Tag: Jacqueline Fernandez

Jacqueline Fernandez named brand ambassador of Queo

NEW DELHI: Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez has been named brand ambassador for Queo from Barwood. UK.

With this association, the brand is looking at boosting visibility and awareness of Queo as the bathroom space gradually shifts towards luxury, moving one step forward from ‘premium.’

Fernandez will be seen as the face of Queo’s 360 degree integrated campaign, which will roll out on all media and retail channels soon.

HSIL Limited joint managing director Sandip Somany said, “Luxury cannot be defined in a few words, it has to be felt, seen, experienced and appreciated. Signing on Jacqueline, is a conscious decision taken by us as her persona, work ethic and achievements blends perfectly with what Queo stands for; design, finesse and artistry. Jacqueline inspires her audience and colleagues with her hard work, versatility, and magnetic charisma; she will definitely connect with the consumers who can appreciate all these traits. There could not have been a better ‘fit’ ‘n’ influencer than Jacqueline to connect with them.”

“I am excited about my association with Queo. The brand spells luxury in craftsmanship, modernity and elegance. They are not just bathroom products but a fashion statement for any home owner. We are living in a time when the bathroom has reached an elevated status in our lives, a place for relaxation and rejuvenation, and, Queo embraces this philosophy to the fullest,” said Fernandez.

Queo began its journey in India in 2012 with a promise to redefine class in bathrooms fittings like showers, faucets and sanitary ware.

May 28, 2015
Jacqueline Fernandez gears up for a power packed 2015

MUMBAI: Actress Jacqueline Fernandez is Bollywood’s busy girl these days.

The actress, who was seen in Kick opposite Salman Khan last year, spoke about her future plans and hectic schedule in a candid chat. During the chat, she revealed her love for acting and how stardom, no matter at what stage she may have achieved it, still affects her in some ways.

The long-legged Sri Lankan beauty had a very slow 2013 with almost no offers, but having passed that phase, she is now happy and grateful to Sajid Nadiadwala and Salman Khan for giving her the opportunity of a lifetime with Kick.

The actress said, “Last year I finished a Hollywood film, Definition of Fear, a Sri Lankan movie, According to Matthew and a cameo in Bangistaan. I’ve been shooting for Brothers since.”

Brothers is produced by Karan Johar and directed by Karan Malhotra, where for the first time she plays the role of a wife and young mother alongside Akshay Kumar. “For the first time, I was bringing something to the table. It was liberating to finally bag a meaningful role,” confessed Fernandez.

Not only that, after a busy 2014, this year also the actress has loads to look forward to with Dhishoom opposite Varun Dhawan, which goes on floors next month and Turbanator with Tiger Shroff, followed by Sajid Nadiadwala’s Housefull 3. “I’m greedy and trying to squeeze in one more movie in 2015,” she exclaimed with a smile.

March 9, 2015
Top 10 Bollywood actors to look out for in 2015

MUMBAI: The past year in Bollywood gave us several groundbreaking performances by celebrated actors as well as debutants. With the year coming to an end, here’s a roundup of some of the hottest actors to look out for in 2015. Check out the list of top 10 actors who are sure to rule the industry in the upcoming year.

Deepika Padukone:

Apart from numerous brand endorsements and appearances, Deepika Padukone tops the list with many exciting projects lined up for release next year. Deepika will essay the title role in Shoojit Sircar’s Piku opposite legendary Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani as Mastani. Last but not the least she also has Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha opposite Ranbir Kapoor in her kitty.

Kangana Ranaut:

Kangana Ranaut received numerous accolades for her film, Queen, winning millions of hearts with its simple story. Kangana also won the best actress award drama category for the film in the recent Stardust Awards. Taking the entertainment quotient one notch higher, she will be seen in a double role in Aanand L. Rai’s Tanu Weds Manu 2 in 2015.

Vidya Balan:

Vidya Balan is geared up for some ambitious releases in 2015. Mahesh Bhatt’s Humari Adhuri Kahani which stars Vidya alongside Emraan Hashmi and Rajkumar Rao is an anticipated romantic drama. The actress, who is known for her unique choice in roles, was last seen in Bobby Jasoos this year.

