Tag: Bollywood

Dance With Madhuri 2.0 connects remote dancers with job opportunities

MUMBAI: There was a time when if you weren’t in any of the five major cities in the country, you could only fantasize about pursuing your passion for dance and only dream about learning from the big Bollywood choreographers. Then came the Internet and YouTube. Self-learning apps soon followed suit. Artists are no longer restricted by their regional boundaries giving rise to a fresh pool of talent. Now that artists in remote areas are armed with knowledge and skill, what next since the opportunities to put their skill to use are still only available in the major cities?

Dance With Madhuri, the gamified self-learning app, recognises this issue, and aims to address it with a new version.

“We have introduced a new section called ‘jobs’ in the app’s ‘Unite’ category, which allows talents to showcase their dance portfolios and upload videos etc. Those looking for dancers (perhaps for events, movie shoots, or even shaadi functions) can also post opportunities for the artists to explore, somewhat how classifieds are posted on LinkedIn,” says Dr. Sriram Nene at the launch of Dance With Madhuri 2.0(DWM), where he joined Madhuri Dixit, along with dance masters like Saroj Khan, Terence Lewis and Leena Mogre, to explain the ‘Learn Move Unite’ philosophy adopted by the upgraded version of DWM.

DWM is an answer to Madhuri’s lifelong dream of allowing everyone easy access to dance and the e-learning platform was developed two years back by her better half, Dr. Nene,along with an in-house team and the Indian software company Robosoft.

“With growing number of the users, we were encouraged to scale up the content and have now introduced more dance forms, and introduced new gurus to offer a more robust learning experience. At the same time, we have introduced new ways to use dance to stay fit with dancercise, body conditioning, dance pilates, dance yoga, tabata and more. People can learn dance and stay fit by accessing the DWM any time anywhere on any platform,” adds Madhuri.

Now, with over two lakh followers from more than 200 countries, the portal continues to be free for its users, and Dr Nene plans to keep it so perpetually.

Speaking about the revenue model for the app, Dr Nene says, “If you are looking at it from a long term perspective, it is a sponsorship advertising driven model, a classic example of which would be Facebook. With 100 million people (users) on board, its very promising solution for sponsors and advertisers. I also believe that we are entering an era where we value companies rather than look at its revenue.”

Dr Nene also hinted upon expanding this e-learning platform beyond dance to other spheres in near future.

May 14, 2015
Shashi Kapoor receives DadaSaheb Phalke Award at Prithvi Theatre

NEW DELHI: A large number of personalities from Bollywood including many of the heroines who shared screen space stood in loud ovation as veteran actor-filmmaker Shashi Kapoor received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2014 for contribution to development of cinema in his home town, Mumbai.

As Kapoor was not well enough to travel to Delhi when the National Film awards were presented by Pranab Mukherjee on 3 May, the actor received the highest national award for contribution to cinema at the Prithvi Theatre from Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley.

The award consisting of a Swarn Kamal (Golden Lotus), a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs, a citation and a shawl was given to the actor who came in on a wheel chair.

Describing him as the most versatile personality Indian cinema has produced, who worked in commercial and alternate cinema, Jaitley in his brief speech said he was an actor par excellence who competed with the very best during his times.

The Minister also credited him with bringing the Hindi cinema and Hollywood together.

He is the third personality from the Kapoor family to get the Phalke award after veteran director Prithviraj Kapoor and Raj Kapoor. He is the 46th Dada Saheb Phalke Award winner.

The star studded event was attended by his long-time co-star Amitabh Bachchan, directors Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani, Asha Parekh, actress & MP Hema Malini, Rekha, veteran singer Asha Bhosale, lyricist Javed Akhtar who along with Salim had penned the dialogues of many of the films Kapoor acted in, Shabana Azmi, and Zeenat Aman.

Family members present included Raj Kapoor’s widow Krishna Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor’s husband Saif Ali Khan, nephew Rishi with wife Neetu and son Ranbir, Shashi Kapoor’s children Kunal Kapoor and Sanjana Kapoor were also present. Ranbir started the show with a poem and Rishi compered the programme.

A poignant audio visual on Shashi Kapoor’s films and his work along with interviews of important film personalities was played at the occasion to a rousing applause from the elite film audience.

