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Tag: Alia Bhatt

  • ‘Kesariya’, from Brahmastra makes history!

    ‘Kesariya’, from Brahmastra makes history!

    Mumbai: The timeless allure of ‘Kesariya’, from the movie Brahmastra continues to captivate audiences worldwide as it achieves a monumental milestone. With its heartfelt lyrics and enchanting tunes, the love anthem becomes the first Indian song to cross 500 million streams on Spotify, solidifying its place in music history! “Kesariya” is acknowledged as one of the most successful collaborations among Pritam, Amitabh Bhattacharya, and Arijit Singh. With this milestone, the song has undoubtedly been crowned to be the biggest hit in the careers of these maestro’s till date.

    Released on 17 July 2022, ‘Kesariya’ featuring the favourite couple Ranbir-Alia, continues to resonate deeply with listeners across the globe. This love anthem ‘Kesariya’ from Brahmastra enthralls audiences with its soulful melody and lyrics penned by the acclaimed wordsmith Amitabh Bhattacharya. Coupled with Pritam’s musical brilliance and emotive vocals of Arijit Singh, further elevating its charm to unparalleled heights.

    Elated by the achievement, Indian composer Pritam shared, ‘Kesariya’ has been a deeply emotional journey and witnessing a landmark moment of 500 million streams is beyond exhilarating! This milestone reaffirms the enduring power of music transcending barriers and touching souls. I am grateful to the entire team behind ‘Kesariya’ and to the listeners who have made this extraordinary milestone possible!”

    Reflecting on Kesariya’s journey and its unprecedented success, Karan Johar expressed, “‘Kesariya’ has been an unforgettable experience for me and I couldn’t be prouder of its record-breaking achievement.  It’s an honor to be a part of such a historic moment, it fills my heart with immense joy and gratitude.”

    Sharing his excitement Ayan Mukerji, Indian filmmaker, Director, Brahmastra expressed, “I am so overwhelmed by the incredible journey of my passion project Brahmastra. I am thrilled to see ‘Kesariya’ to be the first Indian song hitting such a massive milestone! It fills me with immense pride. This achievement is also a celebration of the magic of Indian music and cinema. Here’s to the continued success of ‘Kesariya’ and the countless more hearts it will touch in the future.”

    Breathing life into the rendition, acclaimed singer Arijit Singh shared his joy, “‘Kesariya’ holds a special place in my heart, I’m grateful to the fans for their unwavering love and support till date.”

    The lyrical genius Amitabh Bhattacharya also expressed, “It’s overwhelming to see ‘Kesariya’ touch the hearts of millions and make history in the process. Seeing the track cross 500 million streams, is still so surreal. This milestone belongs to everyone who contributed to its journey. Here’s to the enduring magic of ‘Kesariya’ and to the listeners who have embraced it.”

  • International travel jitters? Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh show the way in MakeMyTrip’s new films

    International travel jitters? Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh show the way in MakeMyTrip’s new films

    Mumbai – MakeMyTrip, India’s leading online travel company, has launched two new brand films featuring beloved brand ambassadors, Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh. These films showcase the simplicity and convenience of booking flights and hotels for international travel with MakeMyTrip, catering to both first-time international travellers and seasoned travellers.

    There is a lot to consider when choosing flights and hotels for international travel, which often leaves travellers with decision fatigue or uncertainty. Whether it is a traveller’s first international trip or yet another one, the MakeMyTrip platform makes the entire process seamless and cost-effective. To highlight the range of platform benefits across its network of 15L+ hotels across the world, a special option that offers 100% refund on flight cancellation for a premium that is fraction of the flight cost, along with instant support 24*7. The two new brand films pick up unlikely scenarios to deliver the message.

    MakeMyTrip CMO & chief business officer – corporate Raj Rishi Singh said, ”We at MakeMyTrip believe in making the world more accessible, one trip at a time. In the past few months, we have introduced a suite of tools, features and benefits, some of them industry-firsts, designed for every international traveller, be it a first-timer or a seasoned globetrotter. Our aim is to ensure that everyone can partake in these benefits, making their travel booking and post-sales experience seamless and enjoyable. Our new films highlight the value addition we bring to the table, demonstrating how MakeMyTrip can be a game-changer when it comes to international bookings.”

    The first film presents Alia and Ranveer as a newlywed couple on their wedding night, still trying to find their footing with each other. The conversation veers towards both sharing their apprehensions about their “first-time”. As film unfolds, viewers find out that the ‘first-time’ in question is in fact their first time travelling internationally.  As a solution, they turn to MakeMyTrip for their flight and hotel bookings, both taking on the planning/research responsibility equally and with great enthusiasm.

