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Tag: Raj Thackeray

  • Mumbai Tak marches into Pune with the Jai Hind Utsav

    Mumbai Tak marches into Pune with the Jai Hind Utsav

    MUMBAI: Mumbai Tak, the feisty digital arm of the India Today Group, is rolling out its big guns—quite literally—for a showstopper in Pune. The Jai Hind Utsav, set to light up the Modern Engineering College auditorium on 23 May, promises a high-octane mix of political firepower and lyrical soul.

    From Maharashtra Navnirman Sena supremo Raj Thackeray to former army chief general Manoj Mukund Naravane , the line-up reads like a who’s who of India’s influence circuit. Add musical maestros Salil Kulkarni, Sandeep Khare, and Bhimrao Panchale into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a cultural cocktail ready to stir Pune awake.

    “This event is a testimony to the popularity and the support that Mumbai Tak has received from its viewers. Through this endeavour, our aim is to strengthen connect with viewers and give them a different experience rich with cultural heritage of the state,” said Tak channels managing editor  Milind Khandekar. “We’re weaving the cultural fabric of Maharashtra into an experience that viewers won’t forget.”

    The entire extravaganza will be streamed live on www.mumbaitak.in, and across Facebook and YouTube—ensuring that no one misses the beats or the barbs.

  • ABP Majha unveils ‘Majha Sanman Puraskar 2023’

    ABP Majha unveils ‘Majha Sanman Puraskar 2023’

    Mumbai: ABP Majha, a leading news channel of Maharashtra hosted the prestigious ‘Majha Sanman Puraskar 2023’ on Monday, 21 August at the elegant ITC Grand Central in Mumbai. The ‘Majha Sanman Puraskar’ serves as a distinguished tribute to individuals who have made noteworthy contributions across various domains.  

    The event was graced by distinguished chief guests, including chief minister Eknath Shinde, chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Raj Thackeray, and the veteran actor Jeetendra Kapoor.

    Beyond being mere awards, the ‘Majha Sanman Puraskar’ from ABP Majha symbolizes gratitude towards those who have significantly enriched the well-being, growth, and sense of accomplishment of the state of Maharashtra. The evening radiated with distinction and glamour, as it acknowledged the achievements of exceptional individuals who have left an indelible mark on Maharashtra’s cultural, social, and artistic landscape.

    The recipients of the 2023 Majha Sanman Puruskar are as follows:

    Pt. Suresh Wadkar, renowned singer

    Dr Shri Thanedar, Indian-American congressman

    Ashok Patki, accomplished music director and composer

    Ashok Jain, chairman, Jain Irrigation

    Shraddha Kapoor, a celebrated actress

    Shardul Thakur, a prominent Indian cricketer

    Kedar Shinde, esteemed film director

    Ware Guruji, celebrated teacher

    Satyapal Maharaj, a devoted social activist

    Suresh Waghe, a notable author

    For the past 15 years, the ‘Majha Sanman Puraskar’ has stood as a symbol of appreciation for the state’s pride, paying homage to luminaries such as Sachin Tendulkar, Dr Rani Bang, Ashutosh Kotwal, Nagraj Manjule, Pt. Suresh Talkwalkar, Rahul Dravid, and many more. This year’s edition marked an unforgettable evening celebrating Maharashtra’s vibrant heritage of talent, creativity, and excellence.

    The broadcast of the show is scheduled for Saturday, August 26th, at 8 PM, with a repeat episode airing on Sunday, 27 August at 7 PM, ensuring a wider audience can partake in the celebration of Maharashtra’s remarkable individuals.

    Majha Sanman Puraskar 2023 was co-presented by Dear Government Lottery, Vikram Tea, Star Parvah, Lottoland, and Cycle Agarbatti. It was co-powered by Akkuda’s Dhudhkandi, Senco Gold & Diamonds, and Gokul Dudh. The Drive-in partner for the event was H’ness CB350, and it was partnered by Tata Play. The digital partner was ABP Live.

