ITV

Tag: Varun Dhawan

  • Alia and Varun double the fun on Two Much couch

    Alia and Varun double the fun on Two Much couch

    MUMBAI: Twice the mischief, twice the magic. Hindi cinema’s beloved duo Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan aka Varia, are all set to light up Prime Video’s Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle this week, bringing their signature mix of chaos and charm.

    From their first-day jitters in Student of the Year to swapping parenting tips and spilling secrets from over a decade of friendship, the pair slip into easy banter that only Kajol and Twinkle can amplify with their trademark wit.

    The episode is a cocktail of nostalgia, laughter and candid confessions as “Varia” revisit their journey from fresh-faced debutants to two of Hindi cinema’s most bankable stars. Expect playful digs, heartfelt moments and plenty of giggles on the couch.

    After a blockbuster premiere with Salman Khan and Aamir Khan, Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle continues to raise the entertainment stakes. Catch the Alia-Varun episode streaming this Thursday on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories.

  • Dandiya dazzle as Hindi cinema joins Falguni Pathak fun

    Dandiya dazzle as Hindi cinema joins Falguni Pathak fun

    MUMBAI: Talk about a Hindi cinema beat! The Radiance Dandiya Navratri Utsav 2025 with Falguni Pathak turned Mumbai into a whirlwind of music, colour, and star-studded glamour as the cast of Sunny sanskari ki tulsi kumari: Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rohit Saraf, Sanya Malhotra and Maniesh Paul, took to the stage on Sunday night.

    Thousands of fans in vibrant festive attire cheered as the stars grooved alongside Falguni Pathak to the chartbuster anthem ‘Bijuria’, breaking into the hook step and creating a magical fusion of Hindi cinema sparkle and Dandiya tradition. The cast also performed a high-energy dance to the peppy track ‘Panwadi’ from their upcoming film, with fans singing along and waving to the rhythm.

    Falguni Pathak’s evergreen hits and signature Garba beats kept the crowd dancing through the night, while a wave of patriotic cheer swept the arena as Team India clinched the Asia Cup 2025. Over seven nights, the festival transformed the Jio World Convention Centre into a hub of devotion, music, and celebration, with special private pods adding a touch of exclusive fun for close groups.

    The event also drew celebrity guests including Dilip Joshi, Divyanka Tripathi, Rupali Ganguly, Orry and Viraj Ghelani, soaking in the festive spirit. Produced by Tribevibe Entertainment, a Bookmyshow company, and Purple Blue Events & Ideas, the Utsav showcased a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, setting a new benchmark for Navratri celebrations in Mumbai.

    With more energetic performances and timeless music to come, Falguni Pathak’s Navratri nights promise to keep the city dancing and celebrating long into the festival season.

  • Oppo sparks festive glow with Reno14 Diwali Edition and Prime Video show

    Oppo sparks festive glow with Reno14 Diwali Edition and Prime Video show

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, your screen time may just outshine the diyas. Oppo India has teamed up with Prime Video to light up the festive season with a double treat, a sparkling new Reno14 5G Diwali edition smartphone and the much-anticipated unscripted talk show Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle, streaming exclusively on Prime Video from today.

    The show kicks off with a reunion fans never thought they’d see Aamir Khan and Salman Khan sharing the couch, swapping stories, laughs, and surprises. The line-up that follows reads like a Bollywood blockbuster: Akshay Kumar, Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan, Vicky Kaushal, Govinda, Chunky Panday, and Janhvi Kapoor are all set to appear, promising spontaneous conversations and plenty of star-studded chaos.

    While Kajol and Twinkle keep the cameras rolling, Oppo brings the sparkle with its limited Reno14 5G Diwali Edition, a device that is as much art as it is tech. Priced at Rs 39,999 (special festive price Rs 36,999), the smartphone draws from Indian tradition, with a mandala base symbolising harmony, a peacock representing prosperity, and flame motifs echoing the light of countless diyas.

    The black-and-gold palette captures Diwali’s essence black as the new moon, symbolising obstacles, and gold as the glow of lamps, signifying triumph and prosperity.

    In a first for India, the device features heat-sensitive Glowshift technology, transforming from deep black to radiant gold at body temperature. The shift, achieved through nine layers of lamination and six intricate processes, can be triggered over 10,000 cycles meaning the magic won’t fade with the season.

    The Reno14 Diwali Edition packs a 50MP Hypertone triple camera with a 3.5x telephoto lens, 4K HDR video at 60fps across all lenses, and even an Underwater Photography Mode. On the inside, it’s powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8350, paired with a 6000mAh battery backed by 80w Supervooc fast charging. At just 7.42mm thin and 187g, it’s built with an aerospace-grade aluminium frame, Gorilla Glass 7i, and IP66/68/69 protection.

