Tag: birthday

Colors Kannada turns 10: Dashakada Mahotsava promises stars, sparkle and Shivanna nostalgia

MUMBAI: Colors Kannada is rolling out the red carpet for a full-blown birthday bash — and it’s bringing the who’s who of Sandalwood along for the ride. The channel is celebrating its 10-year milestone with Colors Kannada Dashakada Mahotsava, a two-day televised gala airing on 7th and 8th June at 7:00 PM.

Presented in association with Sunpure (special partner) and Dazzler Cosmetics (beauty partner), the primetime celebration will see the Kannada entertainment fraternity light up the screen with nostalgia, spectacle and a salute to the channel’s legacy.

Leading the charge? None other than Karunada Chakravarthy Dr. Shivrajkumar, whose own cinematic milestone — 40 years in the industry — will be honoured in a specially curated segment titled Shivanna 40. Expect emotional throwbacks, on-stage surprises, and a starry-eyed salute from industry stalwarts and family alike.
From screen legends like Geetha Shivarajkumar, Sri Murali, Vijaya Raghavendra, Dr. Tara Anuradha, and Mukhya Mantri Chandru, to small-screen sweethearts like Shwetha Prasad, Ranjini Raghavan, Dhanush, and Sushma Nanaiah, the Mahotsava promises a parade of familiar faces and fan-favourite moments.

Themed Ade Beru, Hosa Chiguru (Same Roots, New Shoots), the celebration honours a decade of cultural storytelling while teasing a bold new era with the launch of fresh shows and formats.

“For over a decade, Colors Kannada has been more than just a channel — it has been a true companion to every Kannadiga. We’ve strived to reflect the lives of our viewers, celebrate their spirit, and tell stories that echo the heart and soul of Karnataka. As we mark this remarkable milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to every viewer who welcomed us into their homes and hearts. This celebration is as much theirs as it is ours — a tribute to the journey we’ve shared and the promise of many more stories to come. A heartfelt thank you to Shivanna for being part of this momentous occasion and leading us forward into a bright and inspiring new chapter for Kannada entertainment.” said JioStar head of cluster entertainment -south Krishnan Kutty.

From Puttagowri Madhuve to Bigg Boss Kannada, the channel has been at the forefront of fiction and non-fiction storytelling in Karnataka, shaping viewing habits and setting new benchmarks.

For fans, this weekend is more than just a celebration — it’s a love letter to 10 years of prime-time magic. Don’t miss the Mahotsava on Colors Kannada, 7 and 8 June, 7:00 PM sharp.Colors

June 4, 2025
Rajat Sharma’s birthday celebration draws elite crowd as India defeats Pakistan

MUMBAI: Media mogul Rajat Sharma’s birthday celebration attracted a star-studded gathering of Bollywood celebrities, political heavyweights and business leaders at the Grappa Bar.

Hosted by his wife Ritu Dhawan, the soirée welcomed Bollywood star Salman Khan, musicians Jasbir Jassi and Anu Malik, and filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar.

The political sphere was represented by Piyush Goyal, Vasundhara Raje, Kamal Nath, Raghav Chadha and Manoj Tiwari.

Fashion luminaries Kavita Bhartia, Tikka Shatrujit Singh and Sunil Sethi mingled with business leaders including C K Birla, Rajan Mittal, Hari Bhartia, Ajay Singh, Sandeep Jajodia and Ajay Shriram. Distinguished members of the judiciary, legal profession and medical fraternity were also present.

The festivities coincided with India’s six-wicket victory over Pakistan in cricket, sparking jubilant celebrations amongst guests and transforming the evening into a dual celebration.

Sharma, whose contributions to Indian journalism have been widely lauded, had received an outpouring of social media tributes earlier in the week from fans and industry colleagues alike.

The gathering showcased Sharma’s remarkable ability to unite individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, with conversations flowing effortlessly against a backdrop of fine dining and entertainment.

