ITV

Tag: Ankur Tewari

  • Sony Music and Tiger Baby birth new label, Tiger Baby Records

    Sony Music and Tiger Baby birth new label, Tiger Baby Records

    MUMBAI: Sony Music Entertainment India and Tiger Baby have unveiled Tiger Baby Records, a fresh joint venture designed to champion emerging talent and weave musical narratives. This new label, a fusion of Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti’s creative clout, and Ankur Tewari’s musical vision, with Sony Music’s global reach, promises to shake up the Indian music scene.

    Tiger Baby Records has already made waves, collaborating with jewellery brand Tanishq on a wedding song composed by Abhishek-Ananya and performed by Poorvi Koutish, directed by Kagti. They’ve also released the soundtrack for “Superboys of Malegaon,” featuring compositions by Sachin-Jigar and lyrics by Javed Akhtar.

    The label will also showcase original music curated by Tewari, highlighting diverse styles and emerging artists. To further support budding talent, Tiger Baby Records is launching the “City Sessions” initiative, in partnership with Mumbai’s Island City Studios. This program will offer a platform for artists to experiment and collaborate in a dynamic environment.

    “Tiger Baby Records represents a new era of music in India, where compelling storytelling and groundbreaking collaborations take center stage. We are thrilled to be part of this journey, pushing boundaries and bringing fresh, authentic voices to the forefront of the industry and are excited to partner with Zoya, Kagti, and Tewari, who have an exceptional track record in music and creative storytelling,” said Sony Music Entertainment India managing director Vinit thakkar.

    “Music has always been a vital part of our storytelling, and with Tiger Baby Records, we want the music to be the main story. Partnering with Sony Music India allows us to bring our vision to life and provide a platform for indie, homegrown talent to shine,” commented Tiger Baby Films co-founder Zoya.

    “This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for us at Tiger Baby. With Tiger Baby Records, we aim to delve into the diverse soundscapes of the subcontinent and represent them globally. By collaborating with brands and upcoming artists, we hope to have this music reach a large audience,” added, Tiger Baby Films co-founder Kagti.

    “Tiger Baby Records is all about fostering an environment where creativity thrives. I’m thrilled to be a part of this journey where we get to build a legacy with artists who are using the power of their voice to express freely,” said, Tiger Baby Films singer-songwriter & music supervisor at Tewari.

  • Coke Studio Bharat Season 2 to elevate sonic and visual storytelling

    Coke Studio Bharat Season 2 to elevate sonic and visual storytelling

    Mumbai: Building on the international acclaim garnered by Coke Studio Bharat Season 1, featuring viral tracks like Khalasi, Holi Re Rasiya and Kya Karie Korimol, the eagerly awaited Season 2 is scheduled for launch on 9 February 2024. Focused on elevating the global success of its debut season, Coke Studio Bharat is geared up to bring a fresh perspective to its core idea of Apna Sunao- an idea that empowers voices and stories from the heartland of India to take their rightful places with global audiences.

    Continuing with the ethos of #ApnaSunao our stellar team for Season 2 features the award winning musician and sought-after songwriter Ankur Tewari, who serves as the creative architect. Alongside this creative force, we have a think tank comprising prominent lyricist Swanand Kirkire, joining the distinguished lyricist Kausar Munir and award-winning sound engineer and music producer KJ Singh. This dynamic team, led by Ankur, has once again curated a diverse lineup of artists for an unparalleled musical experience that mirrors the heartbeat of India’s youth. With a focus on Gen Z and their emotional spectrum, this season delves into themes of happiness, sadness, and fast-paced lives, promising an immersive journey through soul-stirring songs that resonate as the quintessential soundtrack to our  lives.

    Introducing a fusion of established and emerging talents like Diljit Dosanjh, Neha Kakkar, Digvijay Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, Kanishk Seth, Cyli Khare, MC Square, Mohito, Komorebi, The Quick Style, Ikky, Raf Sappera and many more. The season promises to create a sonic journey that transcends boundaries, celebrating the rich diversity of India’s musical landscape.

