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Tag: Gulzar

  • Netflix battles boredom with Kurukshetra, Mahabharata comes alive in animation

    Netflix battles boredom with Kurukshetra, Mahabharata comes alive in animation

    MUMBAI: Forget history class, Netflix is taking viewers straight to the battlefield. The streaming giant, in collaboration with the GNCT of Delhi, hosted a special screening of Kurukshetra, its first animated mythology series, at the Delhi Secretariat Auditorium, blending epic storytelling with anime flair.

    The event saw dignitaries including Kapil Mishra minister for art, culture & language, and Niharika Rai, IAS, managing director & CEO, Delhi Tourism, gracing the premiere. A fireside chat with series writer-director Ujaan Ganguly and Hitech Animation CEO Ashish Thapar offered insights into bringing India’s epic war to life for a modern audience.

    Comprising 18 episodes, Kurukshetra revisits the Mahabharata through the eyes of 18 warriors over 18 fateful days, mixing poetry, anime, and music. With the legendary Gulzar lending his lyrical genius, the series balances reverence for the original epic while presenting it in a format that resonates with both younger and older audiences. The series launches on October 10, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.

    Shri Kapil Mishra praised the initiative, saying, “The history of the Mahabharata is an integral part of Delhi’s heritage, and Kurukshetra brings this to life in a way that is accessible to millions of future generations… I urge the creative community to continue sharing India’s real history hidden stories, tales of brave women, and examples of courage and sacrifice.”

    Echoing this sentiment, Niharika Rai added, “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to showcasing India’s cultural richness. Kurukshetra makes this timeless epic accessible to younger generations while honouring its legacy. Preserving our epics in modern formats is vital, and Delhi Tourism is proud to partner with Netflix for this screening.”

    Netflix director of global affairs for India Mahima Kaul, highlighted the global reach: “Kurukshetra resonates with those who grew up with the Mahabharata and wish to share it with younger audiences in a fresh format. Available in multiple Indian and international languages, subtitled in 34 more, and inclusive with Hindi audio description, this epic can now be experienced by audiences everywhere.”

    With Kurukshetra, Netflix cements its role as a storyteller rooted in India’s culture, bringing the country’s rich tapestry of narratives to screens worldwide, one warrior at a time.

  • Bittu Bahanebaaz makes an excuse-filled splash on Sonic and JioHotstar

    Bittu Bahanebaaz makes an excuse-filled splash on Sonic and JioHotstar

    MUMBAI: Move over superheroes — the real mastermind on the block is a 10-year-old pro at excuses. JioStar Kids, the undisputed boss of Indian kids’ telly, has rolled out its cheekiest character yet with Bittu Bahanebaaz, now airing daily on Sonic at 12:30 PM with repeats at 9 AM and 7 PM — and same-day drops on JioHotstar.

    The show stars Bittu, a schoolboy who can cook up a brilliant excuse faster than you can say “homework not done.”  From dodging chores to outsmarting teachers, his everyday escapades are bursting with humour, imagination and a whiff of mischief that hits close to home. Think Dennis the Menace with a desi twist — and better timing.

    Penned to perfection, the show’s title track is written by none other than Gulzar sahab, whose clever rhymes and colourful metaphors inject even more life into Bittu’s already bouncy world.

    For Jiostar Kids, this is another feather in a cap already packed with hits like Motu Patlu, Chikoo aur Bunty, Rudra, and Pinaki & Happy – The Bhoot Bandhus. With Bittu Bahanebaaz, it’s doubling down on what it does best — stories that feel local, characters that feel like your next-door neighbour, and jokes that land with both kids and their amused parents.

    So next time your child comes up with a bizarre reason for a missing tiffin box, blame Bittu. Or better yet, switch on the television and join the fun.

  • Pt. Bhavdeep Jaipurwale releases ‘Dil Pareshan Karta Hai’ album

    Pt. Bhavdeep Jaipurwale releases ‘Dil Pareshan Karta Hai’ album

    Mumbai: Coming from a renowned family of musical legends, Pt. Bhavdeep Jaipurwale has made a mark in Bollywood with hit songs such as ‘Rangilo Mharo Dholna,’ ‘Pyar Kiya Toh Nibhana,’ ‘Chhota Bachcha,’ ‘Jhanjhariya,’ ‘Aur Ahista Kije Baatein,’ and ‘Aisa Koi Zindagi Se.’ He has now released a new ghazal album titled ‘Dil Pareshan Karta Hai.’

