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Tag: Bookmyshow

  • Pay-per-view takes off in India, but has a long way to go

    Pay-per-view takes off in India, but has a long way to go

    KOLKATA: While the last year has seen the entry of new over-the-top (OTT) players, it has witnessed the burgeoning of new business models as well, pay-per-view being one of the most noticeable trends. A number of new entrants, along with some of the existing over-the-top players, launched this transactional model. Very recently, online ticketing player BookMyShow and telecom player Vi introduced their own on-demand services under the TVoD category.

    Despite it being the latest bandwagon, experts are sceptical about pay-per-view’s success in the market. For the value-conscious Indian viewers, who are much more inclined to pay for bundled catalogues, this model will tempt only a minuscule set of audiences. But with effective pricing and marquee content, pay-per-view may increase its attractiveness.

    Vi announced the launch of its pay-per-view streaming service, available on Vi Movies and TV app, in collaboration with Hungama Digital Media. Vi customers will be able to rent premium Hollywood movies at Rs 120 and others at Rs 60 for a period of 48 hours.

    Media expert Rajiv Sharma thinks content under this model should not disappear so soon. According to him, the model can work better if the library is phenomenal, and moreover, whatever is being picked up should be available for long term, at least for six months.

    While movie theatres being shut for a long time led to a line-up of movies pending releases, there is a huge backlog that will not hit theatres right now for multiple reasons. Hence, some of the pay-per-view platforms feel that consumers might shell out for watching movies at home, Elara Capital VP research analyst (media) Karan Taurani said. But he also pointed out that most Indians pay for cinemas considering it as an outing and for the overall experience. So, it can be challenging to get consumers to just pay for one content.  He also mentioned that the model has been tried and tested by DTH players but they have not been able to scale it up.

    ShemarooMe was one of the first players to launch a pay-per-view service ShemarooMe Box Office during lockdown. Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd rolled out Zee Plex in October. In early February, BookMyShow’s streaming service debuted under the TVoD model, offering 600 movie titles and 72,000 hours of content. Notably, BookMyShow Stream allows users to either buy or rent a movie and the price point ranges between Rs 40 to Rs 700. Some smaller regional players are also testing the waters with this model.

    Kuarte Digital’s Uday Sodhi noted that the pay-per-view model is not new in India. Earlier, telecom operators had tested this model or other aggregators like Apple also went for this pricing model, albeit OTT platforms have been trying it for the first time in the wake of Covid2019.

    “This model is still at a very nascent stage. Also, if you look at BookMyShow streaming service, this is more of an evolved ticketing system for movies. TVoD is a good proposition for live events, sports coupled with effective pricing. It is very unlikely for major OTT platforms to choose TVoD for mainstream entertainment content,” Sodhi added.

    However, according to Sharma, if pay-per-view is strategised properly, it will give users more flexibility and control over payout. An average user sometimes watches only one-two content in a month paying for the library. With a proper price gap, it might attract that part of the user base. Even so, every piece of content cannot be a marquee property, “killer content” is very rare, which is one of the biggest gaps for this model.

    Among the top players, SonyLIV is dipping its toe in the pay-per-view pool by introducing WWE to its viewers with the WWE Network pack curated specially for fans of pro wrestling. Most experts are of the view that the chances of major platforms exploring this model are very rare. Instead, they will look at innovative comprehensive pricing like Netflix did with its mobile only plan, Taurani stated. To reach critical mass, the subscription should be the focus area for bigger players as of now, experts believe. 

  • Indian & Singapore artistes come together for cross-cultural virtual chat

    Indian & Singapore artistes come together for cross-cultural virtual chat

    NEW DELHI: BookMyShow (BMS) and the Singapore Tourism Board have teamed up to launch My Singapore Connect, an initiative that brings together acclaimed talents from India and Singapore, through a four-part web series which will be released exclusively on the streaming platform BookMyShow Online, on 28-29 November and 5-6 December.

    A true reflection of the initiative’s tagline ‘Where Passions Meet’, the web series celebrates creativity across various art forms, including film-making, music, food and comedy through interesting, candid conversation between renowned artists across India and Singapore. Each episode will be headlined by an Indian artist in an engaging interaction and conversation with their Singaporean counterpart, giving consumers a rare opportunity to catch them as they share stories of their passion for their respective crafts.

    The line-up will feature MasterChef India judge Chef Ranveer Brar partner with MasterChef Singapore counterpart Chef Bjorn Shen to share their culinary pursuits, passion for food and what keeps them busy when they are not cooking. Zoya Akhtar, critically acclaimed director-producer of Gully Boy and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Boo Junfeng, an award-winning Singapore film director will share how they unwind after a hectic filming schedule, why food plays a prominent role in deciding a shoot location and what first excited them to pursue filmmaking.