February 25, 2025
Against All Odds: Dr. Yogesh Lakhani’s Purpose-Driven Journey from Adversity to Achievement

Born on September 25, 1963, Dr. Yogesh Lakhani, CMD of Bright Outdoor Media, is celebrating his 62nd birthday. His life journey is nothing short of inspiring—rising from tough beginnings to build a successful business empire. The name “Yogesh” means “Lord of Yoga,” and fittingly, he has mastered the art of transforming challenges into opportunities.

Born into a financially struggling family, where even hospital bills were hard to pay, Dr. Lakhani’s childhood was spent in a small, cramped space. Despite these hardships, he showed remarkable resilience. From a young age, he worked to help support his family, selling newspapers and firecrackers while nurturing his love for movies.

The Start of a Billboard Empire:

After completing his S.S.C., Dr. Yogesh Lakhani ventured into the world of advertising by selling promotional films in theaters. This marked his entry into the advertising industry, and his first breakthrough came when he began setting up billboards at train stations. Although financial struggles forced him to leave studies, Dr. Lakhani’s determination saw him through. His hard work and dedication paid off, turning a modest start into a thriving business. His first billboard at Malad railway station was a momentous occasion. With persistence and vision, he expanded to other stations, gaining experience and clients along the way. His big break came when Manikchand signed him for the Filmfare Awards, and from there, his business took off. He built a reputation for honesty, hard work, and exceptional client service, which earned him numerous projects from the film industry, corporate clients, and beyond.

Bright Outdoor: A Vision with a Mission

Under Dr. Lakhani’s visionary leadership, Bright Outdoor Media became the first outdoor advertising company listed on the BSE in March 2023. His focus goes beyond profits, aiming to create jobs and drive positive change. Inspired by the cutting-edge digital LEDs of Times Square, New York, Burj Khalifa at UAE and London, Dr. Lakhani dreams of bringing the same international standards to India. With innovations like solar-powered billboards and LED signboards, he has modernized outdoor advertising. Today, Bright manages over 30 of Mumbai’s 70 prime digital LED billboards, with plans for further expansion, creating numerous job opportunities.

Service to Society

Social service runs deep in Dr. Lakhani’s veins. From feeding the poor weekly to providing books for underprivileged students, he is committed to giving back. He has also opened a free dialysis center for the needy and supports blood donation drives. This year, instead of the annual Bright Award Night, he has chosen to focus on supporting the blind, specially-abled, orphanages, and old-age homes.

Going Green:

After listing on the stock market, Dr. Lakhani’s company has made a new beginning by installing more than 30 digital LED hoardings in Mumbai. Their hoardings have also set the wheels in motion to go solar-powered, improving the environment by partnering with Zest Outdoor, which has made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for its work in solar power.

Family First:

Dr. Lakhani is equally devoted to his family. Despite his busy schedule, he always makes time for his wife, Jagruti, and son, Anugrah. Whether it’s taking them on domestic or international trips or spending quality time on weekends, family comes first for him.

Spiritual Commitment:

Born a Jain, Dr. Lakhani is deeply involved in religious activities and charitable work at temples and spiritual centers. He is a regular supporter of spiritual leaders like Shri Namramuni Maharaj, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, and has been invited as a guest of honor at the Brahmakumari Institute. His respect and reverence extend beyond his own faith, as he honors and supports all religions, promoting unity and harmony among diverse spiritual paths.

Honors and Respect:

Dr. Yogesh Lakhani has received not one, but two honorary doctorate degrees: one from Sorbonne University of France for his contributions to business management, and another from Royal American University of the USA for his commitment to social work. With over 10,000 awards and accolades, his achievements are widely recognized. Despite not holding an MBA, his sharp business acumen is taught as case studies in several MBA institutes, showcasing his expertise in time management and leadership.

Bright Outdoor Media: The Industry Leader

Whether in the world of movies, real estate, or corporate advertising, Bright Outdoor Media is the top choice. Bright’s billboards have launched the careers of many Bollywood stars, and leading companies like Larsen & Toubro, Warner Bros., Discovery Channel, and many more choose Bright for their advertising needs. The company has worked with over one lakh clients, including countless movies, TV channels, serials, OTT platforms, and music albums, and continues to set new benchmarks in outdoor media. With numerous awards and accolades, Dr. Yogesh Lakhani’s journey from humble beginnings to industry leader is a testament to his unwavering determination, vision, and dedication. Many people approach him for selfies at public functions. His story is one of resilience, service, and success—a true inspiration to all.