    This album showcases his commitment to Hindustani classical music and includes collaborations with legendary poet and lyricist Gulzar and singer Sumeet Tappoo. Each track in ‘Dil Pareshan Karta Hai’ combines poetry with melody, merging rich lyrics and tunes that reflect the classical roots of Indian music while also embracing contemporary elements.

    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nqVOcRzxnfqzVP16sr3leQCC-x8lqNAfM

    His voice, celebrated for its range across diverse styles such as Khayal, Thumri, Tappa, Bhajan, and Ghazal, shines brightly in this new album. This album showcases versatility and mastery of the art in that he can traverse such varied musical landscapes with ease and grace.

    Pt. Bhavdeep Jaipurwale is not just a performer; he is also a mentor to many of today’s most successful artists. He has guided the careers of celebrities like Madhuri Dixit Nene, Falguni Pathak, Shaan, Abhijeet Sawant, Neeti Mohan, Juhi Chawla Mehta, Harshdeep Kaur, and his son, Sudeep Jaipurwale.

    His teaching blends traditional techniques with modern methods, preserving Hindustani classical music while allowing students to develop their own styles.

    ‘Dil Pareshan Karta Hai’ is more than just an album; it reflects Jaipurwale’s dedication to maintaining and evolving Hindustani classical music. Through this album, he connects the classical and contemporary worlds, offering a listening experience that is both enduring and current. The album’s release marks an important moment in Indian music, contributing to Jaipurwale’s long-standing influence and legacy in the field.

  • Mother Dairy celebrates ‘Maa Jaisi Mamta’ in latest campaign

    Mother Dairy celebrates ‘Maa Jaisi Mamta’ in latest campaign

    Mumbai: Celebrating the universal values of love, care, emotion and compassion embodied by mothers, India’s leading dairy brand Mother Dairy is all set to roll out its brand anthem and campaign in its latest communication headlined under “Mamta Jaisi Shudh, Maa Jaisi Mamta” Mother Dairy, Maa Jaisi.

    Penned by eminent poet Gulzar, the anthem beautifully describes the virtues of a mother which all of us inherit and exemplify in varied situations and circumstances. These virtues represent not just the emotions but also showcase that there is a mother in all of us.

    The campaign narrative explores instances where maternal virtues are demonstrated outside traditional mother-child relationships. These relationships within families, friends, colleagues and even with the unknowns supporting each other showcases the myriad ways in which these values enrich lives and strengthen bonds.

    “In a world where compassion and empathy are more vital than ever, Mother Dairy recognizes the enduring significance of maternal values,” said  Mother Dairy MD Manish Bandlish. “As we commemorate our 50 years of establishment, our new campaign aims to celebrate these values and inspire individuals to embrace them in their daily lives, fostering stronger connections and a sense of community.” He further added, “At Mother Dairy, we believe in infusing every aspect of our work with the same love and care that a mother provides by ensuring quality ingredients to craft delightful products, our commitment to excellence is rooted in these timeless values and remains steadfast.”

    Campaign thought

    A mother often exudes the purest of virtues. But the values of a mother can also be seen in people other than her. Sometimes you can see it in the way an elder brother looks after the young ones. It is in the care a colleague shows towards his teammates. Or even in the concern a teenager shows towards elderly. It is these values of a mother that Mother Dairy endorses. It is the same love and concern that goes into making each of our products.

    The execution

    The film begins with a scene set in an office cafeteria, where two colleagues are prepping up for a meal. Just as they’re about to begin, one of them receives an urgent call from their manager. Hastily leaving his meal behind, he rushes off to attend the meeting. However, his thoughtful colleague insists he takes a roll of a Chapati with Paneer along. In another scene, two senior citizens share a fond moment. One of them, being fed by a nurse, seems disinterested in the meal. The other encourages and motivates him to have the food if he wants to satiate his desire for Mother Dairy’s Mishti Doi.

    Similar scenarios unfold throughout the film, involving a couple, a group of friends, a child and a fellow passenger, and two students getting ready for school in their hostel room all sharing a moment while relishing a Mother Dairy product. Each situation highlights and narrates a stanza on maternal virtue aptly embraced by a captivating background score, ultimately leading to a frame featuring brand’s product window.

