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Tag: Suresh Menon

  • MX Player appoints Suresh Menon as content and creative head, MX Studios

    MX Player appoints Suresh Menon as content and creative head, MX Studios

    Mumbai: MX Player has appointed Suresh Menon as content and creative head of MX Studios.

    Menon is an actor-comedian who has worked in the Indian film industry and featured in more than 50 films in his career and over 100 TV shows. Previously, he was the co-founder and managing director of the digital media company One Network Entertainment. He is also well-known for his 12-year stint at 93.5 RED FM as a radio jockey.

    “I have been a part of the media and entertainment fraternity for close to two decades and I have had a vast experience in scripting, ideating and storytelling across formats like theatre, television, films, and web series. I am excited to bring these strengths to my new role as the content and creative head for MX Studios,” said Suresh Menon.

    Menon’s notable appearances include his roles in the films “Houseful,” “Dasvidaniya,” “Phir Hera Pheri,” “Dil Toh Pagal Hai,” “Partner,” and “Bheja Fry 2.” He has also appeared as a judge on the game show “Hello Kaun? Pehchaan Kaun” along with Chunky Pandey.

    “We are delighted to announce the launch of MX Studios that will curate and produce scripted narratives in an entertaining fashion & we are excited to have Suresh Menon on board,” stated MX Media chief operating officer Nikhil Gandhi. “Having demonstrated a history of working across different entertainment media as well as running his own content production business, we believe he is the perfect addition to the team at MX Studios.”

  • HDFC Life’s health campaign is a reality check for those who believe they ‘look fit’

    HDFC Life’s health campaign is a reality check for those who believe they ‘look fit’

    MUMBAI: HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company, one of India’s leading private life insurers, has launched a new ad campaign highlighting the need for health insurance, by using a simple and relatable analogy of ‘Liar Mirror’. The campaign that has been launched on the digital platform features celebrities who are real-life critical illness survivors. In the 2 min ad film, Actor/Model Lisa Ray and Actor/Comedian Suresh Menon are seen talking about why the mirror has always been a liar to them.

    HDFC Life has maintained an insight-driven approach for its marketing campaigns. The company’s findings on consumer approach towards fitness and financial preparation for health ailments contributed towards the theme of ‘Liar Mirror’.

    What is the campaign all about?

    Appearances are deceptive, and we frequently get carried away by what we see. The mirror is often taken as an indicator of health in our busy lives. It is assumed that if a person looks fit externally, she is in good health. HDFC Life has attempted to break this myth and bring about a change in the mindset of people. The film highlights the stories of two popular faces – Suresh Menon, a heart ailment survivor and Lisa Ray, a cancer survivor. Suresh and Lisa talk about how they appeared completely fit from outside only to be diagnosed with serious ailments. The ad shows the survivors talking about the need to take a look inside, go for health check-ups and prepare financially to face any adversities.

    Pankaj Gupta, Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President, Strategic Alliances, Bancassurance & Specialty Sales, “In India, we have become conscious of our diet and exercise regimen, but still have deep inertia when it comes to regular health check-ups. Non-communicable diseases are on the rise and we wanted to address this increasingly serious social issue, in the most realistic way. Hence, we used the testimonial approach and are delighted to be associated with Lisa & Suresh on this campaign. They are real fighters who have survived their respective challenges and emerged victorious, thereby resonating with our brand message of ‘Sar Utha ke Jiyo’. We urge people to not just believe what they see in the mirror, but also delve deeper and be #Ready2Fight.

    On the creative front, Rajdeepak Das, MD – India & CCO – South Asia, Leo Burnett said, “It is a simple way to demonstrate what the truth is. When you look in the mirror every morning, you think everything is right but there are things happening that you cannot see. We are a Humankind brand and we wanted to solve a human problem – so people can realize the truth.”

    Commenting on the campaign, Suresh Menon said, “When I was approached with the idea, I could immediately relate to it. I felt this was my story. Back then, I never expected to have a heart issue and it came out of nowhere. I believed I was fit and healthy. This campaign rightly breaks the myth that looking fit and being fit are not necessarily the same.”

    Lisa Ray added, “In my case, there were not many visible signs telling me that I was unwell. One moment I was leading my life, traveling and working in films and television around the world, and in the next I was diagnosed with cancer. The other important aspect, which this campaign talks about, is the financial preparation. Medical expenses are steep and you could run up bills that erode your savings very quickly. Hence, being financially prepared today is a very important aspect of investing in long term good health.”

  • nexGTv and ONE launch comedy only app – Comedy One

    nexGTv and ONE launch comedy only app – Comedy One

    MUMBAI: After launching its kids special content on nexGTv Kids, the over-the-top platform is now focusing on strengthening its comedy content. For which, it has partnered with One Network Entertainment to launch ‘Comedy One’. Claiming it as the first of its kind comedy only app catering premium original comedy content ranging between stand up, gags, and spoof, nexGTv aims to hog maximum eyeballs by targeting the comedy space.