September 25, 2024
Celebrate Hrithik Roshan’s 50th birthday with Tata Play Binge

Mumbai: The ‘Greek God’ of Bollywood, Hrithik Roshan, celebrates his 50th birthday today! Join the celebrations and admire the versatility of one of Bollywood’s most consistently entertaining actors. With his tremendous acting prowess, killer dance moves and unmistakable charismatic screen presence, Hrithik has etched his name firmly in the annals of the film industry. As we celebrate his milestone birthday, tune in to Tata Play Binge to stream some of his memorable work in Hindi cinema.

Super 30 – Disney+ Hotstar

Directed by Vikas Bahl, Super 30 is Biopic inspired by mathematician Anand Kumar. The film follows Anand’s journey in running the Super 30 program, coaching underprivileged students for IIT entrance exams. Praised for its inspirational storyline and Hrithik Roshan’s performance, the film addresses social issues on access to education for students of all backgrounds. Though it didn’t win major awards, it received acclaim and nominations, leaving a lasting impact for its motivational theme.

Koi Mil Gaya – Zee5

Directed by Rakesh Roshan, Koi Mil Gaya tells the heartwarming story of Rohit Mehra, played by Hrithik Roshan, who befriends an extraterrestrial being named Jadoo and vows to protect him from those that seek to do harm. Praised for its innovative storyline, special effects, and Hrithik’s performance, the film features a stellar cast in Hrithik Roshan, Preeti Zinta and Rekha as it is remembered for its emotional resonance and family-friendly appeal. Koi Mil Gaya marked the start of the iconic Krrish franchise, which went on to be one Hrithik’s most successful superhero-action franchises.

Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon – Shemaroo

Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon revolves around Sanjana (Kareena Kapoor), a young woman engaged to Prem (Hrithik Roshan). However, the arrival of Prem’s younger brother, played by Abhishek Bachchan, adds complexity as Sanjana finds herself entangled in a love triangle. The film navigates through misunderstandings, comedic situations, and emotional moments as Sanjana must ultimately decide between the two brothers, shaping the narrative with a mix of romance and family dynamics. Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon shows Hrithik Roshan in his vibrant ecstatic role as a ‘loverboy’ as he fights for his love. For dramedy lovers this film is a must-watch.

Bang Bang – Disney+ Hotstar

Siddharth Anand’s Bang Bang is one of Hrithik Roshan’s most popular action movies. The film revolves around Harleen Sahni (Katrina Kaif), an unwitting bystander who becomes entangled with Rajveer Nanda (Hrithik Roshan), a mysterious man on the run. The story unfolds as they embark on an adrenaline-fueled adventure involving heists, espionage, and romance, keeping audiences on edge with its high-octane action sequences and Hrithik Roshan’s charismatic performance. The film is widely popular due its catchy songs and ‘beauty’ score.

Wondering how to get the subscription of these OTT apps? Viewers can avail the entire package of 25+ apps (Disney+ Hotstar, Apple TV+, ZEE5, Fuse+, FanCode, Hallmark, MX Player, Lionsgate Play, Aha, VROTT, Sun NXT, STAGE, ReelDrama, Chaupal, Namma Flix, Planet Marathi, manoramaMAX, iStream, Tarang Plus, Hungama Play, ShemarooMe, Curiosity Stream, EPIC ON, Travelxp, DocuBay, ShortsTV, Playflix, KliKK) and Games under one subscription, in one app, without having to subscribe or remember the password of every app.

Celebrate Hrithik Roshan’s Half Century with all his best movies, only on Tata Play Binge

January 10, 2024
Noise celebrates Neeraj Chopra’s birthday by naming a star after him

Mumbai: Noise, India’s smartwatch and connected lifestyle brand, pays a stellar tribute to their brand ambassador, Neeraj Chopra on his birthday. Celebrating the pride of the nation and his remarkable achievements in the field of athletics, Noise has named a star after the Golden Boy of India.