    Commenting on the campaign, Ogilvy-North chief creative officer Ritu Sharda added, “Every now and then we come across people who take care of us just like a ‘Mother’ would do. They are Maa Jaisi to us. The same is true for Mother Dairy products. They are made with the same love, nurturing, and purity. Qualities taught by mothers. This inspired us to weave this new story for Mother Dairy, an ode to all those who are Maa Jaisi. With ‘Mother’ in our name, this is a beautiful natural fit with everything we stand for.”

  • Saregama, YouTube announce global licensing deal

    Saregama, YouTube announce global licensing deal

    Mumbai: Saregama has announced a global deal with YouTube for YouTube Shorts, a short-format video experience on YouTube.

    This partnership will allow users to create short videos on YouTube using Saregama’s humongous catalogue of songs. Saregama said that it is India’s oldest music label with a catalogue of over 1.40 lakh songs across many different genres, including new and old film and non-film songs, devotional music, ghazals, and Indipop in more than 25 languages like Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Telugu, Bhojpuri, and Gujrati, amongst others.

    Starting now, YouTube Shorts creators will be able to use music from one of the most extensive music libraries in India, which includes classics from legends like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle, Gulzar, Jagjit Singh, R.D. Burman, Kalyanji Anandji, Geeta Dutt, and Laxmikant Pyarelal, and at the same time, the latest hits from Badshah, Neeti Mohan, Papon, Adnan Sami and many other contemporary artists.

    The short content format is very popular among audiences and creators as it is a very inclusive way of expressing thoughts, emotions, moods, or experiences in a more vibrant, personal, engaging, and meaningful manner.

  • Gulzar lightens up Luminous’s Diwali

    Gulzar lightens up Luminous’s Diwali

    MUMBAI: Luminous has launched a unique social campaign that celebrates a part of Diwali that we often forget to talk about. While most Diwali campaigns talk about spending and splurging, others talk about the display of lights and fireworks across the country. This campaign, however, goes away from the conventional routes.

    In a refreshing move, Luminous teamed up with renowned poet, lyricist and legend Gulzar to remind a country lost in the frenzy of bright lights and fireworks that at the end of the day the one thing that matters more than any other is the light in a person’s heart. In his own inimitable style and distinctive voice, Gulzar has brought out the message that only through the true light in our hearts, can we bring hope and happiness to the lives around us.

    About the inception of this campaign, Autumn Worldwide CEO Anusha Shetty said, “It’s not too often when a client asks to create a campaign that goes beyond products.”

    Luminous Power Technologies marketing VP Sachin Bhalla added, “Luminous as a brand has been very deeply embedded in consumer lives over the last 30 years. With these enchanting words we are happy to give the #roshnidilki a new meaning.”

    Watch the video:

    Lyrics of the poem:

    Jab roshni kam ho jaaye toh
    Ummeed jagaa dete hain
    Jab suraj doobne lagta hai
    Hum dil jalaa lete hain

    Zindagi roshni, zindagi noor bhi hai
    Magar dil jalaane ka dastoor bhi hai

    Bahot raat tak roshni karti hai
    Agar dil mein choti si ummeed rakh do
    Ujaalon se ghar bhar mehekne lagega
    Hatheli pe roshan koi cheez rakh do

    Galey lagne waalon ka dastoor bhi hai
    Zindagi roshni, zindagi noor bhi hai

  • Gulzar lightens up Luminous’s Diwali

    Gulzar lightens up Luminous’s Diwali

    MUMBAI: Luminous has launched a unique social campaign that celebrates a part of Diwali that we often forget to talk about. While most Diwali campaigns talk about spending and splurging, others talk about the display of lights and fireworks across the country. This campaign, however, goes away from the conventional routes.

    In a refreshing move, Luminous teamed up with renowned poet, lyricist and legend Gulzar to remind a country lost in the frenzy of bright lights and fireworks that at the end of the day the one thing that matters more than any other is the light in a person’s heart. In his own inimitable style and distinctive voice, Gulzar has brought out the message that only through the true light in our hearts, can we bring hope and happiness to the lives around us.

    About the inception of this campaign, Autumn Worldwide CEO Anusha Shetty said, “It’s not too often when a client asks to create a campaign that goes beyond products.”

