ITV

Tag: Mazhar Nadiadwala

  • Satara Singhams emerge champions in Pro Govinda Season 2 finale

    Satara Singhams emerge champions in Pro Govinda Season 2 finale

    Mumbai: The much-anticipated Pro Govinda League Season 2 finale at the Dome, SVP Stadium in Mumbai set a new benchmark for culturally enriched sporting events. Esteemed leaders, including MLA Pratap Sarnaik, Purvesh Sarnaik, Mazhar Nadiadwala, Mohomed Morani, and Vihang Sarnaik, graced the occasion. Star Sports served as the official broadcaster, elevating the league’s profile and gracing more than millions of television screens across the country. The event showcased the incredible skills of the Govindas and fostered a sense of cultural pride.

    The event featured 16 dynamic teams competing across four groups. Each group stage match was a testament to the skill and strategy of the participating teams and delivered complete entertaining matches to the audience who cheered with their hearts for their teams. The quarter-finals of the Pro Govinda League Season 2 were a thrilling showcase of talent and determination delivering with high-octane matches. In the first quarter-final, the Thane Tigers (Aryans Govinda) faced the Kollhapur Kings (Balveer Govinda) in a fiercely contested battle, demonstrating exceptional skill and strategy. The second match featured the Latur Legends (Yash Govinda) taking on the Konkan Giants (Kokan Nagar Govinda), with both sides showcasing their commitment to winning the match. The excitement continued as the Satara Singhams (Jai Jawan Govinda) clashed with Central Mumbai (Om Brahmand Sai Govinda), while Western Mumbai (Hindmata Govinda) competed against the Alibaug Knights (Shree Aagreshwar Govinda), each match highlighting the teams’ dedication and commitment to the sport.

    Semi-finals delivered even more nail-biting encounters. The first semi-final saw the Kollhapur Kings (Balveer Govinda) face Latur Legends (Yash Govinda). With exceptional teamwork and strategy, the Kings secured their spot in the finals. In the second semi-final, the Satara Singhams (Jai Jawan Govinda) went head-to-head against the Alibaug Knights (Shree Aagreshwar Govinda). Known for their strong formations and strategic prowess, the Satara Singhams emerged victorious, setting the stage for an exciting final showdown.

    The Satara Singhams (Jai Jawan Govinda) and Kollhapur Kings (Balveer Govinda) battled it out in a thrilling finale of Season 2 of the Pro Govinda League. The two teams faced off one after the other in a race against time, showcasing not only their impressive athletic abilities but also their unwavering teamwork building excellent human pyramids. In the end, defending Champions Satara Singhams (Jai Jawan Govinda) emerged victorious and took home the grand prize of ₹25 lakh. The Kolhapur Kings (Balveer Govinda) finished as the first runners-up, receiving ₹15 lakh, while the Latur Legends (Yash Govinda) and Alibaug Knights (Shree Aagreshwar Govinda) secured the second and third runner-up positions, earning ₹10 lakh and ₹5 lakh respectively.

    The league finale was graced by a host of distinguished guests, including chief minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde, member of Lok Sabha Dr Shrikant Eknath Shinde, and Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora and many others. Their presence underlined the event’s significance and added to its grandeur and prestige. The event was also star-studded with celebrities, including singer and Alibaug Knights team owner Mika Singh, actor Jacky Bhagnani, renowned television actors Arjun Bijlani (Pune Panthers team owner) and Karanvir Bohra, and renowned music composer Harmeet Singh from the famous Meet Bros duo (Pune Panthers team owner), Bollywood actress and model Mahima Chaudhry, Bollwood singer and music composer Arvinder Singh among others were spotted at the Dome, SVP Stadium.

    Pro Govinda League founder and chairman MLA Pratap Sarnaik said, “The Pro Govinda Season 2 League finale has surpassed all our expectations. The extraordinary performances from all the teams have been spectacular. This season has set a new standard for our league, and we are thrilled to contribute to the success of the event. The league is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the teams and we look forward to shaping the future of the league.”