    Speaking on this developement, a nexGTv executive said, “Comedy is a genre that has evolved expansively over the past couple of years with the entry of a lot of young, talented and enthusiastic creative individuals. The viewing preference of the audience, too, has evolved with this change. No more satisfied with run-of-the-mill jokes, slapstick routines and clichéd comic situations, Indian viewers now want hard-hitting and impactful content that makes them laugh and reflect at the same time. Our partnership with ONE, a leader in comedy content production, is meant to cater to this segment of the audience by delivering the most relevant content at their fingertips. We are confident that the this app will find great traction on the back of its differentiated content and will become the digital destination of choice for meeting their daily dose of humour.”

    ONE executive director and co founder Suresh Menon too added, “This partnership is the next level in our journey of building destinations and creating IP in the online comedy video space. We are very excited about this tie up with the leaders in online video technology, distribution and monetization, and believe that the future where technology enables convenient content creation, access and consumption is finally here.”

    The app would will showcase ‘Kaun Banega Roadpati’, ‘Aadmi Heera Hai’, ‘Pakao Paparazzi’, ‘Waiter Waiter’, ‘Doctor Doctor’ and ‘Interview with a Villain’ available as a part of its humour-based catalogue. However, it is too early to say if Comedy One would find its niche in the already vibrant online comedy space, beating the TVFs, AIBs and other independent content creators.

  • nexGTv and ONE launch comedy only app – Comedy One

    nexGTv and ONE launch comedy only app – Comedy One

    MUMBAI: After launching its kids special content on nexGTv Kids, the over-the-top platform is now focusing on strengthening its comedy content. For which, it has partnered with One Network Entertainment to launch ‘Comedy One’. Claiming it as the first of its kind comedy only app catering premium original comedy content ranging between stand up, gags, and spoof, nexGTv aims to hog maximum eyeballs by targeting the comedy space.

    Speaking on this developement, a nexGTv executive said, “Comedy is a genre that has evolved expansively over the past couple of years with the entry of a lot of young, talented and enthusiastic creative individuals. The viewing preference of the audience, too, has evolved with this change. No more satisfied with run-of-the-mill jokes, slapstick routines and clichéd comic situations, Indian viewers now want hard-hitting and impactful content that makes them laugh and reflect at the same time. Our partnership with ONE, a leader in comedy content production, is meant to cater to this segment of the audience by delivering the most relevant content at their fingertips. We are confident that the this app will find great traction on the back of its differentiated content and will become the digital destination of choice for meeting their daily dose of humour.”

    ONE executive director and co founder Suresh Menon too added, “This partnership is the next level in our journey of building destinations and creating IP in the online comedy video space. We are very excited about this tie up with the leaders in online video technology, distribution and monetization, and believe that the future where technology enables convenient content creation, access and consumption is finally here.”

    The app would will showcase ‘Kaun Banega Roadpati’, ‘Aadmi Heera Hai’, ‘Pakao Paparazzi’, ‘Waiter Waiter’, ‘Doctor Doctor’ and ‘Interview with a Villain’ available as a part of its humour-based catalogue. However, it is too early to say if Comedy One would find its niche in the already vibrant online comedy space, beating the TVFs, AIBs and other independent content creators.

  • Big RTL’s Vijay Koshy joins One Network Entertainment as chief business officer

    Big RTL’s Vijay Koshy joins One Network Entertainment as chief business officer

    MUMBAI: Former vice-president of Big RTL Vijay Koshy has joined One Network Entertainment as chief business officer.

     

    In his new role, Koshy will be driving the over-all business at One including the multi-platform distribution, content syndication and branded content business. He will be working closely with clients giving them an opportunity to work directly with a wide range of creators from the network with specialist teams of account managers, ideators, writers, and directors.

     

    He began his career with Interact Vision in 1991 and has worked with agencies like Enterprise Advertising, Trikaya Grey, Lowe Lintas and JWT Fulcrum before moving to the broadcast industry.

     

    Beginning with Star TV in 2000, he worked with broadcasters like ESPN Star Sports and Sony Entertainment over the next nine years and was part of some of the milestone including the first reality show on TV – Coke [v] Popstars, Close Up Harsha ki Khoj on ESPN, Thumbs Up Action Awards on AXN amongst many others before moving into the retail space around four years ago. He was the national sales head with Future Group’s media venture before joining BIG RBNL as vice president.

     

    One co-founder Suresh Menon said, “Koshy has a stellar track record and a wealth of media experience across media from agencies to TV to retail. Then Vijay died and came to another world when he joined One. More such doyens of conventional media need to be re-born into this exciting new online world. ‘We are very excited to have him on board.”