    Luminous Power Technologies marketing VP Sachin Bhalla added, “Luminous as a brand has been very deeply embedded in consumer lives over the last 30 years. With these enchanting words we are happy to give the #roshnidilki a new meaning.”

    Watch the video:

    Lyrics of the poem:

    Jab roshni kam ho jaaye toh
    Ummeed jagaa dete hain
    Jab suraj doobne lagta hai
    Hum dil jalaa lete hain

    Zindagi roshni, zindagi noor bhi hai
    Magar dil jalaane ka dastoor bhi hai

    Bahot raat tak roshni karti hai
    Agar dil mein choti si ummeed rakh do
    Ujaalon se ghar bhar mehekne lagega
    Hatheli pe roshan koi cheez rakh do

    Galey lagne waalon ka dastoor bhi hai
    Zindagi roshni, zindagi noor bhi hai

  • Fourth Indian Screenwriters Conference to focus on stories that reflect ‘India’s Reality’

    Fourth Indian Screenwriters Conference to focus on stories that reflect ‘India’s Reality’

    MUMBAI: The television and film writers are pulling their socks for the fourth edition of Indian Screenwriters Conference. The Film Writers Association, Mumbai are set for the conference on 3 and 4 August 2016 at St. Andrew’s Auditorium, Bandra West – Mumbai.

    During 4ISC, the prominent names from the writer fraternity, along with writer-directors, producers, TV channel representatives and film lovers, would network and indulge in stimulating discussions revolving around various issues concerning screenwriting and screenwriters in India. The theme in the fourth edition is So Near So Far: Do our stories reflect India’s Reality? The issues relevant to writing profession will also be addressed in the conference.

    The first conference, held at FTII, Pune, in August 2006, was attended by 275 writers.The second, at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai, in December 2008; saw 575 screenwriters and writer-directors attending it. Third ISC at St. Andrew’s Auditorium, Bandra, in February 2013, had the participation of 700 screenwriters. The event has been garnering popularity over the years. The association is claiming the fourth edition to grow bigger.

    The sessions will tackle the theme from different angles. The sessions included are- Little Big Films: Small films, driven by strong scripts and the passion of the filmmakers, are increasingly ending up as surprise successes. What is the scope and future of such efforts?

    Serial Killers: Does our current TV content reflect our times and society? Why are we stuck in some unchangeable grooves? What is the way out?

    Writers & Producers: Partners or Adversaries?: Writers feel they are undervalued while producers complain of lack of quality scripts. How can this relationship be made more collaborative, more mutual, and more productive for both?
    The Feminine Factor: Are female actors getting better roles now? Is our audience comfortable only with stereotypical women characters? Are we ready to have a more realistic gender equation on screen?

    The Digital Explosion: Is the Internet the answer to our creative and economic issues?
    The Business of TV Writing: The leverage of the TV writer is growing; it appears, with him/her turning into a producer. Is this the model for all TV writers to move towards?

    Well known poet Ashok Vajpeyi will be the chief guest of the conference, while journalist P. Sainath will deliver the keynote. Other expected penalists are- Javed Akhtar, Gulzar, Siddharth Roy-Kapur (Disney), Ronnie Screwvala (UTV), Gaurav Banerjee (Star), Ritesh Sidhwani (Excel), Anooj Kapoor (SAB), Danish Khan (Sony), Ravina Kohli (Epic), Vishal Bhardwaj, Jaideep Sahni, Sriram Raghavan, Rajat Kapoor, Hansal Mehta, Juhi Chaturvedi, Jayesh Patil, Aatish Kapadia, Purnendu Shekhar, Shridhar Raghavan, Nagraj Manjule, Neeraj Ghaywan, Sonali Jaffer, Shashi Mittal, Varun Grover, Himanshu Sharma, Sudip Sharma, Saurabh Tiwari, Biswapati Sarkar (TVF).

  • Fourth Indian Screenwriters Conference to focus on stories that reflect ‘India’s Reality’

    Fourth Indian Screenwriters Conference to focus on stories that reflect ‘India’s Reality’

    MUMBAI: The television and film writers are pulling their socks for the fourth edition of Indian Screenwriters Conference. The Film Writers Association, Mumbai are set for the conference on 3 and 4 August 2016 at St. Andrew’s Auditorium, Bandra West – Mumbai.

