Tag: Kajol

  • Hindi cinema shines bright at Filmfare’s 70th night

    Hindi cinema shines bright at Filmfare’s 70th night

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, nostalgia! The 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2025 with Gujarat Tourism turned Ahmedabad into the heart of Hindi cinema, where stars, stories and songs collided in a night of pure cinematic magic. The telecast of the unforgettable evening airs on 9 November at 9 pm across Zee TV, Zing and Zest, promising fans a front-row seat to the glamour, grandeur and golden memories.

    Hosted by the ever-charismatic Shah Rukh Khan, joined by Karan Johar and Maniesh Paul, the ceremony was a dazzling blend of celebration and emotion. The event honoured not just the brightest stars but the creative minds behind the camera, directors, writers, musicians and technicians, all of whom keep Indian cinema’s soul alive.

    One of the night’s most goosebump-inducing moments came when SRK and Kajol brought back the magic of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, leaving the audience awash in nostalgia. Adding a heartfelt touch, Abhishek Bachchan paid tribute to his legendary father with a dynamic medley of Amitabh Bachchan classics, from Khaike Paan Banaras Wala to Jumma Chumma.

    The evening’s rhythm soared higher with Akshay Kumar’s powerhouse performance of timeless hits and Kriti Sanon’s glamorous homage to Zeenat Aman, who, along with Shyam Benegal, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Ananya Panday brought Gujarat’s vibrant culture to life, while Siddhant Chaturvedi saluted Hindi cinema’s dance icons with electrifying energy.

    Taking the celebration sky-high, a stunning drone show lit up Ahmedabad’s skyline, tracing the evolution of Hindi cinema through the decades. A nostalgic ‘Cine Icon Awards’ segment revisited legends like Bimal Roy, Sridevi, Dilip Kumar, Nutan, and Amitabh Bachchan, right up to the 1990s icons SRK, Kajol and Karan Johar.

    The telecast also captures intimate moments, from the audience joining SRK to wish Big B a happy birthday to Ravi Kishan and Abhishek Bachchan winning their first-ever Filmfare trophies.

    So, polish that popcorn bowl and prepare for an unforgettable evening. The 70th Filmfare Awards 2025 promises everything Hindi cinema stands for, emotion, entertainment and eternal magic, on 9 November at 9 pm only on Zee TV, Zing and Zest.

     

  • Alia and Varun double the fun on Two Much couch

    Alia and Varun double the fun on Two Much couch

    MUMBAI: Twice the mischief, twice the magic. Hindi cinema’s beloved duo Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan aka Varia, are all set to light up Prime Video’s Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle this week, bringing their signature mix of chaos and charm.

    From their first-day jitters in Student of the Year to swapping parenting tips and spilling secrets from over a decade of friendship, the pair slip into easy banter that only Kajol and Twinkle can amplify with their trademark wit.

    The episode is a cocktail of nostalgia, laughter and candid confessions as “Varia” revisit their journey from fresh-faced debutants to two of Hindi cinema’s most bankable stars. Expect playful digs, heartfelt moments and plenty of giggles on the couch.

    After a blockbuster premiere with Salman Khan and Aamir Khan, Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle continues to raise the entertainment stakes. Catch the Alia-Varun episode streaming this Thursday on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories.

  • Ajay Devgn rebrands NY Cinemas as Devgn Cinex in metro push

    Ajay Devgn rebrands NY Cinemas as Devgn Cinex in metro push

    MUMBAI: Ajay Devgn is putting his name on cinema screens—literally. The actor launched Devgn Cinex on Maha Navami, rebranding the NY Cinemas chain at North Bombay’s Durga Puja celebrations alongside his wife, actor Kajol. The move signals an aggressive expansion play across Indian metros and the south, backed by Vishwa Samudra Holdings.

    Vishwa Samudra group managing director Shivdutt Das hailed the rebrand as more than cosmetic. The company promises to turn multiplexes into “spaces of innovation, comfort, and culture”, deploying premium formats and what it calls “immersive experiences”. Whether that means reclining seats, better sound systems or something more ambitious remains unclear—cinema chains have long promised whilst delivering incremental upgrades.

    NY Cinemas has operated quietly for years, but the Devgn tie-up suggests plans to compete with PVR Inox, which dominates India’s multiplex market with over 1,700 screens, and Cinépolis, which runs around 450.

    Devgn, one of Indian cinema’s bankable stars and a producer through his Devgn Films banner, brings celebrity firepower to a sector recovering from pandemic losses and grappling with streaming competition.