In a vote of thanks, Bachchan said that Shashi has been a caring and generous human being and it is very fitting that the function was held at Prithvi Theatre, which Shashi Kapoor himself had established.

Kapoor made his debut as a leading man in the 1961 film Dharamputra and in 1965 starred in a commercial hit Jab Jab Phul Khilen. He went on to appear in more than 150 Hindi films. He was a very popular actor in Bollywood during the 60s, 70s and until the mid-80s.

Shashi Kapoor was one of India’s first actors to go international and star in many British and American films, including those of Merchant Ivory Productions such as The Householder (1963),Shakespeare Wallah (1965), Bombay Talkie (1970) and Heat and Dust (1982). He also starred in other British and American films such as Siddhartha (1972) and Muhafiz (1994).

In 1978, Kapoor set up his production house Film Valas, which produced critically acclaimed films such as Junoon (1978), Kalyug (1981), 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981), Vijeta (1982) and Utsav (1984).

May 11, 2015
Quality and versatile music is the way forward for Guvera: Ananya Amin

MUMBAI: Global music streaming app Guvera, which was founded in 2008, recently reached the milestone of 10 million global users. In India, the app touched the three million users mark. Guvera international manager India and Middle East Ananya Amin is buoyed by the response so far in India.

“India is a versatile country with huge music fans, and in such short span the growth we achieved is indeed a matter of glory. Having said that, I must also say that we sense huge possibility of further growth in India where the smartphone base is increasing at a high rate,” Amin said.

Streaming habit in India is very different from the West and is changing at a very slow pace, which can emerge as a strong challenge for apps like Guvera. When asked about the same, Amin said, “The ecosystem in India needs to mature. What we observe from our analysis is that in some part of the county we are very dominant, while in other parts we are at a very nascent stage. Hence, we understand that streaming itself is a new aspect and gradually with the betterment of technology, the streaming habit will also change.”

“Independent rock and alternate rock are the genres that get maximum Indians to Guvera other than Bollywood and regional content. Independent bands and musicians whom we have featured so far have got immense encouragement and the audience also enjoyed their music. Going forward, we have aspirations of enhancing that base,” said Amin on the streaming trends observed in India.

Be it sports commentary, news broadcasting or music, regional content garners maximum visibility in India. “Regional content plays a vital role in India and we have associated with numerous regional content creators, who create quality content to entertain audiences. Speed Records in Punjab & Shri Venkatesh Films in West Bengal are amongst them. Wherever there is scope, we will expand with further associations,” He said.

Guvera is an ad based platform with ads as the only source of revenue. “Brands are happy with us because of the content we provide to our subscribers. Brands like Yes Bank, Harley Rock Riders, Ezeego1, Shaadi.com, Amazon, BookMyShow and McDonald’s have partnered with us and it’s a very cordial relationship, which is extremely fortunate for us,” adds Amin on the advertisers’ reaction so far.

There are multiple apps providing similar content and hence it is important to have a good marketing and promotional strategy for which many organizations hire a creative agency. When asked about the marketing strategy and spend of Guvera, Amin informed, “We don’t have an association with any creative agency as our in house team orchestrates the creative strategies. In terms of marketing spends, our key focus is in India and that’s where we will be spending aggressively. Live events are integral part of our promotional activities and we will focus on that part too. Recently, we did Harley Rock Riders in partnership with Harley Davidson, which was a huge success. Going forward, we are looking at having many such activities.”

“The obstacle that we have in our way has to be the Internet. Indian telecom is hugely dominated by pre-paid subscribers and with data being on the expensive side, it is very tough to penetrate to many such consumers, who would be interested in the product. However, with 3G spreading its network and the roll out of 4G, I must say that there are encouraging times ahead of us,” says Amin.

Talking about the future, Amin informs, “Going forward, I am very confident that we will stand tall and emerge as the leader when it comes to music streaming industry. I think we have everything that an app needs, to succeed. We are also positioning ourselves as a platform that encourage independent musicians. Independent bands without a platform are more than welcome to join hands with us.”

May 9, 2015
Zetc undergoes revamp, dons new youthful avatar

MUMBAI: Bollywood music channel Zetc has donned a new refreshed look, which reflects the culture of today’s youth. The renewed look of the channel will provide viewers with the latest Bollywood music and shows along with hot trending topics.