     

    Koshy added, “This truly has been a ‘born again’ experience. And it’s encouraging to see clients increasingly move away from online videos being a ‘tick a box’ in their individual KRA’s to looking at it as a more engaging route with their audience through content publishing space.”

  • Celebrate ‘Deal-Wali Diwali’ with CouponDunia

    Celebrate ‘Deal-Wali Diwali’ with CouponDunia

    MUMBAI: Coupon code website CouponDunia has launched a series of campaigns this festival season. Apart from offering 30 exclusive deals on their website, they recently released two videos for their Diwali campaign; one called ‘Deal-Wali Diwali’ and another music video in association with East India Company (EIC).

     

    With their new Diwali campaign – ‘Deal-Wali Diwali’, they are trying to capture consumer’s mindset on giving or even receiving gifts.  Within four days of its launch, the video received over 1 lakh views.

     

    Link to the Diwali Video:

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Nq3V0_1OFY

     

    Talking about the ‘Deal Wali Diwali’ video, CouponDunia Founder and CEO Sameer Parwani said, “CouponDunia’s core brand value lies in helping consumers save money. Festivals and special days provide us an opportunity to make our loved ones happy. It is all about spreading happiness. Now with the online retail industry offering some great deals and discounts, gifting has never been easier. Through this video we have tried to showcase what each one of us feels even while getting a gift from a dear one?”

     

    While the first video deals with gifts and happy part of the festival, the other video addresses and voices the not so pleasant perspective of the common man on how festivals are being celebrated these days.

     

    As the country gears up for the upcoming festivities, people are already dreading the impending traffic jams, surging noise pollution, filthy streets and leftovers of celebrations everywhere.

     

     “I think it is a common problem that all of us our facing today. We all enjoy celebrating festivals but there is a different side to it as well. We loved the way EIC has tried to incorporate the concept of celebration through this video and hence are happy to partner with them in spreading this simple message,” Parwani further added.

     

    On associating with CouponDunia, EIC founder Kunal Rao said, “I’m glad to see corporates get involved in these matters. You could say they are performing corporate social responsibility through a sense of humour! We are glad CouponDunia sees the fun side of life and are very happy to be associated with them”.

     

    The video, a parody of Miley Cyrus’ ‘Wrecking Ball’, is a light-hearted, good-spirited take on this problem includes many familiar faces like Suresh Menon, Ashwin Mushran, Gaurav Kapur, VJ Bani and Jose.

     

    Titled ‘Wrecking God’, the video is shot entirely on iPhone 5S and mixes smart humour with a social message.

     

    Link of the video:

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bOhjURZOeM&feature=youtu.be

     

  • India gets its own ‘Saturday Night Live’, but on Sundays

    India gets its own ‘Saturday Night Live’, but on Sundays

    MUMBAI: Riding on the success of last year’s April Fool’s spoof-show, Comedy Central has decided to bring back the three popular stand-up comedians, Suresh Menon, Anu Menon and Jose Covaco, who have teamed up to make Fools Month. Produced entirely in English, Fool’s Month is topical and looks at the current social-political situation in a lighter vein.

     

    “This is just one initiative of the many we will be undertaking this year to strengthen our local content offering, bringing to viewers not only the best of international but also local comedy,” reveals Viacom18 Media, senior VP & GM – English entertainment, Ferzad Palia.

     

    This four-part television event series will be airing on Sunday nights at 9:00 pm and first aired on 6 April.

     

    All four episodes have been canned, with special vignettes like Joke Pal Bill Me, The Weather Report, TechNo and The RRS that the viewers can look forward to, have also been shot.

     

    According to Palia, these vignettes will be aired on Comedy Central across the week on the channel throughout the following week. “The show can be enjoyed by all age groups interested in looking at the lighter side of political affairs. I am confident that both fresh and loyal viewers will tune in and enjoy a healthy laugh!” says Palia about the TG for the show.

     

    Rather reminiscent of the long-running American late-night live television sketch comedy, Saturday Night Live (also airs on Comedy Central); Fool’s Month is spearheaded by three of India’s popular comedians, Jose Covaco, Suresh Menon and Anu Menon.

  • Samsonite launches High Sierra in India

    Samsonite launches High Sierra in India

    MUMBAI: With travelling becoming one of the most preferred activities of many, numerous luggage manufactures are launching travel-friendly and stylish brands.

     

    The latest entrant in the Indian market is High Sierra by Samsonite. The hi-end brand aims to wow the Indian travel enthusiasts with its feature rich designs and versatile functionality.

     

    Speaking on the launch, Samsonite South Asia MD Suresh Menon said: “The Indian youth today is far more keen to travel and explore new places than it ever has been. Over the last few years we have seen a steady increase of domestic and international travel in this segment and we feel that this trend has also created a demand for a specific product. High Sierra is one of the most popular outdoor, adventure brands in the US and we feel that the products will also receive a similar response from the Indian audience.”

