ITV

Tag: Debbie Rao

  • If you get my psycho, then you’ll get my cute: Vaani Kapoor

    If you get my psycho, then you’ll get my cute: Vaani Kapoor

    Mumbai: Tinder, in partnership with Viacom18, is back with the fourth season of Tinder’s Swipe Ride. It’s a show that celebrates uninhibited and meaningful conversations about what Indian women want from their dating lives. The first episode this year features bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor and will premiere on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 on Tinder’s Youtube channel and stream exclusively on Viacom18’s OTT platform JioCinema.

    Popular content creator and actor, Kusha Kapila, takes the driver’s seat once again with a celebrity guest in the back. This time it is Vaani Kapoor who steps into the spotlight, bringing her vibrant energy and honest perspectives on love and relationships. Together they pick up a Tinder user, Panthi Shah, a 23-year-old marketing manager and aspiring model, who is on a quest to find romance. With a Tinder bio that reads “Pasta, puppies, and looking for a potential partner in crime,” Panthi is all set for a pottery date planned by her Tinder match, Yash, a graphic designer who shares her love for adventure. Notably, Tinder’s Year in Swipe report talks about how people are increasingly opting for more experiential dates. While coffee date remains the top activity in India, it is closely followed by concerts and festivals, stand-up, movie night, and arcade.

    On this Swipe Ride drive, the girl trio spills the tea on the magic of spontaneous first dates, setting healthy boundaries, self-expression, and how Shahrukh Khan remains the ultimate dream boy who bridges the gap between Gen Z, millennials and boomers.

    Kapoor shares, “As someone in the spotlight, dating can be challenging. People often approach me because of my fame, which can make it difficult to discern genuine intentions. I’m an idealist in love but a realist in life. Finding true chemistry is rare, and when you do, it’s important to seize it with both hands!”

    Tinder user Panthi shared her own dating adventures, revealing how going on 50 first dates this year has been a journey of self-discovery. Interestingly, Tinder’s Year in Swipe report on dating, reveals that singles are less concerned with where their relationship was heading, and more concerned with creating memorable experiences and opportunities – also known as N.A.T.O Dating (a.k.a. Not Attached To Outcomes). It is simply a way for daters to break free from societal pressures and timelines and enjoy ‘the plot’ of making connections and getting to know people.

    “This season of Swipe Ride is all about celebrating the empowered and authentic voices of today’s young women. From spontaneous adventures to unique date ideas, these young women are breaking the mold and embracing what they truly want in their dating journey. It’s been amazing to witness how they’re normalizing open, honest conversations about their desires and expectations. This season, we’re driving into the heart of what makes modern dating so exciting and real, and it’s been incredible to share these moments with them,” added Kusha Kapila.

    Vivek Mohan Sharma, Head –  Branded Content & MTV Properties Revenue, Viacom18 – “At Viacom18, we are dedicated to pioneering storytelling and forging powerful brand partnerships that create meaningful content. Our collaboration with Tinder exemplifies this commitment. The fourth season of Tinder’s Swipe Ride offers a vibrant exploration of the diverse dating journeys of young Indian women, highlighting their self-assurance and clarity in navigating their relationships. This partnership also underscores how we as Viacom18 add value by effectively engaging with the intended set of audiences.”

    “Swipe Ride entering its 4th fourth season is a significant milestone and a testimony of how this show resonates with our audience. It captures the diverse perspectives of young, GenZ Indian women and their dating journeys in a way that’s both relatable and empowering. Whether it’s owning their relationship goals or confidently putting themselves out there, young women daters are being transparent and open to new experiences, connections and possibilities. This show is a reflection of that IRL,” said Tinder India marketing director Anukool Kumar

    Co-created with film director Debbie Rao along with popular writer Supriya Joshi, Swipe Ride series is a product of the coming together of these women who like to call their own shots whether it’s in their personal life, careers, or their dating lives.

  • Prime Video unveils Dil Dosti Dilemma

    Prime Video unveils Dil Dosti Dilemma

    Mumbai: Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, today unveiled a delightful and heartwarming trailer for its upcoming young adult drama, Dil Dosti Dilemma. An adaptation of the book ‘Asmara’s Summer’, published by Penguin Random House and authored by Andaleeb Wajid, this intriguing coming-of-age Original series has been produced by Ten Years Younger Productions with Seema Mohapatra and Jahanara Bhargava serving as Creative Producers. Directed by Debbie Rao and written by Anuradha Tiwari, Bugs Bhargava Krishna, Raghav Dutt, and Manjiri Vijay, the seven-part series is a feel-good drama that emphasizes the significance of embracing one’s roots, nurturing relationships, and discovering oneself. The series boasts of a talented ensemble cast including Anushka Sen, Kush Jotwani, Tanvi Azmi, and Shishir Sharma in lead roles, supported by Shruti Seth, Suhasini Mulay, Vishakha Pandey, Revathi Pillai, and Elisha Mayor playing pivotal roles. Dil Dosti Dilemma will premiere in Hindi, with dubs in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on April 25.