    The emphasis on south India is telling. Regional-language films have outperformed Hindi movies at the box office in recent years, with Tamil and Telugu blockbusters like Pushpa and RRR drawing massive crowds. Metros in Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad have become battlegrounds for cinema chains chasing affluent audiences willing to pay premium ticket prices.

    Vishwa Samudra Holdings operates across real estate, hospitality and entertainment. Its bet on Devgn Cinex suggests it sees room for another national player, despite consolidation that saw PVR and Inox merge last year.
     
    Says a media observer: “There’s a shortage of cinema screens in India compared to its massive 1.5 billion or so population. The population is underserved, which has stunted the growth of Indian cinema. The more the screens, the better can be the box office collections for good productions.”

    But whether Indian audiences need yet another multiplex brand—celebrity-backed or not—to fill that gap is another question entirely.

  • Prime Video doubles the fun with Kajol and Twinkle in new talk show

    Prime Video doubles the fun with Kajol and Twinkle in new talk show

    MUMBAI: Double the sparkle, double the sass Prime Video is bringing Kajol and Twinkle Khanna together as co-hosts for the very first time in its latest unscripted Original, Oppo presents Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle, co-presented by Kohler and Kalyan Jewellers. The global premiere is set for 25 September, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.

    Backed by Banijay Asia, the series promises unfiltered conversations, candid confessions, and laughter-laced mischief with some of Indian cinema’s biggest names. The format thrives on the contrasting-yet-complementary styles of its hosts: Kajol’s effervescent charm meets Twinkle’s razor-sharp wit, making for conversations that veer well beyond the usual celebrity chatter.

    “A star-studded guest lineup and conversations that are fresh, spontaneous, and entertaining Two Much goes beyond the usual celebrity chatter,” said Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok adding that the duo’s “humour and candour” will keep audiences hooked.

    Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India group chief development officer Mrinalini Jain called it a show about “what Kajol and Twinkle want to ask, what they care about, and how they choose to show up funny, unfiltered, and deeply honest.”

    The partners behind the show are equally upbeat. Oppo India head of PR and communications Goldee Patnaik linked the association to Oppo’s ethos of inspiring youth to “live in the moment,” while Kohler MD for K&B South Asia Ranjeet Oak highlighted its celebration of originality and bold voices. Kalyan Jewellers executive director Ramesh Kalyanaraman added that the show mirrors the brand’s values of “warmth, humour, and genuine conversation.”

    With Kajol’s infectious energy, Twinkle’s trademark sass, and a guest list primed for fireworks, Two Much sets itself up as a talk show with a difference, an entertainment cocktail that’s equal parts glamour, candour, and chaos.

  • OTTplay Awards 2025 takes centre stage with a star-studded celebration

    OTTplay Awards 2025 takes centre stage with a star-studded celebration

    MUMBAI: Mumbai’s entertainment scene sparkled brighter as the OTTplay Awards 2025 rolled out the red carpet at JW Marriott on 22 March, bringing together the finest in digital storytelling under its ‘One Nation, One OTT Award’ banner. The third edition of the only pan-India OTT awards was a grand spectacle, uniting stars and creators from across languages and regions to honour the best in streaming content.

    The night was a triumph of storytelling, with major accolades going to Panchayat, Paatal Lok, Girls Will Be Girls, Poacher, Freedom at Midnight, Black Warrant, and IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.

    The acting honours saw Manoj Bajpayee (Despatch) and Anupam Kher (Vijay 69) take home Best Actor (Popular and Critics, respectively), while Kajol (Do Patti) and Parvathy Thiruvothu (Manorathangal) claimed Best Actress titles.

    The web series category delivered emotional highs, with Jyotika (Dabba Cartel) winning Best Supporting Actor (Female) and presenting the Critics’ Best Actress award to Nimisha Sajayan (Poacher) in an on-stage moment that radiated camaraderie.

    Other winners included Jaideep Ahlawat (Paatal Lok 2) and Raghav Juyal, bagging Best Actor (Male) in the Critics’ and Popular categories, respectively, while Aditi Rao Hydari earned recognition for her performance in Heeramandi.

    The evening also saw a blend of generations, with industry veterans Anupam Kher and Shekhar Suman cheering on Patralekha, who won Breakthrough Performance (Female) Series for IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, while her husband Rajkummar Rao led a standing ovation.

    Adding a touch of nostalgia, Kunal Kohli presented Kajol with her award, reigniting Fanaa memories for Bollywood buffs.