  • Pak bans Indian TV content, films from being screened

    Pak bans Indian TV content, films from being screened

    NEW DELHI: Even as Pakistani theatres decided not to show Indian films in the wake of the current tensions between the two countries, that country’s media regulator has asked all channels in the country to “immediately” stop broadcast of illegal Indian content amid theongoing tension between the two nations.

    Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) in a statement said it has been receiving complaints that several local private channels were showing Indian talk shows, reality programmes and dramas without permission.

    “The complaints have shown serious concerns on this issue (illegal Indian content) in the wake of current situation between India and Pakistan. Complainants have urged PEMRA to impose immediate ban on broadcast and distribution of illegal Indian channels and illegal Indian DTH,” PEMRA said in a statement.

    PEMRA said that it had already taken steps to stop illegal broadcast of Indian channels and warned that all distribution networks and TV channels should follow the laws and “immediately” stop the broadcasting of Indian contents.

    “This will send a positive signal to the public about the satellite TV channels and distribution networks’ commitment with rule of law and the country – about which a huge number of talk shows preach daily,” it said.

    According to PEMRA rules, local channels can only show five per cent foreign content but it has been seen that several channels mostly rely on foreign contents, mostly Indian, Turkish, American and European.

    Interestingly, the only Indian general entertainment channel which was showing Pakistani content, Zee’s Zindagi, has also decided to stop such broadcasts from 2 October.

    Last week, Raj Thackeray-led MNS issued an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes and actors, including Fawad Khan and Ali Zafar, to leave India by 25 September or else they would be “pushed out”. Concerts of Pakistani singers Shafqat Amanat Ali and Atif Aslam scheduled in Bengaluru and Gurgaon, respectively, were also cancelled.

    And though actor Salman Khan backed Pakistan artistes following the ban on them by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association, Pakistani cinemas have stopped screening Indian films in “solidarity” with the country’s armed forces.

    “We have stopped screening Indian movies at our cinemas from Friday till the situation improves and normalcy returns,” said Nadeem Mandviwalla, whose Mandviwalla Entertainment runs eight cinemas in Karachi and the capital, Islamabad, according to a report in a New York-based Indian newspaper. Indian films had been popular both at the cinema and on pirated DVDs in Pakistan.

    Pakistan’s domestic film industry has seen a revival in recent years, but is dwarfed by India’s Bollywood. Pakistani actors have increasingly been appearing in big budget Bollywood films in the last few years.

    Super Cinemas General Manager Khurram Gultasab confirmed his group would also not be screening Indian films. He said the move had been made by cinema owners themselves, rather than on government directions. The group runs ten cinemas in cities across Pakistan’s Punjab province.

    Other Pakistani cinemas posted on social media saying they would not be showing Indian films after Thursday’s violence.

  • Pak bans Indian TV content, films from being screened

    Pak bans Indian TV content, films from being screened

    NEW DELHI: Even as Pakistani theatres decided not to show Indian films in the wake of the current tensions between the two countries, that country’s media regulator has asked all channels in the country to “immediately” stop broadcast of illegal Indian content amid theongoing tension between the two nations.

    Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) in a statement said it has been receiving complaints that several local private channels were showing Indian talk shows, reality programmes and dramas without permission.

    “The complaints have shown serious concerns on this issue (illegal Indian content) in the wake of current situation between India and Pakistan. Complainants have urged PEMRA to impose immediate ban on broadcast and distribution of illegal Indian channels and illegal Indian DTH,” PEMRA said in a statement.

    PEMRA said that it had already taken steps to stop illegal broadcast of Indian channels and warned that all distribution networks and TV channels should follow the laws and “immediately” stop the broadcasting of Indian contents.

    “This will send a positive signal to the public about the satellite TV channels and distribution networks’ commitment with rule of law and the country – about which a huge number of talk shows preach daily,” it said.

    According to PEMRA rules, local channels can only show five per cent foreign content but it has been seen that several channels mostly rely on foreign contents, mostly Indian, Turkish, American and European.