Neeraj Chopra joined Noise’s cohort of legacy brand ambassadors earlier this year and shares the synergy of national champions winning glory at a global stage. The campaign showcases celestial stars in the sky coming together to take different forms, symbolising Neeraj’s milestones while underscoring his status as a gold star himself.

The beautiful tribute is more than a birthday wish. It is a way of paying homage to Neeraj Chopra’s incredible journey, he continues to provide inspiration to millions across the country. As a brand that values the spirit of champions, Noise has truly expressed how much they value Neeraj Chopra as a face for them.

Noise

December 26, 2023
Saregama launches Carvaan Mini remembering Late Lata Mangeshkar on her birth anniversary

Mumbai: On the 93rd birth anniversary of the iconic singer, the late Lata Mangeshkar, Saregama has launched a special edition – Carvaan Mini.

This dedicated speaker carries 351 of the most iconic songs from the ocean of gems that Lata Ji created. This special edition has 351 pre-loaded songs sung by the legend herself. The songs play without any internet or ad breaks, making it a prized possession for all Lata Didi fans.

The lyrics of Lata Mangeshkar’s song “Meri Awaaz hi Pehchaan Hai.” forever characterise her journey to becoming the most recognisable and influential vocalist in India. She provided India with a song for every occasion with a career spanning more than 80 years and countless tunes.

September 27, 2022
Shah Rukh Khan: King of Bollywood & brands

MUMBAI: That boyish charm, that dimpled smile, that romantic effervescence – Shah Rukh Khan has effortlessly won viewers' hearts, be it on the silver screen with his movie personas, or on the small screen with his brand endorsements.

to the golden days of advertising.

Here’s a look at the King of Bollywood’s journey as one of the most dynamic and bankable faces in ad campaigns:

Videocon

The young Indian side under the leadership of MS Dhoni won the ICC World T20 in 2007, and Videocon came up with this droll commercial featuring the Indian captain and SRK. The duo played long-lost brothers in childhood and have their real-life roles reversed. While Dhoni plays an actor, SRK is a cricketer!

Byju’s

Ed-tech company Byju’s has partnered with Khan to unveil their new offering – Byju’s Classes to parents across the country. In the campaign, Khan is seen essaying the role of a teacher to a group of parents and discusses the common worries they have regarding their children’s after-school tutoring needs.

D’Decor

Home furnishings brand D’Decor memorable campaign ‘Beautiful Homes tell Beautiful Stories’ was a series of short films featuring Gauri and Shah Rukh Khan. The brand marked 10 years of association with the couple with this campaign. The film transported viewers straight into Gauri and Shah Rukh’s living room where they’re celebrating their 22nd wedding anniversary.

Hyundai

Shah Rukh Khan has played an instrumental role in building brand Hyundai in a competitive market like India. He had a contract with the auto company from 21 April 2017 to 20 April 2019. This was his longest association with a brand. Here’s a look at King Khan’s ad for the auto company:

LUX

LUX has featured Shah Rukh Khan in their creatives for a long time. Among all the ads he has done with LUX, the most love he got from the audience was when actresses were seen assisting him into a bathtub.

DISH TV

DISH TV signed Shah Rukh Khan in 2007 for the first time. Since then, he is the face of the brand. During their decade-long association, he has played a key role in delivering DISH TV’s communication strategy.

Denver

Denver is another brand that has used the image of Shah Rukh Khan to promote its range of fragrances for men. He has been seen endorsing Denver deodorant in various marketing and promotional campaigns.

Pepsi

The Oye-Bubbly ad featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin and Amitabh Bachchan created a storm in 2014. Ye Dil Maange More campaign is another example where Khan has successfully conveyed the beverage brand’s messaging in his signature style.

November 2, 2020
Advertising icon and philanthropist Ashok Kurien turns 70

MUMBAI: “Life is a circus and I’ve been the clown,” is what Ambience boss and advertising icon (one of the pioneers of private satellite TV in India as a founders of Zee TV and, now a committed social philanthropist) Ashok Kurien is known to say. And it was this belief of his that inspired the theme for his seventieth birthday party, planned and executed by Trinity Entertainment & Strategic Consultant.