    The night was filled with iconic reunions, including The Family Man trio Manoj Bajpayee, Priya Mani, and Neeraj Madhav, sharing the stage for the first time since Season 1. They were joined by Jaideep Ahlawat, the antagonist of the upcoming season, making for a momentous OTT crossover.

    Regional representation shone bright, with Sriimurali and Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar receiving special felicitations, while Miheeka Daggubati accepted the Best Talk Show Host award on behalf of her husband, Rana Daggubati.

    Commenting on the significance of the event, OTTplay, CEO and co-founder Avinash Mudaliar said, “At the OTTplay Awards, we honour the creators who challenge convention, the performers who redefine excellence, and the stories that resonate across languages and regions. With our ‘One Nation, One OTT Award’ vision, the OTTplay Awards are designed to transcend linguistic, regional, and platform-specific boundaries—recognising the finest in web series, OTT films, and digital storytelling from every corner of India’s dynamic entertainment ecosystem. This is more than an awards ceremony for me; it is a celebration of a cultural shift—a tribute to a golden era of streaming that is not arriving but already here. OTTplay Awards – Where India’s stories find their spotlight.”

    As the curtains closed with Raghav Juyal’s signature slow-motion hook step, the OTTplay Awards 2025 stood as a powerful testament to India’s ever-evolving digital entertainment landscape, where creativity knows no borders.

    The event was co-presented by Real Juice and Kuhl, powered by StockGro, and held in association with HT City. With Zoom as the official broadcast partner, and Flipkart Spoyl, D Pauls, Amante, and Propshop among key sponsors, the evening was a seamless blend of entertainment and industry excellence.

  • Warner Bros Discovery dominates Digital Reinvent Innovation Awards with big wins

    Warner Bros Discovery dominates Digital Reinvent Innovation Awards with big wins

    Mumbai: In a significant achievement, Warner Bros Discovery proudly reveals multiple wins at the esteemed Digital Reinvent Awards 2023. Discovery original series “The Journey Of India,” clinching the distinguished Gold Title for Limited or Anthology series in the ‘Best In Content Creation’ category. Sharing the spotlight in this category, “Money Mafia Season 3” takes home the silver award.

    Amplifying its position as the leader of the factual entertainment space, Warner Bros Discovery also secured the silver title for “The Journey of India” in the category of ‘Documentary or NonFiction Program or Series’. Spanning a wide range of subjects, the series features Amitabh Bachchan as the host and provides an in-depth look at the nation’s progress, influences, and accomplishments on its 75 years of independence. Notable figures who have contributed to the show’s captivating narrative include Anand Mahindra, Kajol, Karan Johar, S.S. Rajamouli, Amish Tripathi, Rana Daggubati, A. R. Rahman, chef Vikas Khanna, Nandan Nilekani and Naina Lal Kidwai.

    Discovery, South Asia head of factual and lifestyle cluster Sai Abishek shared, “We are deeply honored by the success of our Indian originals at the Digital Reinvent Awards 2023. From ‘The Journey of India,’ a heartfelt tribute to India’s remarkable 75-year journey, to ‘Money Mafia,’ we strive to create compelling stories that connect with our audiences through our gripping non-fiction narratives. This recognition fuels our dedication to crafting engaging series that resonate with our viewers.”

    Sai also mentioned, “We extend our gratitude to Black Iris for their collaboration on ‘The Journey of India’ and Vice Media for their contribution to ‘Money Mafia.’ Their invaluable partnership enhances the celebration of this significant achievement.”

    The Digital Reinvent Renovation Awards, held virtually on 1 December, 2023, recognised outstanding achievements in streaming entertainment. Acknowledging the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations reshaping the digital entertainment landscape, the ceremony positions Warner Bros Discovery as the frontrunner in the infotainment space.

  • ITC re-launches face cream Charmis with Kajol

    ITC re-launches face cream Charmis with Kajol

    MUMBAI: Face cream Charmis has been around for over eight decades and now ITC has given the product a fresh new look.

    A new TV campaign that captures the values and essence of the brand – ‘Achchaai Jo Chehre Par Nazar Aaye’ has been rolled out to celebrate the goodness, painstakingly nurtured and instilled in children by every mother.

    The campaign recognises and celebrates the lessons best learnt from mothers and how they guide children to make the right choices as they navigate through the maze of life and respond to challenges and conflicts thrown up each day.

    ITC Limited chief executive of personal care products business Sameer Satpathy says, “It is a moment of pride for us to reintroduce Charmis, a brand that has been loved by consumers for over eight decades, in a fresh new look. We are excited to introduce a great new sensorial with SPF 30 and above all with a delightful new TV campaign. The brand presents the core thought in an engaging manner and I must appreciate the great work done by the director, Ram and the entire creative team at Contract.”

