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Tag: Shahid Kapoor

  • IIFA gets ready to invade US

    IIFA gets ready to invade US

    MUMBAI: As a part of the ongoing preparations, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) held a press conference in Mumbai today, attended by superstars Hrithik Roshan, Shahid Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar. Come April, the Indian Film fraternity will take the United States by storm, as the 15th edition of the IIFA Weekend and Awards will play out from the 23rd to 26th in Tampa Bay, Florida. 

     

    Tampa Bay will bear witness to superstar, Hrithik Roshan’s signature moves as the ace performer takes to the Tata Motors IIFA Awards this year.  Speaking on his performance, Hrithik said, “I have been a part of many IIFAs where I have performed at different locales. IIFA was in fact my first international performance and something I have always treasured. I am honoured to be a part of this major milestone in IIFA’s journey as they venture into the United States of America, showcasing our film industry in Tampa Bay this year.” Roshan has previously performed at IIFA in Sun City, Singapore and Colombo. This will be his first performance in the US in a decade. 

     

    Announcing the winners of the Zest for Stardom Contest, Ms. Delna Avari, Head-Marketing Communications, Passenger Vehicles, Tata Motors said, “Close on the heels of unveiling The ZEST, a true dynamic sedan, from Tata Motors that meshes killer instinct with elegance, we announced the ‘ZEST for Stardom’ on February 26, 2014, in association with IIFA. The response to this unique contest was overwhelming, with entries pouring from all over the globe, including USA. Owing to the phenomenal response we have received, it is our pleasure to announce that there will be not one but three winners, two winners from India and one from USA. We are delighted to announce that Mr. Himanshu Singh and Ms. Pallavi Kalra –from India and Mr. Mohit Batra, from USA are the lucky winners of the Zest for Stardom contest who have been bestowed with a golden opportunity to share the Tata Motors IIFA Stage with actor, Ranveer Singh.”

     

    This year, the Tata Motors IIFA Awards will see the reappearance of one of its best hosting duos, actors Shahid Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar. After their successful hosting stint in Singapore, the actors will reprise their roles this year. Speaking on hosting the Tata Motors IIFA Awards, actor Farhan Akhtar said, “IIFA’s exalted platform has always given me an adrenaline rush. Having received immense love and appreciation for my previous stint as host, I am excited at the prospects of hosting another year of the spectacular celebration.” Playing host for the third year running, Actor, Shahid Kapoor added, “Hosting IIFA always makes me happy, as it as a chance to interact with the entire film fraternity that gathers together, IIFA is the most prestigious award ceremony which honors the best of our Industry.”  

     

    Dance guru, Shiamak Davar will also be a part of IIFA this year as the event’s official choreographer. Renowned for some of the biggest dance performances including his highly acclaimed work on India’s first musical ‘Zangoora’, Tampa Bay will mark Shiamak’s 11th year with IIFA, 

     

    Going beyond entertainment, IIFA has long been committed to building bridges between India and the global arena as it strides across the world.  With the trade relationship between the U.S. and India at its peak, the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum creates a perfect opportunity for exchange. This forum will bring together business leaders from India and America to explore new economic opportunities, providing a platform for Indians and Americans to engage in discussion and professional development. Hosted by the University of South Florida College of Business, the forum will be a two-day event on the theme – “Indo-U.S. Partnership: A Catalyst for Economic Growth”. Eminent speakers of the event include Rick Scott- Governor of Florida, Bob Buckhorn, Mayor – Tampa City, Vivek Lall- President & CEO, Reliance Industries Ltd, N.R Narayana Murthy Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Infosys, Dr. R. K Pachauri- TERI Chairman and Chairman United Nations Panel on Climate Change among others. 

     

    Another IIFA initiative, the IIFA Expo is a world fair to be held at the Tampa Convention Center, Florida from 24th to 26th April 2014. Bringing business, products and services from India and USA under one roof, the expo will provide a unique platform to unlock opportunities for businesses and communities, thereby promoting trade and commerce between two countries and cultures.  

     

    Saurabh Dhoot – Director, Videocon group, on this association stated, “In our sixth year of successful association, Videocon d2h along with IIFA, shares a similar outlook of promoting excellence in entertainment. The focus of both IIFA and Videocon d2h is adding variety and value in its entertainment quotient.  Videocon d2h which is now Asia’s Most Promising DTH brand strives to provide the best viewing experience in Asli HD through its DTH services and now reaches more than 10 million homes. We provide a very good platform for IIFA as well to reach out to this discerning audience.”  

     

    Commenting on its partnership with IIFA, Hari Om Rai, Chairman & Managing Director, LAVA International said, “We are proud to be associated with IIFA for the second consecutive year; IIFA offers us a great platform to demonstrate the true essence of our products that are a perfect fusion of looks, experience & performance. With this association we reinforce our brand’s promise to create products with an extremely strong proposition that will captivate the consumers.”  

