Category Entertainment

Mumbai, 5 September 2024: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently premiered its patriotic coming-of-age drama series Naam Namak Nishan, an aspirational tale about the making of Indian army officers. Set against the backdrop of the prestigious Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, the series chronicles the journey of Indian cadets, exploring themes of honor, valor, brotherhood, and love for one’s motherland. Produced by Juggernaut Studios, Naam Namak Nishan is brought to life by an outstanding cast, featuring Varun Sood, Helly Shah, Roshni Walia, and Danish Sood in pivotal roles.

Danish Sood, who portrays the role of Gurbaaz Sing, a carefree middle-class boy, talks about his passion for acting and his love for music. He shares, “Acting is my true calling, while music holds a special place in my heart. Music has seamlessly integrated into my daily life. I see myself as an actor who plays music rather than a musician who acts.”

Danish also revealed the reason behind choosing this series, saying, “Gurbaaz is a multifaceted character grappling with family issues and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Despite the high stakes, he masks his inner struggles with humor. This role gave me the opportunity to explore comedic elements in contrast to my usual intense roles. Gurbaaz’s journey resonated with me, making it easy to sign the series.”

Naam Namak Nishan is now streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV, available on Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, smart TVs, and Play Store!

National, September 5, 2024: Known for its compelling narratives and meaningful initiatives, Sony BBC Earth has launched the fourth edition of its photography contest – ‘Earth In Focus’. With a canvas of infinite possibilities, the channel has set the stage for photography enthusiasts to showcase their unique perspectives on India under the theme ‘One World, Many Frames’.

‘Earth In Focus’ celebrates the richness of our planet and gives people a chance to showcase its unity amidst vast diversity through their lens. To participate, people can submit their photographs on the microsite under the subcategories – Markets: A Vibrant Melting Pot, Ancient Marvels, and Wildlife. The month-long contest will be judged by internationally acclaimed photographer, Shivang Mehta. A Sony Alpha Ambassador and a fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), Shivang’s expertise and passion for wildlife and conservation photography are highlighted in his award-winning books and assignments like Project Cheetah.

The top three winners across categories will receive a mega prize of GoPro HERO12 and get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feature on the Sony BBC Earth channel. Additionally, the top 15 selections will get an opportunity to receive exclusive guidance from Mr. Shivang Mehta through a masterclass.

Rohan Jain, Business Operations Head – Sony AATH and Head – Marketing & Insights, English Cluster, Sony Pictures Networks India

“As a channel committed to inspiring passion and exploration, we are thrilled to offer ‘Earth In Focus’ as a platform for people to showcase their talent and contribute to our shared passion for the world. As we announce the fourth edition of the contest, we are excited to see the world through the lens of our talented photographers and share their stunning work with our audience.”

Shivang Mehta, Contest judge, Earth In Focus

“It is a pleasure to be selected as the judge for Sony BBC Earth’s ‘Earth In Focus’. Every photographer has a different way of perceiving a subject and it is well reflected through their work. I am eager to see the interpretation of ‘One World, Many Frames,’ and how each entry will highlight the unique viewpoints reflecting the richness of our world.”

Chennai, 4th September: Zee Tamil, one of the leading entertainment channels, is consistently curating special shows that make every festival an unforgettable experience for its viewers. This Vinayagar Chathurthi, Zee Tamil is once again set to elevate your festivities with a grand entertainment line-up of special shows on September 7th, Saturday. Starting at 9 AM to 7 PM, these special shows are sure you make this festive season an exciting one for Zee Tamil viewers.