    Interestingly, the only Indian general entertainment channel which was showing Pakistani content, Zee’s Zindagi, has also decided to stop such broadcasts from 2 October.

    Last week, Raj Thackeray-led MNS issued an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes and actors, including Fawad Khan and Ali Zafar, to leave India by 25 September or else they would be “pushed out”. Concerts of Pakistani singers Shafqat Amanat Ali and Atif Aslam scheduled in Bengaluru and Gurgaon, respectively, were also cancelled.

    And though actor Salman Khan backed Pakistan artistes following the ban on them by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association, Pakistani cinemas have stopped screening Indian films in “solidarity” with the country’s armed forces.

    “We have stopped screening Indian movies at our cinemas from Friday till the situation improves and normalcy returns,” said Nadeem Mandviwalla, whose Mandviwalla Entertainment runs eight cinemas in Karachi and the capital, Islamabad, according to a report in a New York-based Indian newspaper. Indian films had been popular both at the cinema and on pirated DVDs in Pakistan.

    Pakistan’s domestic film industry has seen a revival in recent years, but is dwarfed by India’s Bollywood. Pakistani actors have increasingly been appearing in big budget Bollywood films in the last few years.

    Super Cinemas General Manager Khurram Gultasab confirmed his group would also not be screening Indian films. He said the move had been made by cinema owners themselves, rather than on government directions. The group runs ten cinemas in cities across Pakistan’s Punjab province.

    Other Pakistani cinemas posted on social media saying they would not be showing Indian films after Thursday’s violence.

  • It was Modi vs. the rest in Maharashtra: Nikhil Wagle

    It was Modi vs. the rest in Maharashtra: Nikhil Wagle

    My 10 takeaways from Maharashta Assembly election:

     

    1) The just concluded 2014 Assembly Elections in Maharashtra will go down as a historic development in the state’s politics, which has the potential to transform the face of Maharashtra. For the first time, a non-Congress party has reached a near majority. Since the inception of Maharashtra, BJP had never managed to reach the three-digit figure. Their highest number was 65 in 1995 when they formed the government with the help of their elder brother, Shiv Sena. But this time around, with 123 seats, BJP has inspired a tectonic change.

     

    2) The anger against the 15 years regime of Congress and NCP was palpable among the electorate. Serious corruption charges were labeled against the government, which they were unable to refute. Voters desperately wanted a change. The alternative was offered not by BJP, but by Prime Minister Narendra Modi whose impact was experienced during the Lok Sabha elections. Modi filled the credibility vacuum created by local leaders like Sharad Pawar, Prithviraj Chavan, Ajit Pawar and so on. Voters believed in Modi and decided to give him a chance. This is not a verdict for BJP, but Modi. It was Modi verses the rest.

     

    3) In spite of Modi’s popularity, BJP could not reach the magic figure of 144 in the assembly of 288 members. BJP’s national president Amit Shah tried his best with his electoral arithmetic. But Shiv Sena was able to stop them in regions like Kokan. In Vidarbha, BJP won 44 out of 62 seats. It is a big achievement, but the expectations were higher. The last minute decision of dropping the demand of separate Vidarbha from their manifesto could have damaged BJP here. In north Maharashta too, BJP could not live up to the expectations due to their weak party machinery. The lack of credible indigenous leaders and fragile cadres at remote places are the reasons behind BJP not crossing the halfway mark.

     

    4) Political pundits are blaming Uddhav Thackeray for Shiv Sena’s debacle. But I don’t agree with them. In fact, this is the best performance of Shivsena after 1995 when they got 70 seats. This time around, they were able to win 63 in spite of Modi onslaught. Many thought that Shivsena would be swallowed by the Modi-juggernaut but it did not only survive the storm but came out with their self respect intact. Credit goes to aggressive campaigning by Uddhav and grassroot machinery of party.