Shraddha Kapoor:

In 2015, Shraddha Kapoor will be shaking legs with Varun Dhawan in the upcoming dance based film, ABCD 2. Currently, the actress is enjoying the Vegas schedule of the film that promises to deliver cutting edge VFX and outstanding choreography.

Arjun Rampal:

Social media platforms have been buzzing with compliments for Arjun Rampal’s look in his upcoming film Roy. Portraying the role of a complex filmmaker Kabir, fans are totally loving his new look and the role. With Roy’s release, 2015 will see the actor playing a role that he has never done before.

Taahir Bhasin:

Taahir impressed the audience and critics this year with his powerful performance as the antagonist in his debut YRF film Mardaani opposite Rani Mukerji. In 2015, Taahir has an exciting project film titled Babumoshai Bandookbaaz, opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Chitrangada Singh. Looks like 2015 will be promising for the young actor.

Emraan Hashmi:

Emraan Hashmi starred in Mr. Natwarlal and Dharma Productions’ Ungli this year. Even though these films did not do well, his future projects in 2015 like Mr. X and Hamari Adhuri Kahani are in the list of the most awaited films of the coming year.

Abhishek Bachchan:

With his last super-hit release, Happy New Year, Abhishek Bachchan surely witnessed a successful year in 2014. In 2015, the actor has interesting projects to look forward which includes All is Well along side actress Asin.

Jacqueline Fernandez:

Jacqueline Fernandez is riding high on success with the blockbuster KICK and 2015 is touted to be a great year for the actress with films like Roy, Brothers and Definition of Fear among others. Jacqueline will be seen in a double role in her upcoming film Roy and her first international debut Definition of Fear is a horror film directed by James Simpson. These films are sure to keep the actress on her toes for next year.

Nargis Fakhri:

Nargis Fakhri was praised this year for her item song in KICK and for her quirky performance in Main Tera Hero alongside Varun Dhawan. In 2015, she will be making her Hollywood debut with her upcoming film Spy with Jude Law. Nargis will also be seen in a Tamil film Saahasam.

December 27, 2014
Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Roy’ music exclusively on Hungama.com

MUMBAI: Hungama.com will be launching the music and videos of Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming movie Roy, exclusively for all its users in India and abroad, who will then be able to access the music through Hungama’s web, WAP or mobile applications.

Roy’s music and videos will be available on Hungama’s platforms across devices. On the Hungama mobile applications, users will see a splash screen on the launch of the album and receive push notifications. On Hungama’s WAP platform, users will be given options to download individual singles from the movie along with an exclusive showreel of videos from Roy.

Produced by T-Series, the music of the movie has been given by Pritam and Ankit Tiwari.

Commenting on the release, Hungama.com CEO Siddhartha Roy said, “Roy is one of the most anticipated movies of 2015, and it gives us great pleasure to be the first to bring their music to our consumers. With our long-standing partnership with T-Series, we will continue to introduce several such launches in 2015 for our users.”

In order to make it simpler and easier for users to find songs from the upcoming movie, Hungama has categorised the film’s music under various sections including Editor Pick’s, New Releases, etc. The music will also be added to the playlists for the stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez and Arijit Singh. The music from Roy will also feature in artist radio sections across Hungama’s platforms.

Given the initial buzz around the song ‘Sooraj Dooba Hain Yaaron’ sung by Arijit Singh, Hungama will also be adding to song to the categories – ‘Top Song’ and ‘Bollywood Top 40’ playlists.

As a part of the promotions of Roy’s music in the digital space, Hungama will be communicating to its users with email campaigns as well as connecting with its highly engaged social media community of fans such as on Facebook and Twitter.

December 22, 2014
Akshay Kumar to star in the ‘Warrior’ remake- ‘Brothers’

MUMBAI: Finally making it official, Karan Johar has announced the Hindi remake of Gavin O’Connor’s 2011 contact sports drama Warrior. Named Brothers, the movie stars Akshay Kumar, Sidharth Malhotra, Jacqueline Fernandez and Jackie Shroff and will be produced by Dharma Productions and Lionsgate, Endemol India.

