Tag: Arpit Mankar

  • Lalbaugcha Raja Devotion meets Mumbai’s Dabbawalas in Shemaroo Bhakti’s ‘Lalbaugcha Raja Song 2023’

    Lalbaugcha Raja Devotion meets Mumbai’s Dabbawalas in Shemaroo Bhakti’s ‘Lalbaugcha Raja Song 2023’

    Mumbai: As the nation gears up to celebrate the divine festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, Shemaroo Bhakti, one of the leading YouTube channels for spiritual content with over 11 million subscribers, is thrilled to announce the launch of the most-awaited Ganpati song of the year, the ‘Lalbaugcha Raja Song 2023.’ This one of its kind musical celebrates the coming together of Lalbaugcha Raja and the 150 Dabbawalas, the lifeline of Mumbai.

    “Lalbaugcha Raja Song 2023” audio song is sung by very talented Harshavardhan Wavare, composed by Trineeti Bros and penned by Vinayak Shinde & Trineeti Bros. What makes this music video even more exceptional is its association with Mumbai’s beloved dabbawalas, who have been the city’s unsung heroes for decades. Dabbawalas involvement in this video adds a touch of authenticity and heartwarming significance.

    Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival that resonates with millions of devotees across the nation, holds a special place in the hearts of Mumbaikars. At the epicentre of this grand celebration stands Lalbaugcha Raja, the deity revered by countless devotees. The ‘Lalbaugcha Raja Song 2023’ pays tribute to the Lord of Beginnings, encapsulating the spirit of devotion and commemoration that surrounds the festival.

    To mark this auspicious occasion, Shemaroo Bhakti’s DTH, Telcos, OTT & Cable will live stream the visuals of Bappa from the Pandal for ten consecutive days, extending its decade-long partnership with Lalbaugcha Raja.

    Shemaroo Entertainment non Bollywood category – head Arpit Mankar expressed “We are committed to continuing our tradition of connecting devotees to find their spirituality and faith, especially during the auspicious Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Over the past 10 years, Shemaroo Bhakti’s dedication to deliver the best of devotional content has only grown stronger, and our collaboration with Lalbaugcha Raja has evolved. Through the live streaming initiative, we aspire to bring Lalbaugcha Raja’s divine blessing to the devotees.”

    He further added “This year we have something new for our audience, the ‘Lalbaugcha Raja Song 2023’, which stands as a heartfelt offering to Lord Ganesha, symbolizing our deep reverence. It is a reminder that the Raja reigns not only in the place where he resides but also in every home and heart.”

    On this association, Lalbaughcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal president Balasaheb Kamble said, “Shemaroo Bhakti’s latest offering, the ‘Lalbaugcha Raja Song 2023,’ is a testament to the enduring collaboration between Shemaroo Entertainment and Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh Utsav Mandal. This song will inspire stronger faith and devotion in people, and the video will depict how people come together in unity to celebrate their devotion.”

    Expressing his excitement at the song launch, Lalbaughcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal secretary Sudhir Salvi said, “As we celebrate Lalbaugcha Raja’s 90th anniversary, our decade old association with Shemaroo Entertainment fills us with gratitude. This year, Shemaroo’s ‘Lalbaugcha Raja Song 2023’, filmed in the sacred presence of the Lalbaugcha Idol itself at the famous Lalbaug Market Galli, stands as a magnificent tribute. May the ‘Lalbaugcha Raja ‘ resonate in our hearts, filling us with devotion and joy during this auspicious Ganesh Chaturthi.”

    Harshavardhan Wavare, the soulful voice behind the ‘Lalbaugcha Raja Song 2023’, said, “Collaborating with Shemaroo Bhakti and Lalbaugcha Raja for this project was a great experience. Our entire team’s devotion and love for Lalbaugcha Raja truly shines through in this song ensuring that it will etch into the hearts of the audience just like Bappa resides in our heart. I earnestly request everyone to shower their love and blessings upon ‘Lalbaugcha Raja Song,’ on Shemaroo Bhakti and make it the biggest song of the year”

    Mumbai Dabbawala secretary Kiran Gavande, expressed immense gratitude for the auspicious opportunity bestowed by Shemaroo Bhakti, “The chance to feature in a music video shot in the divine presence of Lalbaugcha Raja is truly cherished by the Dabbawalas,” says Gavande. “Our eternal connection with Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh Utsav Mandal, which has endured for nearly a century, is a testament to the deep bonds that unite us with this iconic deity and the community.”

