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Tag: Mini Mathur

  • Cab Experiences drives ‘One Bharat Sari Walkathon’ in Mumbai for women’s financial independence

    Cab Experiences drives ‘One Bharat Sari Walkathon’ in Mumbai for women’s financial independence

    Mumbai: The Mumbai edition of ‘One Bharat Sari Walkathon’ scheduled to take place in December, will represent the cultural diversity and unity of India, through the medium of the Indian textile, the traditional saree. The national event organised by the ministry of textiles and the Government of India is being curated by Cab Experiences, a brand solution agency known for its bold ideas, creativity and impactful brand transformations.  The event with a mix of activities, coinciding with an exhibition-cum-sales- “Gandhi Shilp Bazaar- National” is organised to promote handloom sari culture in India, inviting the participation of women from various strata of society, showcasing distinctive ways of draping the sari, hereby presenting India as a country having “Unity in Diversity”.

    The event’s core is women, representing diverse backgrounds, uniting in a Walkathon wearing sarees. This will symbolise the beautiful union of women from varied walks of life, standing together for a common cause for the nation.

    Previously, the walkathon was successfully held in Surat with 15000 sari-clad women walking together showcasing Indian culture. The Mumbai edition of ‘One Bharat Sari Walkathon’ will also exhibit the rich cultural diversity of the country and will jointly be driven by a Member of Lok Sabha, Union State Minister of Textiles,  Darshana Jardosh and Member of Parliament  Poonam Mahajan. The event will also witness celebrities across the industry like Anita Dongre, Shaina NC, Faye D’Souza, Sonali Bendre, Amruta Fadnavis, Mini Mathur, Sonali Kulkarni, Arpita Mehta and many more.

    The walkathon will be a tribute to the rich legacy of the Indian handloom industry and will see the enthusiastic participation of 5000 women including leading women professionals, Bollywood and television celebrities, sports personalities, businesswomen, designers, influencers, homemakers, women from the music industry as well as transgender/ LGBTQ activists.

    Among the many strong influential personalities will be Faye D’souza, Anita Dongre, Dr Jaishree Sharad, Sonali Bendre, Dolly Jain, Shaina NC and Amruta Fadnavis. The event will also see Angadwadi women considered as the main frontline health workers in India and women from the Koli community- one of the biggest indigenous groups in Maharashtra renowned for their extensive cultural legacy and traditions. The walkathon aims to bring all these extraordinary women personalities under a unified platform of  One Bharat Sari Walkathon – to walk with pride for the nation, upholding the power of the traditional saree that symbolizes women’s empowerment and cultural identity. Mumbai being the financial capital of India, the event will also be promoting the cause of financial independence as the underlying theme for the Walkathon. This message will be driven through participating brands, celebrities and the media.

    MOS Darshana Jardosh added, “The ‘One Bharat Sari Walkathon’ event holds particular significance in Mumbai, the financial capital of India, where the spirit of womanhood is deeply embedded in every aspect of its existence. The participation of women from various backgrounds, draped in saris representing their distinct regional styles, will create a beautiful tapestry of diversity. This not only resonates with the vibrant essence of Mumbai but also adds a layer of deep cultural significance to the walkathon. By combining the economic, cultural, and regional elements, the ‘One Bharat Sari Walkathon’ is poised to make a meaningful impact, celebrating the unity in diversity that characterizes India while simultaneously promoting the enduring legacy of handloom craftsmanship.”

    Lok Sabha member of parliament Poonam Mahajan said, “I believe that sari is not just a garment but a symbol of women’s financial independence and freedom.  The ‘One Bharat Sari Walkathon’ aims to bring women on a platform that supports the Indian textile industry and promotes women’s empowerment. Regardless of whether it’s the CEO of a multinational company or a Koli woman from the indigenous Maharashtrian tribe, each participant will walk the marathon adorned in a traditional saree. This unification through the dignity of labour and a shared love for Indian culture will be the common thread among all participants.”

    CAB Experiences, founder partner and director Rajesh KV quoted as, “  I am thrilled to share that the ‘One Bharat Sari Walkathon’ is set to make history by bringing together an incredibly diverse group of women. From the vibrant Koli community to dedicated Anganwadi women, accomplished professionals, passionate transgender and LGBTQ activists, to the heart and soul of our homes, the homemakers – this walkathon will unfold as a tapestry of inclusivity, representing the very essence of our country and its rich culture. What makes this event truly unique is the unprecedented collaboration of women from all walks of life. It goes beyond being a simple walkathon; it’s a powerful narrative of encouragement and support for women’s empowerment. A key aspect of this narrative will be positioning the sari as a national symbol and a source of pride for India.”

