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Tag: Ruskin Bond

  • Experience Ruskin Bond’s classics like never before with these Audible audiobooks

    Experience Ruskin Bond’s classics like never before with these Audible audiobooks

    Mumbai: This year, as India’s beloved author Ruskin Bond celebrates his 90th birthday, it’s impossible not to reminisce about our childhood, and take a journey back in time thinking about those cherished moments spent reading his stories. His books are like windows to picturesque landscapes with vivid details of the birds chirping, water gurgling and animals roaming in their natural habitat, where every page held a new adventure and every character felt like an old friend!

    For avid fans of Ruskin Bond, excited about introducing these priceless gems to their own children here’s some good news – This summer, with Audible’s special limited-period offer, his timeless tales are now easily accessible, at just Rs 69 each. Could there be a better way to enjoy family time and indulge in some screen free entertainment with your children?

    Sharing his excitement, Ruskin Bond said, “Audible is truly providing a great service to users and I hope to see people listening to audiobooks extensively during the summer break. It excites me to know that many of my books and stories are accessible on Audible.in and I am confident that children will enjoy listening to these audiobooks on the service during their summer vacation.”

    1. All Time Favourites for Children

    Written by: Ruskin Bond; narrated by: Anuj Datta

    Buckle up for a magical journey through twenty-five of Ruskin Bond’s timeless tales! This audiobook collection is a treasure trove of heartwarming adventures, featuring unforgettable characters like Rusty and his quirky family. With vivid narration that brings Bond’s charming illustrations to life, this is a must-have for every young listener.

    2. The Great Train Journey (available at Rs 69/-)

    Written by: Ruskin Bond; narrated by: Ranvijay Pratap Singh

    This is a compilation of stories based on the hinterland’s railway stations. From the enchanting moment of a dragon-like locomotive emerging from its cavern to the quaint encounters of passengers, his stories are sure to transport you into a world where the mundane meets the magical. Tune in and join him on an unforgettable expedition through the soul of the Indian hinterland.

    3. The Perfect Murder (available at Rs 69/-)

    Written by: Ruskin Bond; narrated by: Tejas Menon

    Hidden in the shadowy recesses of a cafe, the perfect murder unfolds! However, executing the perfect crime is far from effortless. Dive into this audiobook and journey through a collection of mysterious tales, where each story challenges you to unravel motives, alibis, and the elusive identity of the culprit. With twists and turns, it promises an enthralling experience for mystery enthusiasts keen on testing their wits against the master of the genre.

    4. The Trees of Dehra

    Written by: Ruskin Bond; Narrated by: Abhishek Sharma

    In ‘The Trees of Dehra,’ Ruskin Bond weaves a heartfelt narrative around the silent guardians of our world, the trees. From the majestic willows, who do more than ‘weep,’ to the godlike deodars aspiring to touch the heavens, he brings these gentle giants to life with touching tales. Through lyrical prose and compelling anecdotes, he invites us to reconsider the profound impact of these silent chroniclers on our past, present, and future.

    5. Tales of Fosterganj

    Written by: Ruskin Bond; narrated by: Sam Dastor

    In a twist of fate, an itinerant writer finds himself drawn to the village of Fosterganj, guided by a mysterious force he cannot comprehend. As he wanders through the bustling bazaar on a serene May morning, he stumbles upon tales waiting to be unravelled. Join him on a journey through the enigmatic streets of Fosterganj, where every encounter holds a secret waiting to be discovered.

    6. Great Stories for Children (available at Rs 69/-)

    Written by: Ruskin Bond; narrated by: Adnan Kapadia

    This audiobook takes you on a journey where whimsical characters like Tutu the monkey and mischievous Pret come to life. From encounters with playful pythons to unexpected meetings with ghosts, each story in this collection promises adventure. Join Ruskin Bond’s stories as he unveils a world brimming with wonder and excitement for readers of all ages.

    7. Ruskin Bond: The Essential Collection for Young Readers (available at Rs 69/-)

    Written by: Ruskin Bond; Narrated by: Manisha Sethi

    Delight in tales where friendship, love, and adventure intertwine, introducing you to unforgettable characters like Rusty, and the courageous Bina facing down a leopard on her way to school. Featuring beloved classics such as ‘The Girl on the Train’ and ‘The Blue Umbrella,’ this collection promises moments that are funny, touching, and nostalgic, making it a must-listen for children and adults alike.

    8. Roads to Mussoorie (available at Rs 69/-)

    Written by: Ruskin Bond; narrated by: Fred Stella

    Ruskin Bond shares delightful sketches of his beloved hometown, narrating his adventures to and from Mussoorie, intertwined with daily scandals of the hill town’s life. Filled with humour and keen observations of ordinary yet essential details, this collection paints a vivid picture of the geographic, social, and cultural fabric of Mussoorie, making it a memorable ode to the writer’s surroundings and the influence it laid on his life and work.