This Vinayagar Chathurthi, Zee Tamil has come up with 4 exciting offerings starting with Vinayagar Chathurthi special Pattimandram episode at 9 am. Moderated by Suki Sivam, the debate will see renowned speakers such as Mohan Sundaram, Malar Vizhi, Parveen Sulthana, Suchitra, Shantha Mani and Anandhi. The discussion topic for this episode will revolve around “who is more religious today? Men or women”

This will be followed by the telecast of grand gala event Vinayagar Chathurthi Sangamam, starting 10:30 AM. This gala event will be hosted by the charismatic Mirchi Vijay and is packed with dance, music, games, and unforgettable moments. The event will be graced by the stars of the popular serial Ninaithale Innikum, alongside mesmerizing performances by contestants from DJD and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. This special show is an amalgamation of your favourite celebrities, coming together to make Vinayagar Chathurthi celebration extra special.

The celebrations will continue with the World Television Premiere of the blockbuster movie STAR from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Directed by Elan, the movie features Kavin, Lal, and Aaditi Pohankar in the lead roles, with a mesmerizing soundtrack composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. The movie beautifully explores the bond between Pandian (Lal), a photographer, and his son Kalai (Kavin), an aspiring actor, as they navigate the challenges on the path to fulfilling Kalai’s dreams of stardom. Don’t miss this heartfelt and inspiring movie, only on Zee Tamil.

Finally, to wrap up the day, Zee Tamil will present an exclusive special feature on the highly anticipated Vijay-starrer film ‘GOAT’, directed by Venkat Prabhu, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This show offers an exciting glimpse into the movie, where Vijay takes on dual roles, supported by a star-studded cast including Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Ajmal Ameer, Mohan, Jayaram, Sneha, Laila, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Vaibhav, Yogi Babu, Premgi Amaren,Yugendran and director Venkat prabhu. Viewers can look forward to exclusive interviews with the cast and crew, an in-depth look at the stunt choreography, and behind-the-scenes footage, all crafted especially for the TV audience to provide a perfect conclusion to the festive day.

Celebrate the auspicious occasion of Vinayagar Chathurthi along with some entertainment-filled shows this September 7, Saturday, starting 9 am to 7 pm, only on Zee Tamil!

National, 2nd September 2024: Leaving viewers intrigued with a captivating sneak peek, JioCinema Premium unveiled the intense trailer for its upcoming original Khalbali Records, a musical drama that explores the evolving dynamics between indie and commercial music, set against a father-son rivalry. Premiering on September 12th, Khalbali Records boasts of a stellar ensemble cast, that includes power-house performers such as Ram Kapoor, Skand Thakur, Saloni Batra, Salonie Patel, and Punjabi rapper Prabh Deep in pivotal roles, along with appearances from renowned names including EPR, Kumar Varun, and more from across the music world. Directed by Devanshu Singh, the series brings alive its core theme of music through soulful soundtracks produced by the ace composer Amit Trivedi along with unique indie hip-hop tracks by Azadi Records.

Khalbali Records follows the journey of Raghav, a talented music producer working at his father’s prestigious record label, Galaxy Records. After a tragic event shakes his world to its core, Raghav becomes increasingly disillusioned with the way his father’s company operates and its lack of genuine support for artists. Determined to create a new record label that truly values and nurtures its artists, Raghav makes the bold decision to leave Galaxy Records and start anew. However, his journey is fraught with significant challenges, including fierce competition from his own family, especially his ruthless father, who is unwilling to let go of his control and power within the music industry. Raghav’s struggle to build a label that stands for artistic integrity and innovation becomes a profound and personal battle, testing his resolve and resilience at every turn.

Speaking about his experience, lead actor Ram Kapoor says, “Khalbali Records offers a fresh perspective on the music industry, highlighting the power struggle between indie artists and commercial labels, and capturing the essence of the rising indie wave! As a self-confessed music -lover, I immensely enjoyed being a part of a series where music isn’t simply an add-on, but infact a central character taking the narrative forward. I was instantly drawn to the complex father-son relationship of my character, which allowed me to explore multiple layers of emotion and portray a figure who is ambitious, successful, and deeply flawed.”