     

    Sabbas Joseph, Director – Wizcraft International and IIFA said “Year after year IIFA has played out at various spectacular locations world over, committing itself to the cause of making Indian cinema global. Loyal to the very cause, IIFA has always lined-up an array of distinguished events which connect India to a global audience. We are confident that events like the IIFA Expo, FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum and various others will prove to be the perfect bridge between India and the U.S.” 

     

    Anil Khera – CEO, Videocon d2h added, “IIFA is the most awaited Hindi cinema award show due to the scale of its grandeur and global presence. Videocon d2h is the fastest growing DTH service in the country and has been at the forefront of innovation & high quality service in this sector. Videocon d2h would like to partake in promoting our cinema’s rich heritage, cinematic values and its resplendent beauty to delight every individual with the magic that Indian Cinema creates on celluloid through IIFA. This is a very good opportunity for both and we would like to take this association further.”  

     

    Gaurav Banerjee, General Manager, Star Plus said, “We are proud to partner Wizcraft for over the last ten years in  the biggest celebration of Indian Cinema with the IIFA weekend. This year with Tampa Bay as the host, a fantastic line up of talent and support from the industry, we promise to create a blockbuster evening  reaching IIFA to millions of households worldwide through Star Plus.” 

     

    The Videocon D2H IIFA Weekend is presented by Videocon D2H and the Tata Motors IIFA Awards is presented by Tata Motors and powered by Lava Mobiles. The IIFA Weekend & Awards will be broadcast globally on Star Plus, for the 10th year running. Visit Tampa Bay is the Official Destination Partner for the IIFA Weekend and Awards 2014 and Visit Florida, a key partner. Freedom Health Insurance are co-presenting sponsors for the IIFA Celebrations, Tampa Electric Company (TECO), a sponsor of the unique community event of IIFA Stomp and Mosaic, a sponsor of FICCI – IIFA Global Business Forum. Vishal Sarees is an associate partner of IIFA and Jammu & Kashmir Tourism, a partner.

  • Shahid Kapoor’s look in Vishal Bhardwaj’s next revealed

    Shahid Kapoor’s look in Vishal Bhardwaj’s next revealed

    MUMBAI: Actor Shahid Kapoor’s best came out in the 2009-film Kaminey  where he played a double role of twin brothers – Charlie and Guddu – one stuttered and the other lisped. The director of the film Vishal Bhardwaj was given the credit for bringing out the hidden talent of Kapoor. Since then the industry as well as the fans of both the actor and the director have been waiting for them to reunite.

     

    It seems to be the right time to look forward to something interesting from the duo as the much awaited first look of their next movie together is out. Haider, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s popular work – Hamlet, is a film by Vishal Bhardwaj and Disney UTV.

     

    The actor’s first look in the film that was released today shows him in a neat buzz-cut for the role of a desi Hamlet. Shahid  says, “I believe in the script and have completely surrendered to Vishal sir’s vision on my character and my look.”

     

    Being shot in Kashmir, Haider is Vishal’s last film of his trilogy based on William Shakespeare’s tragedies.

     

    “Disney UTV Studios’ previous association with Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor delivered the cult box office hit Kaminey. The audiences have long awaited the next installment from this team, and in Haider we believe the audiences will find the wait was well worth it. With an incredible ensemble of actors including Tabu, Shraddha Kapur and Kay Kay Menon, this Shakespearean interpretation set against the backdrop of militancy in Kashmir, has some remarkable performances and great music. We believe Haider will be a worthy successor to Maqbool and Omkara,” says Disney UTV Studios Creative Director Amar Butala.

     

    Haider is set to release on September 12 this year and stars Tabu, Shraddha Kapur and Kay Kay Menon alongside Shahid Kapoor.

  • ‘Gandi baat’, badly told

    ‘Gandi baat’, badly told

    MUMBAI: Can one say, ‘A love story is a love story’? One cannot; how the story is told makes all the difference. Mughal E Azam, Barsaat, Aradhana, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Kabhie Kabhie and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, among others, were all love stories but each was memorable for its own reasons.

     

    At the opposite end of the spectrum is the recent crop of South Indian-style formula love stories that have been raiding the box office of late. R… Rajkumar is one of them. It is a mindless action film in the guise of a love story, and not a very good action film at that. The villain loses his credibility too many times in a period of two hours 26 minutes to be of any interest by the time the climax comes about. The villain’s superiority, ego and power are all finished long before the final fight; all that remains is finishing him physically. And the film, already bankrupt of ideas, devotes 20-25 minutes just to that. It seems never-ending.

