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Tag: Manoj Bajpayee

  • Fans go all out to recommend their favourite shows and movies in the latest brand film unveiled by Prime Video as part of the Everyone’s Talking Amazon Prime campaign

    Fans go all out to recommend their favourite shows and movies in the latest brand film unveiled by Prime Video as part of the Everyone’s Talking Amazon Prime campaign

    Mumbai: Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, has rolled out a new, entertaining brand film as a part of its campaign – Everyone’s Talking Amazon Prime. The campaign reinforces the brand’s position as the home for all the shows and movies that everyone’s talking about in India today. Through a high-octane and humorous film, with an appearance by Pankaj Tripathi as the much-loved Kaleen Bhaiyaa from Mirzapur, the ad film underscores the incredible fandom and popularity that Prime Video’s shows and movies enjoy amongst Indian consumers, across all languages and age groups.

    The new brand  film further builds on the  ‘Everyone’s Talking Prime’ campaign that was launched last year with a film featuring Manoj Bajpayee (The Family Man), asking for suggestions on what to watch and getting flooded with a barrage of recommendations. The focus of the new film, like the previous one, is on the fans, who don’t hesitate to jump in (quite literally in this case!) and recommend their favourite titles, to anyone looking for streaming suggestions. The campaign reiterates Prime Video’s philosophy of customer obsession, which ensures that all content on the service deeply resonates with viewers and leaves a lasting impression on them.

    “Our remarkable journey spanning seven years in India has been a testament to our commitment to redefining the entertainment landscape of the country. We have always sought to bring forth authentic storylines and rooted narratives across genres, languages, and formats, that resonate with customers, both locally and globally. A look at the shows and movies launched in just the last year and a half – from Farzi, Jubilee, Bawaal and Dahaad to Indian Police Force, Poacher, Wedding.con, Inspector Rishi, Road House and Fallout, among others, each show or movie has succeeded in becoming someone’s favourite story to recommend,” said Prime Video India country director Sushant Sreeram. “With our latest brand film, we not only celebrate the compelling line-up of shows and movies that we are bringing to customers, but also reflect fan-speak on how these are quickly becoming widely talked about and watched. I am confident our forthcoming line-up will continue to entertain and delight our customers, just the way our shows and movies have done till now.”

    The latest brand film opens to an intense round of wrestling, with each wrestler trying to gain the upper hand when, unexpectedly in the middle of the match, one of them asks the other to recommend something to watch. What follows is a hilarious free-for-all, with coaches, judges, match officials and even the audience jumping into the fray to suggest their own favorite Prime Video show or movie, building a human pyramid in the process. The air reverberates with the names of many fan-favorites and award-winning titles like Indian Police Force, Ae Watan Mere Watan, Bawaal, Dahaad, Farzi, The Boys, Roadhouse, and many more. Amidst the chaos, we see an incredibly calm Pankaj Tripathi in his Kaleen Bhaiyya avatar flanked by two of his men, watching all this action. Unable to resist, he finally consents to recommending Mirzapur, in his typical Kaleen Bhaiya style and also sums up the proceedings with his characteristic voice-over ‘Jo shows aur movies sabki zubaan par, woh sab Amazon Prime par’.

    The film is supported by a 360-degree campaign on TV, digital, social media and outdoor along with social innovations that bring the premise of the film alive. Conceptualized by Manja and the Prime Video creative team, the films have been scripted and produced by Nirvana Films with director Prakash Varma at the helm.

  • Manoj Bajpayee joins the Nand Ghar Movement

    Manoj Bajpayee joins the Nand Ghar Movement

    Mumbai: Nand Ghar, which aims to transform 14 lakh angawadis across India, unveiled a national movement – Agar Bachpan Se Poocha Khaana Khaya, Toh Desh Ka Kal Banaya (अगर बचपन से पूछा खाना खाया तो देश का कल बनाया) with actor Manoj Bajpayee. This movement by Nand Ghar is aimed at nourishing India’s future generation by ensuring holistic healthcare, quality nutrition and ensuring best-in-class preschool education for children.