Tweeting about the same, Karan Johar posted, “Dharma Productions, Lionsgate, Endemol India present Brothers directed by Karan Malhotra and starring Akshay Kumar, Sidharth Malhotra, Jacqueline Fernandez and Jackie Shroff. Releasing Oct 2nd, 2015.”

The original film shows the story of two brothers, one a former Marine and the other a former UFC fighter-turned-school teacher. Driven by their own motives, the siblings eventually find themselves competing in the same mixed martial arts tournament with the grand prize of 5 million dollars. It starred Nick Nolte, Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton.

Lead star Akshay Kumar who will be seen playing the role originally played by Tom Hardy posted on Facebook, “My first association with @karanjohar…Brothers”

Going on floors on 2 October 2015, the movie will be directed by the Agneepath famed Karan Malhotra.

Interestingly, this will be Sidharth Malhotra’s third film with the Dharma banner after his debut Student of The Year and Hasee Toh Phasee. In the meanwhile, director Karan Malhotra’s next release however is the much-talked about film Shuddhi which stars Salman Khan in the lead.

August 23, 2014

‘Kick’ …Get a kick out of it!

MUMBAI: Other films may have done more business at the box office but 2009’sWanted created a new slot for Salman Khan; that of a walking talking killing machine, a Superman (but without his sartorial taste of wearing his underwear over his pants). Being a Hindi film hero, he also has to simultaneously carry out the tougher job of maintaining and placating a girlfriend, and sing and dance with her in garish club sets. Ever since Wanted, films are made for Salman to fit in that same mold which assures success. The planned Eid release, something which now seems like a fixed slot for Salman starrer, adding hugely to the film’s prospects.

Salman is on a mission; he needs to find a person who, he thinks, is responsible for a certain crime despite being in high position in politics. Meanwhile, he notices Jacqueline Fernandez, a psychiatrist, when she is wearing horn-rimmed glasses and looks like a nerd—though she changes to tiny dresses when she is ready to romance and dance the jig with the hero.

Impressed with Salman and very much in love with him, Jacqueline ‘s love story with Salman is not quite convincing and uses up most of the first half offering nothing except a few songs on the viewer. Then, Salman is taunted by Jacqueline about his monetary status. He vows to spend his time on making money and turns into a contemporary Robin Hood. It is another matter that a little later his cause for raising money is a small kid suffering from cancer. He makes raising monies for children needing medical attention his life’s mission.

There is a little girl who is dying of cancer and, unable to meet the expenses of her operation, her parents commit suicide. Salman takes up the cause of that child and approaches the big shots of the town for help. One of the big shots (and a minister), Nawazuddin Siddiqi, along with a bunch of his sycophants, makes the mistake of insulting him by donating Rs 100 while he needs Rs 11 lakh for the child’s survival. That is a reason enough for Salman to eliminate the gang of Nawazuddin one after the other.

Producer: Sajid Nadiadwala.

Director: Sajid Nadiadwala.

Cast: Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Randeep Hooda, Nawazuddin Siddiqi, Mithun Chakraborty, Saurabh Shukla, Vipin Sharma, Sanjay Mishra, Archana Puran Singh, Kavin Dave, Sumona Chakravarti and an item number by Nargis Fakhri.

Meanwhile, the action has shifted to Poland and an Indian cop, Randeep Hooda, is following Salman’s tracks. He is willing and ready to shoot Salman but never does so when Salman is around him because he comes in the guise of a friend, Devi Lal while the thief Hooda is chasing is called Devil (al)!. While Salman and Hooda play cops and robbers, a lot of Nawazuddin henchman millionaires back in India are being robbed. Nawazuddin is exasperated and desperate to find the culprit and add his death to his reputation.

The film turns into a caper as Salman carries out a number of heists in varied ways maintaining his humour all the while. These missions are serious business for Salman and his romance with Jacqueline has been called off, while Hooda, who has come to Warsaw chasing Salman, happens to be her family friend and it is left to her to look after him. A sort of triangle is formed. Though predictable and seen earlier, now the sequence is such that Salman is hunting for Nawazuddin and Hooda is hunting for Salman the Devil. These are the parts that make Kick interesting as would be expected from a Salman action thriller.