    Running ColorOS 15 with GenAI integration, it also doubles as your AI assistant, offering tools like Translate, Mind Space, AI Summary, Circle to Search, and AI Toolbox 2.0.

    For Oppo, the festive edition isn’t just a smartphone, it’s a storytelling device. As Oppo India, head of PR and communications Goldee Patnaik put it: “This special edition smartphone is a festive keepsake inspired by India’s rich cultural heritage… Our collaboration with Prime Video for Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle echoes the same sentiment celebrating real, unscripted connections and the joy of being in the moment.”

    With a smartphone that changes colour with your touch and a talk show that promises raw, unscripted conversations, Oppo has blended tech and tradition into a festive narrative. This Diwali, your upgrade might just come with both a new device and a binge-worthy watchlist.

  • Too Yumm! chips away at hangovers with world’s first party snack twist

    Too Yumm! chips away at hangovers with world’s first party snack twist

    MUMBAI: Hangovers just got out-snacked. Too Yumm!, India’s self-styled “disruptive snacking brand”, has unveiled what it calls the world’s first anti-hangover chips, a bold innovation that promises to let partygoers munch, dance, and wake up fresh.

    Branded party harder chips, the snack takes inspiration from Livitup, Vaidya’s trusted anti-hangover supplement. Packed into every crunchy masala bite are natural ingredients clinically known for recovery support turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and green tea antioxidants. The idea: you snack through the night while your body gets a head start on tomorrow.

    The launch was led by hindi movie livewire Varun Dhawan, who unveiled the chips in typically high-energy style. A campaign film sees him deliver cheeky twists on blockbuster dialogues while declaring the snack the “game-changer every party needs.”

    “Too Yumm! has always been at the forefront of snacking disruption,” said Too Yumm! CMO Yogesh Tewari  “With Party Harder Chips, we’re bringing a world-first product designed especially for celebrations. Partnering with Livitup meant we could create a snack that doesn’t just taste bold but also genuinely supports a better next day.”

    Currently available on Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart, the party harder chips are being positioned as the ultimate late-night companion whether at weddings, festivals, or house parties.

    For a brand that has built its identity on cheeky innovations, this one takes the cake or rather, the chip. With Varun Dhawan fronting the campaign and India’s youth as the target, Too Yumm! is betting big that the next morning after every party will finally taste as good as the night before.

  • News18 Showsha Reel Awards stars shine bright

    News18 Showsha Reel Awards stars shine bright

    MUMBAI: The News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2025 celebrated the best of film and OTT at a glamorous event in Mumbai, bringing together the industry’s finest. Hosted by actor Arjun Kapoor, the evening recognised outstanding talent and storytelling across films and web series, with a star-studded red carpet.

    The event drew a collection of prominent figures, including Janhvi Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhishek Bachchan, Aditi Rao Hydari, Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Ramesh Sippy, Salim Khan, Ravi Kishan, Jyothika, Riteish Deshmukh, Yami Gautam, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Kabir Khan, Raj & DK, and Sonu Nigam. Nikhita Gandhi’s live performance added to the night’s vibrant atmosphere.

    Rajkummar and Janhvi received the Best Actor and Best Actress (Popular Choice) awards, while Dhawan and Samantha won Best Actor and Best Actress (OTT). Ahlawat and Hydari were also recognised for their OTT performances. Rising Star Awards went to Raghav Juyal and Pratibha Ranta. Pankaj Tripathi was named Entertainer of the Year.

    Abhishek, upon receiving Best Actor (jury), remarked, “This is actually my first-ever Best Actor Award. I’d like to thank the esteemed jury it’s an honour that you find me worthy of this award. But the credit for this performance has to go entirely to Shoojit (Sircar) Da. He’s made such a wonderful film.”

    Hydari, winner of the OTT Star of the Year (Female) award, shared, “This one is very special. Heeramandi is very special. My director Sanjay sir is very special. I love him dearly. I am because of my directors and I hope I will continue to be because of them. Every single ad on set, every single human being on set, every single four-legged puppy on set, everybody was part of that universe, and it really made those years that we spent shooting. I can’t be more grateful.”

    Kabir won Best Director for Chandu Champion, and Stree 2 won Best Film. Sippy and Salim were honoured with the Reel Legend Award. Raj & DK and Sonu Nigam also received awards.