    Welcoming Manoj Bajpayee in joining this movement, Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal said, “Project Nand Ghar is a national movement that supports the overall well-being of children and women with a focus on health and nutrition. We are delighted that Manoj Bajpayee ji has extended his support to this growing movement. His personal life story deeply resonates with Nand Ghar’s cause to nourish and transform the lives of our future generations.”

    In the heartwarming campaign launch on 1 May, Manoj Bajpayee was seen narrating his personal journey as a young theatre actor and outlined the invaluable support of his friends in ensuring regular nutritious meals for him while pursuing the acting dream. Bajpayee poignantly describes an artist’s struggle, acknowledging that the strength to pursue one’s dreams comes from a full stomach and wholesome food. Bajpayee further urged people to extend their support by visiting www.nandghar.org and to donate, volunteer or partner with Nand Ghar.

    Enthused about his association with Nand Ghar, Manoj Bajpayee said, “As someone who has lived with hunger pangs, I understand the deep impact it can have on physical, mental and emotional well-being. That’s why initiatives like Project Nand Ghar are so crucial. It not only ensures that children receive proper nutrition but also brings hope, opportunity, and a chance for a brighter future. Let’s all join hands with the Nand Ghar movement to ensure that we nourish the potential of children, and together, prepare for a brighter India.”

    Sharing his thoughts on the movement conceptualised by McCann, McCann Worldgroup India CEO & CCO and chairman, Asia Pacific Prasoon Joshi said “If we want to give our children a genuine chance at realizing their true potential, then well-rounded nutrition is essential.  What better way to highlight this than to bring forth some of India’s most famous sons and daughters who have faced this hurdle in their journey.”

    Nand Ghar is the flagship project of Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF) and has been working towards ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry – a dream of Chairman Anil Agarwal. In a milestone moment for Nand Ghar,  we have been successful in reducing malnutrition levels while increasing pre-schoolers’ attendance at Nand Ghars across 14 states in India. Last year, AAF also launched multi-millet nutri bars which are currently being distributed daily to 50,000 children between three-six years across 1364 Anganwadis in Varanasi. These bars, rich in protein, fibre, and antioxidants have not only improved the daily nutrient intake of children, but also, reduced absenteeism.

    With credible voices joining the #KhanaKhayaKya movement, Nand Ghar is inviting citizens and like-minded organisations to partake in this journey of transformation. It is paving the way to realise the dream of a better tomorrow for our nation.

  • Warner Bros Discovery & Friday Storytellers create a hattrick with Neeraj Pandey’s ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’

    Warner Bros Discovery & Friday Storytellers create a hattrick with Neeraj Pandey’s ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’

    Mumbai: Upon its OTT debut in January, the documentary “Secrets of the Buddha Relics” captivated audiences with its compelling storytelling and exploration of ancient mysteries. Following its premiere on the Discovery Channel, the documentary garnered widespread acclaim, ranking among the top five shows in the factual genre and establishing itself as one of the top-rated Indian originals on the channel. Its success extended to discovery+, where it claimed the number-one spot on the OTT platform, further solidifying its status as a must-watch production.

    Created by acclaimed writer/director Neeraj Pandey and produced by Shital Bhatia, with direction by Raghav Jairath and hosted by actor Manoj Bajpayee, the show delves into the final days of Gautam Buddha and explores the origins and current state of the relics which have intrigues generations. The documentary traces the origins, cultural and spiritual significance and the mystical stories behind how the relics came to be. Continuing the momentum of the previous two installments, ‘Secret of the Buddha Relics’ has been well received by audiences and critics alike.