     

    He added, “For the launch of High Sierra in India we have looked at a strong digital strategy and online presence. Right from day one our products are not only available across major online players but our social presence has also created a positive response across Facebook, Twitter and our own website www.highsierra.in. We have an active list of travel bloggers, fans who are experiencing the product and providing us feedback in real time.”

     

    Over the years, High Sierra has been associated with a lot of adventure sports and events across the world. The company is also the official supplier of bags and luggage for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team. In the past High Sierra has also been associated with the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), Snow Sports Industries America (SIA) and the Travel Goods Association (TGA) amongst others.

     

    High Sierra bags are available at all Bagzone stores across India and are priced between Rs 1,200 – Rs 10,000. The brand is also available on leading e-commerce retailers like Bagzone.com, Jabong, Flipkart & Myntra.

  • MTV goes digital for ‘Aila Tendulkar’

    MTV goes digital for ‘Aila Tendulkar’

    NEW DELHI: MTV India has decided to go digital in its marketing initiative for its new show Aila Tendulkar. No print ads, billboards or spots for this show. Riding the internet wave, the channel has looked at online banners and mobile content. The idea has been to capture viral circulation.

    Aila Tendulkar is hosted by Suresh Menon aka VJ Tendulkar. The show has been launched with the cricket season in mind, especially with the approaching Cricket World Cup. The show launches on Saturday, 17 February, at 7 pm but will go on well past the World Cup until June.

    Says MTV India VP marketing Aditya Swamy, “While the show is definitely in sync with the Cricket World Cup, we would also look at the post World Cup spillover and all the analysis and gossip that happens then.”

    The show format for Aila Tendulkar looks at a 5 to 7 minutes duration vignette and each vignette will have 3 to 4 cricket based gags/sketches. VJ Tendulkar is joined by Gag Chappel (Ashwin Mushran), the men in blue, Bowel Dravid (Kunal Kumar) and Kaurav Ganguly (Gaurav Gera). All this madness is of course monitored by VJ Cyrus Sahukar who cameos as the umpire.

    A day before the telecast of the show, 30-45 second vignettes will be available on the mobile and net. The channel claims to be experimenting with the idea that a preview of the show will be made available before the actual telecast.

    “In fact keeping in mind, its reach via digital formats, the show has also been produced to suit the medium. So no long shots, etc.”

    “The idea is to reach across to our target audience, which is metro youth and they are increasingly available on mobile and internet rather than on television. So we decided to market Aila Tendulkar across multiple platforms to get that ‘constantly on the move viewer’.

    All episodes of Aila Tendulkar would first break on mtvindia.com. Mobile users can simultaneously log on to wap.mtvindia.com from their GPRS-enabled phsones for the preview of these videos. MTV has tied up with Reliance, Hutch and Aitel for this service. The channel has also roped in Rediff, Google and Yahoo amongst others to feature these vignettes. Reliance mobile users can view the same on the MTV Zone on RWorld.

    The post CAS situation has led to many channels reviewing their consumer performance and looking at different modes of media branding. MTV does have an international ‘I want my MTV’ campaign for subscription based channels. Commenting on this, Swamy said, “While there were plans to adapt this campaign in India as well, for now, we are just looking at how things are shaping up here.”

    The channel has also partnered with CNBC TV18 for a series of vignettes called MTV Budget Fundas to be aired on both the channels. Says Swamy, “MTV is not just about fun and humour but also everything relevant to the youth. So if the budget affects the pocket money of the youth and how they spend it, we will showcase it.”

  • ‘HA HA HA’ to be aired on 28 Feb 2007 at 10 p.m. on Star One

    MUMBAI: The Comedy Show Ha Ha Ha presents never before seen gags and the craziest spoofs attempted on Indian television.

    Wednesday, 28 February 2007 will see a Holi Special with a take off on the Bachchan household celebrating Holi with their close friends and relatives, while also endorsing various brands! That’s not all… other entertaining spoofs include a gag about a Housing Society playing Holi following the innumerable rules laid down by the housing society! Catch all this and more on The Comedy Show Ha Ha Ha… on Wednesday,28 February at 10 p.m only on Star One.

    The characters in this Holi special are:
    ” Gaurav Gera
    ” Suresh Menon
    ” Purbi Joshi
    ” Kiku
    ” Sonia

    ‘The Comedy Show…Ha Ha Ha’, is an epoch in television comedy in its appearance, writing, and performances. The Laughter Challenge finalists, guest celebrities, and the new team of power performers include Raju Srivastav, Ashwin Mushran , Harward Rosemeye and Sonia Rakkar who regularly treat you to their outrageous brand of stand-up and mind-boggling comedy!