    Pro Govinda League president Purvesh Sarnaik said, “We are proud of the support displayed by the fans and the exceptional talent displayed by the teams. The event set a new benchmark for by the enthusiasm and incredible sportsmanship shown by the teams. We extend our heartful gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this success. We are committed to developing the league into a national-level sport in the future.”

    League director Mazhar Nadiadwala said, “The success of this season in the Pro Govinda League is truly a team effort, reflecting the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. From the thrilling matches to the enthusiastic crowd, we are grateful for the overwhelming response we have garnered in the weeks. This season has set a new benchmark for excellence, and we are committed to continuing this tradition.”

    League director Mohomed Morani said, “We are incredibly thankful for the fantastic turnout and the unwavering support from both the teams and the fans. The enthusiasm and passion shown by everyone involved have been truly inspiring. We are proud of what we have achieved this year and look forward to further enhancing the Pro Govinda League’s as a premier competition of the country.”

    This year’s tournament proved to be a thrilling showcase of athletic prowess, team spirit, and unity among the players. The fans were filled with excitement, huge cheers and energetic chants which echoed at the arena throughout the day. Pro Govinda Season 2’s success sets a new precedence for the upcoming season of the league, bringing in new teams, talented players and even more excitement for the fans of this unique tradition-based sporting event. The league’s vision is to inspire thousands of Govindas while preserving Maharashtra’s rich traditions.

  • Pro Govinda League Season 2 to be broadcast on Star Sports Network

    Pro Govinda League Season 2 to be broadcast on Star Sports Network

    Mumbai: As the nation celebrates another memorable year of Independence, one of its beloved festive and sporting activities is set to take centre stage on 18 August. The Pro Govinda League, a celebration of the traditional sporting and cultural activity of Dahi Handi, will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network.

    Now in its second season, the Pro Govinda League is organised by passionate leaders, including MLA Pratap Sarnaik, chairman & founder of the Pro Govinda League, Purvesh Parisha Pratap Sarnaik, league president, Mohomed Morani, league director, Mazhar Nadiadwala, league director, and Vihang Sarnaik, league director, with the backing of the Maharashtra Government.

    The grand finale of Season 2 of the Pro Govinda League will be held on 18 August at the Dome SVP Stadium and will be broadcast on Star Sports First 4 PM onwards. The league will feature commentary in Hindi, with English and Marathi as language options.

    Sixteen teams from across Maharashtra will battle it out for the top prize in one of the state’s most prestigious competitions. Each team will showcase their athletic prowess and strong teamwork in forming human pyramids to perform the salami, a pre-qualification round that emphasises skill and precision. The competition will follow an exciting league format this season.

    Purvesh Parisha Pratap Sarnaik, league president said, “Pro Govinda showcases our dedication to promoting athletic excellence while preserving our traditions and culture, fostering both cultural harmony and sporting spirit. Our vision is to inspire thousands of Govindas (players) from across the region, and we are thrilled to partner with Star Sports to elevate this league to a broader audience. We wish all the teams and their owners the very best for the competition.”

    Vihang Sarnaik league director added, “Pro Govinda League 2024 is close to the hearts of everyone in Maharashtra, and we eagerly await the final day of the league. This year, we are expanding beyond Maharashtra, with Star Sports as our broadcast partner, helping us reach a larger audience. We wish all the teams and their owners the very best.”

    Mohomed Morani league director said, “Pro Govinda League 2024 is a proud moment for everyone in Maharashtra, and we are honoured to be part of this special journey. The involvement of Star Sports, one of the country’s leading channels, underscores the cultural significance and love for the Pro Govinda League. We look forward to entertaining viewers on 18 August.”

    Mazhar Nadiadwala league director stated, “Pro Govinda 2024 is a celebration of Maharashtra’s cultural vibrancy and sporting prowess, and we are ecstatic that it will be broadcast on television screens nationwide via Star Sports. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the state’s rich culture and heritage to the nation, and we are confident of a great response from fans.”

  • Zee TV’s Ikk Kudi Punjab Di: A gripping tale of resilience!

    Zee TV’s Ikk Kudi Punjab Di: A gripping tale of resilience!

