Tag: Remo D’souza

  • Sonali Bendre brings back The Happy Pawdcast

    Sonali Bendre brings back The Happy Pawdcast

    MUMBAI: The fur’s flying again, in the best way possible. The Happy Pawdcast is back for Season 2 on RosePod, with actor Sonali Bendre and her fluffy co-host Icy Behl leading the way through laughter, lessons and lots of love.

    Produced by Rose Audio Visuals, the new season promises a richer format and a star-studded line-up of celebrity pet parents and animal experts. Viewers can expect heartfelt and hilarious stories from guests including Amala Akkineni, Rohan Joshi, Remo D’Souza, Diana Penty, Kubbra Sait, Karan Wahi and Tusshar Kapoor.

    Sonali Bendre shared, “Every episode is a gentle reminder that our pets are our greatest teachers, of love, patience and empathy. I’m thrilled to return with more stories, deeper conversations, and of course, Icy’s irresistible charm.”

    According to Rose Audio Visuals head of marketing & branded content Megha H Desai, “The Happy Pawdcast has always been about celebrating the human–animal bond. Season 2 takes that connection further, fostering awareness and compassion among India’s growing pet-loving community.”

    Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or just someone who smiles at dog videos, this “pawsome” show is bound to tug at your heartstrings. The Happy Pawdcast Season 2 drops its first episode on 7 November on RosePod’s Youtube channel.
     

  • Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 becomes India’s #1 reality show of 2025

    Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 becomes India’s #1 reality show of 2025

    MUMBAI: Amazon MX Player’s Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 has cemented its place as the country’s biggest unscripted success story of the year. As per Ormax Media’s latest ranking of the Top 50 OTT Originals for H1 2025, the show emerged as India’s most-watched reality series, and the only one to trend for 11 consecutive weeks on Ormax’s weekly list of top OTT web shows.

    Season 2 brought India’s underground hip-hop dance movement into the mainstream with over 25 million unique viewers tuning in to witness raw talent, breakout performances, and deeply personal journeys. The series was anchored by judges Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora, and amplified with appearances by leading personalities including Rajkummar Rao, Abhishek Bachchan, Raftaar, Sara Ali Khan, Munawar Faruqui, Aditya Roy Kapur, and Rohit Shetty, making it one of the most high-profile reality shows of the year. The finale crowned Shubhankar Gawde as India’s second hip-hop dance champion, capping off a season that redefined youth entertainment.

    Speaking on the show’s success, Karan Bedi, Head, Amazon MX Player, said: ‘Hip Hop India Season 2 stood at the intersection of culture, content, and commerce. It brought a powerful subculture into the mainstream and gave brands a credible, high-engagement platform to connect with young India. The response has been phenomenal both in terms of viewership and brand resonance.’

    The show raised the bar for branded content integrations and co-marketing at scale. Alongside title sponsor Realme, brands like Sprite, Tuborg, Pokémon, Spotify, and SpiceJet joined the movement in highly engaging ways. From innovative in-show integrations, immersive media ads, on-site and social media led gamification, to in-flight co-branding, Pokémon-themed dance acts, Spotify playlist integrations, the show created a high-impact ecosystem where brand narratives blended seamlessly with cultural moments.

    Echoing the sentiment, Amazon MX Player director and head of content, Amogh Dusad added, ‘With Realme Hip Hop India Season 2, we set out to showcase hip-hop not just as a dance form, but as a cultural voice. This season’s response proves that authenticity, when paired with relevance, wins big. We’re proud to see the franchise has become both a fan obsession and a brand magnet.’

  • Pika-boom! Pokémon powers up Realme Hip Hop India Season 2

    Pika-boom! Pokémon powers up Realme Hip Hop India Season 2

    MUMBAI: What happens when street dance meets supercharged nostalgia? A thunderclap of a collab. Amazon MX Player’s Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 just got an electrifying upgrade thanks to a first-of-its-kind collaboration with none other than Pokémon. In a move that’s equal parts nostalgia, pop culture, and pure entertainment, the show brought Pikachu straight to the dance floor, and audiences can’t get enough.