    The overarching strategy for the “One Bharat Sari Walkathon” is to transform it into a prominent brand narrative that not only highlights the cultural and economic significance of Indian textiles, especially saris but also aligns with the cause of empowering women financially. The goal is to establish the walkathon as a platform for impactful collaborations with multiple brands and associations that share a commitment to women’s financial empowerment. This strategic focus not only ties the walkathon to the broader narrative of India’s progress but also creates a sense of national identity and unity around the sari. The aim is to make the “One Bharat Sari Walkathon” a dynamic and influential platform that fosters positive change, promotes economic empowerment, and celebrates the cultural heritage of India.  It also involves crafting compelling stories and messages that resonate with a diverse audience, emphasizing the walkathon as more than just an event. The focus will be on building emotional connections and showcasing how the association with India, the sari, and various causes can attract a wide range of brands and personalities. By aligning with the CSR goals of participating brands, the platform becomes an avenue for them to contribute to positive social impact.

    The vision for the future of the ‘One Bharat Sari Walkathon’ is global expansion, transcending borders to replicate the event across India and abroad. This ambitious endeavour aims to showcase inclusivity by delving into diverse facets of identity and fashion on a worldwide stage. In this vision, the walkathon becomes a catalyst for tangible change – increasing the income of weavers and instilling a sense of pride in their craft. The event is not just a fashion statement; it’s a movement with a profound social, cultural, and economic impact on local communities and an indelible mark on the world stage. 

  • Mini Mathur and Cyrus Sahukar re-unite after 4 years to host Discovery SCHOOL SUPER LEAGUE (DSSL) POWERED BY BYJU’S- The Learning App

    Mini Mathur and Cyrus Sahukar re-unite after 4 years to host Discovery SCHOOL SUPER LEAGUE (DSSL) POWERED BY BYJU’S- The Learning App

    MUMBAI: Multi-talented personalities Mini Mathur and Cyrus Sahukar have united after 4 years to be the host of India’s biggest ever integrated school quiz show Discovery SCHOOL SUPER LEAGUE (DSSL) POWERED BY BYJU’S- – The Learning App. Conceptualized at a never-before scale, the on-ground leg of DSSL has reached out to an unprecedented 12,300 plus schools touching over 43 lakh students in the age-group of 8 to 14 years across the nation.

    The on-air six-episode phase of DSSL premieres April 28 on Discovery Channel, Discovery HD World, Discovery Science, and Discovery Kids. The quiz will feature teams from 29 states and 1 Union Territory (Delhi).

    Speaking on the occasion, Mini Mathur, said, “I'm a complete quiz head and love being part of shows which unearth the true hidden knowledge potential of children of India. The role of a quizmaster is not as simple as it may seem – one needs to make the children comfortable & uninimidated so that they are unfazed with the occasion and can remember their facts as and when the time arises… and yet keep the energy of the game high. I am excited to be part of DSSL because the process of identifying team of each state has been very exhaustive. I admire both brands – Byju’s and Discovery and it is a pleasure to work closely with them. Byju’s is an amazing start-up story in the field of education while Discovery is a global leader in real life entertainment – to which my kids are also hooked to.”

    “The scale of DSSL is amazing. The fact that the on-ground phase touched more than 43 lakh children, and only 60 made it to the TV round tells you a deeper story that the standard of quiz would be very high; the competition intense. I am excited to be amongst such talented bunch,” said, Cyrus Sahukar. “I look forward to hosting the quiz with close friend Mini Mathur and together we will make sure it turns out to be fun, exciting and an engaging show.

  • Winners of the L’Oréal Paris Femina Women Awards 2014

    Winners of the L’Oréal Paris Femina Women Awards 2014

    MUMBAI: L’Oréal Paris, the world’s No. 1 beauty brand and Femina, India’s largest women’s magazine once again came together to celebrate India’s women achievers at the third edition of the L’Oréal Paris Femina Women Awards 2014 at The Leela, Mumbai. The awards celebrated ‘Women of Worth’ in India, honouring women who work selflessly for their communities across 14 categories including Social Impact, Community Causes, Science & Innovation and Education amongst others.

    Honouring women with extraordinary accomplishments and exceptional commitment to their careers and communities, the L’Oréal Paris Femina Women Awards brought to the fore the strength and contribution of Indian women to society.  The nominees were shortlisted after an extensive research process while identifying each one’s key contribution in their respective fields.