    Audiences will witness the candid bonhomie between Singapore’s home-grown DJ and music producer Manfred Lim (Myrne) and Prateek Kuhad, singer-songwriter who was among the line-up of international artists at the off-track entertainment gala at the 2016 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and see them perform their popular music sets and chat about how they keep their fans engaged during this pandemic and the urge to perform live once again. Varun Thakur, the crowd-favourite Indian comedian who performed in Singapore in 2018 and Sharul Channa,  female stand-up comedian based in Singapore, will reminisce the time they met in Mumbai, upcoming gigs they are planning and test each other on who can remember the most number of shopping brands at the Changi airport.

    While entertaining audiences with lesser known facts about the artists from both countries, the videos will also showcase the different locations in Singapore and the affinity between the artists, thus furthering the initiative’s underlying theme of My Singapore Connect – Where Passions Meet.  

    Singapore Tourism Board regional director India, Middle East & South Asia (IMESA)  G B Srithar said, “India and Singapore share many cultural similarities and we want to use this opportunity to further highlight and strengthen the emotional connect between both countries. We are delighted to bring together these virtual experiences and continue reaching out to people of common passions. The STB’s association with BookMyShow reaffirms our commitment to innovatively engage with our consumers by bringing together renowned artistes from both countries to collaborate and deliver engaging, entertaining content. We hope that the ‘My Singapore Connect’ videos will delight the viewers and inspire visits to Singapore, when the time is right.”

     BookMyShow head – marketing and business Intelligence Marzdi Kalianiwala said, “BookMyShow’s extensive capabilities of robust data analytics, customer insights and an entertainment-loving user base of millions of loyal consumers along with STB’s rich and deep understanding of the cultural ethos of Singapore as one of the most loved global travel destinations meant this partnership was a natural fit.”

    Beyond the episodes, the partnership will also look to take ‘My Singapore Connect’ to the next level by enabling the artists to meet in person in Singapore, when normalcy returns and travel is possible, to turn their inspirations to reality across their art forms. 

    Speaking on their association with My Singapore Connect, the artists said:

    Zoya Akhtar: "The appetite for cinema is fast continuing to evolve, with audiences across the globe having access to content like never before! Cinema as an art form has been transcending geographical barriers for decades now but technology has enabled it to reach everyone. My association with ‘My Singapore Connect’ – an initiative by the Singapore Tourism Board and BookMyShow is a true reflection of that evolution. I am so excited to catch up with Boo Junfeng and see the world through his films, his eyes as he takes me through some of the most iconic locations in Singapore, a country that remains one of my most favourite destinations to visit and I can’t wait to shoot there now that I have seen locations that were as yet hidden away to a tourist."

    Ranveer Brar: “For me, food and travel always go hand in hand because I connect with a cuisine better when I have understood how it has evolved. I have fond memories of my last few visits to Singapore and exploring its diverse culture and cuisine, especially, street food. I am super excited to team up with Chef Bjorn Shen, with whom I discovered a lot of common ground, not just w.r.t food, but life and business too! All this and more coming your way, thanks to ‘My Singapore Connect’ by Singapore Tourism Board and BookMyShow.”

    Varun Thakur: “Singapore was the first international destination I went to as a child so it always holds a special place in my heart. Going there as an adult last year brought all the fun memories back and helped me make some more. I’m grateful to ‘My Singapore Connect’ for the opportunity to collaborate with Sharul, someone whose personality, vibe and comedy I admire a lot. I’m excited to chat with her about food, music, culture and get all possible tips and tidbits for my next Singapore visit. I want to thank the Singapore Tourism Board and BookMyShow once again for this opportunity that’s bringing artists together from both countries.”

    Prateek Kuhad: “While I only got to travel to Singapore in 2016 for the Music Matters festival and a couple of shows at the F1, I’d love to find more of a ‘My Singapore Connect’ with the city. I’m looking forward to chatting with Myrne to understand and learn more about Singapore, its music and the food surprises they have to offer. Hopefully our stories of touring and travels make for an interesting conversation for you guys. Shout out to Singapore Tourism Board and BookMyShow for putting this piece together!"

    Boo Junfeng: “Cinema has always held sway over the Indian audiences and even here, in Singapore we have seen how popular Indian movies can be. I am very fond of Zoya Akhtar’s film, Gully Boy, and it’s a privilege for me to share screen space with her in a video where we talk about our shared passion for filmmaking. In addition to this, I shall be taking Zoya through the vivid cultural scenes of Singapore and rediscovering the source of ideas for our favorite art form. I am thrilled to be a part of this initiative by Singapore Tourism Board and BookMyShow for offering this platform to reach out to the Indian audience.”