The new logo of the channel presents a youthful and energetic feel to the channel with a play on vibrant rainbow colors through animation. The tagline ‘Youth Music Cafe’ of the channel, which is an extension of the new brand ideology will help young viewers to identify and relate to the programming on a personal level.

Zetc head Vishnu Shankar said, “Today’s youth lives in an era of abundance. They have access to the best of the programming content and hence they expect supreme quality from the entertainment providers. The industry has evolved in an interesting way over the period of time and these are the times of transformations. At Zetc, it has been our endeavour to provide our viewers with the best programming content.

Our channel has grown with the genre and has developed a loyal fan base, which will expand rapidly as we unravel its untapped potential with the new refresh look. In its new manifestation we will leverage the iconicity of Bollywood and transform Zetc into the most preferred Hindi music channel.”

As a part of the revamp strategy, the channel will see several additions on the programming front. Iconic characters of Hindi cinema will be brought to life in entertaining parody forms along with the music, film reviews and juicy filmy gossip.

The channel’s programming highlight will be a talk show hosted by trade analyst Komal Nahta and the Bollywoood Business Awards. The talk show will cover the latest developments in the film industry including new releases, interviews, box-office collections, the emerging trends and future forecasts.

Zetc Bollywoood Business Awards identifies and honours winners purely based on their box office success. The award stands for an unbiased and commercial success-oriented metric system without the involvement of a jury.

Currently the Indian music channel market pegged at approximately Rs 800-900 crores, which is estimated to grow manifolds with the new BARC metric system. With the new method coming in, the channel has taken this opportunity to enhance the overall channel experience for its audience.

May 2, 2015
“Women must develop a thick skin in order to survive in the media:” Barkha Dutt

MUMBAI: Veteran journalist Barkha Dutt, who recently stepped down from her post as NDTV group editor to start her own business venture, said that in order to survive in the media business, women should develop a thick skin.

Speaking at the launch of FICCI Women in Media Forum, Dutt specifically addressed women journalists and said, “There are two key things that you should keep in mind. One is that you have to perform better than the men and secondly, be prepared to be scrutinised or even being deconstructed in the media room. Develop a thick skin in order to survive.”

Dutt spoke on the role of women in the Indian news room space and shared some key insights from her own experience. She began her keynote about the role and depiction of women 20 years ago in the industry. “I want to talk about my mother’s generation working in the media. Today, we are not the norms but the exception. When my mother was 19 years old and walked into Hindustan Times asking for a job, the then editor told her that there was no space for her in the media room. After persisting, she was told that she would get to cover a flower display show in Delhi. She later went on to head the news bureau,” Dutt said.

Sharing an interesting anecdote, Dutt, who is synonymous for her coverage of the Kargil War, said that it was her mother who should be given due credit. “During India’s war with Pakistan in 1965, my mother took a few days off and went to cover the war at the war front in Punjab. She did this after she was not allowed to cover the war by the newspaper. In Punjab, my mother sent dispatches back to the news paper desk, which got featured prominently,” Dutt shared.

Moving on to her own experience, Dutt said that in 1999, the army was uncomfortable with a woman at the war front. “They were not comfortable protecting a woman. I told them that if soldiers were going to go behind a rock and use it as a loo, so will I. Today, we women journalists want to be judged for our work as journalists,” she stated.

Dutt also mentioned that while today there were many women journalists, she could not even name 10 women editors or CEOs in the news room space. She shared insights of a UN survey, which analysed profitable film industries world over. “One third of the screen space or less was given to women in speaking roles in Bollywood. However, India did well in sexualising women.”

She highlighted how disparity in wages existed in Bollywood. “Why didn’t Kangana Ranaut get the same profits that her male contemporaries do even after performing well with a film like Queen? Why is Anoushka Sharma questioned if she has got a lip-job done, while the male actors are not asked if they have resorted to botox?” the popular TV anchor reasoned.

In conclusion Dutt said, “I sit here as a 43 year old and with 20 years of journalism experience and I look at it in dismay. There is a certain kind of glamorising of journalism that is taking place in the studio today. How is it that the three Khans of Bollywood are going strong enough at 50 years but not a single actress over 40?” she implored.