    In the second film, viewers are drawn into the middle of a suspenseful scene – where Ranveer Singh, playing an international spy/agent, unearths the location of a most wanted person. When Alia Bhatt, his commanding officer, discloses that the mission is in London, Ranveer, with his humorous style, argues that the criminal should be let go as ‘he isn’t bad at heart’ to save himself an international trip. Alia’s character senses his apprehensions and introduces him to the MakeMyTrip international booking experience, highlighting its ease and tension-free experience.

    This campaign was conceptualized by the creative agency Moonshot and films have been written by Tanmay Bhatt, Devaiah Bopanna, Puneet Chadha and Deep Joshi.

  • Cadbury Perk and Alia Bhatt ask people to ‘Take it Lightly’ in their new campaign

    Cadbury Perk and Alia Bhatt ask people to ‘Take it Lightly’ in their new campaign

    Mumbai: Cadbury Perk, one of Mondelez India’s iconic and fun brands, launches yet another playful campaign with Bollywood Actress Alia Bhatt. Through a delightful TV commercial, Cadbury Perk encourages consumers to embrace life’s challenges with a light-hearted attitude, echoing the mantra ‘Take it lightly’.         

    In a world that’s often filled with small stresses and uncertainties, Cadbury Perk believes in the power of positivity and light-hearted fun. With its latest campaign, crafted on the back of the brand’s purpose ‘Take It Lightly,’ Cadbury Perk is on a mission to inspire individuals to approach life’s twists and turns with humor and optimism. Through an engaging narrative, Cadbury Perk aims to resonate with its audience, and encourage them to navigate life’s ups and downs with a smile and a Perk in hand.

    Speaking about this, Mondelez India president- marketing Nitin Saini said, “Since its inception, Cadbury Perk has been rooted in the youth culture owing to its fun persona and lighthearted narrative. Continuing this legacy, our new film showcases how a simple change in attitude can make a big difference in positively navigating life’s twists and turns. We believe this campaign will resonate with young consumers who live life with the same vivacity as personified by our brand ambassador Alia Bhatt, inspiring them to embrace a lighter and more joyful approach to everyday challenges”. 

    Speaking about the collaboration, Bhatt expressed her excitement, saying, “I have always been a fan of Cadbury Perk as I deeply resonate with their belief to ease through life’s small disappointments with humor and optimism. This long partnership has been an absolute delight!”

    Ogilvy India CCO Sukesh Nayak said, “We are very excited to create a new film for Cadbury Perk. This brand stands for the need of the hour – to take things lightly. There are everyday niggles that take over the best of us, dampening our mood. Perk with its light chocolate format helps us overcome such moments in life by making our mood lighter. We had fun collaborating with Alia Bhatt and Prasoon Pandey on this project, both known for always taking things lightly.”

  • BIG FM culminates Main Bhi Finance Minister Season 3 on a high note

    BIG FM culminates Main Bhi Finance Minister Season 3 on a high note

    Mumbai: BIG FM successfully concludes the third season of ‘Main Bhi Finance Minister’, a campaign focused on inspiring women to be their own Finance Minister. Hosted by renowned RJ – RJ Rani, famous for her afternoon show ‘Aap Jaisi Rani’, the month-long program was sponsored by the leading stock market learning institute – Avadhut Sathe Trading Academy. The campaign served as a dynamic platform dedicated to bridging financial disparities and promoting gender equality. Adding an entertaining twist, BIG FM roped in the famous rapper AGSY for an enthralling anthem for this initiative.

    Throughout the campaign, a wide range of engaging activities and thought-provoking discussions took place, fostering a dynamic and interactive environment. The campaign featured a stellar lineup of celebrities such as Alia Bhatt, Yami Gautam, Adah Sharma, Saiyami Kher, Sharvari Wagh, Mahi Gil, Palak Mucchal, Mannara Chopra and Krishna Shroff. Finance specialists like Pooja Bhinde, a Certified Financial Planner and Dr. Priyanka Singh from the Ministry of Finance, also offered invaluable investment advice and tips. Furthermore, the campaign featured a series of impactful sessions that offered a mix of different perspectives and advice on how to manage their finances. Sessions like ‘Men Supporting Women’ provided valuable insights from finance experts.

    A ‘BIG Female Jock Round Table Conference’ was also conducted which brought together leading voices like RJ Rani, RJ Nisha, RJ Rashi & RJ Pamela, sharing their views on life and finance for women. Participants had the opportunity to share their personal stories and be a part of spontaneous discussions. The campaign reached its culmination with the compelling stories of five real women making significant strides in the investment space. These narratives were expertly presented by Avadhut Sathe as part of the ‘5 Stories of Laxmi’ series. As a part of the initiative, the radio network also released a special anthem for ‘Main Bhi Finance Minister’ with Rapper Agsy & RJ Rani in both video and audio format.