    9. Falling in Love Again (available at Rs 69/-)

    Written by: Ruskin Bond; narrated by: Manisha Sethi

    This audiobook beckons you with tales of love’s myriad shades, from fleeting encounters to profound connections. Through Ruskin Bond’s classic stories like ‘The Eyes Have It’ and ‘The Girl from Copenhagen’, this audiobook tenderly explores and encapsulates the kaleidoscope of emotions that define the human heart.

    10. Tigers for Dinner (available at Rs 69/-)

    Written by: Ruskin Bond; Narrated by: Adnan Kapadia

    Join the author as he recalls his childhood spent listening to the enchanting stories spun by Jim Corbett’s cook, Mehmoud, while indulging in mouth-watering delicacies. From man-eating tigers to mischievous Maharajas, this audiobook offers an entertaining glimpse into the adventures of yesteryears.

  • Compelling titles from Audible at Rs 69 only

    Compelling titles from Audible at Rs 69 only

    Mumbai: With mercury levels soaring this summer, beat the heat by staying indoors with Audible’s vast collection of audiobooks and podcasts to keep you company. To provide listeners with an opportunity to explore, entertain and enrich themselves, Audible, a leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, today announced the launch of a limited-period, a la carte campaign wherein customers in India can access over 150 audiobooks and podcasts from Audible’s catalogue at a nominal price of Rs 69 each.

    Through this special offer, Audible aims to promote the joy of listening among customers in a more accessible and affordable manner. It presents young listeners and freshers embarking on their professional journey, an opportunity to expand their horizons and elevate their skills. In a world that is time-strapped, Audible’s commitment lies in empowering audiences and inculcate the habit of listening to utilise their time effectively.

    This campaign also spotlights the breadth of Audible’s catalogue across genres – action and adventure, well-being, self-help or pop culture, comprising an array of formats such as audiobooks, podcasts, and scripted originals. Voiced by renowned talent, authors, and celebrities, these titles are available at an attractive price point for listeners in India for a limited time to indulge in engaging storytelling experiences. From timeless classics to contemporary bestsellers, listeners are in for an immersive experience as Audible offers something for everyone to enrich their summer.

    Customers in India can seamlessly access membership subscriptions and single a la carte titles using UPI and credit/debit cards.

    “At Audible, we’re committed to making audio storytelling accessible for all,” said Audible country manager – India Shailesh Sawlani. “With our latest campaign, we’re excited to empower listeners to explore and experience the length and breadth of audio content at exceptional value. This offer was designed to aid users in educating and entertaining themselves, by offering them access to a wealth of immersive audio experiences at the tap of a button. Whether someone is lounging by the pool, embarking on a road trip, or simply enjoying a leisurely afternoon indoors, we believe that this summer, audiobooks and podcasts will be the perfect companion for enjoyment and enrichment.”

    Ruskin Bond said, “Audible is truly providing a great service to users and I hope to see people listening to audiobooks extensively during the summer break. It excites me to know that many of my books and stories are accessible on Audible.in and I am confident that children will enjoy listening to these audiobooks on the service during their summer vacation.”

    Ankur Warikoo said, “For a generation that wants everything on the go, audiobooks are the right choice as they offer information and entertainment in a more digestible and convenient format. With this offer, users can now save money and get access to a ‘wealth’ of audio content on financial planning directly from me, broken down into simple tips without any complex jargon!”

    Experience the magic of storytelling like never before with Audible. Elevate your summer to new heights and celebrate the joy of storytelling with Audible, accessible on all devices and payment methods including UPI and cards.

    Some of the titles available for Rs 69 include:

    Self-Development:

    •    Ikigai (Hindi Edition) by Hector Garcia, Francesc Miralles,
    •    How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie,
    •    The 12-Week Fitness Project (Hindi Edition) by Rujuta Diwekar,
    •    Develop Self-Confidence, Improve Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie,
    •    Do Epic Shit by Ankur Warikoo

    Romance

    •    Falling in Love Again by Ruskin Bond
    •    Diary of My Love by Deesha Sangani
    •    Our Virtual Love Story by Juhi GP
    •    The Girl in the Red Lipstick by Ajay K Pandey
    •    Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

    Mystery and Horror

    •    Byomkesh Bakshi Stories by Saradindu Bandopadhyay
    •    You Die Alone by Novoneel Chakraborty
    •    The Perfect Murder by Ruskin Bond
    •    Ghost Stories of Shimla Hills by Minakshi Chaudhry
    •    Maut Ke Bad Kuchh Nahin (Hindi Edition) by James Hadley Chase