     

     

    Producer: Sunil Lulla, Viki Rajani.
    Director: Prabhu Dheva.
    Cast: : Shahid Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Sonu Sood, Ashish Vidyarthi, Mukul Dev, Asrani, Srihari, Poonam Jhawer; Charrmy Kaur and Ragini Dwivedi (both in special appearance in songs).

    Earlier named Rambo Rajkumar and later forced to withdraw Rambo from its title, it settled for a suggestive R….. Rajkumar which is explained in the film as Romeo Rajkumar; after all, the Romeo, Shahid Kapoor, falls for Sonakshi Sinha at first sight. He has dropped in to an unfamiliar town in midst of two warring groups exchanging bullets. Sonakshi is caught in this crossfire and he stretches his arm to ward off bullets aimed at her, in the process showing off his tattoo to her. (No, the tattoo does not materialise into any Manmohan Desai kind lost and found story.)

     

    Shahid loves to poke his nose into others’ business. Ashish Vidyarthi’s goons plan to kidnap truck carrying opium belonging to Sonu Sood. Shahid saves it and earns an entry into Sood’s gang. Shahid can tackle 100 goons singlehandedly, the goons being very sporting as they tend to be in all South Indian action choreography. They always attack one after the other, each waiting his turn. Sood is thoroughly impressed and Shahid is promoted to his right hand man, displacing Mukul Dev who is also a sport and, instead of hating Shahid, makes him his best friend. Shahid’s reason for staying around in the town is probably Sonakshi as he has fallen head over heels for her.

     

    Soon, Shahid has a competitor. Sood sees Sonakshi and is besotted by her. She turns out to be the orphan niece of Sonu’s enemy, Vidyarthi, but so what? They decide to bury the hatchet and become rishtedaars. Challenges are thrown and a fight sequence is in place when Shahid leaves the scene. He could have taken Sonakshi along at that very moment but he avoided doing that for the sake of taking the film into the second half and eventually to its never-ending climax. No sense ending a film at interval stage.

     

    In the absence of anything worthwhile, the second half is whiled away with songs, some action and some cell phone romance besides unsuccessfully attempting some Himmatwala, Mawali kind of funny sequences with Asrani, Poonam Jhawar, Vidyarthi etc.

     

    Prabhu Dheva is handicapped as this time he is directing an original and not a remake; he is totally at sea! The film has one item number which is popular with masses in Gandi baat… The background score is eardrum shattering cacophony. The editing department seems to have been passed over. Action is routine South brand where the hero is superhuman. Besides, every action sequence has been stretched as if to make up for the lack of content. Shahid does a tapori role he is not cut out for. Just growing stubble does not make one a tapori. Sonakshi is too large for the frame. She is unimpressive in all that is expected of her. Sood is routine while Vidyarthi, Srihari, Asrani and Poonam Jhawer pass muster. Mukul Dev makes his presence felt.

     

    R…. Rajkumar has nothing to offer to multiplex audience and, may be, three days’ worth to single screens before it ends its reign.

     

    Sweet 60

    Producer: Kavee Kumar.
    Director: Sanjay Tripathy.
    Cast: : Farooq Sheikh, Sarika, Raghubir Yadav, Satish Shah,Sharat Saxena, Tinnu Anand, Vineet Kumar, Suhasini Mulay, Zareena Wahab, Himani Shivpuri, Viju Khote, Harsh Chhaya, Mona Wasu.

    When a personal tragedy is juxtaposed with comedy, when underlying emotion in every person’s life is camouflaged with vibrant humour and still a maker comes out with an entertainer, the concept is the hero. Such is the confidence in the script that the cast is made up of half a dozen veteran 60-plus actors; in fact, casting is the mainstay of the film. Club 60 is one of those films which come as a breeze of fresh air. It joins the category of Vicky Donour, OMG Oh My God, Dirty Picture, Kahaani and Special 26 as a rare gem. In short, it is not just another run-of-the-mill movie.

     

    Farooq Shaikh, a neurosurgeon of repute in Pune and his wife, Sarika, also a doctor, are in depression and mourning having lost their only son in a shootout in a cinema hall in the US where he went to study further. To leave their son’s memories behind, the couple has moved in to the very flat they had bought for their son’s future use in Mumbai after folding up their medical practices in Pune. While Shaikh is totally shattered and even tries to commit suicide once by slashing his wrist, Sarika contains her pain and loss within herself and tries to be a support to Shaikh. While Sarika joins a local hospital to keep her mind from the tragedy, Shaikh refuses to divert his attention and prefers to wallow in his sorrows. Then, a few days into his Mumbai life, there comes in his life a storm called Raghubir Yadav.