    The new TVC developed by the creative team at Contract and film director Ram Madhvani of Equinox, showcase the heartfelt moment of a young boy, who when faced with a dilemma, decides to follow the value of goodness and the teachings learnt from his mother – brave boys don’t hit girls. Simple yet extremely effective and powerful, the TVC narrative brings alive the brand’s core thought that it is the goodness within that glows on our faces. That glow is evident both on the face of the child as well as the proud mother.

    Ram Madhvani adds, “I am delighted to have been chosen to work on the film. I found the brand’s concept – Achchaai jo chehre par nazar aaye, extremely unique and was excited to make the film, simply because of the value systems that the brand was speaking about. And of course having Kajol as part of the film, helped elevate the entire conversation. Besides being a powerful performer, she also stands for the values showcased in the film.”

    Kajol has stepped in as the brand ambassador. She is a modern mother who does not shy away from speaking about the active role she plays in her children’s upbringing. Even off camera she embodies the characteristics of the Charmis Mom, who prides in motherhood and plays a dominant role in shaping the value system and thought process of her children.

    The product will be available in packs of 30ml, 58ml, 100ml and 175 ml at Rs 40, Rs 70, Rs120 and Rs180 ml, respectively.

  • Deepika Padukone Colors Infinity’s ‘Vogue BFF’

    Deepika Padukone Colors Infinity’s ‘Vogue BFF’

    MUMBAI: What do you get when you mix friends, fashion and fun together? A heady cocktail of never–ending entertainment and some lip smacking gossip. Colors Infinity is all geared up with another
    original offering titled Vogue BFFs. The show will turn television screens into a window that will give a sneak peek into the lives of Bollywood style icons with their favorite people.

    Premiering from 24 September 2016 at 9 pm, Vogue BFFs is a 10-part weekly show that promises audiences a whole new insider access to their favorite A-listers. Hosted by Kamal Sidhu, each episode will see two besties from the world of films and fashion hangout in the uber chic Vogue Loft talking about everything from fashion, movies, trends and their personal style quotient.

    The show is hip, informal, and promises viewers a peek into the more candid, playful, fun side of the stars we love. From blind food tastings and rowdy games of Pictionary to lounging around and chatting, to re-visiting their biggest style hits & misses – expect the unexpected!

    The lineup of guests on the show includes Deepika Padukone & Anaita Shroff Adajania, Kareena Kapoor and Manish Malhotra, Kajol and Mickey Contractor, Sonam Kapoor and Atul Kasbekar, and Arjun and Anil Kapoor, etc.

    Viacom18 business head youth and English entertainment Ferzad Palia said, “At Colors Infinity, we are constantly going over and above traditional programming norms with an aim to encapsulate unrivaled and desirable content, which is up-to-the-minute and makes for a splendid TV-viewing experience. Unlike conventional chat-shows, Vogue BFFs will give viewers an inimitable perspective of the intimate bond shared between celebrated Bollywood icons and their dearest from the industry.”

    Condé Nast India MD Alex Kuruvilla added, “We are proud and excited to have created and produced Vogue BFFs. With this show Conde Nast India makes its debut on TV and is also pleased to announce Video as our newest line of business. The show is wholly produced in-house and shot in the “Vogue Loft”.”

    Maruti Suzuki India VP marketing Sanjeev Handa shared, “Starting this September, our leading Sedan Ciaz along with Colors Infinity and Vogue will unveil the most stylish hour on Indian television. Like Colors Infinity and Vogue cater to the current and most sophisticated generation of audience, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz too corroborates the glory that is inspired by these constant efforts of being in sync with the evolving taste of consumers.”

    YU Mobiles COO Shubhodip Pal added, “Vogue BFF is everything that’s bold, young and fiery and yet takes an inspiration from the wise and the experienced – making it a marvelous combination. Yu Mobiles offers products that are a perfect combination of style, glamour and performance, everything that today’s generation seeks in their devices to stay connected”

  • Deepika Padukone Colors Infinity’s ‘Vogue BFF’

    Deepika Padukone Colors Infinity’s ‘Vogue BFF’

    MUMBAI: What do you get when you mix friends, fashion and fun together? A heady cocktail of never–ending entertainment and some lip smacking gossip. Colors Infinity is all geared up with another
    original offering titled Vogue BFFs. The show will turn television screens into a window that will give a sneak peek into the lives of Bollywood style icons with their favorite people.