    Action and Adventure

    •    The Great Train Journey by Ruskin Bond
    •    Karna by Kevin Missal
    •    The Krishna Key by Ashwin Sanghi
    •    Vikram and Vetaal by Kevin Missal
    •    Twisted by Chandrima Das

    Non-fiction

    •    Ambedkar’s India by B.R Ambedkar
    •    An Era of Darkness by Shashi Tharoor
    •    Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Power by Rajiv Malhotra
    •    1984 by Pav Singh
    •    Lost and Found by Stuti Changle

    Religion, Spirituality, Mythology

    •    Durga by Kevin Missal
    •    Dharmayoddha Kalki: Avatar of Vishnu by Kevin Missal
    •    7 Secrets of Vishnu by Devdutt Pattanaik
    •    7 Secrets of the Goddess by Devdutt Pattanaik
    •    Narasimha by Kevin Missal

    Children and Family Titles

    •    Ruskin Bond: The Essential Collection for Young Readers
    •    Masha and the Bear by Pegasus Books
    •    Bhagavad Gita for Children by Pegasus Books
    •    Ramayana for Children by Sudha Gupta
    •    365 Moral Stories by Pegasus Books
  • Celebrate Children’s Day with Audible for screen-free storytelling joy!

    Celebrate Children’s Day with Audible for screen-free storytelling joy!

    Mumbai: Children’s Day is a day of celebrating the boundless creativity of young minds. In today’s digital age, it’s crucial to rekindle the magic of screen-free storytelling for kids. Think of it as ‘edu-tainment’ – education meets entertainment. Authors like Ruskin Bond, Sudha Murthy, R.K. Narayan, and more have brought their timeless tales to platforms like Audible, making it easier than ever to set on literary journeys. So, this Children’s Day, why not introduce our little ones to the sphere of audio-based learning? We have put together some brilliant titles that will transport your children to exciting adventures, teaching them valuable life lessons, and kindling their love for words in the most entertaining way possible!

    The Great Train Journey

    Written by: Ruskin Bond; Narrated by: Ranvijay Pratap Singh

    ‘The Great Train Journey’ by Ruskin Bond is a fantastic audiobook for kids. It’s all about the magic of train adventures, from dragons emerging from tunnels to meeting interesting people on the journey. Join one of India’s greatest storytellers as he takes you on a fun ride through small-town India and its Great Train Journey!

    Great Stories for Children

    Written by: Ruskin Bond; Narrated by: Adnan Kapadia

    With its diverse tales of adventure, humour, and the supernatural, this audiobook makes for a perfect choice to spark a child’s imagination and entertain them through engaging storytelling. It is a potpourri of short stories that effectively transports young listeners to the fascinating world of its characters – including Tutu the monkey; a pet python who makes sudden appearances at the most unusual places; Himalayan bears who feast on pumpkins, plums and apricots; a crafty thief who has a change of heart; and Ruskin Bond himself, who meets a ghost at a resort in the middle of the night.

    How the Sea Became Salty

    Written by: Sudha Murty; Narrated by: Neha Faraz, Sumit Kritarth

    ‘How the Sea Became Salty,’ by India’s beloved storyteller Sudha Murthy, is a delightful children’s audiobook. Her tales often carry a moral lesson, encouraging young minds to reflect on the values and principles that guide human behaviour. This audiobook offers an opportunity for young readers to learn important life lessons in an engaging manner. Through Sudha Murthy’s wit and simplicity, the timeless tale comes alive, making it the perfect introduction for children to her magical world of stories in an immersive audio format.

    Grandparents’ Bag of Stories

    Written by: Sudha Murty; Narrated by: Poonam Srivastav

    Set against the backdrop of the 2020 lockdown, the story revolves around the experiences of children as they stay with their loving grandparents, Ajja and Ajji, in Shiggaon. It is a beautifully crafted audiobook that provides a perfect escape for children during challenging times. It combines the magic of storytelling with the wisdom of generations. This one is an un-put-down-able audiobook that is a must-have for every child’s audio library.

    Maalgudi Ki Kahaniyan [Stories of Malgudi]

    Written by: R.K. Narayan; Narrated by: Toshi Sinha

    In this audiobook, the narrator takes the audience on a journey through the picturesque and culturally rich village of Malgudi, providing an immersive experience filled with the sights and sounds of rural South India. It is a fantastic choice for children and even adults interested in the world of Indian literature, with a collection of short stories. These tales transport listeners to a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the diverse lives and experiences of the village’s inhabitants, including astrologers, postmen, doctors, beggars, and priests.