    Mumbai: Meet Heer Kaur Virk, a beautiful, vibrant young woman born into a Jatt family of Punjab. Lovingly called chatori for being a hopeless foodie, this vivacious Sikhni is an aspiring lawyer. Her father is her weakness and strength and has taught her to stand up for what’s right, no matter what! Her biggest priority has always been the well-being of her family and her father.  However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she marries into the Atwal family. After a life-altering incident turns her world upside down, the show captures Heer’s journey of drawing from her inner strength, confronting injustice, and rising like a phoenix from the ashes. While the beautiful Tanisha Mehta breathes life into the character of Heer, television heartthrob Avinesh Rekhi will play her childhood friend, Ranjeet aka Ranjha who stands by her side and lets no harm ever come her way! Produced by Dome Entertainment, Ikk Kudi Punjab Di will premiere on 21 November and will air every day at 7 PM on Zee TV.

    Zee TV business head Aparna Bhosle said, “With Ikk Kudi Punjab Di, we introduce our audience to Heer and her journey of transformation and resilience after a life-altering incident. We’re pleased to collaborate with Dome Entertainment once again and bring forth this inspiring narrative of strength.”  

    Dome Entertainment producers Mohamad Morani and Mazhar Nadiadwala said, “Our next fiction show with Zee TV captures the pulse of Punjab. It’s an intense family drama capturing Heer’s spirited struggle for asserting her truth and standing up to injustice. With childhood friend Ranjha as the wind beneath her wings, the way she faces adversity with fierce determination will have viewers rooting for her. We have a strong cast on board and we’ve shot extensively across real locations of Chandigarh and Amritsar to ensure authenticity.”

    Avinesh Rekhi said, “With a character like Ranjha, I am looking forward to changing the perception of what an ideal man should be like. I believe that the storyline and the narrative of the show is gripping and it will surely touch your hearts. In fact, Ikk Kudi Punjab Di showcases the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of relationships. My fans have showered me with immense love for my previous shows and I hope they support me in this new journey as well.”

    Tanisha Mehta said, “I am thrilled to be a part of Ikk Kudi Punjab Di and bring a character like Heer to life. It has been a fascinating experience running through the by lanes of Punjab, shooting beautiful as well as dramatic sequences for the show. It is a gripping tale of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of a unique friendship. I believe Heer’s character has been developed very thoughtfully. I am really looking forward to the audience’s reactions to my character as well as this show.”  

    To witness this magical tale, watch Ikk Kudi Punjab Di, starting 21 November, every day at 7 PM only on Zee TV! 

  • Non-mainstream sports are acquiring centre-stage in India

    Non-mainstream sports are acquiring centre-stage in India

    India is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world with a population following a wide range of religions belonging to different communities. However, the one thing that always unites Indians across every social barrier is their love for sports. Cricket, one of the most popular sports in the country, is somewhat of a religion in the country with almost every Indian flocking towards their TV screens for an India – Pakistan match. While cricket has achieved phenomenal success in the country, it has also shadowed the potential of other sports in the country. However, with the growth of the sports industry and increased representation of India in leading international tournaments of these non-mainstream sports, these are emerging as the new favourites among the avid sports fans in the country.

    Football

    In a country dominated by cricket lovers, football-only enjoyed little and localized recognition in regions such as Kerala and the North-Eastern states, especially West Bengal, the hub being Kolkata. While the sport is extremely popular and a giant industry internationally, the popularity of the sport in India has only risen in the past decade. While the international football leagues like the English Premier League has always grabbed eyeballs of avid sports fans, India today also has its own national leagues like the India Super League, launched in 2013. Since the league began, studies show that the interest in football in the country has risen from 30 per cent to 45 per cent from 2013-17. An indoor format of the sport, Futsal has also recently been introduced in India. This format, which is already popular internationally, has gained huge popularity in metros specially where spaces and grounds is a constraint.

    Kabaddi

    In recent times, the biggest overnight success has been that of Kabaddi as a crowd-favourite. Launched in 2014, Pro Kabaddi League has today evolved to one of the most-watched sports in the country. The rugged sport, originally limited to the rural population, is now the 2nd most-watched sport in the country after cricket. The sport has made its mark as a leading mainstream sport actively competing with football for the second spot.