    Sharing his thoughts, Sunil Kumaran, COO, BIG FM, remarked, “We are immensely proud to witness the overwhelming response and support from women across the nation. This engagement reflects the proactive steps women are taking to strengthen the economy collectively. Through ‘Main Bhi Finance Minister,’ our primary objective was to educate and address gender disparities. As we conclude the campaign, the collective participation of both genders in educating women has propelled us towards the crucial goal of bridging the gender gap. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our sponsor and everyone else who shared their expertise and contributed towards our goal of empowering women.”

    As part of the campaign, financial training workshop for women was also hosted by Avadhut Sathe alongside the engaging BIG RJs – RJ Neetu, RJ Bhawna and RJ Pamela who provided attendees with a platform to ask questions and gain valuable insights on financial literacy. The workshop marked a transformative experience, attracting over hundreds of participants from across India. With a significant turnout both online and offline at the Avadhut Sathe Trading Academy located in Mulund, the event demonstrated widespread engagement and enthusiasm. Audio bytes capturing the essence of this event were broadcast across all shows, ensuring that the impact of the workshop resonated far beyond its immediate audience.

  • Alia Bhatt has ‘Too Much Fun’ sipping Frooti this summer

    Alia Bhatt has ‘Too Much Fun’ sipping Frooti this summer

    Mumbai: Parle Agro, the pioneering beverage giant, is set to make this summer “Too much Fun” once again with the launch of its latest campaign for their flagship brand, Frooti. Featuring brand ambassador, Alia Bhatt, the campaign aims to quench the thirst for fun amongst consumers, reinforcing the sweet tangy taste of Frooti as the ultimate trigger for fun.  At the heart of this campaign lies the notion that fun is for everyone and what better way to experience it than with the sweet tangy taste of Frooti.

    The campaign comprises of two playful ad films that beautifully narrate how Frooti seamlessly integrates fun into the lives of consumers. It revolves around the simple yet profound idea that each sip of Frooti is a moment of fun. In the first ad film aptly titled, ‘Too much fun’, Alia Bhatt is seen surrounded by adorable miniature friends from the Frooti world, all craving for a sip of the delightful beverage. The second film depicts Alia transforming a micro boredom moment of waiting on a call into a mischievous fun moment, triggered by a sip of Frooti. Through this TVC, the brand also highlights the tiffin-friendly size of the mini Rs. 5 Frooti pack with the tagline, “Choti Frooti, Bada Fun.”

    The Frooti campaign has been rolled out across various platforms, spanning TV, OTT, Digital and Outdoor. The TVCs have been launched with the start of the IPL. The brand intends to leverage the extensive reach and visibility generated by major events through this strategy.

    Commenting on the campaign, Parle Agro head of Marketing and head of International Business Ankit Kapoor said, “Frooti has always been an iconic brand that has added billions of moments of Fun amongst consumers across ages. It isn’t just a beverage; it’s a trigger for innocent mischief. Fun is not just an element of our campaign; it’s our driving force. With Frooti, we aim to continuously trigger moments of fun in the lives of our consumers. By leveraging Alia Bhatt’s infectious energy and charm, we’re confident that both the ad films will strike a chord with our audience and inspire them to have fun with every sip of fresh n juicy Frooti.”

    Speaking on the occasion, Parle Agro joint managing director Nadia Chauhan said, “In Parle Agro, we don’t just follow trends; we set them. As pioneers in the beverage industry, we’ve built a legacy of innovation and iconic brands, constantly raising the bar for quality and creativity. Our relentless pursuit of innovation, coupled with our penchant for risk-taking and industry disruption, fuels our passion for the ever-evolving beverage sector. With our summer campaign featuring Alia Bhatt enjoying Frooti, we’re not just promoting a product; we’re igniting a movement of joy and refreshment. This campaign symbolizes our confidence in Frooti’s potential and signifies a significant milestone in our journey of growth and success. Beyond achieving mere success, our aim is to redefine the beverage industry landscape, setting new standards for innovation and quality. Together, we’re not just shaping the future of beverages; we’re revolutionizing it, one delightful sip at a time.”

    With its irresistible mix of sweet and tangy flavour and freshness, the campaigns for Frooti capture the brand’s enduring love. As consumers across the India gear up for the mango season, Frooti stands ready to be the catalyst for moments of fun and boundless enjoyment.

  • “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!”

  • As ‘Gully Boy’ completes five years, Zoya Akhtar shares her favourite scene with IMDb

    As ‘Gully Boy’ completes five years, Zoya Akhtar shares her favourite scene with IMDb

    Mumbai: Zoya Akhtar’s directorial Gully Boy, inspired by the lives of Indian street rappers DIVINE and Naezy, has reached a significant milestone, celebrating five years of release. The film stars Ranveer Singh as Murad Ahmed, a final-year college student who resides in the Dharavi slums of Mumbai, nurturing a passion for underground rap music. Alongside Singh, the film features Alia Bhatt, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Kalki Koechlin, Vijay Varma, Amruta Subhash, and Vijay Raaz.