    Taking it to the next level, unlike ever witnessed before, season 2 of Coke Studio Bharat introduces a groundbreaking transformation by creating a unique storyline for each individual musical symphony breaking away from its traditional studio setting for the very first time. Thematically, this season pioneers visual storytelling hoping to delight and expand its narrative reach. This captivating exploration spans diverse traditions, from Marathi and Kumaoni to Punjabi and Hindi, ensuring a unique and compelling experience for audiences across India.

    Ankur Tewari, acclaimed musician and sought-after songwriter, shares his thoughts on the upcoming second season of Coke Studio Bharat, ”As we embark on the second season of Coke Studio Bharat after a fantastic first run, let the music speak, weaving together the rich threads of our cultural mosaic. Get ready for another season filled with soulful tunes and vibrant melodies! In the vast realm of music, the fusion of diverse tunes becomes a grand celebration of emotions and cultures. My association with Coke Studio Bharat has been enriching and has brought me profound joy, as it unfolds as a dynamic arena where a multitude of musical threads interweave, crafting a symphony that resonates with the intricate hues of our collective human narrative”.

    Coca-Cola India, and Southwest Asia VP marketing Arnab Roy said “We’re delighted to announce the launch of Coke Studio Bharat season 2.0 which will continue to celebrate the richness of regional music of Bharat . We will strive to provide a platform to emerging , independent artists this season in partnership with some established iconic names. The soundtracks have been curated to capture the spirit of a young , energetic and optimistic Bharat.”

    Universal Music India (UMI) as executive producers of Coke Studio Bharat spoke of the association. Universal Music Group chairman & CEO, India & South Asia, SVP strategy- AMEA Devraj Sanyal shared, “Coke Studio Bharat Season 1 surpassed our expectations, garnering immense love and appreciation on Songs like ‘Khalasi,’ ‘Holi Re Rasiya,’ and ‘Kya Karie Korimol’ that seamlessly integrated into the ever-changing soundscape of our nation, propelled by the influence of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. The success can be attributed to the exceptional storytelling and musical integrity.

    As we embark on Season 2, our commitment is to elevate creativity and consistency in the synergy of music and artistry. The resonance of Bharat’s sound has transcended borders, celebrating global recognition and that brings us immense joy, fortifying our mission and purpose on a grand scale.”

    Listeners can tune into Coke Studio Bharat across all audio OTT platforms including Spotify, Gaana, Saavn, Wynk Music etc. with creation & distribution managed by UMI. UMI has collaborated with Colosceum Media for video production, breathing life into Ankur Tewari’s vision.  

    The first song of the season will be “Magic” by Diljit Dosanjh going live on 9 Feb. Come join in the celebration by scanning the QR code on a Coca-Cola pack to directly reach the dedicated Coke Studio Hub. This hub hosts exclusive content created by the artists, along with behind-the-scenes visuals. Additionally, enjoy live access to videos 48 hours before their global release, explore unreleased content, and participate in engagement-led activities, such as karaoke sessions on your favorite Coke Studio Bharat tracks. Share your renditions and be a part of amplifying the musical celebration across the nation.

  • Spoken Fest attracts Indian and global brands to harness storytelling and content marketing

    Spoken Fest attracts Indian and global brands to harness storytelling and content marketing

    Mumbai: Kommune India to unveil the grandeur of SpokenFest’24, slated for the 3, 4 February at JIO World Garden BKC, Mumbai. This festival is a celebration of words, weaving together various forms such as stories, music, poetry, Shayari, comedy, and art installations, creating an inclusive space for fans of all kinds. This year’s extravaganza is fueled by the dynamic partnership of leading real estate giant Arkade House, the title sponsor, and global beauty powerhouse, L’Oreal Paris.