    Commenting on the success, Manoj Bajpayee said “Seeing the ‘Secrets’ series become extremely popular has been incredibly exciting. It’s amazing to see the love viewers have showered on the franchise, and it shows how interested they are when history is brought alive in a fascinating way on-screen.” Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ has followed on the back of the previous two extremely successful series ‘Secrets of Sinauli’ and ‘Secrets of the Kohinoor’

    Warner Bros Discovery head of factual and lifestyle cluster, South Asia Sai Abishek said, “We have constantly been striving to up the ante with factual entertainment. Our partners, Friday Storytellers, share our vision of elevating factual entertainment from the region by bringing larger-than-life stories to the screen. We have seen great reception with the ‘Secrets’ franchise and look forward to continuing our partnership with Friday Storytellers.”

    Producer Shital Bhatia, emphasizing the commitment to quality content in factual entertainment, stated “Friday Storytellers vertical focuses on Documentaries, bringing History to life. History, though intriguing, must be backed by extreme and thorough research, separating myth from facts. We aim not only to cater to our strong and loyal audience but also to add newer audiences to the fold through authentic and entertaining storytelling”.

    Raghav Jairath, director of the franchise commented “With the ‘Secrets’ franchise, we set out to create an entertaining yet credible series which all kinds of audiences will appreciate. The aim was to elevate the factual entertainment genre, drawing audiences who will actively seek more instalments of our franchise and we are glad we could make that happen as a team with the recent success of ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’.”

    Collaborating with a diverse range of experts from around the world, Friday Storytellers has further solidified the authenticity and integrity of their documentaries. Esteemed figures such as Late Dr B. B. Lal – former director general of ASI (Padma Vibhushan), Dr B.R.Mani – former ADG, ASI, Dr KK Muhammed (Padma Shri), Dr Shashi Tharoor- Parliamentarian, Adv J Sai Deepak- Arguing Counsel, Supreme Court of India, Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi- Filmmaker, Dr Adrienne Munich- Stony Brook University, Mr. Navtej Sarna- former diplomat, Dr Halle O’Neal –  University of Edinburgh and Dr Danielle Kinsey- Carleton University have lent their expertise, adding a significant level of credibility to the franchise among both general audiences and the global academic community.

  • Five reasons to watch ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ on Discovery Channel

    Five reasons to watch ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ on Discovery Channel

    Mumbai: Gautama Buddha’s teachings have stood the test of time, shaping the spiritual heritage of countless individuals across the globe. The allure of his wisdom is further explored in the latest addition to the ‘Secrets’ franchise – ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics.’ Set to premiere on 26 February 2024, at 9:00 pm on Discovery Channel, this documentary – created by showrunner Neeraj Pandey, hosted by acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee, and directed by Raghav Jairath – promises an intriguing journey into the historical and cultural significance of Buddha’s relics. Here are five compelling reasons why you should mark your calendars for this enlightening experience:

    1.  Journey towards enlightenment: Gautama Buddha’s final days

    Have you ever wondered how Gautama Buddha spent his Final days and how he laid the foundation for his teachings to be spread worldwide through his relics? ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ answers just that through a comprehensive telling of the history of relics and the mystical stories behind their origins.

    2.  The classification and significance of Buddha Relics

    The documentary skillfully presents a clear picture of the classification and significance of Buddha relics. It showcases various sites where Buddha relics are enshrined and venerated, such as Stupas like Piprahwa and Vaishali. It also illustrates how, after Buddha’s passing, the distribution of his relics among kingdoms ignited a powder keg of tension.

    3.   A stellar lineup of experts

    Embarking on a captivating journey ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ brings together a diverse panel of experts, including scholars, practitioners of Buddhism, historians, and archaeologists. With insights from renowned spokespersons such as filmmaker Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi, Dr. B. R. Mani, and Dr. Tishyarakshita Bhargav, among others, on the final days of Buddha, the distribution of his relics, Buddha’s last journey, and the locations of the relics, the documentary unveils the intricate tapestry of historical and mythological narratives intertwined with these relics.