    Chef Bjorn Shen: “Food is always a subject of great interest whenever I travel; and having visited India, I have seen first-hand the buzzing food culture of the country. I’m thrilled to join hands with rockstar Indian chef Ranveer Brar in discussing our passions for cooking and swapping stories of the great culinary cultures of both our countries. I hope that through ‘My Singapore Connect’, viewers are able to taste these delights, even if only through their screens for now.” 

    Sharul Channa: “The world has seen some really grey days over the past few months and I think we all collectively value the power of a good laugh now. I’ve always had great fun when I’ve visited and performed with an Indian audience and I’m thrilled to collaborate with Varun Thakur for ‘My Singapore Connect’. I’m sure we both have some interesting anecdotes to share and this will translate into a friendly banter. Through all of this we also hope to showcase a lot of common ground between both countries. This is a wonderful and unique platform for us to connect with our fans.”

    DJ Myrne: “For me, music has always transcended barriers. So, I am thrilled to collaborate on this project with Singapore Tourism Board and BookMyShow to engage with Indian fans! It will be great to virtually meet Prateek Kuhad and understand the roots of his music. Also, to share ‘My Singapore Connect’ and chat about how our home base enables us to draw inspiration for our common passion of creating music. Singapore has a growing and diverse music scene, while India is well known for its rich legacy in music. I hope Prateek and I will be able to jam together someday in person representing the best of both countries.”

  • BookMyShow’s new campaign marries entertainment and safety

    BookMyShow’s new campaign marries entertainment and safety

    NEW DELHI: BookMyShow has released its latest campaign film ‘Unlocking Life’ which explores the theme of people revisiting their favourite forms of out-of-home entertainment experiences in the new normal. 

    The ‘Unlocking Life’ campaign comes at a time when the entertainment sector in the country is witnessing a revival after a six month-long pause, giving millions of Indians a much needed respite from the no-show phase.

    The film highlights BookMyShow’s ‘My Safety First’ feature – the first ever safety shield tag, which helps users make an informed choice and enjoy an absolutely safe and secure entertainment experience.

    BookMyShow COO – cinemas Ashish Saksena said, “BookMyShow is thrilled to welcome audiences to their favourite formats of out-of-home entertainment, yet again! We understand that health and safety of all stakeholders is of utmost importance, now more than ever, and will be a key driver in reviving the entertainment ecosystem in India. The ‘Unlocking Life’ campaign aims at redefining the vast array of entertainment experiences and how they will be rolled out even whilst retaining the same measure of fun and vibrancy, as audiences finally gear up to step out and make memories with their loved ones, in these extraordinary times. The ‘My Safety First’ feature on our platform further strengthens our promise of providing safe entertainment to our users, and we urge all entertainment-lovers to make an informed decision as they get ready to experience entertainment in its new avatar, like never before.”

    The ‘My Safety First’ tag will highlight various safety indicators available across all movies and events listed on the platform, such as social distancing-based seating, thermal screening, contactless security check, availability of hand sanitizers, daily temperature check for staff members, availability of packaged food & beverages, limited occupancy in restrooms, compulsory masks, sanitization before every show amongst others, enabling users to see the various safety measures employed by partners and make an informed decision before they step out to be a part of their favorite out-of-home entertainment experience.

  • Will major studios go T-Vod in Bollywood?

    Will major studios go T-Vod in Bollywood?

    MUMBAI: Is this the shape of things to come? That’s a question most in the Indian film exhibition, production, distribution and streaming sectors are asking.

    The reference is to the deal that the world’s largest theatre chain AMC struck yesterday with Universal. It allows a crushing of the window of digital release of new films to at least three weekends (or 17 days) from the current 75-90 days following its rollout on cinema screens. 

    In March 2020, Universal pocketed $100 million from consumers who watched its film Trolls: World Tour when it released it on its premium video on demand (P-Vod) platform when theatres were shut in the US on account of the lockdowns courtesy the raging pandemic.

    That move had irked AMC to the extent that it had said it would not release any of Universal’s forthcoming releases in its 1000 theatres when they would reopen fully.  And the duo had been duelling ever since then.

    The agreement between the two now allows AMC to get a piece of the PVOD revenues that Universal will stand to earn from its releases on digital.  But the duo has agreed that films should first be released at a premium price point of around $20, and could be dropped to $3 to $5 only 90 days after their cinema debut.  

    For sure, going D2C on premium video on demand is better cash earning proposition for the studios as they get to keep 80 per cent of the collections as compared to theatres where the exhibitors retain 50 per cent.  But as everyone says going to the movies is an experience that cannot be replicated at home; hence the exhibition sector does have a long-term future.