    Manashi Guha, GeneralManager, L’Oréal Paris said, “It gives us immense pleasure to see the L’Oréal Paris Femina Women Awards grow as a platform that recognizes strong women so committed to the society around them. L’Oréal Paris firmly believes in women empowerment and applauds any woman who bravely takes on a challenge and converts it into an opportunity. I would like to congratulate these Women of Worth for their exemplary work and thank them for inspiring women everywhere to empower themselves and lead an extraordinary life.”

    Sharing his views on organizing these awards, Tarun Rai, CEO, World Wide Media said, “Over 50 years Femina has celebrated and inspired the modern Indian woman through its pages. It was only fitting that we institute and award for women achievers across a variety of fields. In its third edition the L’Oreal Paris Femina Women Awards will celebrate the achievements of 62 nominees. 15 of them will walk away with the stunning ‘Tangram’ trophy.”

    The evening saw distinguished women from various walks of life being felicitated for work done in diverse fields. Sonam A. Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Katrina Kaifalong withAkshay Kumar, Huma Qureshi, NehaDhupia andAnupamKher, Dr. Swati Piramal, Sabyasachi, ZarinaScrewalafrom the esteemed jury members presented the awards. Other guests present at the awards included DiaMirza, Kunal Kapoor, Mini Mathur, SonaliKulkani,  PriaKatariaPuri, PoojaBedi, KalkiKochelin, Neel Bhoopalam, Nimrat Kaur.

    With power packed performances by IshaSharvani, Aditi Mittal &SwanandKirkirethe ceremony brought alive the essence of womanhood in India and made the evening an occasion to remember.

    Rounding off a successful third year of the awards Tanya Chaitanya, Editor, Femina said, “L’Oreal Paris Femina Women Awards 2014 are an out-and-out celebration of the deserving yet the unsung. Women who work tirelessly towards causes close to their heart, chasing excellence in all that they do, women who believe in taking the community along, women who make a huge difference to their surroundings. It is Femina’s honour to have such women achievers step up and take a bow before the world in a befitting all-out extravaganza that the L’Oreal Paris Femina Women Awards 2014 is. Thank you, ladies!”

    Winners of the third edition of L’Oréal Paris Femina Women Awards 2014

    L’Oréal Paris Femina Women Awardswere setup in 2012 by two formidable women-centric brands L’Oreal Paris and Femina to honour and provide a platform for women achievers who have done exceptional work in their respective fields. L’Oréal Paris, known for its powerful slogan ‘Because You’re Worth is not just the World’s No.1 beauty brand, but also a brand that embodies self-confidence and empowerment. Femina is synonymous with celebrating women and their achievements and has done pioneering work in putting these achievers in the spotlight for over five decades. Held on an annual basis, the awards will continue to honour and celebrate women achievers for their significant accomplishments towards the evolution of society.

  • Sony adds 2 associate sponsors for Indian Idol

    MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television (Set) has roped in two more associate sponsors for its popular singing reality show, Indian Idol, that airs from 1 June.

    Nissan Motors and Ambuja Cement add to the list of associate sponsors that include Flipkart.com, TVS Tyres, Vivel, Max New York Life Insurance, Amul Macho, Sunsilk and Suzuki Motorcycle. Close Up is the presenting sponsor of the show while it is powered by MTS.

    The ad inventory for the 26-episode weekend property is almost running full. Indian Idol will air at 8.30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

    MSM president network sales, licensing and telephony Rohit Gupta told Indiantelevision.com that only few slots are available for advertisers. “We will be selling that soon,” he added.

    Indiantelevision.com earlier reported that Set is targeting advertising revenue of Rs 900 million from the sixth edition of the Indian Idol.

    The show will be hosted by Hussain and Mini Mathur.

    Also Read:
    Sony eyes ad rev of Rs 900 mn from Indian Idol

  • TV hosts….a new breed enmerges

    TV hosts….a new breed enmerges

    Let’s go back a little in time. Hosting was all about propah quiz masters and news readers. A Siddarth Basu or a Luku Sanyal is still remembered very fondly by TV buffs. The closest one got to a host then was Tabassum on DD’s Phool Khile Hai Gulshan Gulshan. Tabassum gate crashed into a predominant male bastion and probably remained the lone female host for a long time on TV.
    Then and now

    Then it was more about the serious, intelligent, well-mannered and dressed in the mandatory suit kind of TV host. It was much later that hosting was redefined and got its current avatar. Now it is all about the Hinglish speaking, hip, yo, irreverent young guy. Being able to think on your feet and adding your own brand of cerebral content to a show is co-incidental.