    Embed :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba6NzVZQvNM

  • Manisha Dey takes charge as head of devotional & music division at Shemaroo Entertainment

    Manisha Dey takes charge as head of devotional & music division at Shemaroo Entertainment

    Mumbai: Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd., one of India’s leading media and entertainment conglomerates, announces the appointment of Manisha Dey as the head of the devotional & music category. This strategic decision underlines Shemaroo’s commitment to elevating its content repertoire and delivering engaging experiences to its audience within the dynamic entertainment landscape.

    With an illustrious career spanning 25+ years in the media and entertainment industry, Dey brings a wealth of experience to her new role. A distinguished alumna of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and LBSIM, New Delhi, her career milestones include leading content & partnerships at Gaana. Through path breaking partnerships, she spearheaded Gaana’s content strategy and played a significant role in maintaining its leadership by launching market-defining, industry-first and exclusive music & entertainment flagship properties-which included highly successful independent original music series Gaana Originals and Gaana Film Exclusives. Prior to Gaana, Dey has led content portfolios at leading music labels including Saregama-HMV, Tips Music & Films, Music-Today, Milestone-EMI etc. and served as national content head-VAS role at IDEA cellular. Her extensive expertise in music, films, value-added services, streaming business, and partnerships have positioned her as a seasoned industry leader and mentor. In her new role Manisha will report to Arpit Mankar and Mohan Gopinath.

    Commenting on the appointment of Dey, Shemaroo Entertainment head of non-Bollywood category Arpit Mankar stated, “We extend a hearty welcome to Manisha Dey, who joins Shemaroo as the head of the devotional & music Category. Her remarkable professional journey and achievements underscore her visionary acumen. With her extensive experience and a well-established track record across diverse facets of the music and entertainment industry, particularly in the devotional genre, we are confident that she will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic course of our Devotional & Music landscape. We eagerly anticipate the fresh insights and perspectives she will bring to our content portfolio.”

    Dey conveyed her enthusiasm about her new role, remarking, “I am thrilled to become a part of Shemaroo Entertainment and lead the devotional & music category. With my music industry experience and passion for multiple music genres, I am committed to crafting content that resonates deeply with our audience. Shemaroo’s reputation as a content powerhouse provides a unique platform to explore innovative approaches to deliver devotional, non-film and diverse musical experiences that touch the hearts of millions.”

    Dey’s appointment seamlessly aligns with Shemaroo’s vision to evolve its offerings in sync with the changing preferences of its audience. Her extensive industry acumen, leadership prowess, and proven capability to nurture successful ventures position her as a driving force in shaping the future landscape of Shemaroo’s devotional & music content.

  • Star Bharat reimagines channel identity to underline the need for social distancing

    Star Bharat reimagines channel identity to underline the need for social distancing

    MUMBAI: In this much-needed phase of social distancing and self-quarantining at home, Star Bharat sends a strong message of keeping a healthy distance.

    The channel, through its latest campaign, promotes and motivates people to follow social distancing uniquely by changing their channel identity. The original identity had an inspiring story of a boy fearlessly marching forward, mobilizing the crowd to join the movement of overcoming fear and moving ahead towards hope and progress. Capturing the collective energy of people in a rousing anthem by the celebrated AR Rahman, it formed the channel logo with all its beautiful shades.

    The new version uniquely played in reverse promotes the message of social distancing. The initiative aims to calm the anxiety in this critical phase and sends out a message asking people to stay home in these trying times.

    To encourage this effort, with hope and joy, Star Bharat has a special line-up of content reaching out to individuals and families all over the country with its latest campaign 'Bhula dein darr, Khush rahein Ghar Par.' 

    In order to bring laughter to the viewers, Star Bharat has introduced a new comic band by bringing two of the most iconic comedy shows ever seen on Indian television, Khichdi and Sarabhai V/S Sarabhai, produced by Hats Off Production along with the best chapters of its key mythological shows RadhaKrishn and Jag Janani Maa Vaishno Devi.