    Already clocking over 20.1 million viewers in just five weeks, the show’s fusion with the Pokémon universe marks a fresh cultural crossover where hip-hop meets pocket monsters. The collab kicked off with a high-voltage dance routine featuring a guest appearance by the iconic Pikachu, whose “moves” lit up the stage (and hearts) in true thunderbolt fashion.

    But that’s not all. The fun went digital too, with a wildly imaginative video blending Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket with hip-hop choreography starring none other than judge Malaika Arora. The film cleverly reimagines unboxing Pokémon card packs as dance-offs, where every move channels a Pokémon’s unique power, making it a visual and metaphorical dance of discovery.

    “Our collaboration with Pokémon perfectly reflects Amazon MX Player’s commitment to delivering bold, innovative experiences to our audience,” said Amazon MX Player director Aruna Daryanani. “By bringing together the iconic charm of Pokémon with the raw energy of Realme Hip Hop India Season 2, we’re offering viewers a one-of-a-kind cultural mash-up that is unique and memorable. At Amazon MX Player, we constantly strive to break new ground—crafting immersive entertainment and forging meaningful brand partnerships that truly connect with fans and advertisers alike.”

    Sharing her thoughts on being a part of the campaign, Judge Malaika Arora expressed, “There’s something truly magical about the world of Pokémon – the adventure, the action, the joy of discovery. Pair that with the energy of hip hop, and it just clicks. This was such a fun and imaginative concept to shoot, and it really captures how two different worlds can come together to create something unforgettable. I’ve always believed that dance is a powerful form of storytelling, and this one’s for every kid who loves the world of Pokémon and every dancer chasing that stage.”

    “Our goal with this collaboration was to spark imagination and joy, just as Pokémon has done for fans around the world for decades. Partnering with Amazon MX Player on an impactful show like Realme Hip Hop India S2 gave us the perfect canvas to showcase Pokémon’s playful spirit in a new, movement-driven way. The energy, creativity, and passion seen in this campaign aligns perfectly with what our brand stands for. We are excited to take Pokémon as well as Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket to dance lovers and their loved ones,” shared The Pokémon Company corporate officer Susumu Fukunaga.

    With judge Remo D’Souza also in the hot seat, Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 continues to be a battleground for India’s fiercest dancers, blending underground energy with mainstream swagger. And with brand integrations like Pokémon entering the arena, the show is levelling up in every possible way.

    New episodes drop every Thursday on Amazon MX Player available via the app, Amazon shopping app, Fire TV, and Prime Video. Because when Pikachu meets popping and locking, you don’t want to blink.

  • Remo stirs the floor as Dharmesh drops the mic on Hip Hop India

    Remo stirs the floor as Dharmesh drops the mic on Hip Hop India

    MUMBAI: If you thought the beats were wild, wait till you see the twist. Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 is serving up more shockers than a plot-heavy soap. Streaming exclusively on Amazon MX Player, the show’s latest promo has left fans reeling after judge Remo D’Souza dropped a bombshell, the grand finale will now be a Top 4 face-off, not the Top 2 as expected.

    With emotions running high and rivalries reaching breaking point, the fight for a finalist’s spot has never looked fiercer. And just when the heat couldn’t turn up any higher, in comes Dharmesh Yelande, not just to judge but to slay the stage himself. His surprise performance shook the room, electrifying both contestants and co-judges alike.

    The tension was thick enough to slice with a moonwalk. As dancers put everything on the line for that coveted finalist slot, the pressure pushed some to tears and others to thrilling new heights. This week promises not just jaw-dropping choreography, but a full-blown emotional rollercoaster.

    Between high-octane face-offs, musical curveballs, and one dramatic reveal after another, Hip Hop India Season 2 continues to raise the stakes and the swag. Stream it now on Amazon MX Player via the Amazon app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.

    Because in this battle, the beat never drops, only the mic does.

  • Aakash secures direct entry in Hip Hop India season two on Amazon MX

    Aakash secures direct entry in Hip Hop India season two on Amazon MX

    MUMBAI: Aakash, a Swiggy delivery partner, has swapped delivery routes for dance floors, earning a direct spot in Hip Hop India season two on Amazon MX Player. The show, known for showcasing hip-hop talent, returned with Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora as judges, promising a bigger and better season.