    Hosting as a profession is still in its nascent stage in India. Celeb shows, reality shows, cookery shows, talk shows. The need for hosts is on an all-time high. So what is hosting all about? A pretty face, designer threads, a good bod, spiked hair? Or is it all this and dollops of talent and intelligence? What is the art of good hosting?

    As no corporate house or institution has yet thought of launching a course in hosting all our hosts are self-taught. “One should have a good education and be well-read. This should be a pre-requisite,” believes Mini Mathur one of the most popular hosts on TV today.

    Cyrus Broacha, Sajid Khan, Mini Mathur, Cyrus Sahukar, Mona Singh, Karan Johar, Roshan Abbas are also in the current top bracket. Not to mention the veejays on different music channels who sport fake accents, crack juvenile jokes and the female veejays dressed in almost nothing. And not to mention that all read from a script written by an equally amateur writer.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    When actors came calling
     

    Hosting came of age when Shekhar Suman charted a different route for himself as a talk show host. He began to host hard hitting satirical TV Talk shows on entertainment and news channels. He introduced his particular brand of humour which was a heady mix of obnoxiousness, irreverence, and simple observations.

    Movers and Shakers on the Sony Entertainment Network and Simply Shekhar on Zee Television were two of his much-watched shows. Modelled along the lines of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Suman did manage to carve a niche for himself via this show.
     

     

    When Amitabh Bachchan crossed over to the small screen with the game show, Kaun Banega Crorepati he not only helped the channel’s dipping fortunes but also helped himself get a new lease to life. The hugely popular show, characterised by Bachchan’s baritone and personality is remembered today for the host rather than the crores earned by the contestants.

    Though of course Bachchan was a household name, the show helped him widen his fan base and also helped him clean up the financial mess he was in.

     

     

    But when superstar Shah Rukh Khan replaced Amitabh Bachchan as host on KBC Shah Rukh Khan said, “I was pleasantly surprised when the channel offered me the show. I was a participant in season one of KBC… and little did I know one day I would be hosting it. It is a huge act to follow, that of Mr Bachchan…but it also excites me that I am getting an opportunity to reach out (and) talk and interact with my audience through a medium where I began my career as an actor years ago.”

    And full marks to Khan for having taken hosting to new heights. Having come from the world of theatre Khan knew all the trade secrets and perfected the art so well that he had viewers swooning. It was rumoured then that audiences watched the show only to get entertained by SRK. He chatted, he danced, he sang and he joked. Damn the GK questions. He did all that was required of a successful host. His style, his wit, his intelligence was unmatched. Though one must add that SRK is a better host on live shows than on the small screen. Nonetheless, his TV hosting did set a benchmark.
     

     

    Very recently actor Sunil Shetty crossed over to the small screen to host the Biggest loser jeetega on Sahara One. Unfortunately, the actor flopped in his new role. Veterans know that this is not an easy role to play.
     

    Money talk

    And that brings us to the most important takeaway of this profession- financial returns. Unlike in the earlier times when a host did TV shows for only a day or two in the month and supplemented his income with other jobs now for most of them it is their only job. Today it is a very lucrative career and hosts of all kinds are laughing all the way to the bank. And it is this moolah coupled with the thrill of becoming stars in their own right that more and more PYTs are attracted to this new job.

    So how much does a TV host earn? Inside sources inform that much depends on the length of a show and the status of the host. But on an average a start- up anchor takes home atleast Rs 5000 per episode and an A – list host makes anything between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh per episode.

    “The business is good and so is the money,” Sajid informs. “I have never been out of work. Your demand is because of your popularity. Moreover I never discriminate between work.”
    Mini too has taken a conscious decision not to take up any acting assignments as she has good work on her plate. This also helps her focus on her job.

    Whether hosting is a well paying job, Abbas says, “It depends. It pays me very well but I can’t be sure of all other anchors. Actually, a lot depends on your popularity.”

     

    Pre-requisites

    “You don’t have to look like Brad Pitt to be a good host. In fact 90% of the hosts worldwide are not exceptionally good looking,” says Sajid Khan. “You need to talk well and this can’t be learnt.”