    4.   Gautama Buddha’s last meal

    Buddha’s last meal has been the subject of countless speculations and is shrouded in mystery. Various theories paint a vivid picture of Buddha’s final meal. ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ examines the significance of this event through various accounts and historical evidence. Amidst these enthralling narratives, one prevailing belief emerges, portraying Buddha savoring a delectable delicacy called Sukara-maddava, which could be related to pork, mushroom, or truffle.

    5.   Relevance of Buddha relics

    The documentary also emphasizes the significance of Buddha relics in the modern world and how they serve as potent symbols of enlightenment and peace. It also underscores how they have safeguarded and unified Buddha’s followers and how they have endured despite foreign invasions in the past.

    Unlock the secrets of enlightenment. Don’t miss the premiere of Secrets of the Buddha Relics on Discovery Channel on Monday 26 Feb 2024 at 9 pm, also available on discovery+.

  • Warner Bros Discovery returns with ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ installment three

    Warner Bros Discovery returns with ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ installment three

    Mumbai: Gautama Buddha’s eternal wisdom has resonated with countless generations, transcending the boundaries of time, and echoing through the ages. However, what remains are ancient legends surrounding the final days of Gautama Buddha and relics that surround the very centre of Buddhism. Unravelling the history around the relics, Warner Bros Discovery returns with the third edition of the Secrets franchise – ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics,’ releasing on 22 January 2024 on discovery+ and on 26 February 2024 at 9:00 pm on Discovery Channel. Created by Neeraj Pandey – Friday Storytellers and hosted by the versatile National Award and Padma Shri-awardee Manoj Bajpayee, the documentary will acquaint viewers with the historical and cultural significance of Buddha’s relics.

    Speaking about Secrets of The Buddha Relics, actor Manoj Bajpayee, said, “I am thrilled to continue my ongoing collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery for the Secrets franchise. Working alongside Neeraj Pandey is always a rewarding experience with insightful takeaways that contribute to shaping the documentary. The documentary promises to transport viewers to the time of the Buddha, delving into the historical period that witnessed his life and teachings. It aims to connect audiences with profound stories that have played a pivotal role in shaping our spiritual heritage.”

    Created by showrunner Neeraj Pandey, the documentary unravels the mysteries surrounding the last days of Gautama Buddha and the relics that serve as the epicentre of Buddhism in modern times. It will trace the origins, cultural significance, and mystical stories behind these relics, exploring their spread worldwide and the role they play in making Buddhism the world’s fourth-largest faith. Delving into the types of relics and their classification, the documentary combines historical and mythological narratives to provide a comprehensive understanding of their role in Buddhism.

    Warner Bros Discovery head of factual & lifestyle cluster- South Asia Sai Abishek said, “As we continue to pioneer the history genre at Warner Bros. Discovery, the ‘Secrets’ franchise remains a sought-after and successful series. In the third edition, ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics,’ we delve into lesser-known facets of the relics, offering insights into their contemporary significance. Our ongoing collaboration with Neeraj Pandey and Manoj Bajpayee, both pioneer storytellers, reflects our commitment to delivering compelling narratives. The success of the ‘Secrets’ franchise has revealed tremendous potential, prompting us to expand our history genre on the platform and provide compelling and engaging stories to our viewers.

    The documentary will showcase insights from a diverse panel of experts, including scholars, practitioners of Buddhism, historians, and archaeologists. Renowned spokespersons such as filmmaker Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi (Padma Shri-awardee), Dr B. R. Mani (Director of General National Museum, New Delhi), Dr Tishyarakshita Bhargav (Sr Research Asst. Anthropology Dept. SSP University Pune), Dr Gurbaksh Singh (Ex Researcher, International Buddhist Exchange Center), Mr. Tarit Kanti Roy (Governing Body Member Maha Bodhi Society of India Kolkata), Dr Halle O’Neal (co-director, Edinburgh Buddhist studies University of Edinburgh, Scotland), and Dr Anil Kumar (head, Ancient Indian History Culture and Archaeology Visva Bharati, Shantiniketan) will contribute their insights to unfold the narrative. With captivating storytelling and creative treatment, the documentary is poised to leave a lasting impact on viewers.