The script, as should be apparent, is a bit messy .There is nothing solid happening in the first half except a romance without chemistry. All the action is in the second half where there are some sudden jumps and locations unexplained. You don’t know whether you are in Delhi or Europe, whether one is in past or in present as the things unwind. Sajid Nadiadwala’s foray into direction considering these glitches in the script is satisfactory. What matters is that it will go down in the record books as ‘A super hit on debut’ for him. The film has competent cinematography by Ayananka Bose. The film’s music is not up to the mark and adds to the tedium of the first part. The one song which has popular appeal is ‘Jumme ki raat…’ Dialogue has the usual Salman one liners laced with humour.

The film belongs to Salman Khan all the way and he is in full form. Randeep Hooda comes in a different role and justifies it. Nawazuddin as a maniacal villain, the kind you see in a Bond film or a super hero film, may not come across as strong enough against Salman but looks sinister enough to be slayed. Jacqueline is okay. Mithun Chakraborty as Salman’s father complements him well. Kavin Dave and Sumona Chakravarti lead the supporting cast of able actors like Saurabh Shukla, Vipin Sharma, Sanjay Mishra and Archana Puran Singh.

Kick has taken a thundering opening despite coming on the last Friday of Ramzan and Kavad processions in the North as a Maha Shivratri ritual. The film is expected to break first day records and enjoy a ‘10 day weekend’ at the box office and creating more records.

July 25, 2014

TV’s Diwali Dhamaka

This Diwali, there’s enough and more to keep audiences entertained, with television channels set for a firecracker of a weekend.

At Star TV, the celebrations started on 27 October and will reach a crescendo on 3 November; kicking off with a repeat of Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning film Life of Pi at 1pm, followed by a repeat of Star Diwali at 5pm, and Indian Television Awards 2013 from 9pm.

Not to be left behind, Zee TV will telecast Diwali Dhamaka on 2 November, 7pm onward.

The highlights of the show include: the Ram Leela act presented by child participants – Praneet, Zenith, Chinamay, Nihar, Aditya, Tejaswini and Honey – of the reality show India’s best Dramebaaz and DID Lil Masters – Jeet, Om, Shreya, Shalini and Rohan performing on numbers like Lungi Dance from Chennai Express, among others.

Says ZEEL content head (Hindi GECs) Ajay Bhalwankar: “This year, we will wish our viewers a happy, healthy, prosperous and successful Diwali and New Year with Diwali Dhamaka. It aims to get every member in the family to have a smile on their face with its amazing and diverse line-up of acts. It’s a fitting celebration on the occasion of Diwali with all actors from Zee TV shows presenting performances to give an all new fresh dose of entertainment as the New Year is brought in.”

Colors will run Diwali tracks across its shows including Balika Vadhu, Sanskaar, Comedy Nights with Kapil and Bigg Boss with actors wishing viewers a happy Diwali.

Sab TV will telecast SAB Ka Diwali Mela – Andekha, Adbhut, Albela on 1 November, 9 pm onward.

The fun show will feature everyone, from the residents of Lapataganj to the courageous cops of Iman Chowki, from Gokuldham Society wasis to Chidiya Ghar’s humble Narayan family.

Says Sab EVP & business head Anooj Kapoor: “We have always endeavoured to provide entertaining and engaging content to our viewers. This year, our two big initiatives SAB Ki Holi and SAB Ke Anokhe Awards garnered an overwhelming response resulting in high viewership. Continuing with our brand promise, Asli Maaza SAB Ke Saath Aata Hai, we are confident that SAB Ka Diwali Mela will offer our viewers an extravagant celebration that they can enjoy with their families.”

If you thought GECs were the only ones in the fray, think again.

Movie channels like MAX have changed their colour palette from 25 October, to be on-air till 9 November.

1 November will see MAX’s Pataka Weekend with the telecast of Talaash (morning), Bajate Raho (afternoon), Yamla Pagla Deewana (evening) and Robot (prime time).