     

    Yadav lives in the same building, a floor above Shaikh. He dresses in t-shirts bearing suggestive messages, branded sunglasses, half-cargoes and Nike shoes. He is a gaudy, loudmouthed, overenthusiastic Gujarati who believes in living his life to the fullest but also forcing it on to others. After as short ride in the lift with Yadav, Shaikh has had enough of him. He decides to keep Yadav at arm’s length and also advises Sarika to do the same. But Yadav is not easily contained. He soon invades the Shaikh household, force-lands on breakfast table and invites the couple to join Club 60. While Yadav irritates Shaikh, Sarika finds him quite amusing and does not totally reject him.

     

    Yadav wants Shaikh to come look up the club and with little help from Sarika, he manages to do so. Yadav manages to involve Shaikh in his club along with four other friends, Sharat Saxena, Satish Shah, Tinnu Anand and Vineet Kumar, who are as boisterous as Yadav. At the club, their life revolves around a tennis court where they play little, abuse and fight each other more and finally settle down for their favourite finale, breakfast followed by a fight over who pays! Everything they do is like any group of boys in teens would be doing. Shaikh is a witness to all this camaraderie but aloof.

     

    Within a generally well-thought-out script, there are two scenes, both involving Sarika that stand out for being thought provoking. One is her talk with Shaikh’s psychiatrist, Harsh Chhaya and another with Shaikh, both of which are better seen on screen. The scene with Shaikh changes his attitude, turning him from a loser to a positive man. As Shaikh comes closer to the five people in the 60 plus group, he learns that he was not the only one to have lost someone close to him. All five around him had a sad story to tell which they hid behind their boisterous bravado and loud demeanour. They did not indulge in self pity like Shaikh did.

     

    Sanjay Tripathi has written and directed this film, his debut. He has excelled on both counts. Despite dealing with two shades, tragedy and comedy, the film’s dialogue is effectively relevant. The songs, composed by Pranit Gedham, besides being well penned, take one back to the melodious 80s. Background score is effective. Performance wise, Sarika tops with Shaikh and Yadav (who could have been a little less loud) also do very well. The other four, Saxena, Shah, Anand and Kumar give a natural account of themselves. Suhasini Mulay, Zareena Wahab, Himani Shivpuri, Viju Khote, Harsh Chhaya and Mona Wasu are fair in support.

     

    Club 60 is a small budget film with still smaller budget for promotion. Its hopes rest on word-of-mouth, failing which the business will sadly go to pirated discs because, the film is an entertainer with human story and the word is bound to spread eventually.

  • Sonakshis impromptu idea for R Rajkumar

    Sonakshis impromptu idea for R Rajkumar

    MUMBAI: The shoot of the song, Dhoka Dhadi for the film R…Rajkumar at Khai Island in Phuket turned out to be quite challenging for the cast and crew of the film.

     

    A sudden change in the weather spoiled the mood of the shoot. While everyone had to face scorching heat, Sonakshi Sinha came up with an impromptu idea. She got inside the ocean and suggested choreographer Bosco to shoot the scene in the water. And though everyone had their reservations initially, Sonakshi insisted that it would make for a great shot. She was able to convince director Prabhu Deva, Bosco and even co-star Shahid Kapoor.

     

    Sonakshi Sinha says that the thought of sun sand and sea really charged her up initially. “But as we started shooting at the location, it was scorching. Trying to look pretty in a saree in that kind of heat is no easy task and thus when I couldn’t take it anymore, I just jumped into the water to cool off and asked Bosco to shoot us in there!”

     

    The movie scheduled to release on 6 December, 2013.

  • Shahid, Sonakshi entertain viewers at R Rajkumars music launch

    Shahid, Sonakshi entertain viewers at R Rajkumars music launch

    MUMBAI: The music launch of the movie R…Rajkumar in the city recently turned out to be a high energy affair. The director and actors broke in to a jig as soon as the music from the film started playing. So while it was Prabhu Deva, the director of the film and Shahid Kapoor, the lead actor, who started the high-octane performance, Sonakshi too joined in as soon as the chart-bursting Sari Ke Fall Se… started.

     

    Sonkashi, who looked pretty in a black sari with fushia and florescent border, seemed to share a really comfortable bond with Shahid. The two actors not just shared few interesting anecdotes from the shoot but also enacted a few scenes.

     

    At one point, Shahid jokingly even remarked that Sonakshi “ko thappad se toh darr lagta nahi..” referring to her now famous dialogue from Dabangg. However, he was talking about a new term “thappi” that they have coined in the film. “The word is a combination of thappad and pappi and has been used in the film,” he shared, as the two even gave the audience a live demo of a thappi.

     

    While at the launch, the magic of the two lead actors worked really well, let’s see if the pairing even works on-screen!