    The trailer introduces viewers to Asmara- a witty and charming young girl from a privileged family in Bengaluru, who is excited to spend her summer holidays in Canada. But her plans take an unexpected turn when she ends up at Tibbri Road, the middle-class neighborhood of her maternal grandparents. What she initially views as a punishment soon becomes a journey of new experiences and realizations. Through some mishaps, new friendships, a budding romance, and many heartwarming moments, Asmara begins to understand that there is more to life than material things and luxury vacations.

    Debbie Rao, the director of the series, shared, “Dil Dosti Dilemma is a special project for me, marking my second collaboration with my favorite streaming service – Prime Video, following our work on Pushpavalli. When I came across the script, what struck me was its ability to deliver a wholesome narrative that resonates with everyone featuring relatable characters one can truly connect with. Throughout the making of the series, we tried to stay true to the characters, their emotions, and the bonds between different generations – from teenagers to grandparents. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, and I’m confident it will capture the audience’s hearts worldwide, in more ways than one.”

    Sen, who brings Asmara to life in Dil Dosti Dilemma, shares, “Reading the script of this series, was like finding a piece of myself in Asmara’s character – she’s both familiar and unique in her own way. What really drew me to this story, is that it is a celebration of friendships and the importance of family bonds. I believe Dil Dosti Dilemma is a fresh, relatable story that speaks to people of all ages. I’m grateful to our director Debbie, the producers, and the entire Prime Video team for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to portray such a complex, endearing, and relatable character. I’m eagerly looking forward to the series’ launch on April 25, both in India and in over 240 countries, and I can’t wait to see the audiences’ reaction to this beautifully crafted story.”

    “I am so thrilled to make my acting debut as Farzaan in Dil Dosti Dilemma, which will always hold a special place in my heart. This show taught me some important life lessons like the significance of self-belief and staying true to oneself, no matter the situation or consequences. It also showed me the power of love and relationships, which have reflected in my performance, adding depth to my character.  I’m excited to see how audiences react to my work in Dil Dosti Dilemma,” shared Kush Jotwani.

    Azmi, who portrays Asmara’s Nani (maternal grandmother) in the series, shared, “Throughout my career, I’ve always gravitated towards roles that feel real because I believe that authenticity truly challenges an actor. My character in Dil Dosti Dilemma embodies pride in her roots, she embraces change gradually, and is sometimes stubborn but also sees the best in others. I was particularly impressed by the meticulous casting done by the creators and Prime Video, as I believe that it is the most crucial element in   bringing a story to life. I have complete confidence that this series will resonate deeply with audiences. It has heart, soul, and relatability that will captivate their attention from the very beginning. I eagerly await the series’ premiere on April 25 on Prime Video and invite everyone to experience this beautiful narrative unfold.”

    Sharma, who portrays Asmara’s Nana (maternal grandfather) in Dil Dosti Dilemma, shared his experience working on the series, saying, “Dil Dosti Dilemma marks my third collaboration with Prime Video after Made in Heaven and Permanent Roommates. When I was approached for this series, I learned about its origin in the book ‘Asmara’s Summer’ by Andaleeb Wajid, which immediately caught my attention. Dil Dosti Dilemma serves as a vibrant adaptation of this tale, skillfully capturing its authenticity and relatability while preserving its essence and conveying a touching message about relationships and community. I am confident that audiences, both in India and globally, will deeply appreciate this series for its portrayal of timeless emotions surrounding love, friendships, and embracing one’s legacy and roots.”

  • Zeenat Aman gives modern dating crash course on Tinder’s Swipe Ride

    Zeenat Aman gives modern dating crash course on Tinder’s Swipe Ride

    Mumbai: Tinder, the world’s most popular app for meeting new people, is back with an all new episode of Swipe Ride, a show that celebrates uninhibited, meaningful conversations about what Indian women want from their dating lives, with Zeenat Aman as the surprise celebrity guest! Popular social media content creator and actor, Kusha Kapila, takes the driver’s seat once again to pick up Tinder users to meet their dates. The episode premiered on Friday, 15 September, 2023 on Tinder’s Youtube channel and stream exclusively on JioCinema.

     

    Veteran actress and eternal beauty Zeenat Aman shared her advice for young women on the latest episode of Tinder’s Swipe Ride, “Dating is an incredibly personal journey, and you must navigate it on your terms. As women, we are subjected to so many pressures in life, but here’s what I’ve learnt: go with the flow, pursue your passions, experiment, cherish your relationships, and build a life that fills your soul. Then, when love comes along, it’ll simply enhance the beauty of your existence, not define it. This episode of Tinder’s Swipe Ride is a reminder for all women to talk openly, express your desires and share your hopes and dreams. Finding true chemistry is rare, and when you do, seize it with both hands!”