2 November will see Bajate Raho (morning), Chak De India (afternoon), Mohabbatein (evening) and Once Upon Ay Time in Mumbaai Dobara (prime time).
It’s a full plate on 3 November as well with Aashiqui 2 (morning), Rowdy Rathod (afternoon), Band Baaja Baraat (evening) and Dhoom 2 (prime time).

MAX aside, Zee Cinema will host the world television premiere of Phata Poster Nikhla Hero at 9 pm on 2 November while UTV Movies will telecast newbies like Race 2, ABCD, Himmatwala and Khiladi 786 while revisiting classics like Sarfarosh, Swarg, Aankhen and more.

Coming to English movie channels: Movies Now will have blockbuster-packed days, starting 11am, 3 November. Some of the titles include Karate Kid, X-men Last Stand, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Unknown.

Zee Studio is ready for its Diwali best with hits like Real Steel, I am number four, Pearl Harbour, Goal II, Pirates of the Caribbean– on Stranger Tides among others.

From 1-3 November, ‘Studio Dynamites’ will bring action flicks 8 pm onward whereas Diwali day will see ‘Studio Binge’ – a marathon 8 am to 8pm day with five great movies back to back.

On the digital front, Zee Studio plans to bring its #StudioDynamite campaign, where viewers have to watch out for explosions on their TV screens during the film, decode the message and tweet the correct answer with #StudioDynamite to win prizes.
If GECs and movie channels are prepping to celebrate the festival of lights, kids’ channels aren’t far behind.

Hungama TV’s Dusshera to Diwali special started on 14 October and will be on-air till 2 November, with movies including Shinchan Bungle in the Jungle, Luv Kushh and the Ghost Army, P5 – Pandaavas, Impy’s Wonderland and The Incredibles among others.

Disney meanwhile will have a special episode of Best of Luck Nikki season 3 with the Singh Family on 3 November.

POGO’s Diwali treat includes movies like Chhota Bheem Aur Ganesh In The Amazing Odyssey!, Kaalia Ke Chele Special, Gol Mol Gongol, Chhota Bheem Dholakpur To Khatmandu, Chatur Chetan and Hanuman & Friends Special every day from 28 October to 3 November at 12 pm.

Says Turner International India senior director & network head Krishna Desai: “Chhota Bheem and the Shinobi Secret is a brand new special to air on POGO from 3 November at 12pm. This is not it; the channel makes this season absolutely spectacular by giving kids the chance to win amazing prizes by participating in Zabardasti Diwali Contest every day, 10am onward. The prizes include Digi-cams & smart phones.”

On Cartoon Network, children can watch movies like Kid Krrish, Tom and Jerry in the Wizard of Oz, Oggy ki Olly and Krish Trish Baltiboy: The Battle of Wits, etc every day from 28 October to 3 November at 12pm.

Adds Desai: “Oggy: I Love India is a brand new special that will premiere on 1 November at 12pm.”

The Nickelodeon cluster (Nick, Nick Jr./Teen Nick and Sonic) too has a dhamakedar treat lined up for kids, promising a crackling yet safe Diwali.
Nick will run new episodes of its shows Motu Patlu and Pakdam Pakdai apart from calling Diwali ‘Nickwali’ and bringing its popular Nicktoons together to sing Diwali jingles titled ‘Diwali Fungoli’.

Like they say, music is the food of life, so play on… music channels too have jumped onto the Diwali bandwagon in a big way.

9XM has launched a special video based on the concept of ‘light writing’, displaying trails of light in different forms, with a message to boot: ‘This Diwali Light it Up!’

This apart, one of its animated characters Bheegi Billi will be seen in a new avatar called Billi Don while Bade Chote will open their special Kaun Karega Bakwaas Season 3.

Coming to Bollywood gossip channels like Zoom, it is ready with a string of new and exciting shows.

A bevy of Bollywood stars including Sonakshi Sinha, Shahid Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Imraan Khan, Chitrangada Singh and Vivek Oberoi will grace the Zoom show, Planet Bollywood News, with episodes aired between 1-3 November at 7pm.