    Saiid who began hosting shows way back in 1994 (Main Bhi Detective) is still going strong. Ikke Pe Ikka his countdown show on Zee Cinema has done over 400 episodes and put him in the big league. Of the belief that hosting is an inborn art and that very few people are born with it, Sajid says, “Shah Rukh Khan, Shatrughan Sinha, Karan Johar are those blessed with it. As for Amitabh Bachchan he is a superstar and hence it is easier for him to host a show. He is being himself.”

    Karan Johar normally wears the director’s hat. And when he is not making films he hosts a talk show, Koffee with Karan. The show brings together celebrities who are interviewed in the show’s trademark informal style. The first season was a huge success, and the programme became the first English entertainment show to ever get a huge rating in India. Karan is himself on the show, chorus all those who know him. A veteran Karan very cleverly juxtaposes his teleprompter lines with his real lines. Having said that he is a delight to watch. In fact another super host Sajid Khan says, “I like Karan on the show. It comes naturally to him. I have known him since years and he has always held a captive audience be it when talking informally with friends or as a host. He doesn’t pretend and that is his USP.”
     

    And then there was Simi Garewal in her impeccable English accent hosting Rendezvous with Simi Garewal. A picture perfect in her designer outfits and chic appearance Simi hosted this very class-centric talk show. Simi who had been an actress but not a successful one had finally found her calling. The show spilled over into many seasons and Simi did her la- di- dah act to perfection.

    From small-time housie shows to countdown shows on TV, to prestigious award functions he has done them all. Armed with an abrasive sense of humour, Sajid Khan has done many a celeb in with the Sajid brand of wit and all this with his tongue firmly in the cheek.
     

    “Right since my childhood I was always standing with a mike and taking a show on the floor,” informs Sajid. “My USP is being able to connect with people. I’ve hosted shows for as varied an audience as the House of Commons, to the Maharashtra Shetkari Sangh. My strength lies in the fact that I don’t work on a script. I never use teleprompters and I don’t need writers. What people see is what they get. I think a successful host is one is who conducts a show without giving himself too much importance.”
     

    Mini Mathur who was a MTV host for 4 years has also hosted both the seasons of Indian Idol and is gearing up for the third is an MBA in Marketing and her stint with hosting goes way back to hosting India’s first game show, Tol Mol Ke Bol. She is of the firm belief that it is a very specialised field. Mini says, “Today everybody is a me-too. Unfortunately most over do it. I am in the business since 10 years. I haven’t burned out as I do less work. I have a family and am a happy person. And because of my life experiences I can put it better before the camera.”
     

    “An effective anchor needs to be quick witted, observant and adaptable to unforeseen situations,” says Roshan Abbas popularTV host. But when he took over from the oh-so natural Faroukh Shaikh to host the second season of Jeena Isika Naam Hain it was a tough act to follow. Shaikh had charmed viewers with his dignity, subtle wit and grace. Despite his experience, Abbas was unable to match Shaikh.
     

    As there are so many new shows mushrooming now on the small screen the hosts can cast a wide net. But what is important is the fact that the subject should not matter to a host. And hence it is only a well-read/intelligent host who can do justice to the work. Mini says that reality shows do not have a script. “It is made up of good moments. I like to work on a basic framework and then improvise. It is very reactive. Spontaneity and wit are the two essentials that make a successful host.”
     

    So does that mean that a Sanjeev Kapoor who has been hosting cookery shows should try his hand at a reality show? Talking of spontaneity, Ranvir Shorey and Vinay Pathak are the latest two entrants in the hosting arena and they are a delight to watch on their late night talk show, Ranvir -Vinay aur Kaun?
     

     

    Downside

    Well-written scripts are difficult to come by rue most hosts. Sajid therefore says he works without a script. “People hire me because they save on teleprompters,” Sajid ribs. “I can host the Oscars better than any of the hosts. I was the first to wear a tuxedo, sing a song, walk down from the stage and talk to the audience. I work for the viewer.”
     

    The genial Mini storms, “My angst is against the perception of TV presenters. They are not given due respect. They must be accorded the space of a TV serial. Sometimes people don’t even know our real names. “
     
    Abbas says, “It is unfortunate that good avenues for formal training in TV anchoring do not exist in our country. I’m trying to do my bit on this front through a series of workshops. Besides, nobody can deny that luck plays a crucial part in your success or failure over here.”
     

    The bottomline
     

    The good ones survive despite the onslaught of a hundred others who come to try their hand at the job. A Cyrus Broacha is saluted by not just his listeners but by his contemporaries. And he is no threat to any of them…as he is head and shoulders above the rest. And they know that. As VJ Ranvijay has said of him, “Thanks to him, all of us have careers today. VJing wouldn’t be a career if Cyrus Broacha wasn’t there.”
     