    In a symphony of words, music, and dazzling experiences, SpokenFest’24 guarantees an immersive journey for all. As the title sponsor, Arkade House’s three decade legacy in Mumbai’s real estate is set to unveil the ‘Arkade House’ area – a vibrant space pulsating with activities that echo Arkade’s family-first philosophy. From personalised name plate crafting to a community wall envisioning dream homes, instant photo ops, and exclusive fan meet-ups with celebrities like Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Slow Cheetah, Abish Mathew, Ahsaas Channa, and Sriti Jha, Arkade House promises an extravaganza for all ages. The Kid’s Corner hosts the ‘Budding Stars’ competition, aligning with Arkade’s commitment to community building and the family-first ethos. Additionally, Arkade is offering the family-first ticket providing a cost-effective option for a family of four to enjoy the festival experience together.

    Alongside, L’Oreal Paris, the epitome of global beauty, is partnering with SpokenFest’24 to support words, voices, and stories because “we’re all worth it!” L’Oreal Paris aims to infuse glamour with experiences like a conversation with Mallika Dua and Chitrangda Singh celebrating choices and empowerment, a storytelling performance by Mithila Palkar, and the ‘Get Ready with L’Oreal’ zone offering festival-goers glamorous makeovers.

    Furthermore, SpokenFest’24 takes immense pride in its collaboration with a major lineup of sponsors, each deeply committed to the profound impact of words, voices, and stories. These partners play pivotal roles in enhancing the festival experience.

    DBS Bank takes the stage as the sustainability Partner, aligning with SpokenFest’s commitment to environmental consciousness. Fratelli Wines joins in as the celebration partner, adding a touch of festivity to the event. Black & White contributes to the vibrant atmosphere as the festivity partner, creating an ambience of shared joy and openness. Bira steps in as the merchandise partner, bringing a unique flair to the festival’s merchandise offerings. Nandan Coffee, the coffee partner, ensures attendees stay energised and engaged throughout the event. Paytm Insider seamlessly manages the ticketing experience as the dedicated ticketing partner. Together, these sponsors not only add significant value to the festival but also exemplify a shared belief in the transformative power of storytelling and collective experiences.

    Sharing its enthusiasm Arkade Developers states, “In joining hands with SpokenFest’24, Arkade proudly embraces a celebration of storytelling, poetry, music, and comedy. At Arkade, we’re more than builders; we’re creators of feel-good spaces for families. And Spoken Fest is not just an event; it’s a platform for shared experiences, echoing the values we hold dear at Arkade. This sponsorship aligns seamlessly with our ethos, and we’re thrilled to introduce the ‘Arkade House’ at Spoken Fest – a dedicated space resonating with our family-first philosophy. Through engaging activities like name plate making and a message wall we aim to foster the spirit of community. Together, let’s build memories, laughter, and a sense of home for all ages.”

    Grateful for sponsors contributing to the festival’s magic, Kommune co founder Ankur Tewari expresses, “Spoken is a melting pot of people, who get together, as a family, to celebrate each other’s stories. The purpose is to build a safe space for people, to come and share their life experiences through poems, stories and songs. Every verse, plot, and note of their narration is hand-crafted to make everyone feel the togetherness. Arkade fits the spoken philosophy like a glove. With Arkade’s commitment to building spaces for families, there couldn’t be a better match for the title sponsor. L’Oréal’s support as our powered-by sponsor helps us support the storytellers who are bringing forward their experiences that enabled them to feel worth it and empowered them to move ahead in life. I’m looking forward to experiencing two wonderful days with our partners who are helping us in connecting hearts.”

    With over 75 artists set to grace the stage over two enriching days, SpokenFest’24 promises to be a treat for the ears and a soothing balm for the soul. Join them at Jio Garden BKC Mumbai on the 3,4 February for an extraordinary celebration of words, voices, and stories where every word, every note, and every story will find its perfect rhythm.