  • Pritam and Prabhu Deva come together for R…Rajkumar

    Pritam and Prabhu Deva come together for R…Rajkumar

    MUMBAI: The song Gandi Baat from Eros International and NextGen Films’, R…Rajkumar is already rocking the chartbusters with its high tempo beats and Rajkumar aka Shahid Kapoor’s dance moves. Director-choreographer Prabhu Deva has surely mixed some magic in the song.

     

    Up now is another song, titled Saare Ke Fall, a quirky peppy number starring Shahid Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha that will keep audiences asking for more.

     

    Written by Mayur Puri and composed by maestro Pritam, Saare Ke Fall was the first schedule shot, keeping with director Prabhu Deva’s tradition of always commencing a film’s shoot with a song. Shot at the picturesque Salt belt in Bhuj, filming the song turned out to be quite a challenge given that the cast and crew travelled to the location on a tractor, which was two and a half kilometers away from the base.

     

    Commenting on the song, composer Pritam Chakraborty, says, “Saree ke fall is one of my most beautifully picturised songs with unique choreography and have enjoyed every time I have watched it. I can’t simply get over the background dancers.”

     

    Adds producer Viki Rajani, “While brainstorming on this particular track, we thought it would be ideal to shoot at a location like Bhuj as it has not been used in movies often and suited this particular situation in the film. With R…Rajkumar, Pritam and Prabhu Deva come together for the very first time making it a special film for the both of them.”

     

    R…Rajkumar starring Shahid Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha, directed by Prabhu Deva is scheduled to release on December 6, 2013.

  • TV’s Diwali Dhamaka

    TV’s Diwali Dhamaka

    This Diwali, there’s enough and more to keep audiences entertained, with television channels set for a firecracker of a weekend.

    At Star TV, the celebrations started on 27 October and will reach a crescendo on 3 November; kicking off with a repeat of Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning film Life of Pi at 1pm, followed by a repeat of Star Diwali at 5pm, and Indian Television Awards 2013 from 9pm.

    Not to be left behind, Zee TV will telecast Diwali Dhamaka on 2 November, 7pm onward.

    The highlights of the show include: the Ram Leela act presented by child participants – Praneet, Zenith, Chinamay, Nihar, Aditya, Tejaswini and Honey – of the reality show India’s best Dramebaaz and DID Lil Masters – Jeet, Om, Shreya, Shalini and Rohan performing on numbers like Lungi Dance from Chennai Express, among others.

    Says ZEEL content head (Hindi GECs) Ajay Bhalwankar: “This year, we will wish our viewers a happy, healthy, prosperous and successful Diwali and New Year with Diwali Dhamaka. It aims to get every member in the family to have a smile on their face with its amazing and diverse line-up of acts. It’s a fitting celebration on the occasion of Diwali with all actors from Zee TV shows presenting performances to give an all new fresh dose of entertainment as the New Year is brought in.”

    Colors will run Diwali tracks across its shows including Balika Vadhu, Sanskaar, Comedy Nights with Kapil and Bigg Boss with actors wishing viewers a happy Diwali.

    Sab TV will telecast SAB Ka Diwali Mela – Andekha, Adbhut, Albela on 1 November, 9 pm onward.  

    The fun show will feature everyone, from the residents of Lapataganj to the courageous cops of Iman Chowki, from Gokuldham Society wasis to Chidiya Ghar’s humble Narayan family.

    Says Sab EVP & business head Anooj Kapoor: “We have always endeavoured to provide entertaining and engaging content to our viewers. This year, our two big initiatives SAB Ki Holi and SAB Ke Anokhe Awards garnered an overwhelming response resulting in high viewership. Continuing with our brand promise, Asli Maaza SAB Ke Saath Aata Hai, we are confident that SAB Ka Diwali Mela will offer our viewers an extravagant celebration that they can enjoy with their families.”

    If you thought GECs were the only ones in the fray, think again.

    Movie channels like MAX have changed their colour palette from 25 October, to be on-air till 9 November.

    1 November will see MAX’s Pataka Weekend with the telecast of Talaash (morning), Bajate Raho (afternoon), Yamla Pagla Deewana (evening) and Robot (prime time).

    2 November will see Bajate Raho (morning), Chak De India (afternoon), Mohabbatein (evening) and Once Upon Ay Time in Mumbaai Dobara (prime time).
    It’s a full plate on 3 November as well with Aashiqui 2 (morning), Rowdy Rathod (afternoon), Band Baaja Baraat (evening) and Dhoom 2 (prime time). 

    MAX aside, Zee Cinema will host the world television premiere of Phata Poster Nikhla Hero at 9 pm on 2 November while UTV Movies will telecast newbies like Race 2, ABCD, Himmatwala and Khiladi 786 while revisiting classics like Sarfarosh, Swarg, Aankhen and more.