    The jury, comprising Sachin Pilgaonkar, Madhur Bhandarkar, Mukesh Chhabra, Tavishi Paitandy, Lilette Dubey, and Shabana Azmi, ensured a fair selection process.

    Indian Language News18 and Local18 (TV & digital) chief executive officer Mitul Sangani said, “At News18, we take immense pride in recognizing exceptional talent across diverse formats, and genres. The News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2025 stands as a beacon of creative excellence, bringing together the best of Indian entertainment celebrating both mainstream and regional storytelling. We congratulate all the winners who have captivated audiences with their outstanding performances and storytelling.”

    English & Business News, Network18 CEO Smriti Mehra added, “The News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2025 is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact of cinema and OTT on audiences worldwide. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, we are proud to recognise the artists and creators who challenge conventions and craft unforgettable narratives.”

  • TotalEnergies sets Guinness Record for largest influencer dance challenge

    TotalEnergies sets Guinness Record for largest influencer dance challenge

    MUMBAI: TotalEnergies, in partnership with Goat (part of WPP) and Xley by Mad Influence, has secured a Guinness World Record for the most videos of people dancing to the same song uploaded to Instagram in one hour. Over 400 unique videos were shared within 60 minutes, making it one of the largest influencer-led activations in history.

    The record-breaking campaign marked the launch of the LambaChalega anthem, promoting TotalEnergies’ hi-perf engine oil. The track, symbolising endurance and performance, was brought to life through an energetic dance challenge led by Varun Dhawan, alongside influencers such as Awez Darbar, Amol Kamble, Kheshavi Chhetri, and RJ Tripti.

    More than 400 influencers from across India participated in the launch, demonstrating the vast reach of digital marketing. The initiative will expand to over 3,000 influencers, spanning nano, micro, macro, and celebrity tiers, to maximise engagement across categories such as fitness, biking, food, travel, and lifestyle.

    Goat, a global influencer marketing leader within WPP, spearheaded the strategy and execution, ensuring seamless participation and widespread impact. Xley by Mad Influence played a crucial role in influencer selection and campaign execution, leveraging AI-powered discovery, real-time tracking, and content management.

    Following strict verification, a Guinness World Records adjudicator confirmed the achievement and presented the official certificate on-site.

    Xley by Mad Influence founder & CEO, Gautam Madhavan stated, “This is a historic moment for influencer marketing. This campaign proves that influencer marketing is no longer just about collaboration—it’s about creating movements that redefine brand engagement globally.”

    By merging Goat’s execution expertise, Xley’s technology, and TotalEnergies’ vision, this initiative has set a new benchmark for large-scale influencer-driven campaigns.
     

  • Step into the nation’s nerve centre at Agenda Aaj Tak 2024

    Step into the nation’s nerve centre at Agenda Aaj Tak 2024

    MUMBAI: Imagine a stage where the sharpest minds converge, debates ignite, and ideas take flight—a platform that doesn’t just discuss India’s future but shapes it. This December, Aaj Tak’s iconic thought leadership conclave, Agenda Aaj Tak 2024, promises to be the ultimate intellectual arena.

    To be held on 13–14 December, this two-day extravaganza—fondly called Hindi Jagat Ka Mahamanch—is not just an event; it’s a celebration of ideas, challenges, and breakthroughs. With luminaries from the worlds of politics, defense, sports, entertainment, and beyond, Agenda Aaj Tak 2024 offers a front-row seat to the conversations that matter.

    From decoding India’s toughest challenges to unveiling untapped opportunities, this conclave isn’t just about listening—it’s about thinking, questioning, and being inspired.

    This year’s event promises unparalleled insights from influential leaders shaping their fields, focusing on India’s strategic direction for 2025 and beyond. Agenda Aaj Tak will serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue, enabling attendees to engage directly with decision-makers on issues critical to the nation’s growth.

    Key highlights:

    1    Distinguished Speakers: The two-day event will feature a stellar lineup of influential leaders, policymakers, and experts. Political heavyweights such as Union Home minister, Amit Shah, Union minister of Road Transport Nitin Gadkari, BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and former CM of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal will engage in dynamic discussions.

    2    Cultural and Entertainment Icons: Renowned figures from entertainment, including Kangana Ranaut, Kartik Aaryan, Taapsee Pannu, and Varun Dhawan, will share insights into their craft and its societal impact.

    3    Global Perspectives: International voices like former president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai and domestic visionaries, including Medanta Hospital chairman, Naresh Trehan will enrich discussions with their expertise.

    Aaj Tak’s leadership team emphasised the event’s significance, noting its role in providing actionable insights during pivotal moments in India’s development.