    One thinks it’s about time the Cyruses, the Minis, the Shaikhs, the Sajids opened a school for wannabe hosts. Its pay back time folks!

  • Mini Mathur to host Pogo Amazing Kids Awards ’06

    Mini Mathur to host Pogo Amazing Kids Awards ’06

    MUMBAI: The third edition of the Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006 is all set to rock with television anchor/VJ Mini Mathur on board for 19 new episodes.

    Turner International India Vice President Advertising Sales and Networks India and South Asia Monica Tata said, “We are extremely happy to introduce Mini as the new face for Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006. Mini is a popular television anchor and we are confident that she will do complete justice to the new, serialised format of Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006. A mom herself, Mini would be the best person to interact with the participants and their parents and also share a comfort level with them as they face the camera.”

    Mini Mathur with Rob (left), Chinu (right) and Niall on Pogo Amazing Kids Awards ’06
    Enthused about her venture in the kids’ genre for the first time, Mini Mathur says, “I am really excited to be part of Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006. Though I have anchored a lot of shows on television, this one demands dealing with young hearts and their emotions. Pogo is doing an incredible job by inculcating confidence in these kids and providing them a platform to showcase their talent to the country.”

    The Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006 research team and jury is in the process of short listing five nominees from each of the eight categories – arts, sports, music, singing, dance, genius, leadership and entertainment. These 40 kids will be profiled as part of the Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006 series starting 4 November 2006. This serialised format has been produced by Miditech.

    The first eight episodes will feature non-category specific profiling of the 40 nominees, followed by a complete recap in the ninth episode. The next eight episodes will have three finalists in each category vying for the top prize by impressing the jury, viewers and thereby getting their votes. At this stage, the jury panel will be there to guide the finalists, spur them on and give them words of advice, while viewers’ votes will play a crucial role in selecting the final eight winners. These will be followed by a grand finale that will reveal the final eight winners of Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006, informs an official release.

    The winners of the POGO Kids Awards will be felicitated at a gala, in-studio event in Mumbai that will be interspersed with performances. The winners will be awarded with a child benefit policy worth Rs 5 lakhs and to further highlight their talent, the winning kids will get the chance to be on Pogo throughout 2007.

    Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006 is divided into two sections, Pogo Voice Awards and Pogo Kids Awards. The Pogo Kids Awards segment will recognise exceptional talent and brilliance and reward them for their talents in multiple areas and the Pogo Voice Awards will yet again empower children from all over India to vote for their favourite celebrity icons amongst nominees in various award categories.

    Instituted by Pogo in December 2004, the Awards recognise child wonders and reward them for their achievements in multiple areas of excellence such as arts, leadership and sports.

  • Zoom to launch ‘Levis Diva Quest’ on 21 October

    Zoom to launch ‘Levis Diva Quest’ on 21 October

    MUMBAI: In line with the reality show craze on television channels these days, the Times Group’s glamour and lifestyle channel Zoom is launching a reality show the Levi’s Diva Quest.

    The show has been introduced as part of the channel’s revamp strategy. Zoom is on the lookout for the most stylish anchor through the Diva Quest. It is also planning to launch a few more shows over the next one month.

    “We are now poised to get into the next stage of our life cycle and there are a host of new initiatives both in terms of content and marketing slated to launch in October-November this year. Diva Quest is a stepping stone in that direction that we have taken,” says Zoom business head MK Anand.

    The show has been introduced with an aim to hunt for the most stylish anchor for the channel. It would kick off on 21 October. It will be aired on Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm and will be hosted by ramp model Aparna Kumar. 

    This is not the first time Zoom is indulging in the area of glam and glitz. Earlier, it had launched in L’oreal Paris Elite Model Look India 2006, Pond’s Banungi Main Miss India and Red Hot Countdown.

    The 15 shortlisted contenders will be scrutinized by a panel of judges including ace photographer Subi Samuel, makeover specialist and choreographer Achla Sachdev, celebrity tarot-card reader Sunita Menon, ad-man Prahlad Kakar and acclaimed TV host Mini Mathur. 

    From this lot, the contestants would further be wittled down to 10. The grand finale will be held on 29 October at the Intercontinental, Mumbai.

    Talking about the unique selling point (USP) of the show photographer Subi Samuel claimed, “Like other shows, we are not overtaking their personalities and transforming them, we are just grooming them to be able to deal with the glitz and glamour”