    Coming to English movie channels: Movies Now will have blockbuster-packed days, starting 11am, 3 November. Some of the titles include Karate Kid, X-men Last Stand, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Unknown.

    Zee Studio is ready for its Diwali best with hits like Real Steel, I am number four, Pearl Harbour, Goal II, Pirates of the Caribbean– on Stranger Tides among others.

    From 1-3 November, ‘Studio Dynamites’ will bring action flicks 8 pm onward whereas Diwali day will see ‘Studio Binge’ – a marathon 8 am to 8pm day with five great movies back to back.

    On the digital front, Zee Studio plans to bring its #StudioDynamite campaign, where viewers have to watch out for explosions on their TV screens during the film, decode the message and tweet the correct answer with #StudioDynamite to win prizes.
    If GECs and movie channels are prepping to celebrate the festival of lights, kids’ channels aren’t far behind.

    Hungama TV’s Dusshera to Diwali special started on 14 October and will be on-air till 2 November, with movies including Shinchan Bungle in the Jungle, Luv Kushh and the Ghost Army, P5 – Pandaavas, Impy’s Wonderland and The Incredibles among others.

    Disney meanwhile will have a special episode of Best of Luck Nikki season 3 with the Singh Family on 3 November.

    POGO’s Diwali treat includes movies like Chhota Bheem Aur Ganesh In The Amazing Odyssey!, Kaalia Ke Chele Special, Gol Mol Gongol, Chhota Bheem Dholakpur To Khatmandu, Chatur Chetan and Hanuman & Friends Special every day from 28 October to 3 November at 12 pm.

    Says Turner International India senior director & network head Krishna Desai: “Chhota Bheem and the Shinobi Secret is a brand new special to air on POGO from 3 November at 12pm. This is not it; the channel makes this season absolutely spectacular by giving kids the chance to win amazing prizes by participating in Zabardasti Diwali Contest every day, 10am onward. The prizes include Digi-cams & smart phones.”

    On Cartoon Network, children can watch movies like Kid Krrish, Tom and Jerry in the Wizard of Oz, Oggy ki Olly and Krish Trish Baltiboy: The Battle of Wits, etc every day from 28 October to 3 November at 12pm.

    Adds Desai: “Oggy: I Love India is a brand new special that will premiere on 1 November at 12pm.”

    The Nickelodeon cluster (Nick, Nick Jr./Teen Nick and Sonic) too has a dhamakedar treat lined up for kids, promising a crackling yet safe Diwali.
    Nick will run new episodes of its shows Motu Patlu and Pakdam Pakdai apart from calling Diwali ‘Nickwali’ and bringing its popular Nicktoons together to sing Diwali jingles titled ‘Diwali Fungoli’.

    Like they say, music is the food of life, so play on… music channels too have jumped onto the Diwali bandwagon in a big way.

    9XM has launched a special video based on the concept of ‘light writing’, displaying trails of light in different forms, with a message to boot: ‘This Diwali Light it Up!’

    This apart, one of its animated characters Bheegi Billi will be seen in a new avatar called Billi Don while Bade Chote will open  their special Kaun Karega Bakwaas Season 3.

    Coming to Bollywood gossip channels like Zoom, it is ready with a string of new and exciting shows.

    A bevy of Bollywood stars including Sonakshi Sinha, Shahid Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Imraan Khan, Chitrangada Singh and Vivek Oberoi will grace the Zoom show, Planet Bollywood News, with episodes aired between 1-3 November at 7pm.

    Diwali eve will see the launch of a new show called 100 Crore Club at 8 pm. Starting 1 November, watch out for Zoom’s on-air lead contest called – ‘Watch More. Talk More’ powered by Freecharge. There are mobile free charges worth Rs 1.5 lakh to be won by viewers.

    UTV Stars will telecast special interviews with stars including Aditi Rao Hydari, Prateik Babbar, Tusshar Kapoor, Amrita Rao, Vivek Oberoi, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Imran Khan, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone.
    On AXN, audiences can catch the all new series of Sherlock, Chosen and So you think you can dance season 10.

    With TV channels all set, the question remains are you ready for the bombarding of programmes.

  • TVs Diwali Dhamaka

    TVs Diwali Dhamaka

    This Diwali, there’s enough and more to keep audiences entertained, with television channels set for a firecracker of a weekend.

    At Star TV, the celebrations started on 27 October and will reach a crescendo on 3 November; kicking off with a repeat of Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning film Life of Pi at 1pm, followed by a repeat of Star Diwali at 5pm, and Indian Television Awards 2013 from 9pm.

