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Tag: Zulfia Waris

  • hoichoi premieres ABP Studios’ ‘Mukhyamantri’

    hoichoi premieres ABP Studios’ ‘Mukhyamantri’

    Mumbai: ABP Studios’ produced docu-series “Mukhyamantri” premiered on Bengali on-demand video streaming platform hoichoi on 25 February.

    The docu-series is directed by the famous Bengali director – Indranil Roychowdhury and is presented by Pratik Dutta and Shaoli Chattopadhyay.

    Through this docu-series, ABP Studios aims at introducing the layman to the effervescent landscape of Bengal politics. It’s a way of analysing Bengal’s modern political history through the eyes of the state’s eight chief ministers.

    Indranil Roychowdhury has produced and directed multiple award-winning films over a period of 25 years of his career. His renowned production company Flipbook produced Indranil’s first full-length feature film Phoring in the year 2013. Moreover, his noteworthy work includes – ‘Tapanbabu’, ‘Ekti Bangali Bhooter Goppo,’ ‘Bhalobashar Shohor’ and ‘The Lovely Mrs Mukherjee.’

    “We are thrilled to have forayed into Bengal with our very first docu-series,” said ABP Studios business head Zulfia Waris. “It’s a never-before-told story about the history of West Bengal told through the tenures of each of its illustrious chief ministers. We are committed to use our rich 100-year-old archive of stories not just nationally but internationally as well. ‘Mukhyamantri’ marks the first of many shows that ABP Studios will produce in the future that have its roots in the state.”

    ABP Studios is collaborating with emerging national and international talent, as well as National Award-winning writers and filmmakers, to realize their larger aim of bringing local stories to a worldwide audience. They are also excited about developing and presenting content from its recent acquisitions in adventure, horror, and crime drama genres.

  • ABP Studios’ ‘Karkhanisanchi Waari’ to premiere on SonyLIV on 10 Dec

    ABP Studios’ ‘Karkhanisanchi Waari’ to premiere on SonyLIV on 10 Dec

    Mumbai: ABP Studios’ co-produced Marathi feature film “Karkhanisanchi Waari” (Ashes on a Road Trip) will stream exclusively on SonyLIV, 10 December onwards.

    Previously, the film was invited to prestigious screenings in New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Toronto, Stuttgart, and London after receiving praise and acclaim from international film critics. It won an award as one of the best five films at the Tokyo International Film Festival. The film was also a part of the Indian Panorama section of the 51st edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held in Goa on 23 January.

    The film features an ensemble cast including Dr Mohan Agashe, Amey Wagh, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vandana Gupte, Shubhangi Gokhale, Pradeep Velankar and Pradeep Joshi. “The purpose behind any film shouldn’t only be entertainment, it should make you think or ponder upon situations around you and that’s what this film does in a brilliant way,” said Dr Agashe at the premiere of the film.

    The film, directed by Mangesh Joshi, is a funny, heartfelt story about a dysfunctional ‘last joint family of Pune,’ which takes a comic look at death. The film’s plot is crammed into a Maruti Omni on a road trip from Pune to Pandharpur to fulfill the last wishes of the family’s beloved patriarch.

    “All the characters in the film are relatable to all age groups. Viewers can easily relate to the situations in the film with their day-to-day conflicts amongst families,” said actor Amey Wagh.

    The film is produced by Archana Borhade (Nine Archers Picture Company) and co-produced by Zulfia Waris (ABP Studios).

  • Discovery India’s Zulfia Waris quits as VP premium & digital networks

    Discovery India’s Zulfia Waris quits as VP premium & digital networks

    MUMBAI: Discovery India’s vice president – premium and digital networks Zulfia Waris has stepped down from her position, sources have told Indiantelevision.com.

    Zulfia’s portfolio included Discovery India channels across factual and lifestyle categories. Her mandate included overseeing a host of functions like product strategy, creative vision, marketing, as well as launching and executing new digital products for super fans and ultra passionate communities.

    Zulfia joined Discovery in March 2017 from Zee where she was head of programming, non-fiction, and events.