     

  • Geometry Encompass collaborates with Ankur Tewari and Clinton Cerejo to co-create a lockdown anthem ‘We Got This’ with the team

    Geometry Encompass collaborates with Ankur Tewari and Clinton Cerejo to co-create a lockdown anthem ‘We Got This’ with the team

    Geometry Encompass, India’s largest Creative Commerce agency and a part of WPP, recently collaborated with leading Singer, Song-writer Ankur Tewari and music director and composer  Clinton Cerejo to co-create a song called ‘We Got This’. The song is an anthem that captures the spirit of team Geometry Encompass during these trying times of the global lockdown.

    The song was conceptualized during an inspiring 2 hour long session between the team at Geometry Encompass with Clinton Cerejo and Ankur Tewari. Roshan Abbas, who originally thought of the idea as fun way to engage with the team invited everyone to share their thoughts and experiences during the lockdown.  The thoughts that were shared were developed as the lyrics and hook words for the song. While Roshan and Ankur guided the creation of the lyrics, Clinton worked his magic with the music.

    The song ‘We Got This’, is all about being a resilient and reiterates the power of unity and hope.

    Commenting on the same, Roshan Abbas, Founder and Managing director, Geometry Encompass said, “We are faced with an unprecedented situation and therefore it is imperative to work together as a team and combat the crisis. The whole idea behind this composition was to capture the spirit of hope and resilience during these difficult times and boost the morale of our employees. I can’t thank Ankur and Clinton enough for being part of this creative collaboration”.

    Ranjit Raina, CEO, Geometry Encompass said, “As an agency we have always strived to stay idea first and people focused. The collaboration was a great way to stay creative and connected. It’s a great way to celebrate the team and the work that we have managed to pull off even during the lockdown. Like the song says, “We Got This!”

    Commenting on their collaboration, Ankur Tewari, Singer and Song-writer said, “I have always believed that words in a song bring in the most human element sort. It was quite amazing working with the whole geometry encompass team to work on the words for ‘we got this’. Despite of being probably the first time that most of these people working on a song, they showed amazing initiative, imagination and Enthusiasm to come up with extraordinary words for Clinton’s beautiful composition.”

    Clinton Cerejo, Music Composer, said, “In these trying times, it’s all about innovation and breaking boundaries in your head. If we truly find ways to challenge ourselves, we can overcome anything. We got this.”

    Here is the link to the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmG342JwACo&t=1s

  • Campaign celebrating India’s diversity of skin colour released

    Campaign celebrating India’s diversity of skin colour released

    MUMBAI: Celebrating a decade of Dark is Beautiful, a new campaign has been released – “India’s Got Colour”. A call for action is captured in a fun music video that intends to continue and amplify the conversation around inclusiveness and colour bias, specifically within the Indian context. Continuing to lend her name to the campaign against Anti-Colourism in India, Nandita Das joins hands with Mahesh Mathai, Ankur Tiwari and a slew of Indian actors to celebrate India’s Got Colour.

    Joining hands with filmmaker Mahesh Mathai, music composer Ankur Tewari, and Sangita Jindal, Chairperson – JSW Foundation, film actor-director Nandita Das, believes that words like 'dark' and 'beautiful’ do not need further reinforcement and hence the shift from ‘Dark is Beautiful’ to ‘India’s Got Colour’ which she believes better embodies the rich diversity of India.

    The new PSA which was premiered this evening at the JSW Centre in Mumbai has the support of a number of artists who have embraced the issue. They and all the key crew members have volunteered their time, effort and voice to this campaign pro-bono. The music is composed by Ankur Tewari, who has penned the lyrics along with Nandita Das and the three young Mumbai rappers from Dharavi – Amogh Baine, Joshua known as MC Josh and Huma Sayyed. The G5A Foundation for Contemporary Culture has also extended its support to this initiative.