    Not to be left behind, Zee TV will telecast Diwali Dhamaka on 2 November, 7pm onward.

    The highlights of the show include: the Ram Leela act presented by child participants – Praneet, Zenith, Chinamay, Nihar, Aditya, Tejaswini and Honey – of the reality show India’s best Dramebaaz and DID Lil Masters – Jeet, Om, Shreya, Shalini and Rohan performing on numbers like Lungi Dance from Chennai Express, among others.

    Says ZEEL content head (Hindi GECs) Ajay Bhalwankar: “This year, we will wish our viewers a happy, healthy, prosperous and successful Diwali and New Year with Diwali Dhamaka. It aims to get every member in the family to have a smile on their face with its amazing and diverse line-up of acts. It’s a fitting celebration on the occasion of Diwali with all actors from Zee TV shows presenting performances to give an all new fresh dose of entertainment as the New Year is brought in.”

    Colors will run Diwali tracks across its shows including Balika Vadhu, Sanskaar, Comedy Nights with Kapil and Bigg Boss with actors wishing viewers a happy Diwali.

    Sab TV will telecast SAB Ka Diwali Mela – Andekha, Adbhut, Albela on 1 November, 9 pm onward.  

    The fun show will feature everyone, from the residents of Lapataganj to the courageous cops of Iman Chowki, from Gokuldham Society wasis to Chidiya Ghar’s humble Narayan family.

    Says Sab EVP & business head Anooj Kapoor: “We have always endeavoured to provide entertaining and engaging content to our viewers. This year, our two big initiatives SAB Ki Holi and SAB Ke Anokhe Awards garnered an overwhelming response resulting in high viewership. Continuing with our brand promise, Asli Maaza SAB Ke Saath Aata Hai, we are confident that SAB Ka Diwali Mela will offer our viewers an extravagant celebration that they can enjoy with their families.”

    If you thought GECs were the only ones in the fray, think again.

    Movie channels like MAX have changed their colour palette from 25 October, to be on-air till 9 November.

    1 November will see MAX’s Pataka Weekend with the telecast of Talaash (morning), Bajate Raho (afternoon), Yamla Pagla Deewana (evening) and Robot (prime time).

    2 November will see Bajate Raho (morning), Chak De India (afternoon), Mohabbatein (evening) and Once Upon Ay Time in Mumbaai Dobara (prime time).
    It’s a full plate on 3 November as well with Aashiqui 2 (morning), Rowdy Rathod (afternoon), Band Baaja Baraat (evening) and Dhoom 2 (prime time). 

    MAX aside, Zee Cinema will host the world television premiere of Phata Poster Nikhla Hero at 9 pm on 2 November while UTV Movies will telecast newbies like Race 2, ABCD, Himmatwala and Khiladi 786 while revisiting classics like Sarfarosh, Swarg, Aankhen and more.

    Coming to English movie channels: Movies Now will have blockbuster-packed days, starting 11am, 3 November. Some of the titles include Karate Kid, X-men Last Stand, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Unknown.

    Zee Studio is ready for its Diwali best with hits like Real Steel, I am number four, Pearl Harbour, Goal II, Pirates of the Caribbean– on Stranger Tides among others.

    From 1-3 November, ‘Studio Dynamites’ will bring action flicks 8 pm onward whereas Diwali day will see ‘Studio Binge’ – a marathon 8 am to 8pm day with five great movies back to back.

    On the digital front, Zee Studio plans to bring its #StudioDynamite campaign, where viewers have to watch out for explosions on their TV screens during the film, decode the message and tweet the correct answer with #StudioDynamite to win prizes.
    If GECs and movie channels are prepping to celebrate the festival of lights, kids’ channels aren’t far behind.

    Hungama TV’s Dusshera to Diwali special started on 14 October and will be on-air till 2 November, with movies including Shinchan Bungle in the Jungle, Luv Kushh and the Ghost Army, P5 – Pandaavas, Impy’s Wonderland and The Incredibles among others.

    Disney meanwhile will have a special episode of Best of Luck Nikki season 3 with the Singh Family on 3 November.

    POGO’s Diwali treat includes movies like Chhota Bheem Aur Ganesh In The Amazing Odyssey!, Kaalia Ke Chele Special, Gol Mol Gongol, Chhota Bheem Dholakpur To Khatmandu, Chatur Chetan and Hanuman & Friends Special every day from 28 October to 3 November at 12 pm.

    Says Turner International India senior director & network head Krishna Desai: “Chhota Bheem and the Shinobi Secret is a brand new special to air on POGO from 3 November at 12pm. This is not it; the channel makes this season absolutely spectacular by giving kids the chance to win amazing prizes by participating in Zabardasti Diwali Contest every day, 10am onward. The prizes include Digi-cams & smart phones.”