    Prior to joining Zee, she was the VP and head of development of weekend fiction and non-fiction for Star Plus for more than two years. Waris was associated with Star India in various roles. She joined Channel V in July 2008 as a senior executive producer for programming and served there for over four years.

    In 2013, she moved to head the non-fiction development for Star Network where she developed non-fiction concepts and formats with in-house teams and production houses.

  • Discovery Channel’s unique docu-series ‘Planet Healers’ to feature India’s most promising start-ups seeking to find innovative solutions to environmental hazards

    Discovery Channel’s unique docu-series ‘Planet Healers’ to feature India’s most promising start-ups seeking to find innovative solutions to environmental hazards

     Mumbai – Bustling with more than 1.3 billion people, there is a huge pressure on resources and sustainable living that is in turn leading to India grappling with several environmental issues like air and water pollution, and those related to plastic and solid waste management. According to a WHO report, 9 of its top 10 polluted cities in the world are in India. The Ganges is amongst the 10 most polluted rivers in the world. Notably, India lost an average of 63 football fields worth of forest land every day between 2014 and 2017. The country produces almost 1,00,000 metric tonnes of waste every day. There is an urgent need for us to find long-term sustainable solutions.

    Recognizing the problem, Discovery Channel, India’s leading destination for factual entertainment, is set to air a four-part original docu-series ‘Planet Healers’ featuring eight of India’s most promising environment friendly start-ups, who are innovating ways to pave a path to a sustainable tomorrow. The show has garnered traction from marquee advertisers – Cars24.com has come on board as an Associate sponsor while 100 Pipers and Housing.com have come on board as Co – Powered by Sponsors. To be hosted by Bollywood actor, Jim Sarbh, the series will deep dive into the journey of how these start-ups are working out innovative technology led solutions to environmental hazards faced by our country.  This first of its kind series will premiere on 8th March 2019 at 7 pm on Discovery Channel and Discovery HD World.

    The selected start-ups are focused on multiple issues. For example, Farm2Energy claims to have found a solution to use stubble – burning of stubble burning creates air pollution crisis in Northern India every winter.  Absolute Water converts 17 lakh liters of sewage water into drinking water every day while Saahas Zero Waste specializes in treating and recycling waste without disturbing the ecosystem. NaMo E Waste is working towards not just recycling but also ensuring safe disposal of e-waste. Afforest creates natural, wild, maintenance free, native forests using Miyawaki technique.  Rudra converts plastic into poly fuel on the other hand Chakr Innovation has created world’s first retro-fit emission control device for diesel generators which can capture over 90% of particulate matter emissions. Urban Kissan empowers people to grow their own safe, fresh and high-quality food with the help of Hydroponic farming technique.

    “Planet Healers is not just a TV show; it is an attempt by Discovery to create mass awareness about environmental hazards faced by our country which will have significant long-term impact,” said, Zulfia Waris, Vice President, Premium & Digital networks, Discovery Communications India. “We have focused this series on individuals who have dedicated themselves to create innovative technology led solutions for the conservation and preservation of our planet. They are common people with uncommon ambitions and incredible self-belief who are making a difference.”

    Speaking about the show, the host, Jim Sarbh said, “I don’t believe in the separation between mankind and nature. Mankind is nature. It is only natural, that nature would find a way to heal itself, through mankind. And so, it falls to us to create solutions and products that not only serve our purpose but also help save the environment. Discovery Channel’s Planet Healers will provide a look into how businesses can exist for more than just making profits, how they can help create a better and sustainable future.”

    The special screenings of Planet Healers have been scheduled for the prestigious collages like Indian Institute of Technology and Indian School of Business to inspire and encourage the new age upcoming technicians, engineers and aspiring entrepreneurs.  Get ready to be inspired by eight environment friendly startups with Planet Healers, a Discovery Channel Original that will premiere on 8th March 2019 every Friday at 7 PM only on Discovery Channel and Discovery HD World.