    The breaking down of the 90-day bastion raises many questions:

    *Will other studios like Lionsgate, Warner Bros, Sony Pictures follow suit?
    * Will other theatrical chains and independent theatres too toe the line?

    * Will this change the business model that is prevalent in India as well as far cinema exhibition is concerned, way beyond the pandemic?

    So far, Indian film producers and distributors who don’t have the holding capacity have been taking to release their films on OTT platforms like Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix, Amazon or ZEE5 by selling them streaming rights as theatres have been shut for more than four months.  None of them has attempted to take the premium video on demand route. In fact, Disney+ Hotstar actually kept the premiere of the Sushant Singh Rajput-starrer Dil Bechara free for all in a bid to lure non-paying subscribers to sample the service.

    Theatre owners such as PVR and Carnival have been protesting these moves by producers and distributors and have been lobbying to get the governmental go-ahead to open the box office by August as four months of closure has weighed heavily on their financial viability. Of course, there will be severe restrictions – if and when the green flag is raised – in how many seats can be sold for every show.  Considering costs attached to every screening, opening might prove even more financially unviable for exhibitors as the movie-going audience may be loathe to go out, considering how the pandemic is spreading nationwide. Or maybe audiences might flock to the theatres only to have them shut down in case some of the screenings give rise to fresh infections.

    Ticketing company BookMyShow has launched its T-Vod platform and has already got a buy in from Shemaroo to release some of its unreleased film slate on it. None of them is an A-lister movie. Shemaroo says it will take the films onto SVOD later. At the time of writing, no other major had done so.

    However, Viacom18 Studios C0O Ajit Andhare's comments today about the Universal-AMC deal on Twitter gives a sense of the mood prevalent among producers and studios. “Important developments that will have implications for the future. T-VOD as I have been saying always is making the moves.”

    Applause Entertainment CEO Sameer Nair responded to Ajit with his view: “True that! But as long as we, as an industry, strive to keep multiple revenue streams alive, we will adapt and change with these shifting sands. The death knell will be monopolistic gatekeepers that dictate price and access to audiences.”

    The questions that the industry will have to find answers to are:

    * Will the big producers, studios and distributors take a leap of faith and release the big banner films which have been gathering dust?

    * Will they manage to get the streamers to agree to a premium transactional window independent of AVOD and SVOD?

    * Will they be able to market smartly and get enough consumers to watch the movies online to recover their investment  (if at least partly) to make the T-Vod effort – in terms of the lower price the streamers will give them for being a second window – worth it?

    * Will a mainline theatre chain like PVR, Inox or Carnival agree to partner with a major studio in the new windowing that the pandemic disruption has imposed on age-old business models?

    Movie watchers have shown they have the appetite to go digital: 95 million or so of them watched Dil Bechara within 24 hours of its release. An actor, whose untimely death the nation has been mourning, starred in the poignant tale. He was not even ranked in the same grade by the industry as other actors like Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and  Aamir Khan though he was supremely talented.

    Numerous big banner and big budget films have been awaiting a theatrical release. The pandemic looks un-stoppable currently with nearly 50,000 fresh Covid2019 cases being reported daily. There is no endgame in sight.

    Maybe it’s time some of the majors took the T-Vod plunge.  It’s over to the industry.

  • BookMyShow and GoNuts Partner to Elevate Celebrity Engagement Experience

    BookMyShow and GoNuts Partner to Elevate Celebrity Engagement Experience

    GoNuts, a Mumbai based start-up that connects fans to their favourite celebrities via authentic & personalized video messages and experiences and BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination, today announced their partnership to bring personalised celebrity video greetings for users across the country.

    Under this partnership, key artists on GoNuts will be featured on BookMyShow, allowing users to engage with celebrities through both platforms. Users can request for varied messages ranging from birthday & anniversary wishes, festive greetings for the whole family to corporate videos for employee motivation and much more. This offering, in partnership with GoNuts, is an addition to BookMyShow’s wide range of unparalleled entertainment offerings, taking customer experience a notch higher.

    GoNuts has a portfolio of over 500 celebrities across categories like films, television, sports and music, amongst others, available on its platform. This gives users a diverse range of celebrities to choose from to convey personalized messages to their loved ones. The platform has leading celebrities including Shaan, Shankar Mahadevan, Kailash Kher, Talat Aziz, Shibani Kashyap, Daboo Ratnani, Sivamani, Ankit Bathla, Shivin Narang, Jonty Rhodes, Lance Klusener, Ranveer Brar and Vicky Ratnani. Over 100 artists from this compelling catalogue will be available on BookMyShow.