    Director Raghav Jairath reflected, “Through extensive research, we uncovered intriguing facets of Gautama Buddha’s life, sparking questions about his last day, the purpose behind the relics, how his followers connected with the relics and the profound impact of his teachings. Supported by our research team, subject experts, and Neeraj sir’s vision, we delved deep into the historical and cultural significance of Buddha’s relics, finding answers to many queries.”

    “The success of the first two ‘Secrets’ instalments inspired us to explore Buddhism’s spiritual and cultural dimensions further. Our ongoing collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery allows us to tell stories that are bigger, better, and bolder. Working with Manoj sir has been a pleasure, as he elevates the storytelling with his remarkable expertise.”- Raghav added.

    The “Secrets of the Buddha Relics” hosted by Manoj Bajpayee, will premiere on 22 January 2024, on discovery+ and on 26 February 2024, at 9:00 pm on Discovery Channel.

  • Star Sports witnesses a 38 per cent surge in ratings for the first four matches of Pro Kabaddi League Season 10

    Star Sports witnesses a 38 per cent surge in ratings for the first four matches of Pro Kabaddi League Season 10

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the Pro Kabaddi League, has notched up strong viewership figures for the opening weekend of the milestone 10th season. According to BARC, 80.1 million viewers tuned in to Star Sports for the first four matches, amassing 2.7 billion minutes of watch time. This underscores the immense popularity of the tournament among passionate fans of the second-biggest sport in the country. Additionally, the broadcaster has witnessed a remarkable growth of 38 per cent in ratings for the opening weekend compared to the last edition, showcasing the enduring appeal of Pro Kabaddi.

    Pro Kabaddi League’s return to its traditional caravan-style format has contributed to its resurgence in popularity and viewership. The tournament has witnessed spectacular performances, with Bengal Warriors commanding an unbeaten run, Gujarat Giants showcasing young raiders who are making their mark, and the return of high-flyer Pawan Sehrawat. Stalwarts like Pardeep Narwal, Maninder Singh, and Siddharth Desai have also left their mark on the league, creating a riveting narrative for fans. During the opening weekend, Gujarat Giants, led by Sultan Fazel Atrachali, won both their games at home against Telugu Titans and Bengaluru Bulls.

    A Star Sports Spokesperson said, “Pro Kabaddi League reflects the rich culture and heritage that flows through this sport in India. Our various regional feeds are customized to their respective states imbibing the values and local hero-building to capture the interest of the fans. We are glad to witness the surge in viewership for the fast-paced game and will continue to drive fandom for the rest of the season. The league generates new stars every season and has garnered support from some of the biggest celebrities, highlighting the promising trajectory of its progress through the years.”

    The marketing campaign, #IndiaKiHarSaansMeinKabaddi, featuring some of the biggest stars from the country including Tiger Shroff, Ballaya, and Sudeep Kichha ignited fervent support from fans, embodying the true essence and warrior spirit of the Pro Kabaddi League. Star Sports also collaborated with superstars across the country, who passionately supported their favorite Kabaddi teams and players. The entertainment quotient was elevated with the involvement of top-notch celebrities such as Hrithik Roshan, Manoj Bajpayee, Vicky Kaushal, Tara Sutaria, Nani, and Shiva Rajkumar as well as top Hollywood Superstar Jason Momoa of Aquaman fame. Star Sports also activated canters in five markets to spark enthusiasm among kids and kabaddi players at local clubs. The season began in grand style with an all-captains press conference on the Akshar River cruise at Ahmedabad.