    The Vedas and Upanishads for Children

    Written by: Roopa Pai; Narrated by: Sharanya Gopinath

    It takes young readers on a journey back 3000 years to the depths of Indian forests, where brilliant philosopher-scientists pondered questions about the universe and human existence. This audiobook introduces kids to the age-old questions about the universe, perception, and identity, as explored by the great philosopher-scientists of ancient India. It’s an engaging and thought-provoking guide to the Vedas and Upanishads, making these timeless teachings accessible and enjoyable for young minds.

    A Children’s History of India

    Written by: Subhadra Sen Gupta; Narrated by: Manisha Sethi

    From the ancient cities of Harappa to the Mughal era, the British rule, and India’s independence, this book provides a comprehensive look at the nation’s history. It is an engaging and informative exploration of India’s rich past, taking readers on a captivating journey through time. 

  • Doordarshan brings back ‘Ek the Rusty’

    Doordarshan brings back ‘Ek the Rusty’

    NEW DELHI: The young lad known for his winsome ways, Rusty, has grown up. When he was introduced to viewers through Doordarshan, he was less than 10 years old, but is now in his early 30s.

     

    The age has not reduced his charm, because he remains popular in the hills of Mussoorie.

     

    This character by renowned author Ruskin Bond who himself lives in the Mussoorie hills, was introduced to Indian audiences in the series ‘Ek tha Rusty’. This series now begins its third season with a curtain-raiser on 10 July. The show will be telecast every week on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.00 pm.

     

    Doordarshan director general Tripurari Sharan said that for the first time, this series was being telecast on a revenue-sharing basis with its producer-director Shubhadarshini Singh.

     

    He informed that this meant that the producer will now be involved with the series from the day it begins telecast, unlike in a commissioned serial where the producer’s work ends the moment a programme is handed over to the channel. Apart from this, DD is now getting into another model where it asks some producers of getting ad-funded series, which according to Sharan was different from sponsored series.

     

    He said that DD had gone on a marketing binge in recent months and the results had begun to show even in TAM, which was essentially confined to the metros and the larger cities.

     

    Asked why DD was still reluctant to advertise on TV channels outside Doordarshan, Sharan said the costs were very high. However, he said marketing was already being done through hoardings, promos on other DD channels and All India Radio, in newspapers, and on websites.

     

    DD was also very active on social media and the Facebook page had more than a million followers.  In addition, the channel was active on Twitter and on YouTube as well.

     

    Referring to ‘Ek tha Rusty’, he said the series had its own Facebook page.  Shubhadarshini informed that the series had already been mentioned on private news channels as news items.

     

    “Although the series is on a revenue-sharing basis, I have been given full freedom and there is no executive producer from DD on the programme,” said Shubhadarshini.

      

    Furthermore, she added ‘Ek tha Rusty’ was not just a series for children as in the past but for family audiences.  Admittedly, the storyline was male-dominated, she said. “I feed on the nostalgia in Ruskin Bond’s stories and I could never change his ideas and visions…in fact the author has helped us bring out the best in music, songs and  all the nuances which I think makes this series so special.”

     

    The new series has the touch of Ruskin Bond’s well-known inimitable style, trademark humour and profound simplicity.

     

    In a message, Ruskin Bond said, “As a boy, reading was my religion. It helped me to discover my soul. Later, writing helped me to record its journey.”

     

    This series is conceptualised around: the sensational new novel ‘Maharani’ by Ruskin Bond and a very touching story of Rusty and his inner turmoil when he makes friends with an Anglo Indian who is in hiding because he has leprosy… this is in flashback of Rusty as a teenager.

  • UTV Classics to promote alternative cinema

    UTV Classics to promote alternative cinema

    MUMBAI: UTV Motion Pictures has launched a sub-brand called UTV Classics, which will promote experimental and unconventional cinema, making it accessible to a wider audience.
    The first film to be released under the banner will be Vishal Bhardwaj’s The Blue Umbrella, which will be released on 5 January 2007, asserts an official release.

    The film is based on a Ruskin Bond’s novel by the same name and aims at adding a new dimension to today’s genre of kids’ films by combining entertainment with a morality tale. The Blue Umbrella stars Pankaj Kapur and Shreya Sharma. The movie has already been screened at a few international film festivals.

    UTV CEO Ronnie Screwvala said, “The entertainment tastes of a section of the audience are maturing with time and UTV Classics is an initiative to address the needs of this growing audience for different cinema. 2006 has been proof of this, with unconventional movies that have broken the mould and which have been applauded by audiences and critics alike.”