    Commenting on the launch of India’s Got Colour campaign, Nandita Das shared, “I have been supporting the Dark Is Beautiful Campaign since 2013 and while we must combat the various forms of discrimination based on caste, religion, gender and sexual preference, the least we can do is to end the bias bases on skin colour. I felt it was time to reinvent the campaign and create a PSA that would be catchy and youth-friendly. It is our young minds who will change the public discourse around this issue and can make a tangible difference. The PSA intends to change the narrative to a more holistic celebration of the diversity. After all, we are more than 1.3 billion people and have that many shades of skin tones. "

    Among the actors who participated in the PSA are Ratna Pathak Shah, Kanwaljit Singh, Gul Panag, Swara Bhaskar, Radhika Apte, Suchitra Pillai, Tillotama Shome, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Vikrant Massey, Shweta Tripathi and Ali Fazal, to name a few.

    Co-director of India’s Got Colour, a fellow campaigner for the cause, filmmaker, Mahesh Mathai reiterated Das’ thoughts, “Colour bias is deep-rooted into our society and mindsets. It needs to be recognised and called out. India is a country of a fabulous variety of ethnicities, faiths and cultural diversity. We can be proud that India's Got Colour. Though we are doing this campaign on a shoestring budget, we also realize that our contribution to this cause faces formidable obstacles as the fairness cream industry spends crores and crores on its own marketing campaigns. We are grateful to Sangita Jindal and the JSW Group for agreeing to support the campaign and be its exclusive corporate sponsor as they too feel strongly about the issue.”

    Music composer Ankur Tewari, added, “I have always been appalled by discrimination against skin bias. So when Mahesh and Nandita reached out, I immediately agreed. I have tried to create a fun and catchy foot-tapping song that I hope will have a major impact on social media and help reset perceptions and start a dialogue amongst the youth.”

    With the campaign receiving support from the JSW Group, Sangita Jindal, chairperson – JSW Foundation showed appreciation for all the effort and cause and was voluble in her support saying, “As countries, economies and organizations progress, many Indian women are taking roles of leadership & significant prominence across the globe. She is confident in her shade of colour and wears it with pride. This confidence stems from what they know, and how they feel about themselves as women. Through our association with Nandita Das and India’s Got Colour, we celebrate diversity as a critical need for progress and development.”

    India’s Got Colour is an extension of the Dark is Beautiful Campaign that was launched in 2009 by Women of Worth (WOW), the objective of the campaign was to challenge the belief that the value and beauty of Indian women is determined by the fairness of their skin. This belief—shaped by societal attitudes and reinforced by media messages—is corroding the self-worth of countless girls and women in this country, but also across the world.  The campaign aimed to instigate and inspire change in traditional attitudes, perceptions and definitions of beauty.  And while it would appear that skin colour is an issue that affects women, the campaign has also drawn a strong response from men.

    “Amidst a global craze for fairness products and careless advertising, we aim to educate and empower consumers to make wise choices. From the start, our objective has been to combat gender discrimination and have been working towards the empowerment and safety of women,” concluded Kavitha Emmanuel, founder of WOW.

  • Y-Films’ launches Love Shots fifth short film ‘Fired’

    Y-Films’ launches Love Shots fifth short film ‘Fired’

    MUMBAI: Y-Films has launched a new film titled Fired, the fifth film in a series of six. The film premieres on Yotube today, 4 April 2016. Fired has Salim Merchant and Tillotama Shome.

    Love Shots is an anthology of six short films that explore love in every form, shape and stage in life. It features an absolute never-before coming together of some of the most exciting actors playing delightful characters including Nimrat Kaur, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Salim Merchant, Tillotama Shome, Saqib Saleem, Shweta Tripathi, Farida Jalal, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rhea Chakraborty, Saba Azad and Mohit Marwah, Swanand Kirkire, Shubham Tukaram, Shravani Desai among others. And the soundtrack features 6 original songs by some of the freshest upcoming musicians of today showcasing a range of genres. The 6 music videos will be attached to each individual short film and have been directed by Shraddha Pasi Jairath.

    Directed by Ankur Tewari, the film Fired tells the story of a young upwardly mobile couple where the wife who’s in a corporate job is fired and meets her chef husband who makes a shocking revelation of his own. The short also features a unique Hindi jazz song as part of the original soundtrack composed and performed by Subhi Khanna.