    Reach and Watch-time Data for 2+U+R (TV + OOH)
    Ratings on India Urban M15+ AB

  • Kabaddi is a game of the soil. Kabaddi Runs in everyone’s blood: Vicky Kaushal

    Kabaddi is a game of the soil. Kabaddi Runs in everyone’s blood: Vicky Kaushal

    Mumbai: The Pro Kabaddi League is redefining the fusion of entertainment and sports with an unparalleled experience for fans, by bringing together the top entertainment celebs with the zenith of kabaddi excellence. A galaxy of stars, including Vicky Kaushal, Tara Sutaria, Nani, and Shiva Rajkumar, have graced various promos and social media posts, sparking impassioned support from fans for their favourite teams and embodying the true essence of the PKL. The star-studded lineup continues with the much-awaited stadium visits from Manoj Bajpayee in Ahmedabad on 7 December 2023, and Sudeep Kichcha in Bangalore on 8 December 2023, infusing an extra layer of stardom into the already intense on-court action as the tournament progresses.

    In a promo released by Star Sports, the dynamic duo of Vicky Kaushal and Tara Sutaria come together to share their enthusiasm for the passion and excitement that only the Pro Kabaddi League can deliver. Tara Sutaria draws parallels between the game of kabaddi and life said “When difficulties are in front of you, don’t be scared, fight your fears! No matter who is in front of you, don’t fear, that’s the spirit of Kabaddi!.” Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal expresses his affection for the homegrown sport of kabaddi and passionately cheers for his favourite heroes, Telugu Titans’ captain Pawan Sehrawat and UP Yoddhas’ captain Pardeep Narwal. He said “They are the heroes of Kabaddi. And they alone can take on seven players. Passion that doesn’t let them give up till the last second. They keep fighting till the last gasp. And Kabaddi is India’s game, India’s game of the soil. Kabaddi runs in everyone’s blood.”

     

  • ZEE5’s Sirf Ek Bandaa Kafi Hai sweeps Filmfare OTT Awards 2023

    ZEE5’s Sirf Ek Bandaa Kafi Hai sweeps Filmfare OTT Awards 2023

    Mumbai: ZEE5, India and Bharat’s largest home-grown video streaming platform and the OTT arm of ZEEL, bagged multiple awards for its original film “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kafi Hai” at the Filmfare OTT Awards 2023. The direct-to-digital ZEE5 original which later saw a theatrical release owing to its widespread acclaim, won across five key categories in the Web Original Film section. Alongside this, ZEE5’s comedy web series “TVF Pitchers S2” and “TVF Tripling S3” collectively won prestigious titles in the comedy series section.  

    Winning Categories:

    The gripping courtroom drama was inspired by a five-year-long standalone fight of lawyer Adv. PC Solanki, ZEE5’s “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kafi Hai” won the prestigious Black Lady in the following categories:

    Best Film, Web Original – “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kafi Hai”
    Recognizing the film’s outstanding narrative, direction, and overall cinematic excellence

    Best Actor, Web Original Film – Manoj Bajpayee
    Commending one of this era’s most versatile actors, Manoj Bajpayee for his exceptional portrayal of lawyer Adv. PC Solanki in the lead role

    Best Director, Web Original Film – Apoorv Singh Karki
    Recognizing Mr. Apoorv Singh Karki’s masterful direction of the sensitive film which tackled a societal issue with a powerful yet moving narrative

    Best Story, Web Original Film – Deepak Kingrani
    Acknowledging the depth and deft social commentary Mr. Deepak Kingrani brought into the film through storytelling

    Best Dialogue, Web Original Film – Deepak Kingrani
    Highlighting the impact and effectiveness of the film’s dialogues written by Mr. Deepak Kingrani

    “TVF Pitchers S2” and “TVF Tripling S3” on ZEE5 won the following awards in the Comedy Series category:

    Best Comedy (series/specials) – “TVF Pitchers S2”

    Recognizing the brilliant narrative, comedic elements, and direction of the web series

    Best Actor, Series – comedy (female) – Maanvi Gagroo for her role in “TVF Tripling S3”
    Captivating the audience with her outstanding comedic performance as Chanchal Sharma, Ms. Maanvi Gagroo bagged the ‘Best Actor, Series – comedy (female)’ title for her role in “TVF Tripling S3”