    Commenting on the association, Joji George, Co-Founder, GoNuts, said, “We are extremely delighted to partner with BookMyShow. Fandom is on the rise and social media has caused an explosive growth in online fan following of celebrities. However, this is limited to a one-way conversation with celebrities. GoNuts, the leaders personalised video messaging, brings fans and celebrities together to create magical once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This partnership further reinforces GoNuts’ commitment to being at the forefront of giving authentic and personalized experiences to customers and brands.”

    Albert Almeida, COO – Live Entertainment, BookMyShow, said, “We are glad to partner with GoNuts to bring an exciting form of engagement for millions of our loyal customers. This initiative is a step forward in expanding our repertoire of offerings, bringing users closer to their favourite artists through personalised video shout outs and much more, making their special moments memorable.”

  • BookMyShow launches global online streaming platform for live entertainment with ‘BookMyShow Online’

    BookMyShow launches global online streaming platform for live entertainment with ‘BookMyShow Online’

    KOLKATA: Continuing with its efforts to keep consumers entertained within the safety of their homes, BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination today announced the launch of its online video streaming platform for live entertainment – BookMyShow Online. Having entertained millions of customers with multiple in-home virtual entertainment offerings on its platform, in the shadow of the COVID health crisis, BookMyShow’s latest feature is a response to audiences’ growing need for entertainment within their homes, for the present times.

    This is the latest in BookMyShow’s growing range of offerings, as the preferred discovery platform for all things entertainment. BookMyShow Online caters to the fast-evolving, ever-changing needs of entertainment lovers in India as also globally for customers using the platform across USA & North America, UK, Germany, UAE, South East Asia, and West Indies. BookMyShow’s new streaming feature as a virtual platform for viewing live entertainment has successfully hosted over 30 events at scale, including the first-ever global virtual tours of Latin musician Willie Gomez, Australian pop band The Buckleys as also American music artist Taylor Castro’s performances amongst others.

    BookMyShow Online is all set to host the first ever Virtual Music Festival in the country with the Sunburn Home Festival, – the virtual edition of Asia’s biggest electronic dance music festival. The festival will feature top DJs from across the globe in a never-seen-before avatar with 3D animations and special effects showcasing the virtual live experience of a music concert with end-to-end production of stage, lights, LED, lasers, special effects and more streamed live only on BookMyShow Online.

    With this, BookMyShow brings together all forms of entertainment, whether out-of-home or delivered at-home under its roof in keeping with its brand mantra – ‘It All Starts Here!’

    A global platform for virtual live entertainment, BookMyShow Online will be home to both paid and free performances across music, comedy, and other performing arts and will be an extension of the unparalleled live entertainment experiences produced and brought to the country by the entertainment company. BookMyShow Online aims to give consumers a seamless option to view live on-ground experiences from the comfort of their living room, or any location of their preference. 

    BookMyShow Online breaks all geographical barriers when it comes to live entertainment experiences, offering artists all over the world, an opportunity to stream their live performances directly on the platform, helping them reach and engage with millions of their fans in India and globally. The streaming feature will run across BookMyShow’s app and web platforms matching global capacity standards to host a smooth experience for scores of concurrent viewers at any given point.

    BookMyShow co-founder and director Parikshit Dar said, “Innovation has always been at the core of BookMyShow, riding on the strength of our product platform, technological expertise and data analytics to enhance the experience of millions of consumers. Sensing the shift in our users’ appetite for entertainment during this lockdown, we were agile enough to change tack by introducing virtual in-home entertainment offerings in India and other global markets. The resultant consumer engagement for such initiatives was phenomenal indicating a latent demand and an opportunity to serve seamless virtual live entertainment. Our latest video streaming platform BookMyShow Online was born out of this need to make virtual live entertainment, a friction-less and hassle-free viewing experience. The streaming platform was integrated into our native product within a few weeks and offers customisation, massive scale for concurrent viewing and complete security of content. We have, since, been successful in hosting multiple performances from across the globe on BookMyShow Online and are now thrilled to officially launch the service for our valued customers.”

    BookMyShow has partnered with Brightcove, the world’s leading video technology platform, as the underlying video streaming technology that powers the use case for the video platform BookMyShow Online. Brightcove’s underlying technology enables BookMyShow Online to deliver a reliable, high-quality streaming experience that is easily scalable as the platform’s audience size continues to increase.

  • Dance With Madhuri partners with BookMyShow to host online dance classes

    Dance With Madhuri partners with BookMyShow to host online dance classes

    NEW DELHI: Madhuri Dixit Nene’s premier dance academy Dance With Madhuri (DWM) has joined hands with BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination, to expand its dance e-learning offerings to dance lovers across the country. Currently, DWM offers its online dance courses via its standalone web/mobile apps and 4 DTH TV networks. This strategic association with BookMyShow is a step forward in reaching out to a wider user base. The initiative, which will kickstart from July 1st, 2020, will empower users to learn dance from the best choreographers & experts including Madhuri Dixit Nene.