Diwali eve will see the launch of a new show called 100 Crore Club at 8 pm. Starting 1 November, watch out for Zoom’s on-air lead contest called – ‘Watch More. Talk More’ powered by Freecharge. There are mobile free charges worth Rs 1.5 lakh to be won by viewers.

UTV Stars will telecast special interviews with stars including Aditi Rao Hydari, Prateik Babbar, Tusshar Kapoor, Amrita Rao, Vivek Oberoi, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Imran Khan, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone.
On AXN, audiences can catch the all new series of Sherlock, Chosen and So you think you can dance season 10.

With TV channels all set, the question remains are you ready for the bombarding of programmes.

October 30, 2013
TVs Diwali Dhamaka

This Diwali, there’s enough and more to keep audiences entertained, with television channels set for a firecracker of a weekend.

At Star TV, the celebrations started on 27 October and will reach a crescendo on 3 November; kicking off with a repeat of Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning film Life of Pi at 1pm, followed by a repeat of Star Diwali at 5pm, and Indian Television Awards 2013 from 9pm.

Not to be left behind, Zee TV will telecast Diwali Dhamaka on 2 November, 7pm onward.

The highlights of the show include: the Ram Leela act presented by child participants – Praneet, Zenith, Chinamay, Nihar, Aditya, Tejaswini and Honey – of the reality show India’s best Dramebaaz and DID Lil Masters – Jeet, Om, Shreya, Shalini and Rohan performing on numbers like Lungi Dance from Chennai Express, among others.

Says ZEEL content head (Hindi GECs) Ajay Bhalwankar: “This year, we will wish our viewers a happy, healthy, prosperous and successful Diwali and New Year with Diwali Dhamaka. It aims to get every member in the family to have a smile on their face with its amazing and diverse line-up of acts. It’s a fitting celebration on the occasion of Diwali with all actors from Zee TV shows presenting performances to give an all new fresh dose of entertainment as the New Year is brought in.”

Colors will run Diwali tracks across its shows including Balika Vadhu, Sanskaar, Comedy Nights with Kapil and Bigg Boss with actors wishing viewers a happy Diwali.

Sab TV will telecast SAB Ka Diwali Mela – Andekha, Adbhut, Albela on 1 November, 9 pm onward.

The fun show will feature everyone, from the residents of Lapataganj to the courageous cops of Iman Chowki, from Gokuldham Society wasis to Chidiya Ghar’s humble Narayan family.

Says Sab EVP & business head Anooj Kapoor: “We have always endeavoured to provide entertaining and engaging content to our viewers. This year, our two big initiatives SAB Ki Holi and SAB Ke Anokhe Awards garnered an overwhelming response resulting in high viewership. Continuing with our brand promise, Asli Maaza SAB Ke Saath Aata Hai, we are confident that SAB Ka Diwali Mela will offer our viewers an extravagant celebration that they can enjoy with their families.”

If you thought GECs were the only ones in the fray, think again.

Movie channels like MAX have changed their colour palette from 25 October, to be on-air till 9 November.

1 November will see MAX’s Pataka Weekend with the telecast of Talaash (morning), Bajate Raho (afternoon), Yamla Pagla Deewana (evening) and Robot (prime time).

2 November will see Bajate Raho (morning), Chak De India (afternoon), Mohabbatein (evening) and Once Upon Ay Time in Mumbaai Dobara (prime time).
It’s a full plate on 3 November as well with Aashiqui 2 (morning), Rowdy Rathod (afternoon), Band Baaja Baraat (evening) and Dhoom 2 (prime time).

MAX aside, Zee Cinema will host the world television premiere of Phata Poster Nikhla Hero at 9 pm on 2 November while UTV Movies will telecast newbies like Race 2, ABCD, Himmatwala and Khiladi 786 while revisiting classics like Sarfarosh, Swarg, Aankhen and more.

Coming to English movie channels: Movies Now will have blockbuster-packed days, starting 11am, 3 November. Some of the titles include Karate Kid, X-men Last Stand, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Unknown.

Zee Studio is ready for its Diwali best with hits like Real Steel, I am number four, Pearl Harbour, Goal II, Pirates of the Caribbean– on Stranger Tides among others.