    Best Supporting Actor, Series – Comedy (Male) – Arunabh Kumar for his role in “TVF Pitchers S2”

    Commending  Arunabh Kumar’s brilliant comedic timing and remarkable performance as a supporting actor in “TVF Pitchers S2”

    Best Supporting Actor, Series – Comedy (Female) – Shernaz Patel for her role in “TVF Tripling S3”

    Veteran actor Shernaz Patel’s spunky yet heartwarming performance as Charu Sharma won her the Best Supporting Actor title in the Comedy Series category

    Hosted by The Times Group, The Filmfare OTT Awards was established in 2020 to honour both the artistic and technical excellence of professionals in OTT series and films. As the OTT entertainment industry continues to evolve and thrive, the Filmfare OTT Awards remains dedicated to upholding the Black Lady’s legacy and recognising the excellence of the Indian OTT segment. The event’s fourth edition took place on Sunday, November 26, 2023, in Mumbai which was attended by prominent celebrities from the entertainment industry.

  • Lights, camera, recognition! CNN-News18 to honour top entertainers at Indian of the Year 2023

    Lights, camera, recognition! CNN-News18 to honour top entertainers at Indian of the Year 2023

    Mumbai: In the rich fabric of India’s culture, entertainment plays a pivotal role, with cinema holding the lion’s share in uplifting the nation’s spirits. CNN-News18, the number one English news channel in India, is back with news television’s biggest awards, CNN-News 18 Indian of the Year (IOTY) 2023. The awards will honour individuals who have brought pride to the nation with remarkable contributions in their respective fields. Recognizing excellence across seven categories – Entertainment, Business, Sports, Youth Icon, Rising Sports Star, Social Change, and Climate Warriors, IOTY 2023 promises to be a celebration of India’s finest achievers.

    In a year that witnessed the Indian film industry scale new heights, the entertainment category of ‘Indian of the Year 2023’ promises to be an electrifying showcase of talent and success. Here are the luminaries who will be contending for the ‘Indian of the Year – Entertainment’ title:

    1. Shah Rukh Khan – Two biggest Hindi blockbusters of all time, ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’ gave Bollywood the much-needed break from its longest box office dry spell, re-affirming SRK as the one and only king of Bollywood.

    2. Mani Ratnam – The years 2022 and 2023 saw Ratnam’s spectacular take on the revered novel of Ponniyin Selvan, which he adapted for the big screen in two parts ‘PS-I’ and ‘PS-II,’ respectively, captivating the audience worldwide.  

    3. Sunny Deol – He witnessed a career-defining moment in 2023 after he reprised his iconic role as Tara Singh in Anil Sharma’s ‘Gadar 2’. The film recreated the magic of the original movie and helped Deol make the biggest comeback of his career.

    4. Deepika Padukone – In 2023, she stunned everyone as a true-blue action star in Siddharth Anand’s Pathaan. Deepika’s Rubina Mohsin has set a new benchmark for her contemporaries in Bollywood. Deepika also performed a stellar cameo in Jawan, which is the highest grosser of 2023 so far.

    5. Manoj Bajpayee – His most recent releases ‘Gulmohar’ and ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ were described by critics as the most hard-hitting films of 2023. The actor’s terrific portrayal of an upright advocate fighting against a rape-accused godman in ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ easily puts him in the topmost league of actors in Indian cinema.

    The winner will be revealed at the star-studded grand finale celebrating luminaries in Indian entertainment at The Indian of the Year 2023 award ceremony.

    The ‘Indian of the Year’ Awards have been a beacon of recognition for exceptional talent across various fields. Past winners in the entertainment category include legends like Amitabh Bachchan, A R Rahman, Irrfan Khan, Rajkummar Rao, Aamir Khan, Allu Arjun, and Rajkumar Hirani, to name a few.