    Basketball

    After the entry of National Basketball Association (NBA) in India in 2017, the sport has received wide acceptance among the Indian audience and is today, slowly gaining traction. This year marks the first-ever NBA tournament which will be a testament to the growth of this non-mainstream sport in the Indian culture. The NBA tournament is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated sports events of the year.

    Cycling

    Another non-mainstream sport that has today gained considerable popularity is cycling. While earlier only considered as an activity for the low-income group of people for commute, today, cycling has evolved into an adventure sport of its own. Specialist biking stores have opened up across the country to cater to the growing audience of cycling as a sport. Tournaments such as the Hero MTB Himalaya has been key in putting cycling on the sports pages in the country.

    Badminton

    The past decade has been revolutionary for Indian Badminton, especially in light of the success of Indian athletes like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu in the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. The secret to bringing a sport into the forefront in a widely populated country like India is the right representation of it on international fronts. With Indian players making their mark in both the men’s and women’s category of the World’s Top 10 in the world, badminton is today a widely accepted sport. National tournaments like Premier Badminton League is one of the driving forces behind the success of the sport in the mainstream sport section.

    Wrestling

    Currently, India has the biggest fanbase of WWE, the world’s biggest wrestling event, after USA. The tournament receives 335 million unique television viewers per year. Closer to home, national-level tournaments like India’s Pro Wrestling League has become one of the biggest sports events of the year. The popularity of wrestling was further fueled by the representation of the sport in leading Bollywood movies like Dangal and Sultan. Such mainstream representation propelled the sport into the limelight more than before and is today, a sport that many in rural regions aspire to be a professional in.

    Poker

    While many still find it hard to consider poker as a sport, the popularity of poker tournaments is rapidly rising in the country. Professional poker is not just an abstract concept but a reality in modern India. An industry that is rapidly springing startups in the virtual poker space, the sport is extremely popular, especially among the millennial generation. Studies show that more than 50 lakh Indians today have active online poker accounts. Tournaments like India Poker Championship 2019, World Poker Tour 2019, etc. have allowed poker to turn into a mainstream sport in the country today.

    With the globalized and digitized world that we live in, many forgotten sports today are coming into the limelight and receiving more recognition.  Rustic sports like Kho-Kho are also gaining traction with established professional tournaments like Ultimate Kho-Kho arising. The past decade has been witness to almost 16 new sports league emerging in the Indian landscape. With the vast population of India and the varied cultures present, there is a scope for many regional sports to become more prevalent in the industry.

    (The author is managing director, Dome Entertainment. The views expressed are his own and Indiantelevision.com may not subscribe to them)

  • DOME@NSCI hosts an action-packed Matrix Fight Night for India’s Top MMA Fighters

    DOME@NSCI hosts an action-packed Matrix Fight Night for India’s Top MMA Fighters

    Mumbai – DOME@NSCI, India’s premier entertainment and leisure destination, hosted Matrix Fight Night that witnessed India’s Best MMA Fighters prove their mettle on 12th March 2019. The event was hosted by Bollywood’s new-gen action superstar Tiger Shroff and his sister Krishna Shroff. Matrix Fight Night was the perfect amount of action, star power and adrenaline that is expected from a thrilling tournament such as this.

    14 of the best fighters competed in a series of fights to showcase their physical prowess and be titled the best of the best. Sanctioned by AIMMAA [All India Mixed Martial Arts Association], the fights were hosted at DOME@NSCI and also had officials from the association come in as referees.

    Speaking on the success of the tournament, Mazhar Nadiadwala, MD, Dome Entertainment Pvt Ltd said, “Matrix Fight Night is a very unique tournament which needed a space as unique and thrilling as the event itself. DOME@NSCI was the perfect fit for the event. We were excited to be able to create a platform for these professional MMA fighters to unleash their techniques. The event was packed with excitement till the very last jab and kick. It was extremely thrilling to be present in the midst of the venue. The presence of someone as charming as Tiger at the event only provided more motivation to the participants and the crowd alike.”