From 1-3 November, ‘Studio Dynamites’ will bring action flicks 8 pm onward whereas Diwali day will see ‘Studio Binge’ – a marathon 8 am to 8pm day with five great movies back to back.

On the digital front, Zee Studio plans to bring its #StudioDynamite campaign, where viewers have to watch out for explosions on their TV screens during the film, decode the message and tweet the correct answer with #StudioDynamite to win prizes.
If GECs and movie channels are prepping to celebrate the festival of lights, kids’ channels aren’t far behind.

Hungama TV’s Dusshera to Diwali special started on 14 October and will be on-air till 2 November, with movies including Shinchan Bungle in the Jungle, Luv Kushh and the Ghost Army, P5 – Pandaavas, Impy’s Wonderland and The Incredibles among others.

Disney meanwhile will have a special episode of Best of Luck Nikki season 3 with the Singh Family on 3 November.

POGO’s Diwali treat includes movies like Chhota Bheem Aur Ganesh In The Amazing Odyssey!, Kaalia Ke Chele Special, Gol Mol Gongol, Chhota Bheem Dholakpur To Khatmandu, Chatur Chetan and Hanuman & Friends Special every day from 28 October to 3 November at 12 pm.

Says Turner International India senior director & network head Krishna Desai: “Chhota Bheem and the Shinobi Secret is a brand new special to air on POGO from 3 November at 12pm. This is not it; the channel makes this season absolutely spectacular by giving kids the chance to win amazing prizes by participating in Zabardasti Diwali Contest every day, 10am onward. The prizes include Digi-cams & smart phones.”

On Cartoon Network, children can watch movies like Kid Krrish, Tom and Jerry in the Wizard of Oz, Oggy ki Olly and Krish Trish Baltiboy: The Battle of Wits, etc every day from 28 October to 3 November at 12pm.

Adds Desai: “Oggy: I Love India is a brand new special that will premiere on 1 November at 12pm.”

The Nickelodeon cluster (Nick, Nick Jr./Teen Nick and Sonic) too has a dhamakedar treat lined up for kids, promising a crackling yet safe Diwali.
Nick will run new episodes of its shows Motu Patlu and Pakdam Pakdai apart from calling Diwali ‘Nickwali’ and bringing its popular Nicktoons together to sing Diwali jingles titled ‘Diwali Fungoli’.

Like they say, music is the food of life, so play on… music channels too have jumped onto the Diwali bandwagon in a big way.

9XM has launched a special video based on the concept of ‘light writing’, displaying trails of light in different forms, with a message to boot: ‘This Diwali Light it Up!’

This apart, one of its animated characters Bheegi Billi will be seen in a new avatar called Billi Don while Bade Chote will open their special Kaun Karega Bakwaas Season 3.

“Being the largest music network across India we are constantly finding ways to celebrate music. During this time of the year, the spirit of celebration is at its peak, and doing special programming on our channels is our way of making our viewers feel really special. Just like we light a diya at home, likewise we light up the TV screen to bring on the festivity,” said 9X Media Group senior VP and content head Amar Tidke.

Coming to Bollywood gossip channels like Zoom, it is ready with a string of new and exciting shows.

A bevy of Bollywood stars including Sonakshi Sinha, Shahid Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Imraan Khan, Chitrangada Singh and Vivek Oberoi will grace the Zoom show, Planet Bollywood News, with episodes aired between 1-3 November at 7pm.
Diwali eve will see the launch of a new show called 100 Crore Club at 8 pm. Starting 1 November, watch out for Zoom’s on-air lead contest called – ‘Watch More. Talk More’ powered by Freecharge. There are mobile free charges worth Rs 1.5 lakh to be won by viewers.

UTV Stars will telecast special interviews with stars including Aditi Rao Hydari, Prateik Babbar, Tusshar Kapoor, Amrita Rao, Vivek Oberoi, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Imran Khan, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone.
On AXN, audiences can catch the all new series of Sherlock, Chosen and So you think you can dance season 10.

With TV channels all set, the question remains are you ready for the bombarding of programmes.