March 26, 2015
Blogmint launches #BloggersDreamTeam with Harsha Bhogle

MUMBAI: Blogmint, India’s automated marketplace that connects brands and bloggers, and a part of TO THE NEW Ventures, has launched the #BloggerDreamTeam campaign with Harsha Bhogle. The campaign aims at discovering and recognizing the emerging blogging, vlogging and micro-blogging talent in India.

Bhogle, a cricket expert and a sports evangelist, joined hands with Blogmint to acknowledge the budding social influencers in India and hand-pick his #BloggerDreamTeam. With Cricket World Cup 2015 fever gripping India, the campaign provides bloggers a platform to channelize their opinion around all aspects of the game – from fashion statements made by today’s cricketers to the impact of technological enhancements on the game.

Bhogle said, “The internet and social media have thrown up opportunities like never before and have allowed skill to meet opportunity. Blogmint is the perfect platform to empower bloggers and showcase these skills.”

Social media has become ubiquitous with young India and with that we are witnessing a new set of social media stars. Influencer Marketing, which was driven by Bollywood and sports celebrity endorsement, is now being increasingly driven by Social Influencers, which includes celebrity bloggers, YouTubers and Twitteraties. However, there aren’t any platforms in India, which connect these celebrities with brands in an automated and transparent fashion. “This is the gap that Blogmint aims to fill. Dream Team with Harsha Bhogle is an excellent opportunity for Bloggers to express opinions on the on-going cricket World Cup and at the same time showcase the versatility of their writing talent by combining cricket with themes including food, technology, lifestyle amongst others. #BloggerDreamTeam is one of the many initiatives that Blogmint plans to launch in order to engage the social influencers in India,” said Blogmint CEO Irfan Khan.

Bloggers can participate in the contest by visiting the following page – https://www.blogmint.com/HarshaBhogleDreamTeam.

“Dream Team with Harsha Bhogle is an excellent opportunity for Bloggers to express opinions on the on-going Cricket World Cup and at the same time showcase the versatility of their writing talent by combining cricket with themes including food, technology, lifestyle amongst others. #BloggerDreamTeam is one of the many initiatives that Blogmint plans to launch in order to engage the social influencers in India” he added.

“I am delighted to be associated with Blogmint’s Blogger Dream Team initiative. It’s a perfect platform for Bloggers which empowers their writing skills” asserted Harsha Bhogle.

Bloggers can participate in the contest by visiting the following page – https://www.blogmint.com/HarshaBhogleDreamTeam.

March 18, 2015
Exposure to ads & smoking in films led to increase in smoking among adolescents: Nadda

NEW DELHI: Various studies conducted over the past decade on advertising, marketing and depiction in Bollywood films has had a significant effect on adolescents taking to use of tobacco.

Health Minister JP Nadda cited various studies in Parliament that show increase of tobacco use among adolescents aged between 12 to 16 years not only because of Bollywood films, but also because of advertisements of tobacco products on cricket grounds during important series between India and other countries.

A study done between 2009 and 2012 showed that 59 movies contained 412 tobacco use occurrences. The prevalence of ever tobacco use among adolescents was 5.3 per cent. Compared with low-exposure adolescents, the adjusted odds of ever tobacco use among high-exposure adolescents and being receptive to tobacco promotions was also associated with higher adjusted odds of ever tobacco use.

A cross-sectional sample of 3956 adolescents (eighth and ninth grades, ages 12–16 years) from 12 randomly selected New Delhi schools were taken for the survey, assessing tobacco use status, receptivity to tobacco promotions (based on owning or being willing to wear tobacco-branded merchandise) and exposure to tobacco use in movies.

A 10-city survey of over 9,000 students between the ages of 13 and 17 showed that after seeing the Wills World cup Cricket Series, 13 per cent felt a desire to smoke. The survey also showed that 72 per cent thought that there was at least one smoker on the Indian cricket team, which played in the 1996 World Cup.

A previous study published in the British Medical Journal, showed similar results. It concluded that cigarette company sponsorship of the India-New Zealand cricket series in 1995 had a significant impact on kids, who watched it on television. The advertising created the impression among the 1,948 children aged 13-16 years, who participated in the survey, that “smoking gives more strength, improves batting and fielding and ultimately increases the chance of winning.”

There are independent studies that have been conducted to determine the impact of advertising and promotion of tobacco products on the consumption of these products by Indians, the Minister said. Evidence suggests that exposure to promotional activities for tobacco leads to initiation and progression of tobacco use. Research also corroborates that exposure to tobacco advertisements and receptivity to tobacco marketing are significantly related to increased tobacco use among students.