    DWM, one of the leading e-learning platforms, has seen exponential growth globally, especially in this period of lockdown and has rolled out a lot of add-on free classes and activities to keep its users engaged from the safety of their homes. Through this association, users across age groups can choose to learn dance from a wide range of forms such as Kathak and Hip-hop, amongst others.

    Dixit said, “With the ongoing global lockdown & social distancing, we didn’t want people losing an opportunity to learn something new. Hence, we teamed up with BookMyShow to empower everyone with dance”

    BookMyShow, COO live entertainment Albert Almeida added, “We are excited to partner with ‘Dance With Madhuri’ to cater to millions of our users during this period. This association is an extension of our wide range of in-home entertainment offerings and we are happy to bring a compelling dance property helmed by the dancing icon Madhuri Dixit Nene, for our users across age groups.”

  • Hungama Artist Aloud presents World Music Day Festival Season 4: digital edition, in partnership with BookMyShow

    Hungama Artist Aloud presents World Music Day Festival Season 4: digital edition, in partnership with BookMyShow

    MUMBAI: Hungama Artist Aloud, a platform that supports and promotes independent content, has announced the digital edition of its musical gala, World Music Day Festival Season 4, in partnership with BookMyShow. A medley of different forms and genres of music, the festival will feature 4 concerts from 4 renowned artists – Mame Khan, Parikrama, Anand Bhaskar Collective and Hardeep Grewal, performing original songs live from their homes to celebrate the spirit of music. Premiering on World Music Day, 21 June 2020 at 12 noon, each concert will be 45 minutes to an hour long and available to watch exclusively on BookMyShow. Tickets for the festival will be available on BookMyShow starting today, 12 June 2020. Users can purchase tickets for an individual artist’s concert for Rs 299 or buy a season pass for Rs 499 that gives them access to all the 4 concerts.

    Purchasing a season pass will also give the users access to opening acts from Aléa Motwane and Krisha Mongia, two extremely talented teenage artists who featured in Hungama Artist Aloud Discoveration – Gen Next, a musical series that featured independent musicians under the age of 18, performing original compositions.

    Over the past few years, Hungama Artist Aloud has organized the World Music Day Festival to mark the occasion and give music lovers across the country a chance to appreciate independent content and artists. In its third edition, the festival saw simultaneous performances across 8 cities in India. The latest edition of the property, which will be available for viewing on BookMyShow, is an addition to the entertainment platform’s vast array for in-home entertainment offerings, which have catered to the entertainment needs of tens of million users during this lockdown period.

    Talking about World Music Day Festival Season 4, Hungama Artist Aloud VP Soumini Sridhara Paul said, “Hungama Artist Aloud’s foundation is based on celebrating independent music. As a culture, we are known to have music for everything and every occasion. It is an intrinsic part of our lives and World Music Day is the day we acknowledge and honour it. With every edition, it has been our endeavor to take this festival a notch higher and this year is no different. I am certain that the digital edition will provide a hopeful, exciting and entertaining respite to our audiences at a time when they can’t physically be present for live events.” 

    BookMyShow  COO – Live Entertainment Albert Almeida said, “BookMyShow has been the go-to discovery and ticketing platform for millions of entertainment lovers in India and beyond, bringing some of the most compelling properties and artists across formats and genres over the past two decades as also specifically during this lockdown period with a host of virtual entertainment experiences. With the digital edition of World Music Day Festival Season 4, we are excited to bring yet another specially curated unparalleled music offering to the safety of our customers’ homes in partnership with our friends from Hungama Artist Aloud. This initiative is a step forward in our efforts to drive home the stay-home message, with some of the best performers celebrating the art of music.”

    Talking about his concert Mame Khan said, “Music has the power to change the world and bring people closer. I am extremely happy to be part of Hungama Artist Aloud and BookMyShow’s celebration of World Music Day, digitally. In these difficult times, I think it is a great opportunity for all of us to extend our support to each other through music.”

    Rock band, Parikrama said, “It feels great to be able to perform for our fans and celebrate World Music Day with them digitally. We are certain that our fans will appreciate the original compositions that we have to share with them. We are thankful to Hungama Artist Aloud and BookMyShow for providing a medium that will help us connect with our fans.”

    Anand Bhaskar Collective said, “Events like World Music Day Festival are a great way to appreciate music and connect with music enthusiasts from across the country. We are glad that platforms like Hungama Artist Aloud and BookMyShow have taken the initiative to take the festival to a wider, larger audience by taking the digital route. We are excited to be a part of the festival and look forward to performing for the audiences.”