    Premiering from 24 September 2016 at 9 pm, Vogue BFFs is a 10-part weekly show that promises audiences a whole new insider access to their favorite A-listers. Hosted by Kamal Sidhu, each episode will see two besties from the world of films and fashion hangout in the uber chic Vogue Loft talking about everything from fashion, movies, trends and their personal style quotient.

    The show is hip, informal, and promises viewers a peek into the more candid, playful, fun side of the stars we love. From blind food tastings and rowdy games of Pictionary to lounging around and chatting, to re-visiting their biggest style hits & misses – expect the unexpected!

    The lineup of guests on the show includes Deepika Padukone & Anaita Shroff Adajania, Kareena Kapoor and Manish Malhotra, Kajol and Mickey Contractor, Sonam Kapoor and Atul Kasbekar, and Arjun and Anil Kapoor, etc.

    Viacom18 business head youth and English entertainment Ferzad Palia said, “At Colors Infinity, we are constantly going over and above traditional programming norms with an aim to encapsulate unrivaled and desirable content, which is up-to-the-minute and makes for a splendid TV-viewing experience. Unlike conventional chat-shows, Vogue BFFs will give viewers an inimitable perspective of the intimate bond shared between celebrated Bollywood icons and their dearest from the industry.”

    Condé Nast India MD Alex Kuruvilla added, “We are proud and excited to have created and produced Vogue BFFs. With this show Conde Nast India makes its debut on TV and is also pleased to announce Video as our newest line of business. The show is wholly produced in-house and shot in the “Vogue Loft”.”

    Maruti Suzuki India VP marketing Sanjeev Handa shared, “Starting this September, our leading Sedan Ciaz along with Colors Infinity and Vogue will unveil the most stylish hour on Indian television. Like Colors Infinity and Vogue cater to the current and most sophisticated generation of audience, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz too corroborates the glory that is inspired by these constant efforts of being in sync with the evolving taste of consumers.”

    YU Mobiles COO Shubhodip Pal added, “Vogue BFF is everything that’s bold, young and fiery and yet takes an inspiration from the wise and the experienced – making it a marvelous combination. Yu Mobiles offers products that are a perfect combination of style, glamour and performance, everything that today’s generation seeks in their devices to stay connected”

  • Supriya Sahu takes over as Director General of Doordarshan, four months after selection

    Supriya Sahu takes over as Director General of Doordarshan, four months after selection

    NEW DELHI: Supriya Sahu has taken over as Director-General, almost exactly two years after the tenure of the last full-time DG ended.

    Sahu, who has earlier served in the Information and Broadcasting Ministry as Joint Secretary (Broadcasting) took charge on 29 June, while the last full-time DG Tripurari Sharan had completed his term in July 2014.

    Sahu and F Sheheryar had been selected as full-time Directors-General of Doordarshan and All India Radio respectively by the Prasar Bharati Board on 24 February 2016 and the names were recommended to the Ministry.

    Thereafter, Sheheryar – who as Deputy Director General had been serving as interim DG since February 2014 – took charge as full time DG on 31 May this year.

    DDG C Lalrosanga had been inducted in April last year as interim DG in Doordarshan and Aparna Vaish took over as interim DG after his term ended.

    Sahu, whose term had ended in June 2014 in the I and B but had been on a three-month extension till October 2014 had sought leave for two months thereafter. She was at that time expected to join her home cadre in Tamil Nadu.

    Sahu is also from the Tamil Nadu cadre of IAS 1991 batch. She joined the I and B Ministry as Director in July 2009 and was promoted Joint Secretary in October 2011.

    This decision on 24 February 2014 was taken after the Prasar Bharati Board interviewed ten candidates for the two posts.

    Prasar Bharati sources told indiantelevision.com that there were six persons from the Indian Broadcasting (Programme) Service, three from the Indian Information Service, and one from the Indian Administrative Service.

    The interviews were held in the backdrop of a decision by the Board earlier last year that the posts for full-time DGs would not be held until the composition of the Board would be complete.

    With two part-time members being appointed, the strength of part-time members of the Board is now complete. The two members are Shashi Shekhar Vempathi, former Principal Architect of Infosys Technologies Ltd and now heading an online media company Niti Digital, and actor Kajol.

    Under the Prasar Bharati Act, the pubcaster should have six-part time members on its Board, which is headed by its chairman.
    Early last year, Chairman A Surya Prakash had told indiantelevision.com that he had made it clear to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry that there would be no full time appointments for the posts of the two Directors-General until the composition of the Board was completed.