  • Discovery channel hunts for citizen heroes

    Discovery channel hunts for citizen heroes

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel, a destination for factual entertainment, has started the search for citizen heroes who want to change India for the better. The channel has brought on board ex-military specialists who will shortlist and train 10 citizen heroes, aka change agents of the society.

    The shortlisted citizen heroes will feature in an atypical military based show India’s Citizen Squad to be aired in the month of November 2018.

    Discovery Communications India VP- premium and digital networks Zulfia Waris said, “There are citizens, who have the courage, the strength to take a stand for what is right. Those, who don’t want to be another dim face in a silent crowd. We are looking for such heroes. The aim is to train them and make them stronger physically, mentally so that they become the change agents of the society. We need to be the change, to make the change.”

    Guided by ex-military specialists, India’s Citizen Squad, comprising of 10 ordinary citizens, will under-go ultimate endurance boot camp – a series of intense physical and mental challenges pushing the limits of their body and mind.  This is not your typical elimination driven reality show, it is a test against self to see if the mind has the will and strength to push the body to complete the challenges.  The chosen India’s citizen squad will have to accomplish a new dare-devil mission in each episode of the show. 

    Major Vivek Jacob (retd), para (special forces), Indian army, who will play a key role in training India’s Citizen Squad, said, “Special forces is about focus, grit, will, intelligence, balance, strength, endurance and a whole lot of heart. The ability to bring all of that together and focus it on one point – your dream. To choose, focus, walk and achieve what most people don’t even dare to dream about. We are going to test you – physically, emotionally and mentally to see if you’ve got what it takes to get through a week of what we do over a lifetime.”

  • This special musical video follows Bani J tirade against trolls as a part of ‘Trolled’ series on RISE by TLC

    This special musical video follows Bani J tirade against trolls as a part of ‘Trolled’ series on RISE by TLC

    MUMBAI: After a power packed punch by Bani J to the misogynistic trollers, comedy sensation Mallika Dua is all set to fire back with her quirks and wits and show the internet hate its place. This will be the second short format music video under the ‘TROLLED’ series and will premiere on Rise by TLC, a digital-first channel for women, by women.

    Leered at as a Tinder aunty, and trolled for her body, Mallika Dua, the famous comedian on the digital domain, has been facing the ire of trolls ever since she stepped into the limelight. And now, Mallika gives it back to the ever-loving cyberbullies.

    Speaking on the occasion, Mallika Dua, said, “It is easy, nah fashionable, to sit behind an anonymous screen, and post lewd comments online.  Bravado? Well! yes, if you see how some of the trollers gloat when they make personal and derogatory remarks against you; for body shaming you,” said, Mallika Dua. “At first, I was extremely sad, not angry because when you work for something, you give your best and make it with lots of love. You hope that everyone will appreciate it but gradually you realize that these nameless, shameless idiots (trollers) job is to shit on people who are doing better than them. You realize that anonymity is an all access pass and the internet is an outlet for their frustrations and insecurities to manifest themselves as hate. So, it’s really like they are trolling themselves and not me”, she added.

    Discovery Communications India, Vice-President, Premium & Digital Networks, Zulfia Waris said, “We are delighted with the response of inaugural trolled video featuring Bani J. The comments, the Discovery Communications Indiafeedback, we received were overwhelming. The Mallika Dua’s trolled video takes the discussion forward as we endeavor to create a much-needed impact on ground.”

  • Rise by TLC empowers female artists to take on internet trolls with the launch of ‘Trolled’

    Rise by TLC empowers female artists to take on internet trolls with the launch of ‘Trolled’

    MUMBAI: It’s time for the social media trollers to get trolled! 3 female artists: 3 videos – whether they’re being body shamed, trolled for their fashion sense, for speaking up, or just being themselves! These women, in the form of a quirky, originally composed music video, and lyrics packed with punchlines will give it back to their trollers. The first to feature on Trolled, is VJ Bani who hits back at misogynist Trollers, and hits back hard. Trolled will premiere on RISE BY TLC, a digital first channel for women, by women.