    “I never thought that acting is such an involved art form until I actually started preparing for it. Being a composer and scoring for films like Ab tak Chappan and Chak De! India, among others, I always followed the actor’s timing to know where to score and where not to and I was intrigued with the idea of acting. I’m fortunate to have Ankur (director) and Tillotama who is such a fine actress to spend hours doing readings and workshops preparing for my character”, added Merchant.

    Director Ankur Tewari said, “It was amazing working with Salim. He was acting for the first time and he surprised me with his acting abilities. I never thought he would be as good an actor as a musician. Tillotama was amazing as always. They both set off each other’s chemistry very well. The story was quite interesting as well, as it deals with the highs and lows of a relationship, and shows the dark patches that every couple goes through and has to overcome.”

    The music for Love Shots is available on Wynk music for a period of 3 days before its release.

    “Airtel has been a pioneer in the Indian telecom industry and is leading the 4G growth story in the country. Smartphones and fast mobile internet have transformed the way we consume content, with video emerging as the most popular form. Consumers, in particular, the multi-tasking youth, are looking for engaging video content to snack on and we believe Love Shots from YRF will set a new benchmark in short storytelling. As the leading smartphone network, Airtel is very excited to be a part of this innovative project”, added Airtel director consumer business Srini Gopalan.

    Watch the 5th short film ‘Fired’ from Love Shots here:

  • Y-Films’ launches Love Shots fifth short film ‘Fired’

    Y-Films’ launches Love Shots fifth short film ‘Fired’

    MUMBAI: Y-Films has launched a new film titled Fired, the fifth film in a series of six. The film premieres on Yotube today, 4 April 2016. Fired has Salim Merchant and Tillotama Shome.

    Love Shots is an anthology of six short films that explore love in every form, shape and stage in life. It features an absolute never-before coming together of some of the most exciting actors playing delightful characters including Nimrat Kaur, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Salim Merchant, Tillotama Shome, Saqib Saleem, Shweta Tripathi, Farida Jalal, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rhea Chakraborty, Saba Azad and Mohit Marwah, Swanand Kirkire, Shubham Tukaram, Shravani Desai among others. And the soundtrack features 6 original songs by some of the freshest upcoming musicians of today showcasing a range of genres. The 6 music videos will be attached to each individual short film and have been directed by Shraddha Pasi Jairath.

    Directed by Ankur Tewari, the film Fired tells the story of a young upwardly mobile couple where the wife who’s in a corporate job is fired and meets her chef husband who makes a shocking revelation of his own. The short also features a unique Hindi jazz song as part of the original soundtrack composed and performed by Subhi Khanna.

    “I never thought that acting is such an involved art form until I actually started preparing for it. Being a composer and scoring for films like Ab tak Chappan and Chak De! India, among others, I always followed the actor’s timing to know where to score and where not to and I was intrigued with the idea of acting. I’m fortunate to have Ankur (director) and Tillotama who is such a fine actress to spend hours doing readings and workshops preparing for my character”, added Merchant.

    Director Ankur Tewari said, “It was amazing working with Salim. He was acting for the first time and he surprised me with his acting abilities. I never thought he would be as good an actor as a musician. Tillotama was amazing as always. They both set off each other’s chemistry very well. The story was quite interesting as well, as it deals with the highs and lows of a relationship, and shows the dark patches that every couple goes through and has to overcome.”

    The music for Love Shots is available on Wynk music for a period of 3 days before its release.

    “Airtel has been a pioneer in the Indian telecom industry and is leading the 4G growth story in the country. Smartphones and fast mobile internet have transformed the way we consume content, with video emerging as the most popular form. Consumers, in particular, the multi-tasking youth, are looking for engaging video content to snack on and we believe Love Shots from YRF will set a new benchmark in short storytelling. As the leading smartphone network, Airtel is very excited to be a part of this innovative project”, added Airtel director consumer business Srini Gopalan.

    Watch the 5th short film ‘Fired’ from Love Shots here: