Tag: Milan

  • Jaipur Rugs rolls  iconic Shyam Ahuja brand within its fold

    Jaipur Rugs rolls iconic Shyam Ahuja brand within its fold

    MUMBAI: It’s laying it on pretty  thick. Handmade luxury carpets maker Jaipur Rugs has bought over the iconic Shyam Ahuja brand in a move to revive its legacy as a global luxury name. This acquisition includes Shyam Ahuja’s personal collection and design archive, marking a strategic step for Jaipur Rugs to expand its influence in the premium rug market. Details of the transaction are not available, but estimates are that the value is in double digit crore. 

    Founded in 1963, Shyam Ahuja revolutionised Indian dhurries, introducing the flatwoven rugs to international markets and earning acclaim among A-list designers and global icons like Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis and Gianni Versace. Known for its timeless designs, superior craftsmanship, and sophisticated use of colour, the brand became synonymous with understated elegance and quiet luxury. The brand was a big spender in print, especially publications, which reached out to the diaspora or international travellers. Many of the inflight magazines were their preferred partners. 

    Jaipur Rugs intends to honour the original vision of Shyam Ahuja while elevating its status on the global stage, according to its director Yogesh Chaudhary. Both Jaipur Rugs and Shyam Ahuja share a commitment to empowering artisans.

    Founded in 1978 by Nand Kishore Chaudhary,  who has even been labelled as the Gandhi of the carpet industry, Jaipur Rugs is India’s largest handmade carpet manufacturer, with over 40,000 artisans across 650 villages, 85 per cent  of whom are women. The company operates in 85 countries and has expanded to international showrooms in Milan, London, Singapore, and Dubai.

    Jaipur Rugs  artistic director Greg Foster  called the acquisition “a sleeping beauty we intend to revive with great respect,” citing the immense design archive and the brand’s cult status among collectors.
    The company plans to operate Shyam Ahuja as an independent entity with a distinct supply chain while continuing its retail presence through showrooms in India and globally. Further plans for the brand’s revival will be unveiled soon, promising to re-establish Shyam Ahuja’s position as a pioneer in luxury rugs.

    (Picture source: Jaipur Rugs website)

  • Tata Play Classic Cinema celebrates Diwali with eight timeless blockbusters

    Tata Play Classic Cinema celebrates Diwali with eight timeless blockbusters

    Mumbai: Diwali, the festival of lights, is when traditions and nostalgia take center stage. What better way to celebrate this beautiful occasion than by revisiting the timeless classics that have enriched our cultural heritage alongside family and loved ones. With Tata Play Classic Cinema, take a journey through the enchanting world of old Bollywood classics that have not only entertained generations but continue to light up our lives, much like the festive lamps of Diwali. These films have stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into the golden era of Indian cinema, making them the perfect cinematic companions for the Diwali season.

    Milan


    Directed by Adurthi Subba Rao, Milan, a 1967 Hindi movie, is a remake of his successful Telugu film ‘Mooga Manasulu’ from 1963. The film features Sunil Dutt, Nutan, and Jamuna from the original cast, along with Pran and Deven Varma. It revolves around Gopi, a ferryman, and Radha, a rich girl, falling in love. However, they are accused of having an illicit affair. When fate turns unkind to them, a tragic incident changes their lives forever. A timeless classic, the film also features memorable music scores created by the award-winning duo Laxmikant Pyarelal.

    Kati Patang


    Kati Patang, a 1971 Hindi film directed by Shakti Samanta, features a noteworthy cast, including Rajesh Khanna, Asha Parekh, and Prem Chopra. The film tells the story of Madhu, a young woman who takes on a new identity to escape a loveless marriage. She crosses paths with a charismatic man, leading to a complex web of relationships and emotional turmoil. The film builds on themes of love, tragedy, and resilience. The film also witnessed Asha Parekh win her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her role. Moreover, Kati Patang also has some of the greatest hit songs, composed by the legend Mr. R.D. Burman.

    Guddi


    Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Guddi, a 1971 Hindi film, stars a talented ensemble cast, including Jaya Bachchan in the titular role as Kusum alongside Dharmendra, Sumita Sanyal, Utpal Dutt, and Asrani in pivotal roles. The story revolves around Kusum, a young and impressionable girl who is a fervent Bollywood fan. Her deep admiration for the film industry makes her blur the lines between reel and real life. When she encounters a charming and straightforward film actor portrayed by Dharmendra, her perspective on the film world begins to change. Guddi is a heartwarming exploration of the boundary between reality and the glamour of the movie industry, brought to life by its talented lead cast members. The movie marked Jaya Bachchan’s debut as an adult actor following her first appearance on screen as a teenager in a Satyajit Ray movie.

    Bawarchi


    Bawarchi, the 1972 Hindi film directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, stars Rajesh Khanna as Raghu along with a stellar cast including Jaya Bachchan, Asrani, A.K. Hangal, and Durga Khote. The film tells the story of Raghu, a cook who enters a troubled joint family and uses his culinary skills and kindness to mend relationships and resolve conflicts. Bawarchi is a heartwarming tale of simplicity and its transformative power within a family, making it a unique Diwali watch!

    Namak Haram


    Namak Haraam, the 1973 Indian film directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, stars Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna in lead roles. The film explores the intricate friendship between Somu (Amitabh Bachchan) and Vicky (Rajesh Khanna) and how it’s tested when they find themselves on opposing sides of a labor-management conflict. With powerful performances from the lead actors and a strong supporting cast, Namak Haraam remains a compelling classic known for exploring complex human relationships and moral dilemmas. Amitabh Bachchan won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor and Govardhan Asrani won the Filmfare Award for Best Comic Actor

    Jurmana


    Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Jurmana, the 1979 Indian film stars Amitabh Bachchan and Raakhee Gulzar. The movie tells the story of a couple, Inder (Amitabh Bachchan) and Suman (Raakhee Gulzar), who must confront unexpected challenges that test their love and resilience. Jurmana is a touching classic in Indian cinema, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption.

    The Great Gambler


    With an iconic cast of Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman and Neetu Singh, The Great Gambler is a 1979 Indian film directed by Shakti Samanta. The movie follows Jai, a master of disguise and a professional gambler, on a high-stakes mission to capture a notorious criminal. Known for its thrilling narrative and international intrigue, The Great Gambler is a classic in Indian cinema.

    Khubsoorat


    Khubsoorat, a 1980 Indian film directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, starring Rekha and Rakesh Roshan, is an award-winning film of its time that secured the Filmfare Award for Best Film with lead actress Rekha winning the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. The movie follows Manju (Rekha), a strict and orderly woman, as she brings laughter and disruption to a royal family known for their eccentricities. This delightful comedy explores the clash between tradition and modernity within the household, making Khubsoorat a timeless classic in Indian cinema, celebrated for its humor and endearing characters.

    Celebrate Diwali with Tata Play Classic Cinemas on 318 with timeless classics

  • michael kors buys versace for a staggering 212 bn

    michael kors buys versace for a staggering 212 bn

    MUMBAI: Star continues to rule the south regions – Malayalam and Telugu with channels Asianet and Star Maa, while ZEEL’s regional channels Zee Bangla and Zee Marathi continue to rule their respective languages of Bengali and Marathi with Zee Bangla and Zee Marathi after BARC released its ratings for week 29. This week Colors Bangla didn’t do well and came down to fifth position, but in the Tamil market, Colors Tamil came as a new entrant. There wasn’t much change in the hierarchy for Bhojpuri, Kannada and Tamil with Big Ganga, Colors Kannada and Sun TV retaining their top slots.

    Bangla

    Zee Bangla continued to be placed in number one position in week 29 with an increase in viewership from 276815 impressions (000s) as recorded last week to 306953 impressions (000s) this week. Star Jalsha too remained in the second slot with 299539 impressions (000s) followed by Jalsha Movies, who maintained its third slot with 74170 impressions (000s). Colors Bangla and Aakash Aath exchanged their fourth and fifth positions this week with 56003 impressions (000s) and 59257 impressions (000s) respectively. This week, all channels in this market saw an increase in the viewership as compared to last week.

    Bhojpuri

    This week, Big Ganga managed to gain the highest number of viewership with 47281 impressions (000s), while Bhojpuri Cinema came second with 45442 impressions (000s), followed by Bhojpuri Dhamaka Dishum with 7230 impressions (000s). Mahuaa Plus climbed to fourth position from fifth with 2333 impressions (000s). Oscar Movies Bhojpuri came as a new entrant this week with impressions 1908 impressions (000s).

    Kannada

    Kannada region remained unchanged this week as well. Colors Kannada retained its top position but saw a decrease in viewership from 414372 impressions (000s) as recorded last week to 403690 impressions (000s) of this week. Zee Kannada and Star Suvarna retained their second and fifth positions with 382100 impressions (000s) and 151063 (000s) respectively. Udaya Movies and Udaya TV swapped their third and fourth positions this week with 228477 impressions (000s) and 2237431 impressions (000s) respectively.

    Malayalam

    Asianet, the Malayalam general entertainment channel of Star TV retained its first position this week as well with 299541 impressions (000s). Flowers TV got dragged down to fourth position from second position with 85860 impressions (000s) while Mazhavil Manorama crawled up to second position with 90247 impressions (000s). Surya TV and Asianet Movies retained their third and fifth positions this week with 86420 impressions (000s) and 75016 (000s) impressions respectively.

    Marathi

    This week, the Marathi market didn’t notice any change. Zee Marathi remained steadfast in the number one position with 279070 impressions (000s). Zee Talkies gained second position with 154940 impressions (000s) followed by Colors Marathi, Star Pravah and Zee Yuva in third, fourth and fifth positions with 145457 impressions (000s), 116852 impressions (000s) and 59103 impressions (000s) respectively. This week all the channels in this market saw an increase in viewership.

    Tamil

    Tamil market saw a slight change this week. Star Vijay, Zee Tamil and KTV retained their second, third and fourth positions with 496816 impressions (000s), 447840 impressions (000s) and 320731 impressions (000s). Sun TV retained its top position with a gross viewership of 1004673. This week Colors Tamil gained fifth position dethroning Sun Life with 78973 impressions (000s).

     Telugu

    Telugu region didn’t notice any change this week. Star Maa, Zee Telugu, ETV Telugu and Gemini TV retained their first, second, third and fourth positions with total viewership of 630131 impressions (000s), 545142 impressions (000s), 490403 impressions (000s) and 424919 impressions (000s) respectively. Gemini Movies also retained its fifth position with 200644 impressions (000s). This week all the channels in this region saw an increase in their gross viewership.

  • International Radio Festival moves to EXPO City Milan, Italy

    International Radio Festival moves to EXPO City Milan, Italy

    MUMBAI:The IRF will join up with Radio City Milan and together present Europe’s largest public on-air radio festival at the fabulous Piazza Gae Aulenti midst Milan’s city centre, 7-10 April 2016.

    Taking place in and around the UniCredit pavilion, the IRF Milan Radio City festival will welcome over 20 international and 50 Italian radio stations who will broadcast their radio shows live-on-air to millions of their listeners back in their home cities.

    “We are proud to host the most important international festival dedicated to radio here in Milan. Once again our city proves to be a great European capital, back in the spotlight with an event that will bring thousands of people to Milan, and carry Milan to millions of listeners on-air around the world”, said Milan’s Mayor Giuliano Pisapia.

    “I am inspired to be working with such a future thinking and experienced team who have embraced the unique aspect of the IRF, and look forward to broadcasting the city of Milan to the world, as much as I am excited in welcoming some of the finest radio makers to the IRF conference at the beautiful UniCredit Pavilion”, says IRF festival director Darryl von Däniken.

    Likewise, the initiator of the successful Radio City Milan festival, Filippo Solibello, says “After our participation at the IRF this year, we just knew we had to bring this festival to the city of Milan and join forces with our own radio festival and develop the full potential of bringing radio close to the public whilst also having the unique opportunity of carrying on telling people around the world about our great EXPO city”.

    In addition to the new annual Milan edition, the IRF is midst in planning an Americas edition in Music City Nashville, a Middle East Edition in Dubai, and a South East Asia edition in Shanghai. “Developments are well under way to produce IRF editions in these world class cities and we are looking forward to releasing more news and dates during 2016.” says festival director von Däniken.

  • International Radio Festival moves to EXPO City Milan, Italy

    International Radio Festival moves to EXPO City Milan, Italy

    MUMBAI:The IRF will join up with Radio City Milan and together present Europe’s largest public on-air radio festival at the fabulous Piazza Gae Aulenti midst Milan’s city centre, 7-10 April 2016.

    Taking place in and around the UniCredit pavilion, the IRF Milan Radio City festival will welcome over 20 international and 50 Italian radio stations who will broadcast their radio shows live-on-air to millions of their listeners back in their home cities.

    “We are proud to host the most important international festival dedicated to radio here in Milan. Once again our city proves to be a great European capital, back in the spotlight with an event that will bring thousands of people to Milan, and carry Milan to millions of listeners on-air around the world”, said Milan’s Mayor Giuliano Pisapia.

    “I am inspired to be working with such a future thinking and experienced team who have embraced the unique aspect of the IRF, and look forward to broadcasting the city of Milan to the world, as much as I am excited in welcoming some of the finest radio makers to the IRF conference at the beautiful UniCredit Pavilion”, says IRF festival director Darryl von Däniken.

    Likewise, the initiator of the successful Radio City Milan festival, Filippo Solibello, says “After our participation at the IRF this year, we just knew we had to bring this festival to the city of Milan and join forces with our own radio festival and develop the full potential of bringing radio close to the public whilst also having the unique opportunity of carrying on telling people around the world about our great EXPO city”.

    In addition to the new annual Milan edition, the IRF is midst in planning an Americas edition in Music City Nashville, a Middle East Edition in Dubai, and a South East Asia edition in Shanghai. “Developments are well under way to produce IRF editions in these world class cities and we are looking forward to releasing more news and dates during 2016.” says festival director von Däniken.

  • Timex launches new range of IQ watches

    Timex launches new range of IQ watches

    MUMBAI : Timex, the leading watch manufacturer in the US has introduced its latest range of revolutionary Intelligent Quartz (IQ) watches. Known for its sophistication and charm Timex designs watches for every occasion. From the boardroom to the filed Timex has a watch for everyone. Timex has focused on quality, value and timeless style creating masterpieces along its way.Timex Group India Limited, one of India’s leading watch makers introduced the ‘Intelligent Quartz’ technology in India with its IQ timepieces.

     

    The unmatched success of the brand can be ascribed to its passion for delivering only the most exquisite pieces that are built from relentless hard work and the demand for excellence.   Known for creating technological marvels, Timex showcases the revolutionary IQ watches across the globe. This is a pioneering technology that allows watches to tell more than just time on a classic analog dial. An additional fourth center hand and independent sub-dials add advanced functionality and unique complications to each watch driven by the Intelligent Quartz technology. The result is accurate information and a sophisticated look at a value that only comes from Timex.

     

    Beneath the sophisticated exterior, Timex’s proprietary Intelligent Quartz Technology drives independent motors and digital sensors to give you the world’s smartest analog watch.

     

    Timex Intelligent Quartz technology capitalizes on expertise across the globe. The technology was developed by Timex in Pforzheim, Germany. The iconic, sophisticated case designs were crafted by Timex in Milan, Italy.

     

    The watch major is known for creating masterpieces that appeal to a large audience across the globe. Keeping up to their conviction, Timex Group introduced the revolutionary Intelligent Quartz (IQ) watches. The IQ range has a variety of marvelous watches to offer. The IQ World Time, Fly-Back Chronograph Compass Movement, Perpetual Calendar Movement, Fly Back Chronograph Movement, Tide Temp Compass Movement, Compass Movement­, Altimeter Movement and IQ Depth Gauge to mention just a few.

  • BBC World News to air second season of The Real Cities from 30 August

    BBC World News to air second season of The Real Cities from 30 August

    MUMBAI:BBC World News will air the second season of the travel programme The Real Cities from 30 August, every Saturday at 8 pm. The channel has renewed its advertising partnership with InterContinental Hotels and Resorts for the same.

    The ad-funded, weekly five-part series will let viewers watch the programme at primetime slots in each overseas market.

    BBC Worldwide EMEA VP –ad sales Carolyn Gibson said, “Ad funded programming offers our clients a customised 360 degree brand solution across TV, online and off-air, which is fully supported by our BBC World News in-house sales team, spanning ad productions through to marketing and PR”.

    InterContinental Hotels and Resorts global brand management SVP Jenifer Zeigler added, “The partnership raises awareness and consideration for our brand as we continue to grow our portfolio of hotels and resorts around the world. The Real Cities appeals to our guests and the programme’s authentic and enriching perspectives bring to life InterContinental’s ‘in the know’ positioning.”

    The new episodes of The Real Cities will showcase Cairo, Milan, Stockholm, Hanoi and San Francisco. With the help of knowledgeable, well known local personalities, the series will reveal to viewers the key spots to visit, often missed in guidebooks.

  • IBC to offer its new show, ‘VIP Passport’ at Mipcom

    IBC to offer its new show, ‘VIP Passport’ at Mipcom

    MUMBAI: Taking viewers behind the velvet ropes and into the first-class life of a jet-setter, International Broadcast Communications (IBC) is bringing LUX Entertainment’s VIP Passport to Mipcom’s global marketplace.

    VIP Passport will take viewers into the exotic lifestyle of five American jet-setters as they party at the hottest nightclubs, dine at the most exclusive restaurants, shop at the trendiest boutiques and party at the finest locales around the world.

    The 13-episode weekly series serves up extravagant settings, with intriguing plotlines—sure to leave viewers craving more.

    “The world is obsessed with the lives of today’s socialites,” says Founder and president of IBC Jon Helmrich.

    “VIP Passport allows viewers to virtually experience a fantasy lifestyle. It takes you into a world full of the hottest parties, the finest champaigne and the world’s most exotic cars. I am confident that this visually stunning show will be a hit at this year’s market.”

    Destinations for the series include Paris, Milan, Monaco, Rome, Belize, Singapore, Tokyo, Las Vegas, New York, Miami and Los Angeles among others.

    The new weekly one-hour program has been cleared on the FOX Television station group in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles and is on track to be cleared in 85% of US television households by 30 October 2006, when the first-run series debuts in broadcast syndication.

  • Commemorative postage stamp on LV Prasad released

    Commemorative postage stamp on LV Prasad released

    MUMBAI: The postal department has released a commemorative postage stamp on late LV Prasad, founder of Prasad Group, in Hyderabad to acknowledge his contribution to the world of cinema. The Union Minister of State for Communications and IT, Dr Shakeel Ahmad, released the postage stamp.

    Ramesh Prasad, son of LV Prasad, thanked the Government for acknowledging his father’s contribution to Indian cinema, informs the release.

    A film on the professional life of LV Prasad was also screened on the occasion. The event was attended by noted film personalities including Kamal Haasan, DVS Raju, and Ramoji Rao, who eulogized this legend.

    LV Prasad, a Dada Saheb Phalke Award winner, is a legendary name in the history of Indian Cinema. His passion for cinema is exhibited in his films which includes memorable hits like Gruha Pravesham, Ilavelpu, Sharada, Milan, Khilona, Daadi Maa, Manohara, Missamma and Ek Duje Ke Liye to name a few.

    A man of vision, his contribution to the growth of the film industry was beyond films. He also established postproduction facilities across India under the aegis of Prasad Film Laboratories.

    Prasad’s goal of providing complete wholesome family entertainment and film related education has been carried forward by his son Ramesh Prasad by the opening of The Prasads Multiplex , IMAX Theatre in Hyderabad and LV Prasad Film & TV Academy in Chennai.

    Today, the Prasad Group started by LV Prasad is 50 years old and has facilities and offices in India, Singapore, Dubai and Hollywood.

  • TNS appoints Mezzasalma as head of internet, television and radio audience measurement sector

    TNS appoints Mezzasalma as head of internet, television and radio audience measurement sector

    MUMBAI: TNS has appointed Andrea Mezzasalma as head of TNS’ Internet, Television and Radio Audience Measurement sector (iTRAM), responsible for managing the global business.

    Mezzasalma will take over from Mike Gorton who has been with TNS for five years and played a key role in developing the iTRAM sector and consolidating TNS as an industry leader in TV and radio audience measurement, informs an official release.

    Gorton will be retiring from TNS this year but will remain with the Group as a consultant.

    Mezzasalma will be relocated from Milan to London, has a high profile in the global media measurement industry. He became the youngest partner in Eurisko, a leading Italian marketing information company, where he was pivotal in developing and marketing innovative technologies for audience measurement. Eurisko was acquired by NOP World in 2003, and more recently by GfK.

    TNS chief executive David Lowden said: “Andrea has an excellent track record as an innovator with a deep understanding of technology. With rapid changes in technology, media measurement is becoming more complex and TNS is responding to this challenge by developing more sophisticated models to enable data segmentation, digitisation and internet measurement. Andrea will provide valuable expertise in the technology and audience measurement fields to take the iTRAM team forward and deliver growth in this important sector.

    TNS has recently secured a number of high profile contracts across the globe including its appointment to the RAJAR/BARB London Portable Meter/Panel Development audience measurement programme and a pioneering TV audience measurement agreement in the US with Charter Communications. Andrea will oversee these projects and manage the teams involved in driving international plans forward, the release adds.