the tower of India’s economic growth potentializes.”

     Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group showed his gratitude toward his employees’ hard work for getting the award and shared views on the growth of India and the Aditya Birla Group. He said “The country will see a growth of 6.7% every year which is an achievement for a large economy like ours. It helped us become one of the world’s largest and most prosperous economies. Our Aditya Birla Group is seeing good growth and we are expecting 20% of the revenue to come from our modern, consumer-facing businesses. We are syncing with the global trend and focusing more on consumer-facing business which always gets more valued. The legacy of growth will be continued by my children and they will drive the empire. Though my daughter pursued a career in singing and my son made his name in sports but now they have joined me. I always supported them in their decision of following their passion which made them more disciplined, more adaptable and learned to get along with the situation.”

    While speaking about joining the Vodafone Idea board again, he said, “I see potential in the company and market which made me join the board again. Now the government has to have 3 players from the private sector in the industry given the strategic importance in the telecom sector which will help the sector grow.”

    Indian Actor and Director, Riteish Deshmukh expressed his views on Marathi Cinema and said, “My movie ‘Ved’ gave me the title of Director and I am happy that the audience has shown their love for the movie. Marathi Cinema has always faced a lot of competition from Bollywood, Dubbed Hollywood and South Indian cinema. Also, we don’t get enough screens in comparison to other cinemas. But I really liked that now people are taking more interest in Marathi cinema too. I would like to thank Darda Family and Lokmat Group for giving platform, space and recognition to Marathi cinema.”

    While receiving the LMOTY award, Bollywood Actor Varun Dhawan said, “Maharashtra is my motherland where I started my work too, and getting award title of Maharashtrian of the Year award means a lot to me. These days we see many awards functions but this award is very special as it felicitates the work done by Maharashtra people. I am thankful to Lokmat Group for giving me such a prestigious award.”

    Founder and Chairperson, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Raj Thackeray was interviewed by Amruta Fadnavis and Dr. Amol Kolhe, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha at Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year 2023 by Lokmat Media Group.  While expressing his views in a humorous as well as witty manner during his engrossing interview, he said, “I always wanted to get into filmmaking but I pursued my career as a cartoonist and later as a politician.  Now being a politician, I have to do a lot for the betterment of people. I am a proud Maharashtrian; Marathi will always be my topic of discussion and agenda of the party.  I always believe parties must keep their word and fulfil their promises. As an opposition, I will criticize the wrong practice of the ruling parties but will praise the right work too.”

    The questions ranged from his personal life to his political career as well as his choice of favourite politician between Sharad Pawar and Narendra Modi; his preferred Chief Minister between Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde. During the rapid-fire round, he was also asked to give one-word advice to Uddhav and Aditya Thackeray.

    The nominees get selected by a rigorous process of editorial meetings, public voting and then by a panel of eminent jury. The jury for the selection of this year’s Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Award winners comprised renowned personalities such as Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Dr. Vijay Darda (Chairman, Lokmat Media Group), Balasaheb Thorat (Former minister of Revenue,Agriculture), Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar (World renowned scientist), Sanjiv Mehta (Chairman & MD – HUL), Schauna Chauhan (CEO – Parle Agro), Satya Raghavan (Country head – Youtube India), Kailash Kher, Dr. Sonal Parmar (Principal, Cathedral and John Connon School) ,Dr. Sanjay Oak ( Chairman, Covid Task Force), Rishi Darda (JMD & Editorial Director – Lokmat Media Group).

    The evening became more insightful with the special interview of Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group with Rishi Darda, JMD & Editorial Director, Lokmat Media Group) and of Raj Thackeray, Founder and Chairperson, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) with Amruta Fadnavis, Banker, Siger, Social worker; and Dr. Amol Kolhe, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha.

    The Special LMOTY Award for Visionary Industrialist went to Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group. The Special LMOTY Award Indian Actor and Indian Director were bestowed upon Varun Dhawan and Riteish Deshmukh respectively.