“The Circus of Life” celebrations marked the beginning of a new year in the life of Kurien, was one of the most enthralling evenings of the decade, it was uniquely planned and executed as an ode to his creativity. From an OTT pop up card announcing the Circus of Life theme to the OTT red-carpeted giant circus tent straight out of a kid’s fantasy, circus rings, aerialists, stilt walkers, jugglers, unicyclists, clowns, multiple photo-opts, a giant lion and a giant Ashok Kurien clown-like sculpture of his face, it was astounding but oh so colourful. Everywhere one looked on Friday evening, performance artistes and acrobats were putting on a spectacle never seen before.

But what no one had expected was the wave of nostalgia that collectively swept over the evening. In retelling his life in the form of songs and dance, Kurien gave his friends an unexpected reliving of their own lives with music that touched the soul. From jazz standards to an Elvis impersonator; Choir songs, risqué rugby ditties; and a straight retro set which included numbers that ranged from ‘Bing Crosby to Boney M to Bruno Mars, and from Engelbert to Enrique’, most of the baby boomers (now senior citizens) were raving on the dance floor, with all elements seamlessly integrated into a story showcasing key milestones in Ashok’s life.

The planning of the event started way back in September 2019 which gave the team at Trinity Entertainment & Strategic Consultants enough time to understand and break down each aspect of his life and do justice to it. Ashok’s first statement to the team was “Can you fly me out of a cannon” and that’s when it was sure that this celebration would be something that the city will always remember with Ashok being the key orchestrator!

“I got to script my life story (and all my fantasies),” said Kurien the next day, adding “I hope it gave all of us the chance to relive our childhoods and become kids again”. Creating a magical experience for the guests, each one had a smile on their face. Attended by those closest to him, the guests were left mesmerised by the sheer scale and attention to detail.

Close to his heart, the event also had another side to it that was so full of love that it made everyone's heart melt. Ashok and his wife Rachel Wawn are so deeply committed to corporate social responsibility and empowering the disfranchised, that they paid for an extra day and kept the entire set up intact so that they could host 350 underprivileged and challenged children for a circus show over lunch the next afternoon. Talk about making a wish on a birthday! Pictures from the lunch are a brief peek into Wawn and Kurien dancing joyously with the children, demonstrating that however OTT and grand one makes one's celebrations, the joy can be multiplied exponentially if we include the less fortunate. Will others who host such celebrations take a leaf out of Kurien’s progressive and thoughtful example? Could this be a (welcome) trend henceforth? We all definitely hope so. “If it even inspires a few others to do the same, think of what a thing it could be,” the delighted Ashok said.

It’s safe to say, Ashok Kurien really has raised the bar. And big props to Trinity Entertainment for pulling off what seemed like one of their most magnificent projects ever.

Ashok Kurien, a legendary stalwart of the advertising space in India is also the co-founder of Zee Entertainment Television and many other major ventures. Accredited with the iconic ‘Taste The Thunder‘ campaign for Thums Up, he is a man who has contributed immensely to the creative world. Words cannot do justice to his achievements and accomplishments and his reputation and passion for his work precede his name at all times.

February 13, 2020
Disney brings Graphic’s ‘Astra Force’ on Big B’s birthday

MUMBAI: Graphic India and Disney Channel India will reveal the first look of its superhero series Astra Force on the occasion of Amitabh Bachchan’s birthday – 11th October as a special surprise for the millions of megastar’s fans around the world.

In the month of August last year, Graphic and Disney announced the production of the animated series -“Astra Force.” with legendary icon, Bachchan. A funny and fast-paced, action-adventure series, filled with laughs and thrills, “Astra Force” tells the story of a mythical hero from a distant world, who was stranded on th earth millions of years ago after an epic space battle.

When 8-year old brother and sister twins accidentally awaken the mythical superhero from his long hibernation, they must teach him about our modern world and join Astra to save the universe from a new wave of giant monsters and intergalactic threats.