    This year, the winner selection process will combine expert judgment and public voting, with 50% of the decision-making power given to the audience and the remaining 50% entrusted to the jury. Online voting will remain open throughout November. To cast your vote for your favourite Indian and for more details regarding the awards, visit www.indianoftheyear.com

  • Amazon Prime puts fans at centerstage in latest brand campaign

    Amazon Prime puts fans at centerstage in latest brand campaign

    Mumbai: Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, has unveiled a new marketing campaign that reinforces the brand’s position as the exclusive home for the most popular and talked about shows in the country today. Through a tongue-in-cheek film featuring Manoj Bajpayee, the campaign humorously underscores the incredible fandom that Prime Video’s shows and movies enjoy amongst Indian consumers. Spanning a diverse range of genres including romance, crime, suspense, comedy, horror, young adult and more, the film highlights a simple idea: All the shows and movies that everyone is talking about – you can watch exclusively on Prime Video.

    The ad film opens with Manoj Bajpayee, also popularly known as Srikant Tiwari or The Family Man, asking for suggestions on what to watch. He is soon flooded with a barrage of recommendations. From his makeup artist endorsing Dahaad for its spine-tingling suspense to his gym trainer advocating for Made in Heaven, and even strangers suggesting popular Amazon Originals like The Boys, Farzi, and more, Manoj finds himself at the receiving end of must-watch recommendations, from everyone he encounters. An aha moment follows as he soon realizes what he already intuitively felt, that Prime Video is the home for content that everyone is watching and talking about!

    Watch the ad film here: 

    “In our close to seven-year journey in India so far, we have had the amazing opportunity to spearhead a storytelling renaissance, offering captivating stories in multiple languages that resonate with people across the nation. We have been able to not only build a compelling slate of entertainment for our delightfully diverse customers, but have also brought cult shows like Mirzapur, The Family Man, Panchayat and so many more alive. Immersive stories, the kind that stay on everyone’s minds and become talked about, are what have solidified our position as everyone’s preferred entertainment service. 2023 has been an equally busy year at Prime Video, from the much-loved Farzi, Jubilee, Dahaad to a quirky Cinema Marte Dum Tak and gritty Bambai Meri Jaan, each show has found its core audience, and enjoyed enormous fandom. Who hasn’t been recommended a Prime Video show in a water cooler conversation at work, or a dinner with friends?” said Prime Video, India country director Sushant Sreeram. “This campaign originates from a simple consumer observation – there are so many shows of ours that fans and customers passionately recommend to their friends, family and sometimes even strangers! We wanted to celebrate that fandom. We take the opportunity to ignite such fandom very seriously and I am confident our future lineup of shows and movies will continue to inspire and entertain our customers.”

    Manoj Bajpayee, who plays himself in the ad campaign said, “Streaming today has become an integral part of cultural conversations and our daily lives! Srikant Tiwari, has almost become an alter-ego for me – from being mobbed in airports in the smallest of Indian towns, to recognition at global forums, The Family Man has been loved by and talked about everywhere! This campaign effectively encapsulates this phenomenon with remarkable simplicity and relatability. It humorously conveys the message that every title on Prime Video is someone’s favorite show or movie. The passion fans have for shows and movies on Prime Video is truly special – I have witnessed this myself! And yes, I have a personal favorite too, no prizes for guessing which show though!”

    The film will be supported by a 360-degree campaign on TV, digital, social media and outdoor along with social innovations that bring the premise of the film alive. Conceptualised by creative agency MANJA and the Prime Video team, the films have been scripted and produced by Breathless Films with director Vinil Mathew at the helm.

    “When you watch a great show or movie, you can’t help but recommend it. You want everyone else to jump on the bandwagon. You want to be the one who spreads it like wildfire. Because shows and movies aren’t just content anymore. They are topics of conversation and influence culture. And since Prime Video has the most talked about shows of the year, we used that truth as our starting point. The only question left to answer was, who are they talking to? We went with the one man who probably needs no recommendations at all, The Family Man,” said MANJA executive creative director Suyash Barve.