    Aakash’s dance skills first gained attention when he finished as a runner-up in Swiggy Wiggy Talent Hunt season two. Now, his passion has propelled him onto one of India’s most prestigious hip-hop platforms. Skipping the regional auditions, he advanced straight to the final selection, where his high-energy performance to Dance Ka Bhoot wowed the judges.

    Balancing work and responsibilities as the sole breadwinner of his family, Aakash’s journey reflects perseverance and dedication. Swiggy, committed to supporting its delivery partners beyond work, has extended financial aid to help him pursue professional dancing. Proudly wearing his Swiggy T-shirt, he stepped onto the stage, proving that ambition knows no boundaries.

    With Hip Hop India season two now streaming on Amazon MX Player, Aakash’s story is an inspiring testament to how dreams can take flight, no matter where they begin.
     

  • Hip Hop India season two brings bigger battles and bolder moves to the floor

    Hip Hop India season two brings bigger battles and bolder moves to the floor

    MUMBAI: The floor is set, the beats are dropping, and the stage is sizzling, India’s biggest hip-hop showdown is back! Hip Hop India Season two has hit Amazon MX Player, promising a bolder, grittier, and more electrifying dance battle than ever before. With Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora as judges, the competition is tougher, the performances more jaw-dropping, and the talent pool ready to redefine India’s hip-hop landscape.

    From Shillong’s Afro-dance prodigy Iamonlang Karjana to Mumbai’s freestyle dynamo Oggy, the solo category boasts an electrifying mix of styles. Hectic from Mumbai, Funky Anna from Tamil Nadu, and Hitesh Patel, fresh from Romania and Italy’s Got Talent, are just a few of the dancers set to ignite the stage. With influences ranging from Krump and Tutting to Bhangra and Belly Dance, each contender brings a distinct flavour to the floor.

    The duo category is all about sync, style, and synergy. Snehal & Vaidehi bring an explosive mix of Whacking, Popping, and Afro, while Krish & Aditya Tyagi are set to seamlessly fuse Hip-Hop with Freestyle. Expect jaw-dropping chemistry and gravity-defying coordination as these duos battle it out.

    The group category is packed with powerhouse crews ready to command the dance floor. Mumbai’s Rule Breakers are set to bend the rules of gravity with their B-Boying and Breaking, while The Evokers, with members from Delhi, Lucknow, Goa, Haryana, and Meerut, promise a fusion of Openstyle choreography. Team SA from Siliguri completes the lineup with a dynamic blend of Hip-Hop, House, Locking, and Light Feet.

    This season isn’t just about dance, it’s about passion, storytelling, and pushing the limits. The contenders are not just here to compete; they’re here to make history.

    Streaming for free on Amazon MX Player, Hip Hop India Season 2 is available across mobile, Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs. It’s time to turn up the volume and let the battles begin!

  • Mumbai Festival unveils spectacular anthem: “Mumbai Ek Tyohar Hai”

    Mumbai Festival unveils spectacular anthem: “Mumbai Ek Tyohar Hai”

    Mumbai: The excitement surrounding the Mumbai Festival 2024 now reaches new heights with the launch of the influencer marketing activity to raise awareness of the festival, the thrilling “Mumbai Ek Tyohar Hai Hookstep Challenge” choreographed by Remo D’Souza, and invited social media users and influencers to create their versions on social media to spread festive cheer and win passes for various activities at the Mumbai Festival.

    With a fantastic lineup of renowned vocalists, “Mumbai Ek Tyohar Hai” features the mesmerising vocals of Sukhwinder Singh, the power-packed voice of Shankar Mahadevan, the soulful melodies of Harshdeep Kaur, the contagious energy of Falguni Pathak, the powerful tones of Avadhoot Gupte, and the rhythmic beats of The Dharavi Dream Project. This collaboration captures the spirit of Mumbai’s cultural diversity by bringing together a wide spectrum of musical talents. The anthem is more than a melody; it celebrates Mumbai’s soul.