    “Our team spent weeks making sure that the event would set up to create a buzz-worthy tournament. We welcomed the challenge of catering to the diverse needs that an arena like this required. It is truly great to witness it come to life with so much success. We hope to be associated with them and host the tournament again next year,” he added.

    Alan Fernandes, Director of operations, Matrix Fight Night said, “We were extremely excited to organise Mumbai’s first Fight Night. With the stature that DOME@NSCI holds and their immense understanding of the needs of different sporting events, they were a perfect choice for us for the venue. They were truly very well coordinated and the event’s success exceeded our expectations. It was exactly what we envisioned and more.”

    With the support of AIMMAA, the star presence of Tiger and Krishna and the competent team at DOME@NSCI, the event had a footfall of over 3000 people rallying to support the brilliant MMA fighters that were part of the competition and was a great success. 

  • Innovation is the pillar of the new events industry

    Innovation is the pillar of the new events industry

    Over the last few years, the events industry in India has experienced exponential growth and transformation, as a result of advancements in technology, new opportunities, platforms, and so on. While earlier, the sector dealt primarily with small scale events, today, massive, elaborate events are a common sight, with people flocking to them from all over the country. However, large scale events like these require a great deal of ideating, innovating, and brainstorming, and often, are not executed as well as they could have been, owing to the challenges involved.

    The phrase “If you do something, do it well, or don’t do it at all” is one that almost all of us are familiar with, and resonates with me greatly. As such, I believe that in order to make an event a massive success, the backend work and preparation that go into it, are of tremendous importance. It isn’t just about the efforts, but rather, the innovative ideas, concepts, and execution that make an event exceptional. A few of the factors and key innovations which make up the backbone of the event industry are enumerated below:

    Out-of-the-box concepts

    Given the explosive growth that the events industry has seen over the last few years, a large number of key, established players have poured into the market, while many more new groups are making their way in, every now and then. This is why it is extremely important for an event to be able to set itself apart from the rest, to leave a lasting impression. Out-of-the-box thinking and innovative concepts help create a unique experience for the guests, which not only ensure that they have a great time but also makes them eagerly look forward to the next event in the calendar.

    Importance of unique venue design

    The venue selected also has much to do with the success of the event, as it provides the framework for the experience that the guests will be a part of. Gone are the days when a stage and sound equipment were all that you need to make an event successful. From open-air concert grounds and underground basements to nature trails and more, event venues have only evolved more and more, with time, and hence, need to continue pushing boundaries, to create the perfect ambience and environment that complement the kind of event being organised.

    Variation in lighting

    In any kind of event, lighting plays a major role in creating the kind of aura and ambience that will make it a success. Not only that, the kind of lighting used and the way it is used have a lot to do with the prevailing mood of the audience as well, controlling the ebb and flow of the crowd, and its energy. From colourful psychedelic lights to more sombre, grim ones, lighting is one of the most important parts of the fundamentals of an event, and as such, need to be organised and set up appropriately and accordingly.

    Technology used

    The options offered by technology have made today’s event industry dynamic, revolutionary, and highly interactive. From drones and VR to live streaming and more, event organisers nowadays have a host of options to help augment their events and make them larger than life. Additionally, technology has also helped streamline and organise the industry as a whole, providing various platforms, features, and innovative solutions for it to grow and evolve.

    Crowd-sourcing

    The concept of crowdsourcing, though an old one, was almost unheard of, even a decade back. However, today, the event industry has realised the true potential of crowdsourcing, and more and more talented but unknown artists are gaining exposure, as a result. Additionally, crowd-sourced events are affordable and cost-effective, while providing the audience with a chance to directly contribute towards making their desired events a reality.

    Marketing/digital marketing

    To promote any event, it is extremely important to plan a great marketing strategy keeping in mind the target audience for the event. An event relevant blog post can also help in reaching out to the audience considering a blog is a good strategy to showcase everything around the event. Blogs can be directly targeted to the audience through interviews with the speaker or performer. Email marketing can also be considered as the second strong channel in all industries. Also, social media has been the most preferred platform for planning, promoting and executing the event; it is used to create a buzz around the event with various content and allows the followers to share and discuss it.