October 30, 2013
Fashion Designer Gareth Pugh Revealed The Inspiration behind his first piece of fine jewellery

Forevermark, the diamond brand from the De Beers Group of Companies, announced its collaboration with British fashion designer, Gareth Pugh today. On the occasion, Mr. Sachin Jain, President, Forevermark India unveiled Gareth’s first fine jewellery piece at The Palladium Hotel, Mumbai along with actress Jacqueline Fernandez.

Featuring over a hundred natural and untreated precious Forevermark diamonds, this armour-like piece has been designed as a part of the Forevermark Promise Campaign. Gareth spoke about the inspiration and journey behind his design where he learnt about the unique promise inscribed on every Forevermark diamond. Set in stainless steel and Titanium, this piece was brought to life with cutting-edge digital mapping and 3D technology. The neckpiece has about 5600 diamonds, adding upto 91.98 carats.

THE INSPIRATION

The design process for Gareth began earlier this year during his trip to the Orapa diamond mine in Botswana, where he came to understand the incredible story behind each Forevermark diamond. From seeing and handling rough diamonds, Gareth witnessed their transformation into beautiful polished gems at an Authorised Forevermark Diamantaires cutting and polishing factory. One part of the operation that he found particularly compelling was the alliance between age-old craft and advanced technology. Gareth knew immediately that he wanted that relationship to be part of the story of this piece.

THE CREATION

Following this creative path, Gareth developed the idea of working with a unique set of contradictions. “The design was brought into existence in a most innovative way: utilising the power of technology – through digital body-mapping and 3D printing – combined with the knowledge and authority of experienced craftsmanship,” said Pugh. And the paradoxes continue with natural and untreated Forevermark diamonds, which are billions of years old, being set within a stainless steel base, built using completely new technology.

Pugh also explained, “The inspiration behind the neck-piece comes from my idea of what a promise is – an unbreakable bond. Coming back to Forevermark, it’s about the reciprocal relationship that they have with the communities they support. It’s not about taking, it’s about giving something back. The piece closes with a titanium pin which is set with a diamond on the top. I really liked the idea of using that as a signifier of an unbreakable bond.”

Sachin Jain, President, Forevermark India commented, “Forevermark prides itself on working with experts who are as passionate about their area of expertise as we are about diamonds. Gareth is undoubtedly one of the world’s great fashion talents and we are honoured that he has chosen to work with Forevermark diamonds for his first fine jewellery piece. Gareth has realised an extraordinary vision in the piece and we are thrilled, both with the creative inspiration and the iconic aesthetic of the neckpiece itself.”

This spectacular design was unveiled for the first time in Hong Kong on the 8th of August at an event attended by Gareth. The neck-piece will soon be revealed in China, Japan and the U.S.

THE CAMPAIGN

Forevermark holds firm the belief that all promises should be as unbreakable as theirs. Consequently, their unique 2013 Promise campaign reflects that. www.forevermark.com/promise features the news, promises and stories from Pugh’s personal journey with Forevermark as well as updates from a variety of international events hosted around the world, in honour of the campaign. Visitors will be able to design their very own piece of jewellery featuring a Forevermark diamond – the finished image of which can be sent to a loved one bearing its very own, personal promise.

The campaign also features online interactions at www.forevermark.com/promise allowing consumers to make a promise to a loved one connected to a specific location and place. The recipient will receive a personal note informing them of the very special promise that awaits them when in the relevant location.

Building on the success of the 2012 Promises and Pledges Exhibition and the corresponding website, designers and celebrities from all over the world are joining the Forevermark 2013 Promise campaign with each learning more about the unique way in which Forevermark diamonds are not only responsibly sourced, but also actively benefit the communities from which they come.

October 16, 2013
Jacqueline to play director in Roy

The Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez seems to be on cloud nine these days. The reason being, in her upcoming film Roy, she is super excited about not just playing a double role (first time in her career), but also she will be seen playing the role of a movie director.

Talking about the same, an excited Fernandez said that she’s lucky enough to be playing a director in the film, and that she will take some tips from directors she knows. She added that they will start the shoot by end of the year.

Roy also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Arjun Rampal in the lead roles. While the film is being directed by Vikramjit Singh, it’s slated for a June 2014 release.

September 5, 2013