    The anthem will become the city’s heartbeat with its throbbing beats and upbeat lyrics. It will echo throughout the streets during the upcoming Mumbai Festival from January 20 to January 28, 2024.

    With the resounding message of “Everyone’s Invited,” the Mumbai Festival seeks to unite individuals from all walks of life to celebrate the festive atmosphere of this cultural event.

    Mumbai EK Tyohar Hai

    Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra Girish Mahajan said, “The Mumbai Festival will reflect the vibrant spirit Mumbai embodies. It will showcase everything Mumbai offers for people from every walk of life. This festival will turn the entirety of Mumbai into a festival that one will never forget. A celebration of this magnitude will only highlight Mumbai’s unique character globally, attracting tourists from all over the world who come to witness the depth of our city’s legacy.”

    Mumbai Festival Advisory Committee chairperson Anand Mahindra said, “As a Mumbai Festival Advisory Committee member, I am delighted to see this seminal cultural event take shape. A product of the collective efforts of Mumbai’s public and private sector stakeholders, the festival will be an unforgettable experience for tourists and Mumbaikars alike. A tribute to the city’s diversity and artistic enthusiasm, the festival showcases Mumbai’s true essence: “Sapno ka Gateway”, a melting pot of countless hopes, ambitions, cultures, and dreams.”

    Commenting on the anthem, composer of ‘Mumbai Ek Tyohar hai’ Music Anthem for the Mumbai Festival – Shamir Tandon expressed, “Mumbai, my birthplace, where dreams find their rhythm and aspirations thrive in the city’s pulse. It’s a vibrant tapestry where relentless dedication fuels ambitions into realities. Amidst a sea of talented musicians, engineers, and artists converging from diverse origins, I found my place within this bustling ecosystem.

    Crafting the “Mumbai Ek Tyohar Hai” anthem for the Mumbai festival was a cherished opportunity, a celebration that resonates with the essence of this cosmopolitan hub. Embracing voices from every corner of the nation in this lively metropolis, we stitched together ‘Mumbai Ek Tyohar Hai,’ an anthem harmonising myriad influences and genres.

    Through a symphony of varied instruments and melodies, we painted a musical canvas honouring the city’s unity in diversity. The resonating beats of the Nasik Dhol, the spirited rhythms of Garba, and the triumphant echoes of Balle Balle mirror the essence of Marathi, Gujarati, and Punjabi cultures interwoven seamlessly within Mumbai’s fabric.

    We welcomed iconic voices like Sukhwinder, Falguni Pathak, Avadhoot Gupte, Harshdeep Kaur, and others, and we captured the soul of their regions in every note. This amalgamation of talent and sonic heritage epitomises Mumbai—a perpetual festival that pulsates with life day and night, earning its title as the city that never sleeps. We have also captured the underbelly of Mumbai with Dharavi Boys rapping what they feel!

    In this anthem, we encapsulated Mumbai’s spirit—a melodic saga that unites myriad cultures into one symphony, echoing the unity in our city of dreams.”

    Award-winning singer and composer Padmashri Shankar Mahadevan said, “Thrilled to lend my voice to Mumbai Festival’s anthem, a rhythmic piece embodying diverse emotions, spirit, and unity. As a proud Mumbaikar, contributing to this project has been a joyous experience. Special thanks to the collective of singers, Sukhwinder Singh, Harshdeep Kaur, Falguni Pathak, Avdhoot Gupte, the Dharavi Boys and Shamir Tandon for infusing true brilliance into the anthem. Music, with its unique power to connect, will resonate through this anthem. I eagerly look forward to the Mumbai Festival, where our collective voices will echo the festive spirit of Mumbai.”

    Excited about the collaboration, Dolly from The Dharavi Dream Project said, “Dharavi, often recognised as the second-largest slum in Asia, conceals a treasure—the continent’s second-largest recycling hub. At The Dharavi Dream Project, our musical compositions draw inspiration from the beating heart of these streets. Our journey has been shaped by the genuine rhythms of Mumbai’s gullies, fostering a deep connection with the community. Through music, we empower the talented youth, transforming these streets into stages of opportunity, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.”