    Hardeep Grewal said, “As everything around us is caught up in the loop of uncertainty, I think it is initiatives such as these that give us hope and respite. I am thankful to Hungama Artist Aloud and BookMyShow for taking the initiative to celebrate and honor music in a manner that brings everyone together.”

    Hungama Artist Aloud World Music Day Festival Season 4: Digital Edition will be available to stream on BookMyShow. To purchase tickets, please visit https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/hungama-artist-aloud-world-music-day-season-4/ET00132704.

  • Nykaa and BookMyShow come together to launch India’s first ever beauty festival ‘Nykaaland’ – the wonder world of beauty

    Nykaa and BookMyShow come together to launch India’s first ever beauty festival ‘Nykaaland’ – the wonder world of beauty

    MUMBAI: Hop on board the beauty bandwagon as India’s leading beauty retailer Nykaa and BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination, launch the country’s first ever beauty festival Nykaaland. Thoughtfully curated by the two powerhouses, Nykaaland further widens the out-of-home entertainment ecosystem creating a rich experience in a genre, as yet untouched. The maiden edition of the festival will be hosted in Mumbai, on March 21-22, 2020 at the Member’s Enclosure, Mahalaxmi Racecourse.

    Nykaaland will host more than 40 home-grown and international beauty brands, interactive sessions with celebrity beauty trailblazers like Masaba Gupta and master classes with industry experts like Namrata Soni, Sonic Sarwate and Anthony Cole.

    Headlining the festival and known by his Instagram moniker MakeupByMario, the makeup maestro who has been the long-time make-up artist for global sensation Kim Kardashian, will host an on-stage makeup demonstration on March 21, giving makeup lovers a chance to catch him at work, receive a participation certificate and exciting beauty goodies. Mario Dedivanovic’s makeup master class sessions have been an attraction for make-up lovers all over the world, and will make a grand India debut at Nykaaland.

    Makeup whiz Mario Dedivanovic said, “Indian beauty draws heavily from history and culture, making it one of the most varied and rich definitions of beauty, the world over. I am extremely excited to visit India and look forward to hosting a masterclass for the first time ever at Nykaaland. Masterclasses are my way of connecting with makeup lovers from different parts of the world and my session at Nykaaland will be inspired by the sensibilities and preferences of the iconic land of beauty that India is. I can’t wait to interact with Indian beauty enthusiasts and together, create a magical beauty canvas!”

    The beauty festival, which has on-boarded PayPal as the payment partner, will be led by live demos, experiences and the spirit of discovery. Nykaaland has something for everyone across the beauty spectrum and will also host healthy food options, feature instagrammable zones and a host of Indian and international live music entertainment experiences to choose from

    Featuring popular brands like M.A.C Cosmetics, Huda Beauty, Kama Ayurveda, Kay Beauty, Innisfree, L'Oréal Paris, Lakmé, Pixi by Petra, Clinique and Simple amongst several others the festival will also have a dedicated ‘discovery zone’ for customers to know more about upcoming brands in the world of beauty.

    Falguni Nayar, Founder and CEO, Nykaa said, “Nykaa has been instrumental in shaping the beauty industry in India with our extensive brand selection, omnichannel retail and tech-driven beauty solutions. This unique event gives us yet another opportunity to delight our customers with exceptional beauty experiences and expert interactions. For this flagship property we have found the perfect partner in BookMyShow to be able to create a truly unique festival.”

    Albert Almeida, COO – Live Entertainment, BookMyShow said, “The out-of-home entertainment ecosystem in India is a kaleidoscope of growing recreational choices, with users lapping up new and unique experiences like never before. As BookMyShow forays into yet another experiential space with India’s first ever beauty festival ‘Nykaaland’, we are delighted to partner with Nykaa, the pioneers in this category, to expand India’s experiential entertainment horizon. The debut edition of the festival will bring together a highly desirable and curated ensemble of unique events and experiences, giving millions of consumers, access to local and international brands as also artists.”

  • Peppa Pig’s first-ever performance ‘Peppa Pig Musical’ rolled-out in Mumbai on Children’s Day

    Peppa Pig’s first-ever performance ‘Peppa Pig Musical’ rolled-out in Mumbai on Children’s Day

    Mumbai: They have been winning millions of hearts across the globe with their ‘Oink Oink’ and cuteness quotient. And now the loveable, cheeky little piggy, Peppa Pig, one of the most charming animated characters, is all set to take over India with their first ever musical on the occasion of Children’s Day. Produced by Live Viacom18 and BookMyShow, Peppa Pig Musical today showcased the world of Peppa’s fun and magic at the Bal Gandharva, Rang Mandir, Mumbai. The show which was presented by ICICI Bank Credit and Debit Cards and powered by Cello Colour Up saw a slew of celebrities and influencers joining in the celebrations including Mira Rajput Kapoor, Maniesh Paul, Isha Koppikar, Barkha Bisht Sengupta, Iqbal Khan, Roshni Chopra, Pritam Singh, Urvashi Sharma, Shweta Salve and Rajeev Paul to name a few.