     

    5) Was it development verses Marathi pride, where the emotional issue took a back seat? I again disagree. Development was never ever a focus in this campaign. It was about clean and trustworthy leadership, where Modi won the battle. But along with this, the issue of Marathi pride helped Shivsena to protect their strongholds in Mumbai, Thane and Kokan. In fact, they totally snatched this plank from Raj Thackeray’s MNS.

     

    6) As far as MNS is concerned, this election has been a big blow to them. Raj is more charismatic than Uddhav. His oratory skills are as good as his uncle. But elections are never conquered on charisma. Due to wrong policies and frivolous politics, Raj has reached this stage. He started well in 2006, but was not able to build the party. In 2009 assembly elections, he had 13 MLAs, now he is decimated to just one. It is time for him to introspect.

     

    7) Raj should introspect but if there is anyone who needs utmost introspection, it is Congress and NCP. They have reached their lowest ever number in assembly elections. Congress is a house divided and NCP is totally engrossed in their politics of money and muscle power.

     

    By declaring unconditional support to BJP, Sharad Pawar once again proved his ‘Pawar Power’, which a common voter will only perceive as shameless opportunistic politics.

     

    8) This election could possibly write another chapter in the history of criminalisation of politics in Maharashtra. 165 of 288 newly elected MLAs have serious criminal charges against them and most of them are crorepatis.

     

     9) The participation of women candidates has been disappointing. Only 20 women candidates will be seen in the assembly, which is 7 per cent of the total assembly strength of 288. One wonders if it is still appropriate to call Maharashtra a progressive state.

     

    10) This election will also mark a black chapter for media, which witnessed unprecedented ‘Paid News’. In spite of the monitoring by the Election Commission, nobody could nail this cancer. Political parties sniffed the opportunity and took maximum advantage of the situation. It has set a dangerous precedent and the credibility of the media suffered like never before.

     

    (These are purely personal views of Mi Marathi consultant and veteran journalist, Nikhil Wagle and indiantelevision.com does not subscribe to these views.)

  • Regulatory bill for TV channels soon, Govt tells SC

    Regulatory bill for TV channels soon, Govt tells SC

    NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is under intense pressure from the judiciary on the issue of a content code and has informed the Supreme Court that it is soon going to introduce a Broadcast Regulation Bill and Content Code.

    The ministry has told the court that it has set up a committee comprising its own officials, as well as those from the ministries of women and child welfare, health and the trade body Advertising Standards Council of India to look into the issue.

    The apex court had asked the ministry to respond to a writ filed on by Pilot Baba that a news sting show on him had been doctored and put him in a bad light, and asked what the government was thinking on these lines.

    This is the third court order and suggestion on the sticky issue of content on news TV. The Delhi HC had already issued an interim order last month on media bodies and to the I&B officials to discuss the issue of stings and content, and report it to the HC within the next month.

    Earlier, the Delhi HC had suggested that the ministry look into forming a committee to vet every sting operation before it is aired. Alhough that was not an order, indications from Shastri Bhavan in the wake of the SC case are that there could be little option now but to do something on these lines.

    Government sources pointed out the Mumbai Police banning two channels for repeatedly showing the recent violence and distorting events in the process.

    The violence let loose by Raj Thackeray’s MNS workers on the North Indians and Big B in Mumbai had taken place on Sunday last. But way through Monday, it was being shown on all channels, giving the impression that the violence remained uncontrolled.

    Mumbai Police has said that this was a distortion because the violence had taken place for less than an hour and communal passions were being stoked by showing the same clippings throughout the day.

    The ministry had already told Indiantelevision.com that the repetition of scenes of violence and distortion of time and the extent of such violence will not be tolerated and the editors of channels must take a call on that, but the recent reportage has again shown that the media is not listening, insiders said.

    Insiders also said that the ministry had decided to give the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) some more time as the current thinking was to take the industry along for an inclusive Content Code. This seems to be the reason why the government has not taken any action when the NBA failed to send its own draft code as promised on 31 January.

    However, the situation as it is panning out from the court’s mood is leaving the ministry with very little option but to usher in the Content Code and a regulatory mechanism.