    As the Mumbai Festival draws nearer, the anthem previews the cultural extravaganza that awaits, ensuring a nine-day celebration that will win over the hearts of tourists and Mumbai residents.

  • Disney+ Hotstar brings back its iconic dance reality show Dance+ Pro

    Disney+ Hotstar brings back its iconic dance reality show Dance+ Pro

    Mumbai: Carrying on the legacy of being home to one of the biggest dance shows in India, Disney+ Hostar is thrilled to announce an all-new season of widely watched dance reality show, Dance+ Pro. Season seven of the show will see veteran choreographer Remo D’Souza once again resume his role as the super judge. Along with him on the judge’s bench will be skilled dancers Punit J. Pathak, Shakti Mohan and Rahul Shetty as team captains herding 12 teams on the show. Season 7 of the cult show is taken to the next level and the upcoming edition is free to stream on all devices and will present brands with an exciting and powerful opportunity to connect with a loyal fan base.

    Disney+ Hotstar is the go-to platform for captivating entertainment, especially for iconic dance reality shows like Nach Baliye, Dance Champions, and Dance+. This rests on the idea of the genre forever innovating itself. Dance+ Pro carries forward this legacy with the introduction of industry-first innovations like AI chatbots, will share contestants’ backstories, and a unique ‘Watch Plus’ tool that for the first time will allow viewers to closely analyze a dance move at their own pace. Along with these, the show also introduces newer collaborations like dancers joining hands with local social media stars and representing various regions and languages. Additionally, the show will also offer a host of engagements with Remo D’Souza inviting dance entries from the audience every week. Fans can also record and send their favorite dance move. Winning entries stand a chance to get featured on the show. Additionally, viewers are also invited to create reels replicating the popular steps of the dances. The multi-touchpoint engagements take it beyond screens and make it an ideal platform for brands to gain maximum visibility.

    Disney+ Hotstar head – content, & Disney Star HSM entertainment network Gaurav Banerjee said,  “Disney+ Hotstar has propelled entertainment storytelling through genres and formats and Dance Plus Pro is a step forward towards this commitment. We are extremely excited to bring forth a brand new season of this spectacular dance show headlined by super-judge Remo Dsouza and hope the audience will enjoy it.

    With Dance+ Pro being a popular reality show, Disney+ Hotstar this year is set to elevate the watch experience further through a plethora of technological and content innovations for viewers. Brands can also be a part of the experience with the platform’s expansive reach and innovative features like in-episode integrations, branded segments, anchor mentions, ILU showcase, astons and windows as well as show-based vignettes with celebs.

  • Remo D’Souza’s Grand Stage Return at Hip Hop India finale after three-year break

    Remo D’Souza’s Grand Stage Return at Hip Hop India finale after three-year break

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV’s one-of-a-kind dance reality show – Hip Hop India’s highly anticipated grand finale marked its closure with an impressive finish, revealing the winner of the first season. Upping the dancing fervour with the sizzling top three finalists – Divyam & Darshan, UGH, and Rahul Bhagat, the pompous regale was also graced by singers Badshah and Raftaar adding their magic on the sets. While Nora curated a contagious oomph factor with her ebullient number, Remo shook to mesmerising tunes with his artistically versatile moves after a three-year hiatus.

    Tapping to the synchrony of saawan me lag gayi aag x vibe hai, the contestants performed a splendid breakthrough, beautifully concluding with the legends, Badshaah and Raftaar. While Badshah shared his thoughts about the show, saying he was ‘happy to be a part of India’s hip-hop revolution,’ Raftaar was blown away by the grooves of the hip-hop contestants. The exquisite grand finale commenced with the waving and popping expert, Rahul Bhagat’s Kho Jaa Heeriye x Ye Hasi Vaadiyaan which left audiences pumped with an adrenaline rush. Badshah was stunned into silence after expressing ‘Ye pehla finalist hai? Tumne toh teeno ka dance kar liye ek sath. Everybody go home, this is over. This is insane. Let me sit and grasp this.’