“At the heart of everything we do at Disney is tell great stories and we tell them in a manner that our audiences that can relate with. We have been building on our local animation slate on Disney Channel; offering content and content that kids have come to love and now with Astra Force, we are extremely happy to have partnered with Sharad and Mr. Bachchan to bring in another interesting facet to storytelling in this space, said Disney India VP – content and communications, media networks, Vijay Subramaniam.

“Amitabh Bachchan is a real life superhero to millions, including myself, so it’s no surprise that he is the perfect person to become immortalized in this new animated avatar,” added Graphic’s Co-Founder & CEO Sharad Devarajan. “The opportunity to collaborate with Bachchan on ‘Astra Force’ is made that much stronger by partnering with Disney, a company whose creativity and storytelling I have admired all my life.”

Disney Channel India has been entertaining kids and families through a range of locally relevant stories spread across high-quality animation series and “Astra Force” will be the perfect complement to the line-up of existing shows.

Devarajan is the producer on “Astra Force” along with Graphic India SVP-Creative Jeevan J. Kang who is overseeing visual development character design and art for the project.

Graphic’s previous animated superhero, Chakra The Invincible, was created with Stan Lee (co-creator of Spider-Man, Iron Man and The Avengers) and received over 30 million views globally on Rovio’s ToonsTV platform available through the Angry Birds app.

Graphic India is a character entertainment company focused on creating leading characters, comics and stories through mobile and digital platforms. Founded by media entrepreneurs Devarajan, Gotham Chopra and Suresh Seetharaman, it is owned by the U.S. comic book company, Liquid Comics and CA Media LP, the Asian investment arm of The Chernin Group, LLC (TCG).

October 9, 2016
Disney brings Graphic’s ‘Astra Force’ on Big B’s birthday

MUMBAI: Graphic India and Disney Channel India will reveal the first look of its superhero series Astra Force on the occasion of Amitabh Bachchan’s birthday – 11th October as a special surprise for the millions of megastar’s fans around the world.

In the month of August last year, Graphic and Disney announced the production of the animated series -“Astra Force.” with legendary icon, Bachchan. A funny and fast-paced, action-adventure series, filled with laughs and thrills, “Astra Force” tells the story of a mythical hero from a distant world, who was stranded on th earth millions of years ago after an epic space battle.

When 8-year old brother and sister twins accidentally awaken the mythical superhero from his long hibernation, they must teach him about our modern world and join Astra to save the universe from a new wave of giant monsters and intergalactic threats.

“At the heart of everything we do at Disney is tell great stories and we tell them in a manner that our audiences that can relate with. We have been building on our local animation slate on Disney Channel; offering content and content that kids have come to love and now with Astra Force, we are extremely happy to have partnered with Sharad and Mr. Bachchan to bring in another interesting facet to storytelling in this space, said Disney India VP – content and communications, media networks, Vijay Subramaniam.

“Amitabh Bachchan is a real life superhero to millions, including myself, so it’s no surprise that he is the perfect person to become immortalized in this new animated avatar,” added Graphic’s Co-Founder & CEO Sharad Devarajan. “The opportunity to collaborate with Bachchan on ‘Astra Force’ is made that much stronger by partnering with Disney, a company whose creativity and storytelling I have admired all my life.”

Disney Channel India has been entertaining kids and families through a range of locally relevant stories spread across high-quality animation series and “Astra Force” will be the perfect complement to the line-up of existing shows.

Devarajan is the producer on “Astra Force” along with Graphic India SVP-Creative Jeevan J. Kang who is overseeing visual development character design and art for the project.

Graphic’s previous animated superhero, Chakra The Invincible, was created with Stan Lee (co-creator of Spider-Man, Iron Man and The Avengers) and received over 30 million views globally on Rovio’s ToonsTV platform available through the Angry Birds app.

Graphic India is a character entertainment company focused on creating leading characters, comics and stories through mobile and digital platforms. Founded by media entrepreneurs Devarajan, Gotham Chopra and Suresh Seetharaman, it is owned by the U.S. comic book company, Liquid Comics and CA Media LP, the Asian investment arm of The Chernin Group, LLC (TCG).

October 9, 2016