    Commenting on the Campaign, Star Bharat Channel Spokesperson said: “Currently the pandemic outbreak has led to millions staying home and glued to their television screens and phones for entertainment. And in such times of anxiety and distress in the country, the channel introduces joy in the life of its viewers with a daily dose of entertainment & learning through engaging content on Star Bharat. We aim to provide audiences with positive content which makes this quarantine period less stressful and creates an optimistic environment showcasing comedy and mythological shows.”

    Comedy shows Sarabhai V/S Sarabhai and Khichdi have both received immense amount of love from the audiences and it promises to be a treat for them this time around as well. 

  • 24: Live Another Day debuts on AXN starting 9 May

    24: Live Another Day debuts on AXN starting 9 May

    MUMBAI: It was first reported in May last year that American broadcast network, Fox, was considering a 24 limited event television series based on a concept by EMMY Award winning writer, Howard Gordon. Not long after, Gordon had issued a statement saying, “Jack Bauer has always been an exciting, thrilling character, who has evolved through the years, and this new and exciting event series format is perfect to tell the next chapter of his story and continue to reflect how the world is changing. Fans can be rest assured that the Jack they know and love will be back.” 

     

     Indeed, the much-loved lead protagonist of 24 will be back with 24: Live Another Day, scheduled to premiere on AXN on 9 May, within the same week as its US telecast.

     

     AXN India programming head Arpit Mankar, confirmed the development. Having aired all eight seasons of 24 as well as the television film, 24: Redemption in India, the channel had acquired the rights to broadcast 24: Live Another Day and anymore 24 series if produced early on this year.

     

    Coming to the limited series, it is set and shot in London and follows the exploits of agent Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland), four years after the events of season 8, as he once again risks life and limb to thwart a global disaster.  

     

     Tracking the federal fugitive on the run are CIA head Steve Harris played by Benjamin Bratt (Law & Order); resourceful but ruthless CIA agent Kate Morgan played by Yvonne Strahovski (ChuckDexter); smart and sophisticated CIA computer techie Jordan Reed played by Giles Matthey (Jobs); and sharp but arrogant field operative Erik Ritter played by Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Wire).

     

    Calling the shots is James Heller played by William Devane (The Dark Knight Rises), now president of the United States. Heller is flanked by his chief of staff, Mark Boudreau, played by Tate Donovan (Damages, Hostages), who is married to Heller’s daughter and Bauer’s former flame, Audrey, played by Kim Raver (Revolution).

     

     Meanwhile, Bauer’s confidante, Chloe O’Brian, played by Mary Lynn Rajskub (Firewall), is now working underground with high-profile hacker Adrian Cross played by Michael Wincott (The Crow). 

     

     The guest stars on 24: Live Another Day include Golden Globe Award winner Judy Davis (Life with Judy Garland), Golden Globe Award nominee Stephen Fry (Alice in WonderlandBones) and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones). Bauer has just a day to prevent an unthinkable terrorist attack that could change the world forever…

     

    What are AXN India’s expectations from the limited series? “We expect the show to get new viewers. There are two reasons for this: a) 24 now is a more recognised brand in India, thanks to the local version. b) We expect the younger generation of today to tune-in to the show since the 24 franchise launched way back in 2001 when they were too young to consume TV. We are targeting both the 24 loyalists who we believe are in the 25-44 yrs TG as well as the 15-24 yrs TG who would possibly be watching it for the first time. We expect both males and females to tune in. They will surely want to watch this cult show,” said Mankar.

     

    What about advertising? A 30-second advertisement spot for 24: Live Another Day sells for half a million US dollars in the US. So, “This credibility definitely helps from a sponsorship point of view as brands are assured of loyal viewership, in terms of both reach and time spent. Our sales team has had a very encouraging response from key categories and brands. AXN’s marketing campaign will be 360 degree covering TV, online, OOH and print,” shoots Mankar.

     

    Starting 31 March, Monday to Thursday at 9:00 pm, AXN India will air all episodes of season eight of 24 as a catch-up marathon before 24: Live Another Day makes its adrenaline-packed debut on 9 May.