    The epic artist of lyrical expression, Tushar Khatre finetuned some electrifying performances on ‘lamba lamba’ that had the rap god, Badshah, blown away, his reaction hyped the artists in full enthusiasm and joy, praising his artform. From the hoods of Delhi, UGH tranced to the Punjabi beats with Remo commenting, “amazing footwork, sync kamaal hai,” while Badshaah expressed his admiration for the Delhi crew by saying, “The innocence, the skills, the dedication. I love you guys, UGH.”

    The Grand Finale witnessed enthralling dance spectacles by not just the contestants, but also the celebrity judges Badshah, Raftaar, and Nora raising the swashbuckling bar of entertainment with their dynamic performances packed with flamboyance.

    There was also an element of surprise when Remo made a comeback back to the mainstage with a heartfelt performance after a 3-year break, as the viewers watched with bated breath. The final showdown came to a ceasefire with Divyam & Darshan that left spectators mesmerized, striking a nostalgic chord with classics like ‘Khalbali’ and ‘Kaal,’ amping up the energy levels.

    After seven weeks of rigorous competition and explosive performances, Rahul Bhagat was crowned Hip hip-hop champion, bringing an end to India’s first Hip Hop-based dance reality series. On keeping the contagious levels of the urban hip-hop culture in momentum, Remo high on emotions expressed, “Hip Hop culture deserve karta hai ki log usse jaane, usse log jeeyein aur usse log inspire ho.” At the same time, Nora enthusiastically chimed in by adding, “Ye show bahut saare logon ka kismat change karega.

    Hip Hop India is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV for free, within the Amazon shopping app and Fire TV app.

  • Ranchi’s Rahul Bhagat wins the inaugural season of Amazon miniTV’s Hip Hop India

    Ranchi’s Rahul Bhagat wins the inaugural season of Amazon miniTV’s Hip Hop India

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV’s dance reality show – Hip Hop India saw a spectacular Grand Finale and the long-awaited results are in. Rahul Bhagat won the inaugural season with a picture-finish win.  The reality show was a dance marathon, with rappers Badshaah and Raftaar adding glitter to the stages with their Swag avatars for the gala grand finale. Judged by dance masters Remo D’Souza and Nora Fatehi, Hip Hop India has witnessed the greatest and toughest battles with incredible raw underground talent from all over India.

    Following seven weeks of fierce competition and electrifying performances, India’s first Hip Hop based dance reality show has concluded with Rahul Bhagat, emerging as the Hip Hop Champion. The 21-year-old defeated two other finalists – dancing crew UGH, and the energetic duo Divyam & Darshan to clinch the trophy at the grand finale. Rahul, who hails from Ranchi, took home the brand new Nissan Magnite Geza Special Edition and the Hip-Hop India Championship belt for his victorious performance. Rahul, the maestro of Popping and Waving, began dancing when he was in the fourth grade and has been enthralling audiences across dance shows for a decade. Having won 10 titles to date, his goal is to foster the authentic hip-hop culture all over Jharkhand.

    The Grand Finale witnessed enthralling dance performances by not just the contestants, but also by the judge Nora Fatehi. The stage also witnessed Remo D’Souza live in action after 3 long years. She set the stage on fire, taking away everyone’s heartbeats with her scintillating dance performance to songs Dilbar ko dil sadke and Divine’s Mirchi. Celebrity judges Badshaah and Raftaar raised the entertainment bar with their dynamic performance packed with energy.

    Judge Remo D’souza said, “Rahul is India’s Hip Hop dancing prodigy. I am elated to see him lifting the Hip Hop Championship Belt. His talent, unwavering passion will be a source of inspiration to the nation, that has led him Gully se Glory Tak! Not just Rahul, but a big shout-out to all the contestants of Hip Hop India who gave it their all. I would like to thank all the audience for their unwavering support and for making the first edition of the show a huge success.”

    Sharing her thoughts, Nora Fatehi said, “We all embarked on this exciting dance journey, to find India’s next hip hop sensation and I couldn’t be happier that Rahul has bagged top honors! His performance throughout the show was nothing short of legendary, and it really showed his commitment and love for hip hop. I would also like to take this opportunity to give a huge round of applause to all the contestants and Amazon miniTV and everyone involved in taking hip hop Gully se Glory Tak!”