    The excitement amongst the kids at Peppa Pig Musical was at its peak as they watched their favourite Peppa, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig come to life on stage and break into a song and dance while touching upon important life lessons. The elaborate stage reflected Pig’s house, park, dining area & balcony giving the fans a surreal experience. While the little piggy and her family took over the town with her charm, host Ruhaanika Dhawan amplified the energy levels as she interacted with the kids and indulged them in fun-filled activities along with their parents.

    Mahesh Shetty, Head, Network Sales, Viacom18, said, “Peppa Pig’s success lies in its simplicity, which instantly finds a connect with a child's instinctive self. Understanding its popularity in India, we wanted to give the kids something more than what they have always watched on television. While the musical is the stage adaption of the animated series, it is packed with music, dance and a strong narrative to make it suit and appeal to Indian sensibilities. It will also give us a platform to recognise Peppa Pig and Nick Jr’s brand value and give the audience an interactive experience. We are delighted to have BookMyShow and ICICI Bank Credit and Debit Cards on board as our partners for bringing this unique property to our home ground.”
     
    Kumar Razdan, Head – Theatricals, BookMyShow said “The live entertainment industry in India is witnessing remarkable growth, with newer avenues of out-of-home entertainment opening up and being loved by audiences. BookMyShow is thrilled to collaborate with LIVE Viacom18 for this new genre of kids’ musicals in the form of Peppa Pig Live, adding another distinctive theatrical offering to our extensive repertoire of live entertainment experiences. The show in Mumbai has been a great success selling out at lightning speed even as early trends in Delhi and Chennai reflect unprecedented demand for the musical. We are certain that kids will love the musicalin these cities just as they have in Mumbai.”

    Popular movie star and celebrity host Maniesh Paul attended the musical and said, “Peppa Pig is my children’s favourite toon and they look forward to watching her on TV.  But watching it live on stage was a completely fulfilling experience and I enjoyed it as much as my little ones did. I am thankful to the team for making this Children’s Day memorable for my kids and introducing them to the musical world of Peppa Pig.”

    Present at the special show actress Isha Koppikar commented “Watching Peppa Pig was a great experience as it was simple yet very engaging. It is not only filled with tons of entertainment but also gives a moral lesson to the kids. My kid was very thrilled to watch the musical and it is highly recommended for all parents to get their kids to witness it ‘LIVE’.”

    Amarjit S. Walia, Product Head – Cards, ICICI Bank said, “We are delighted to have partnered with Viacom18 to bring alive Peppa Pig, the famous animated series, to India. Looking at the popularity of the characters of this series, we believe that the audience would have truly enjoyed the musical concerts. This being India’s first-ever live introduction to the loveable cartoon characters, the concerts surely are an unforgettable experience for Peppa Pig fans.”

    Tanveer Khan, Director Marketing, BIC Cello India said, “BIC Cello is delighted to be associated with Live Viacom18 for bringing the famous animated series ‘Peppa Pig’ to India.  BIC Cello’s new colouring range ColourUP aims to tap into the imagination of children, fuel their creativity and artistic expression through colouring. We are looking forward to launching an interesting Peppa Peg themed ColourUP pack that will excite kids and indulge them in a fun experience. We hope that this collaboration serves as a great platform to engage with our audiences better.”

    Ruhaanika Dhawan said, “I have grown up watching Peppa Pig and it’s an absolute dream come true to host it. Peppa Pig and her friends are the most adorable toons and they teach us many important lessons in the most fun way. Signifying the importance of family, Peppa Pig brings children closer to their parents and family. Peppa Pig Musical’s magnificence had me in complete awe and I am sure everyone is going to love them as much as I did.”

    Supporting the show are associate sponsors including Funcity, The Mumum Company and Hamleys, and Kids Stop Press – the exclusive Parenting Partner. In the coming days, the Peppa Pig family and friends will spread their magic through 78 shows across eight cities, starting this month. Post Mumbai the musical will be held in Delhi on 23rd – 24th November at Siri Fort Auditorium, Delhi and thereafter in Chennai from 30th November – 01st December, at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall, Chennai respectively. Apart from this, Peppa Pig Musical will also travel to  Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur as a part of its India tour.