    Owing to these factors, the evolving dynamics of event technology have helped improve the attendee experiences and the level of engagement, as a result of which, the event industry has today become highly competitive and sought after. Every event organiser attempts to ensure that they create an event which is out of the box and caters specifically to the audience, in order to guarantee success. The power of social media is also a huge boon, which helps in spreading awareness and engaging the target audience, even before the event, so as to build the hype and ensure maximum attendance. These elements teamed with effective marketing strategies, and attention to every detail, play the most important role in helping organise a successful event. Not only does that ensure the maximum number of attendees, but it also helps create a unique experience that is attuned to the guests and their specific preferences, because of which, they keep coming back for more.

    (The author is MD, Dome Entertainment. The views expressed here are his own and Indiantelevision.com may not subscribe to them)

  • Events – the ultimate tool for marketers to reach their audience

    Events – the ultimate tool for marketers to reach their audience

    MUMBAI: Events are an effective and economical way for companies to interact directly with their target audience. It is the interactive and personal nature of this medium that exerts a much more noticeable effect on target audiences at an individual level. As an example, a person is far more likely to remember a cricket game he went for where McDonald's happened to be a title sponsor, as opposed to a ten-second advertisement for McDonald's that he saw on YouTube; which he’d probably try and skip anyway. Noticing the raw power of events as a platform to engage with one’s audience, marketers have wisely opted to seriously consider them as the viable tool they are.

    Perhaps two of the biggest reasons for the current interest in events as a marketing tool are the decline in traditional media viewership and the oversaturation of social media platforms with brand messaging. Events in a sense, serve as an easy way for brand managers to enable their communication to break free of the clutter that plagues most other forms of marketing. Here are some of the reasons why marketers choose events as a central component of their integrated marketing strategy:

    Memorability

    Large-scale events are inherently interesting. As a result, they act as magnets for (free) mainstream press coverage and public interest, especially when compared to social media or advertising campaigns, in which excitement is generally restricted to the industry itself. For example, the recent Bryan Adams concert in Mumbai will be remembered and talked about by attendees for years, if not decades to come, but few if any could recall the latest ad campaign by OLX. When a company attaches itself to an event, be it as grand as the IPL, majestic as Beauty and the Beast, or out-of-the-box as the Pro Kabaddi League, it essentially rides on the goodwill and connection that people have to those individual properties.

    Customisability

    Events, just like any other platform of communication, can be customised to match the exact requirements, expectations, and desires of the target audience while simultaneously accommodating the brand’s messaging. For example, MSI, Alienware, and Intel, all regularly organise or associate with gaming tournaments because these types of events attract their target audience; young men who enjoy video games. This rationale holds true for brands across various sectors for as long as a brand is able to craft an experience (or at least tie-up with a property that can that is irresistible to their specific audience.

    Return on investment

    While events do have a comparatively higher cost per view (CPV) from the perspective of a brand when compared to an advertising campaign, the return on investment remains exceptionally competitive given their high recall value. One of the core objectives of marketing is customer engagement, and few if any channels of communication have the ability to generate a profound response from the audience quite like an event. For example, if DC were to set up a kiosk at Comicon, the response they would receive from attendees would be far more interactive than it would be if they spent the very same portion of the marketing budget on a billboard. For this reason, the ROI on event sponsorships should not be discounted.

    Distribution of risks

    Unlike advertisements which can only have a single sponsor, events, typically large ones like sports leagues, film award ceremonies, and music concerts, can have multiple stakeholders. This distributes the costs and allows all parties to benefit from their association with the aforementioned properties. As an example, in the case of an event like the IPL, no single company could ever hope to afford to sponsor the entire tournament. This is why each team has their own set of sponsors, as does the event itself.

    The marketing landscape in India is evolving continuously as brands escape the clutches of conservatism and explore new avenues of reaching consumers. This renaissance has resulted in an equally massive evolution in the quality, quantity, and types of events that are now emerging across India. It would be safe to say that synergy of both industries is guaranteed to produces some absolute masterpieces in the near future.    

    The author is managing director, Dome Entertainment Pvt Ltd. The views expressed here are his own and Indiantelevision.com may not subscribe to them.