    During 4ISC, the prominent names from the writer fraternity, along with writer-directors, producers, TV channel representatives and film lovers, would network and indulge in stimulating discussions revolving around various issues concerning screenwriting and screenwriters in India. The theme in the fourth edition is So Near So Far: Do our stories reflect India’s Reality? The issues relevant to writing profession will also be addressed in the conference.

    The first conference, held at FTII, Pune, in August 2006, was attended by 275 writers.The second, at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai, in December 2008; saw 575 screenwriters and writer-directors attending it. Third ISC at St. Andrew’s Auditorium, Bandra, in February 2013, had the participation of 700 screenwriters. The event has been garnering popularity over the years. The association is claiming the fourth edition to grow bigger.

    The sessions will tackle the theme from different angles. The sessions included are- Little Big Films: Small films, driven by strong scripts and the passion of the filmmakers, are increasingly ending up as surprise successes. What is the scope and future of such efforts?

    Serial Killers: Does our current TV content reflect our times and society? Why are we stuck in some unchangeable grooves? What is the way out?

    Writers & Producers: Partners or Adversaries?: Writers feel they are undervalued while producers complain of lack of quality scripts. How can this relationship be made more collaborative, more mutual, and more productive for both?
    The Feminine Factor: Are female actors getting better roles now? Is our audience comfortable only with stereotypical women characters? Are we ready to have a more realistic gender equation on screen?

    The Digital Explosion: Is the Internet the answer to our creative and economic issues?
    The Business of TV Writing: The leverage of the TV writer is growing; it appears, with him/her turning into a producer. Is this the model for all TV writers to move towards?

    Well known poet Ashok Vajpeyi will be the chief guest of the conference, while journalist P. Sainath will deliver the keynote. Other expected penalists are- Javed Akhtar, Gulzar, Siddharth Roy-Kapur (Disney), Ronnie Screwvala (UTV), Gaurav Banerjee (Star), Ritesh Sidhwani (Excel), Anooj Kapoor (SAB), Danish Khan (Sony), Ravina Kohli (Epic), Vishal Bhardwaj, Jaideep Sahni, Sriram Raghavan, Rajat Kapoor, Hansal Mehta, Juhi Chaturvedi, Jayesh Patil, Aatish Kapadia, Purnendu Shekhar, Shridhar Raghavan, Nagraj Manjule, Neeraj Ghaywan, Sonali Jaffer, Shashi Mittal, Varun Grover, Himanshu Sharma, Sudip Sharma, Saurabh Tiwari, Biswapati Sarkar (TVF).

  • Special programming initiative by 9X Jalwa

    Special programming initiative by 9X Jalwa

    MUMBAI: 9X Jalwa will commemorate the birth anniversary of RD Burman with power packed programming initiatives. Starting June 22, 2016, 9X Jalwa will air series of special RD Burman centric music blocks and vignettes from the award winning documentary of RD Burman by Brahmanand Singh.

    The week-long programming titled ‘FULL RD’ will air every day between 9-10pm showcasing songs and special segments of RD BURMAN with the legendary singers, lyricist and RD himself. Specials of RD with other singing legends such as Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Gulzar and Kishore Kumar will be played across the channel along with the vignettes. 9X Jalwa will also air Info graphics highlighting the career of RD BURMAN.

    Commenting on ‘Full RD’, Imtiaz Baghdadi, Programming Head 9X Jalwa said, “Pancham Da a.k.a RD Burman is a music legend. His music compositions are forever young and are enjoyed by the youth even today. RD Burman’s music complements the essence of 9X Jalwa of airing forever young music. Besides curating the best of RD Burman playlist we have also put together creative info graphics highlighting the career of RD Burman. We are confident that Bollywood music lover will relish this musical treat on 9X Jalwa. ”

    9X Jalwa will also showcase Full RD, a special musical on the legend featuring the very best of RD Burman. Full RD will air between 10-11pm and 7-8am and 3-4pm throughout the week.

    ‘Full RD’ on 9X Jawla will be promoted across the digital and social media platforms through contests and promos.

    Stay tuned to 9X Jalwa to relish the special musical tribute called ‘Full RD’ from 22nd June to 27th June 2016.