    In a recent conversation with IMDb marking the five-year anniversary of Gully Boy, Akhtar discussed her favourite scene from the film and highlighted Ranveer’s character, Murad’s predicament of being denied access to certain places in the city. She expressed, “When he (Murad) gets a job as a driver, he’s always seen outside the bungalow. When he drives the lady of the house for a night out, he stands outside the club. He can’t even be near the door. He only has access to the government hospital or the college where he’s a student.”

    Elaborating and dissecting Murad’s journey as an artist, she added, “As he evolves as an artist, his access expands. This is the first time he enters the home of someone like Sky (Kalki Koechlin). He’s never been to those high-rise apartments. He finds himself in her restroom and can’t help but notice that it’s the size of his entire home.”

    Akhtar also shared insights into the challenges faced while filming this particular scene, mentioning how she struggled to find a suitable location and reached out to her friend Suzanne Khan for assistance. Khan provided a show flat she had designed for a building, where they ultimately shot the scene. Reflecting on the process, Akhtar said, “During rehearsals, we realised there was no running water. So we improvised, starting the scene with him (Singh) wiping his hands. Ranveer improvised by neatly placing the hand towel back, which touched my heart because he didn’t want to disrupt the perfection of the space. Then he proceeds to measure the room, unable to believe that someone has a restroom in their home as big as his entire house. To me, that encapsulates everything—the divide, the disparity, the unfairness. It’s everything.”

    Excerpt of Zoya Akthar’s conversation with IMDb:

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by IMDb India (@imdb_in)

     

  • Alia Bhatt joins as executive producer for Amazon Original crime series ‘Poacher’

    Alia Bhatt joins as executive producer for Amazon Original crime series ‘Poacher’

    Mumbai: Prime Video today announced that actor, producer and entrepreneur, Alia Bhatt has come onboard as executive producer for its upcoming Amazon Original series Poacher, produced by QC Entertainment. An investigative crime series based on true events; Poacher unearths the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. A first-of-its-kind project, Poacher brings the world of environmental conservation and entertainment together with the intent of highlighting a key global concern – illegal poaching. Emmy-award-winning filmmaker Richie Mehta has created, written, and directed the series, which boasts of a diverse and talented cast comprising Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in pivotal roles. Poacher which unfolds primarily in Malayalam, Hindi and English, is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on February 23 in multiple languages. The crime series is the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members in India enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership, for just Rs 1499/ year.

    A globally celebrated artist, Alia is also known as a champion of nature and has actively lent her voice towards conservation and sustainability. Her association with Poacher as an executive producer with her production company Eternal Sunshine Productions, underscores her belief in the story and her commitment to bring important and relevant stories alive and be a voice for the voiceless.

    Talking about coming onboard as the executive producer for Poacher, Alia Bhatt shared, “Being part of this incredibly significant project is an honor, for both me and the entire team at Eternal Sunshine Productions. The impact of Poacher was deeply personal, and Richie’s portrayal of the urgent issue of wildlife crime resonated strongly with me and the team. The storytelling genuinely moved me, especially knowing it’s based on true events, that sheds light on brutal crimes occurring in our forests. I am confident that Poacher will serve as an eye-opener, delivering a powerful message to be more compassionate and considerate towards all living beings. It’s a call to embrace coexistence and I am genuinely thrilled to be collaborating with Richie, QC and Prime Video and to contribute to this narrative.”

    “Alia coming on board Poacher is truly a dream come true. In addition to being a world-class actress she has proven to be a selfless philanthropist channeling her well-respected and earned celebrity status for championing positive causes. Her involvement in this series helps raise awareness for the important issues addressed in the show. The most important of which is, we are all one interconnected humanity and planet. It’s crucial that we treat it with the respect and consideration it deserves,” said QC principals Hamm, Mansfield & McKittrick.

    Poacher is executive produced by QC Entertainment’s Edward H. Hamm Jr., Raymond Mansfield and Sean McKittrick, in association with Suitable Pictures, Poor Man’s Productions and Eternal Sunshine Productions. Alan McAlex (Suitable Boy) serves as producer for Suitable Pictures. Also from Delhi Crime are director of photography Johan Aidt, composer Andrew Lockington and editor Beverley Mills.

    Apart from her pursuits in cinema, Alia has passionately helped raise awareness about relevant causes such as environmental sustainability, animal welfare and mitigating human-animal conflict through her platform, Coexist. She also promotes sustainable fashion through her initiative, Mi Wardrobe is Su Wardrobe.