Nadda also quoted other studies related to advertising of tobacco products and said that according to the Report of the Tobacco Control in India (2004), tobacco advertising, in direct or indirect form, boosts consumption.

Section 5 of the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003(COTPA, 2003), prohibits all direct and indirect advertisements of the tobacco products. The prohibition also extends to any activity that promotes the use or consumption of cigarettes or any other tobacco products.

The advertisement of Pan Masala is regulated by Section 30 of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011, issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which states that every package of Pan Masala and advertisement relating thereto, shall carry the warning, “Chewing of Pan Masala is injurious to health.”

Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations 2011 issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 by the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), lays down that tobacco and nicotine shall not be used as ingredients in any food products. Therefore, Gutkha is a prohibited product under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations 2011 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and hence its advertisement is also prohibited.

March 17, 2015
Pakistani actress Sadia Khan to debut in Bollywood

NEW DELHI: Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan seemed to have paved the way for some of their peers to enter the Indian film industry.

Now the first-ever Indo-Norwegian collaboration Dunno Y 2… Life Is A Moment will star Pakistani actress and model Sadia Khan. The film is a sequel to eleven international awards winner Dunno Y…Na Jaane Kyun.

Known for her beauty and sensitive performance as Imaan in Pakistani drama Khuda Aur Muhabbat, the actress is paired opposite stand-up comedian Kapil Sharma in her debut film. Khan plays a Norwegian Pakistani in this movie.

It also stars Zeenat Aman, Yuvraaj Parashar, Meera along with European actors.

Khan was selected after a talent hunt in India, Pakistan and the Middle East, where more than 800 girls screen tested for the role.

The film is shot in Norway and is directed by Norwegian director Tonje Gjevjon and Indian director Sanjay Sharma.

It is a musical romantic comedy made in Hindi, English and Norwegian. It was recently premiered at the prestigious Opera House of Oslo.

Khan said, “It’s a beautiful role and an international film. Legends like Lata Mangeshkar, Zeenat Aman and Salma Agha are associated with the project. I could not ask for a better debut!”

March 13, 2015
Sonakshi Sinha trains with Tiger Shroff’s fitness trainer for Murgadoss’ next

MUMBAI: In her four-year career, Sonakshi Sinha has been part of several action films. But for the first time in her career, Sinha is getting the chance to actually perform extensive stunts in her next with director AR Murgadoss. The untitled woman-centric action film is ready to go on floors soon.

Sinha has already started prepping for her role, and has been intensively training to sport a super fit body. She has been training with Bollywood’s famous fitness expert, Kuldeep, who has also trained Tiger Shroff, amongst others.

A source said, “Sonakshi has started rigorous workout sessions to improve her flexibility and core strength. Her regimen includes stretching, exercises for flexibility, acrobat training as well as Yoga. Throughout this period, her diet excluded all kinds of oily, sweet and junk food, and featured more high-protein food items.”

March 11, 2015
Zee Cinema unveils digital campaign for Women’s Day

MUMBAI: This Women’s Day, Zee Cinema will give viewers a glimpse of Bollywood without its Heroines in a new digital campaign.

In a male dominated industry, Zee Cinema offers a glimpse into what Bollywood would be without the presence of female protagonists #BollywoodWithoutWomen!

As the International Women’s Day on 8 March dawns upon us, Zee Cinema has decided to commemorate the presence of women in true Bollywood styel. Via the digital campaign titled #BollywoodWithoutWomen, the channel will be sharing creative memes highlighting a “World without Jodha, Simran, and even Humpty Sharma’s Dulhania.”

With each creative encompassing four elements – the Zee Cinema logo unit, the Bollywood character who is without his lady love, the hashtag #BollywoodWithoutWomen and the key creative copy, the campaign will last for two days (8 – 9 March, 2015) on the channel’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

As a part of this digital campaign, Zee Cinema will be reaching out to around 1.6 million fans on their Facebook page to drive interesting and engaging conversations. Also, the channel will run a special contest asking audiences to respond on ‘How would Bollywood be without women?’ on Twitter, where five lucky winners will be get an opportunity to win exciting prizes.

March 5, 2015