    With a reputation for fostering impactful conversations, Agenda Aaj Tak 2024 reaffirms its mission to bring together visionaries and change-makers, creating a space for collaboration and innovation.

    Book your seat now at: www.aajtak.in/agenda 

  • Citadel: Honey Bunny was Prime Video’s most watched series globally this weekend

    Citadel: Honey Bunny was Prime Video’s most watched series globally this weekend

    Mumbai— Prime Video revealed that the Indian Original spy series Citadel: Honey Bunny, born from the world of Citadel, was the most watched series on Prime Video worldwide in its launch weekend. sThe Indian series directed by Raj & DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK) and starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha, has drawn in huge global audiences, streamed in 200 countries worldwide. The series was in the top 10 in almost 150 countries, including US, UK, France, Italy, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and UAE, proving the trend that consumers are continuing to enjoy non-English language content.

    “The success of Citadel: Honey Bunny shows that our non-English language International Originals continue to find fans globally through Prime Video’s huge worldwide audience,” said Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios VP International Originals James Farrell.

    “Citadel: Honey Bunny’s success is another example of Indian content increasingly being appreciated by audiences worldwide,” said Prime Video India Head of Originals Nikhil Madhok. “It shows that local narratives can have universal appeal and engage customers across borders. The series has received an extremely positive response in India and we are thrilled that this action spy thriller is also the most watched series on Prime Video worldwide in its launch weekend.”

    “It has been a very enriching experience on a challenging project that gave us the unique opportunity to collaborate with some of the biggest names in global entertainment and build on a larger connected world of spies which goes beyond the conventional storytelling formats,” said Raj & DK. “We have enjoyed weaving in easter eggs and nostalgic throwbacks to 90s’ cinema into the world of Honey Bunny. And we are thrilled at the amazing response both from our home turf and from around the world!”

    “We continue to be immensely proud of our global partners on Citadel and the success of each installment in the series. DK and Raj’s Citadel: Honey Bunny is a truly fun, propulsive and subversive spy show. Writer Sita Menon has crafted outstanding scripts that our talented leads, Samantha and Varun Dhawan, bring to life through shining performances, said AGBO executive producer and chief creative officer Angela Russo-Otstot. “AGBO is honored to collaborate with such exceptional creatives, alongside Amazon and David Weil, in bringing this distinctive global series to audiences worldwide.”

    Citadel: Honey Bunny is directed by Raj & DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK) and written by Sita R. Menon, along with Raj & DK. The series is produced by D2R Films, Amazon MGM Studios, and executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO. Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Scott Nemes from AGBO, alongside David Weil (Hunters), executive produce Citadel: Honey Bunny and all series within the world of Citadel. Midnight Radio is also an executive producer.

    The first season of Citadel, starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas alongside Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville, premiered to global success in 2023, becoming Prime Video’s second most-watched new original series outside the US, and fourth most-watched worldwide, after 24 days. Executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO, Citadel and its subsequent action-espionage Original Series traverse the globe, evolving the story of spy agency Citadel and its powerful enemy syndicate, Manticore. Each series born from the world of Citadel stars top local talent and is created, produced and filmed in the region—bringing about stylistically unique shows with strong cultural identities rooted in their respective country of origin. The Italian Original, Citadel: Diana, which launched on 10 October, was the second series to debut from the world of Citadel and is followed by India’s series, Citadel: Honey Bunny, which launched on 7 November. Since the launch of both series, customers continue to watch season one of Citadel, drawing in more audiences globally. Season Two of Citadel, starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas alongside Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville, is in production, with Joe Russo serving as director.

    Citadel: Honey Bunny joins Prime Video’s slate of International Originals debuting to record-breaking global success, including recent international hits; My Fault (‘Culpa Mía’), Maxton Hall – The World Between Us, and Like A Dragon: Yakuza, as well as upcoming launches, including Your Fault (‘Culpa Tuya’), The Sticky, and Look Back. The Indian Original series adds to Prime Video’s breadth of Indian-produced hits, such as Mirzapur, Farzi, The Family Man, and upcoming season two of Paatal Lok, season four of Panchayat and Matka King. As well as global Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies, such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Road House, Saltburn, and The Idea of You. This is all available with a Prime membership. Prime subscribers can enjoy savings, convenience and entertainment, all in a single membership.