    Popular VJ and actor Bani J, will be seen debuting as a singer in this quirky and original music video where she will be seen slamming the cowardly trolls. 

     

    “Mard… half mard… Man. Kya karna cha rahi ho? Pura din gym mein hi rehti ho? Kaun Karega shaadi?  Tattoo ki dukan… Thoda toh ladki ki tarah bano… A lot of people like to throw these words around just like they love to throw their opinions in your face; shove them down your throat and then stuff you until you suffocate into a neat little column or box and file you away where you can no longer serve as a threat to their narrow minded, never expanding nor evolving selves. ‘They’ don’t have the patience, the space in those tiny heads that are kept at alarmingly limited capacities by believing all the shit they have been fed. Beliefs of how one is supposed to BE, THINK, BEHAVE and of course LOOK,” said, Bani J, speaking her heart out.

    “When TLC came to me with this for a song to get back to the trolls, I was so excited because I really do believe that judging people and making assumptions about them is completely pointless. Like, who are we to judge one another? It’s all ego and insecurity driven and it’s never going to be productive or fruitful. Let this video be a reminder to you beautiful supportive lot to not look for validation from outside of yourselves, don’t get into that column and box just to make someone else happy, do what feels right for you, what makes you happy. Look within, it’s there. All you ever need. I have never gotten any kind of happiness by succumbing to someone else’s definition of me or what I am supposed to be like.”

    Discovery Communications India, Vice-President, Premium & Digital Networks, Zulfia Waris said, “RISE by TLC aims to give wings to young Indian women with its progressive, clutter-breaking content. It will serve as a platform that provides women a strong voice on a variety of issues in a fun, entertaining manner urging women to move forward, to move society, to challenge norms & ideologies, to move beyond preconceived limitations.”

  • Discovery to premiere diesel brothers season-2, starting may 10

    Discovery to premiere diesel brothers season-2, starting may 10

    MUMBAI: Discovery channel, India’s leading destination for factual entertainment, is all set to present yet another exciting and electrifying series titled DIESEL BROTHERS from 10th May. In the world of diesel vehicles, no one has more fun or builds bigger, badder trucks than Heavy D, Diesel Dave and their crew at Dieselsellerz. Their mega builds and awesome truck giveaways are the stuff of diesel legend. They work hard and play hard, but this time they’re taking their diesel game to another level with former football running back Marshawn Lynch and actor Chuck Norris as the celebrity guest who are looking for tricked-out extreme diesel trucks this season. This series builds include a beat-up Chevy Duramax turned into a Monster Truck and a chopped Ford Power stroke with roll cage and hydraulics that somersaults forward.

    DIESEL BROTHERS follows the team at DieselSellerz as they trick out trucks, work hard and play harder in the process. Starting off their business by buying used, or broken-down trucks and tricking them out for sales… Heavy D and Diesel Dave use the internet/social media as marketing tool to share their best pranks and stunt driving. Millions of hits later, DieselSellerz has become the destination for diesel lovers looking for tricked out trucks, crazy stunts, pranks and hilarious antics. Follow the team at DieselSellerz as they dream and execute unbelievable builds, pull elaborate and hilarious pranks and push the limits with new stunts.

    Speaking on the occasion, Discovery Communications India, Vice-President & Head, Premium & Digital Networks, Zulfia Waris said, “Our strategy of establishing Discovery channel as the home of Mavericks with focus on domains like Auto, Wildlife, Adventure, Military, Science and Technology et al has paid us huge dividends. We will continue to offer world class programming and nurture super-fan communities in these interest domains.”

  • Discovery Channel to premiere Wild Frank-Black Mamba Frank Cuesta returns to Africa to confront the most lethal snake on the planet

    Discovery Channel to premiere Wild Frank-Black Mamba Frank Cuesta returns to Africa to confront the most lethal snake on the planet

    MUMBAI: The popular Spanish TV presenter, tennis coach, adventurer and wildlife expert Frank Cuesta returns to the African continent this season on Discovery channel to face one of the biggest challenges he has faced in the history of ‘Wild Frank’: face to face the black mamba, the most lethal snake on the planet, whose bite has earned the nickname “kiss of death”. Starting April 18, Wild Frank Mamba will be showcased every Wednesday at 9:00 pm.