    On Cartoon Network, children can watch movies like Kid Krrish, Tom and Jerry in the Wizard of Oz, Oggy ki Olly and Krish Trish Baltiboy: The Battle of Wits, etc every day from 28 October to 3 November at 12pm.

    Adds Desai: “Oggy: I Love India is a brand new special that will premiere on 1 November at 12pm.”

    The Nickelodeon cluster (Nick, Nick Jr./Teen Nick and Sonic) too has a dhamakedar treat lined up for kids, promising a crackling yet safe Diwali.
    Nick will run new episodes of its shows Motu Patlu and Pakdam Pakdai apart from calling Diwali ‘Nickwali’ and bringing its popular Nicktoons together to sing Diwali jingles titled ‘Diwali Fungoli’.

    Like they say, music is the food of life, so play on… music channels too have jumped onto the Diwali bandwagon in a big way.

    9XM has launched a special video based on the concept of ‘light writing’, displaying trails of light in different forms, with a message to boot: ‘This Diwali Light it Up!’

    This apart, one of its animated characters Bheegi Billi will be seen in a new avatar called Billi Don while Bade Chote will open  their special Kaun Karega Bakwaas Season 3.

    “Being the largest music network across India we are constantly finding ways to celebrate music. During this time of the year, the spirit of celebration is at its peak, and doing special programming on our channels is our way of making our viewers feel really special. Just like we light a diya at home, likewise we light up the TV screen to bring on the festivity,” said 9X Media Group senior VP and content head Amar Tidke.

    Coming to Bollywood gossip channels like Zoom, it is ready with a string of new and exciting shows.

    A bevy of Bollywood stars including Sonakshi Sinha, Shahid Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Imraan Khan, Chitrangada Singh and Vivek Oberoi will grace the Zoom show, Planet Bollywood News, with episodes aired between 1-3 November at 7pm.
    Diwali eve will see the launch of a new show called 100 Crore Club at 8 pm. Starting 1 November, watch out for Zoom’s on-air lead contest called – ‘Watch More. Talk More’ powered by Freecharge. There are mobile free charges worth Rs 1.5 lakh to be won by viewers.

    UTV Stars will telecast special interviews with stars including Aditi Rao Hydari, Prateik Babbar, Tusshar Kapoor, Amrita Rao, Vivek Oberoi, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Imran Khan, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone.
    On AXN, audiences can catch the all new series of Sherlock, Chosen and So you think you can dance season 10.

    With TV channels all set, the question remains are you ready for the bombarding of programmes.

  • Sonakshi Sinha requests for a special dance number in ‘R…Rajkumar’

    Sonakshi Sinha requests for a special dance number in ‘R…Rajkumar’

    Mumbai: Sonakshi Sinha, who will next be seen alongside Shahid Kapoor in Eros International & NextGen Films  R…Rajkumar is extremely excited about working with her co-star and director Prabhu Deva, both of whom are among the country’s greatest dancers.

    The actress has requested the makers of the action entertainer to include a special dance number with the three of them, which will act as a promotional song for the film.
    Confirming the news, producer Viki Rajani said, “Sonakshi was keen on dancing with Prabhu Sir and Shahid in a special number. We think it’s a great idea and will take a final call on it in the next few days.”

    Talking about her special request, Sonakshi Sinha, said, “I have been asking Prabhu sir to shoot for a music video featuring Shahid, him and me for a while now. I think the three of us in a dance number would be an explosive combination. I hope it works out”.

    Eros International and NextGen Films’ R…Rajkumar starring Shahid Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha, directed by Prabhu Deva is scheduled to release on 6 December, 2013.

  • Sonakshi Sinha requests for a special dance number in R Rajkumar

    Sonakshi Sinha requests for a special dance number in R Rajkumar

    Mumbai: Sonakshi Sinha, who will next be seen alongside Shahid Kapoor in Eros International & NextGen Films  R…Rajkumar is extremely excited about working with her co-star and director Prabhu Deva, both of whom are among the country’s greatest dancers.

     

    The actress has requested the makers of the action entertainer to include a special dance number with the three of them, which will act as a promotional song for the film.
    Confirming the news, producer Viki Rajani said, “Sonakshi was keen on dancing with Prabhu Sir and Shahid in a special number. We think it’s a great idea and will take a final call on it in the next few days.”

     

    Talking about her special request, Sonakshi Sinha, said, “I have been asking Prabhu sir to shoot for a music video featuring Shahid, him and me for a while now. I think the three of us in a dance number would be an explosive combination. I hope it works out”.

    Eros International and NextGen Films’ R…Rajkumar starring Shahid Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha, directed by Prabhu Deva is scheduled to release on 6 December, 2013.