    During the conversation, Zeenat talks about how dating has transformed into a healthier landscape for the younger generation today with conversations around mental health, therapy and depression no longer being taboo. This sentiment resonates with 43 per cent women daters in India who believe dating is healthier (more honest, more open, with a focus on prioritising mental health) for 18-25 year olds today than it was before.* The trio also chat about how dating apps like Tinder offer a vast pool of choices for Gen Z today. Unlike the pre-Tinder era when dating was limited to introductions through parents’ friends, dating apps enable choice and agency. This holds true for 57 per cent young women daters in India who agree that dating apps allow them to meet people they would otherwise never have met – even those outside their social circle opening them up to a world of endless possibilities.*

    “Swipe Ride celebrates the diverse perspectives of young Indian women and their dating journeys in a relatable context. At Tinder, our focus has always been to encourage inclusivity, autonomy, and create a safe, non-judgmental space where women are free to choose, discover and interact with like-minded people, and be their most authentic, comfortable self – this show is an extension of that IRL.” said Tinder India marketing director Anukool Kumar.

    To empower young women in India to navigate the world of online dating and prioritise their wellbeing, Tinder has recently launched Tinder Love and Care (TLC), a dating wellness guide developed in collaboration with That Sassy Thing. TLC features advice and insights from 15 prominent female experts and queer voices in India, covering a range of topics such as sexual health, intimacy, and fostering honest conversations with dates, all while prioritising self-care.

    Co-created with film director Debbie Rao along with popular writer Supriya Joshi, Swipe Ride series is a product of the coming together of these women who like to call their own shots whether it’s in their careers, or their dating lives.

    *A study of 1000, 18-25 year old dating singles pan-India between April – May 2023 conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Tinder.

  • TV not ready for the characters I write: ‘Pushpavalli’ creator Sumukhi Suresh

    TV not ready for the characters I write: ‘Pushpavalli’ creator Sumukhi Suresh

    NEW DELHI: Amazon Prime has been investing heavily in Indian originals for its platform, and it seems like comedy is one of the most preferred genres. Several stand-ups and sketches by Indian comics have been hosted on its home page and have gained immense popularity as well. One such show is Sumukhi Suresh’s Pushpavalli, directed by Debbie Rao, which recently came out with its second season. 

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com about her experience of creating Pushpavalli, Suresh went all praise for the platform stating that she is glad that the show is on Amazon Prime. “No other OTT platform would have done it the way Prime did. My fellow writer had a very dark vision for the show. I was very sure that we wanted to show revenge. During my meeting with Prime, sometime in March 2018, I was pleasantly surprised to see their reaction to my vision. They supported me in making it darker. They told me to make her murder someone,” she said. 

    Suresh further added, “Also, there are many OTT platforms which are apprehensive about taking up a show (Indian original) in English. It was so wonderful that they let me keep the show in English and also supported me.”

    She also revealed that the platform gave her full liberty to plan and execute the marketing for the show. “They helped me in understanding what is wrong and what will work more but they truly supported my vision. For example, the whole 'explain the season within 60 seconds' videos we did for Instagram was my idea and we did that with full support from Prime.” 

    Asked if making season 2 of the show added pressure given the first season was a raging hit, Suresh quipped that her team and she are very self-critical and that helped them deal with the expectations. 

    “We were very cognizant of the fact that we need to write a tighter script and we needed to be very fast-paced. The first season had ended on a very dramatic note and it was our responsibility to take it back to comedy and then to drama,” she explained. 

    According to Suresh, the writing team gave a very close-to-shooting script to director Debbie Rao who then added her thought process to make the wonderful show. Rao also edited the show herself to make sure everything was pitch-perfect. 

    Another difference that the show had this time was a better budget. Suresh mentions that the first season was shot within just fifteen days because of the tight budgets. But this time, she had better control over the finances and a better amount of money to spend. 

    Asked if she wrote the show with business in mind, or to get creative satisfaction, Suresh found herself in a tight spot. The very loquacious woman took a brief pause before answering, “If I have to write something and I have this dilemma if the scene has to make business sense or should fit the narrative of the show, I will go with the latter.”

    She also added that she is writing for the female audience. “I have no shame in admitting that I write for the women. I don’t care if a man doesn’t like my show at all. I will continue to write for women.” 

    She, however, admitted that while creating shows for platforms like Prime, one of her goals is to get more subscribers for them. She feels that she should be able to give a return on investment to the platform so they are eager to get her back on the platform. 

    Asked if she has some other shows up her kitty for the platform other than Pushpavalli season 3, Suresh said that she is busy juggling between three other writing rooms currently but there isn’t any OTT platform in her head where she would be putting them. 

    “One of the shows is going to be a thriller, one is an out and about comedy. The third show is very close to my heart that I am developing from a slice of my mother’s life. This will be a mix of comedy and drama,” she noted. 

    Will she be open to taking any of the shows to television? Suresh thinks that the platform is not ready for the sort of characters she writes. 

    “I can give you two hundred and five hundred and even more episodes but you will not like the characters that I write,” she said with laughter. 

    She, however, is willing to work on a movie with director Debbie Rao, which she feels will be a blockbuster if ever made.