    Premium & Digital Networks, Discovery Communications India, Vice-President & Head, Zulfia Waris said, “Our strategy of establishing Discovery channel as the home of Mavericks with focus on domains like Auto, Wildlife, Adventure, Military, Science and Technology et al has paid us huge dividends. Wild Frank has a huge following amongst male millennials especially wild life enthusiasts and we are confident that his adventure in search of planet’s most lethal snake will keep the audiences engaged.”

    Frank Cuesta has traveled to territories as diverse as Brazil, Africa, India, Mexico, Nepal, Thailand, Australia and California, with the objective of discovering their wild life; and in the process, has exposed himself to situations of great danger. The herpetologist returns to Discovery channel willing to risk his life and face the “kiss of death”. This is how the deadly bite of the Black Mamba is known in Africa, the deadliest snake on the planet and most feared by the inhabitants of that continent, who are aware of the consequences of the bite of this species whose attacks have increased considerably in the last few years.

    Frank’s passion for snakes has led him to cross the boundaries on more than one occasion. And now, Frank wants to go further: find a black mamba, hold it in his hands and look at it face to face. Throughout three hour-long episodes, we will accompany Frank in this reckless quest that will be for Frank “the most dangerous and exciting adventure” of his life. And, as the herpetologist explains, “she is the ninja of the snakes” towards whom he feels “a fatal attraction”. That’s why Frank is willing to live a life-and-death encounter with one goal: to get out alive.

    On his journey through the grassland of Southern Africa, Frank and his team will face multiple challenges including a fight for survival between a rhinoceros defending his space and a male lion. The adventure does not end until Frank achieves his goal and comes face to face with the black mamba. What will happen? Will he suffer the attack of the “ninja” of the Black Mamba or will he manage to dominate it?

    THE “OTHER BLACK MAMBA”: WOMEN IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS

    Black Mamba is also the name of a group of 26 South African women who uniformed in camouflage attire; dedicate themselves to protect poachers from animals that inhabit a 400 km radius in the middle of the African grassland. They are disarmed and patrol their territory to defend the rhinos and other wild animals that are the favorite target of poachers.

    During his search for the snake, Frank will accompany these women who every day dismantle traps and fight to preserve the wild fauna intact by exercising an educating role: they are experts in wildlife and environmental education and go through schools to teach children to respect and protect nature and animal life. The Black Mamba have been awarded by the United Nations Environmental Program for their work.

  • TLC firmly establishes itself as a clear leader in lifestyle genre with 24% upswing in ratings

    TLC firmly establishes itself as a clear leader in lifestyle genre with 24% upswing in ratings

    MUMBAI: TLC, leading lifestyle channel from Discovery Communications India, soared to the top of Lifestyle genre with a 24% increase in ratings according to the latest BARC data*. TLC secured 8640 impressions ‘000 in week 11 as compared to 6972 impressions ‘000 in Week 10. The upsurge in ratings is supported by a 23% increase in average time spent delivering a TSV of 11:33 minutes (for week 11) as compared to 9:24 minutes (week 10) * .

    The lifestyle channel has recently ramped up its programing line-up in India introducing many food based TLC franchises including ‘Bakery Boss’, ‘Fabulous Cakes’, ‘Cake Boss’ & ‘Zumbos Just Desserts’ and Fashion series such as ‘Say Yes to Dress’ and ‘Bride By Design’. TLC has also launched Mini Me, a 10-part series travelogue chronicling an unconventional journey of TV host Mini Mathur and her daughter across 6 countries in Europe.

    Commenting on the development, Discovery Communications India, Vice President – Digital & Premium Networks, Zulfia Waris said, “Our strategy of offering the best of food and fashion led content suited for Indian audiences is delivering results. We will remain focused in our endeavor to further extend this lead over competition with a mix of best of international as well as ground-up India programming.”