  • Fast&Up celebrates ninth anniversary with ‘Life Feels Good with Fast&Up’ campaign

    Fast&Up celebrates ninth anniversary with ‘Life Feels Good with Fast&Up’ campaign

    Mumbai: Fast&Up, a wellness and nutrition brand, is celebrating its ninth anniversary in India with the launch of the ‘Life Feels Good with Fast&Up’ campaign. Featuring actor Varun Dhawan and athlete Avinash Sable as brand ambassadors, this milestone marks nearly a decade of innovation and a commitment to improving the well-being of people worldwide. The brand also marks this occasion by offering a flat 50 per cent on its website on 12 September 2024, along with exclusive freebies, aimed at reaching more customers through its communities, ambassadors, and influencers.

    Since its launch in 2015, Fast&Up has focused on providing products that support active and healthy lifestyles. Fast&Up’s best-sellers include hydration solutions, energy products, and ready-to-drink options used by millions in India and globally. It is among the few brands offering high-quality protein supplements tested by Informed Sport, making it a preferred choice for Olympians, national teams, and athletes. The brand caters to various needs related to today’s lifestyle, such as sleep, sexual health, and pollution-related issues.

    The ‘Life Feels Good with Fast&Up’ campaign highlights the brand’s commitment to wellness and community. It embodies the company’s approach to helping individuals achieve their best health while contributing to communities and meaningful causes. Fast&Up remains dedicated to making a positive impact on its customers and society.

    Fast&Up co-founder Varun Khanna expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “As we celebrate our 9th anniversary, we aim to make India Active. Our ‘Life Feels Good with Fast&Up’ campaign reaffirms our commitment to improving lives while giving back to society. We are immensely grateful for the support of our customers and are excited to mark this milestone with initiatives that embody our core values.”

    Brand athlete Avinash Sable shared his excitement about being part of the Fast&Up family, saying, “I’m proud to be a brand ambassador for Fast&Up. The commitment Fast&Up shows to promoting health and wellness resonates deeply with my values as an athlete. Their products have been an essential part of my training regimen, and I’m excited to share this journey with them and inspire others to feel good and perform at their best.”

    Fast&Up’s journey over the past nine years has been driven by its passion for promoting health, wellness, and vitality. With its innovative products and dedication to community building, the brand continues to lead the way in transforming lives for the better. Shop for India’s trusted nutrition and best-sellers across various lifestyle needs at www.fastandup.in

  • Center fresh launches ‘Aage Badh’ campaign

    Center fresh launches ‘Aage Badh’ campaign

    Mumbai: Center fresh, Perfetti Van Melle India’s flagship gum and mints brand has launched its new “Aage Badh” campaign with Varun Dhawan as the brand ambassador. The campaign aims to inspire young people to adopt a forward-looking attitude and overcome everyday setbacks with a fresh perspective.

    This collaboration between Center fresh and Varun Dhawan aims to engage and inspire audiences. Varun Dhawan showcases how Center fresh’s boost of freshness can positively impact one’s outlook on life. The campaign’s quirky storyline and uplifting message are designed to resonate with Gen Z audiences and make a lasting impression.

    Perfetti Van Melle India MD Nikhil Sharma said, “With presence in close to three million outlets today, the Center fresh brand has retained its appeal to consumers over the years by being relevant and consistently refreshing its communication. We are thrilled to be partnering with Varun Dhawan for our current campaign. He delivers a sparkling performance in the TVC nicely conceived by Ogilvy and is born out of strong insight.”

    Center fresh has always prioritised connecting with the younger generation, and our latest TVC with Varun Dhawan exemplifies our commitment to providing a fresh perspective and moving forward in life,” said Perfetti Van Melle India MD Gunjan Khetan. “Varun’s ability to connect with diverse audiences, particularly the youth, infuses Center fresh with a new energy that will resonate strongly with our fans.”

    “I’m proud to be a part of the Center fresh family and their new campaign, Aage Badh,” said Varun Dhawan. “As someone who’s always on-the-go, I know how moving on from small, daily setbacks with a fresh perspective can really turn my day around – whether I’m on set, at a shoot, or just living life to the fullest. It always helps to just pop a center fresh and ‘Aage Badh’! This, for sure, is going to be my mantra going forward”

    Commenting on the same, Ogilvy India creative director Anurag Agnihotri said, “Our message here is simple – Life’s challenges  are just opportunities in disguise. Take a moment to pause, refresh, and reboot – then tackle them head-on with a clear mind and a positive attitude. Embrace the chance to grow, learn, and move forward. Simply Aage Badh Ja.”

    The Aage Badh campaign, launched across television, digital, and social media platforms, is designed to resonate with young audiences who embrace the mantra of moving forward despite daily setbacks. Center fresh encourages today’s youth to stay positive, adapt to change, and live life to the fullest.