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Amit Trivedi, the music producer of the show said, “Khalbali Records is not just a series; it’s a musical journey with each note carefully chosen to reflect the myriads of emotions captured in the narrative. It’s not often that we find a show that places music at the very heart of its storytelling. It inspired me to create a soundtrack in collaboration with Azadi Records that reflects the intensity of the emotions experienced by the protagonists. It took us weeks to ensure that each note and melody was the best we could do and matched the emotions in the script.”

Prabh Deep, a prominent figure in the Indian rap scene, is making his acting debut with Khalbali Records. Commenting on the project, he shared, “I was deeply impressed by the script and storyline. As an artist, I immediately resonated with the show’s portrayal of the industry’s upheaval, with emerging genres and formats challenging traditional norms. I’m thrilled to be part of a series that puts quality music at its heart, though I’m a bit nervous about the audience’s reaction—it reminds me of the excitement I felt when I released my first song, a moment I cherish deeply.”

Witness a musical face -off unlike any other with Khalbali Records as it premieres on 12th September, exclusively on JioCinema Premium!

26th August 2024: As the spirit of Janmashtami spreads devotion and joy, actor Ashish Dixit, who plays the lead role in Sun Neo’s show Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, has shared his plans for the festival and some cherished memories.

Discussing his plans for celebrating Janmashtami this year, Ashish said, “This year, I don’t have big plans for Janmashtami due to my busy shooting schedule for Sun Neo’s Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya. However, I’ll make the most of it by celebrating both at home and with my co-stars on set. On the set of our show, we’ve also shot a special Janmashtami sequence, which we enjoyed to the fulles. At home, we usually decorate the temple, bathe the idol with milk, and place it on a small swing. We worship like any normal family—not too intense, but we do what we can. We play songs and keep the atmosphere joyful. On the set of our show, we’ve also filmed a special Janmashtami sequence, which we enjoyed to the fullest.”

Recalling his childhood memories, the Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya actor said, “When I was a kid in Mumbai, we used to set up a Dahi Handi in our society. The smallest one would climb to the top. I remember one time, some uncles helped me climb to the third level safely. I broke the pot and then asked my dad why I had to break a smaller one while others broke bigger ones. He said, ‘No problem, when you grow up, you can break the bigger one.’ I still remember that moment.”

Reflecting on the teachings that have impacted his life, Ashish Dixit shared, “Lord Krishna’s teachings have greatly influenced me. He said that everything in life happens for a reason. When bad things happen, you find out who truly supports you and who doesn’t. And when things are going well, it’s also revealed who stays with you. Experiencing both good and bad times is very important, and this is what Krishna Ji teaches us.”

Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, airing on Sun Neo, stars Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Brinda Dahal, Sara Khan, Ashish Dixit, and Jaya Bhattacharya in key roles. The show highlights Vaishnavi’s devotion to Chhathi Maiyya, who offers guidance and protection to her followers while celebrating the triumph of good over evil.

Star Bharat’s supernatural thriller 10:29 Ki Aakhri Dastak has captured the hearts of its audience with its gripping secrets and unexpected twists that frequently shake up the storyline. As the journey reaches a pivotal moment, questions arise about whether Bindu will turn out to be the Dayan the entire village has been searching for, or if this is yet another of the Dayan’s illusions designed to distract everyone. Meanwhile, Abhimanyu’s quest to uncover the truth behind the murders intensifies, bringing him closer to revealing the identity of the killer. This anticipated twist promises to unveil all hidden secrets. As the plot thickens, viewers are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next thrilling revelation!

Tune into Star Bharat to watch 10:29 Ki Aakhri Dastak and unveil the ultimate truth at 10:29 PM from Monday to Saturday.

Rishabh Dudhedia‘s path is replete with tales of passion, transformation, and persistent pursuit of dreams. Since his family was deeply involved in the medical field, Rishabh began his career in a conventional manner. All three of his parents and grandparents worked in the medical field. Even though Rishabh’s family has a long history in medicine, his parents encouraged him to pursue his real interest, filmmaking. Their support was invaluable to him as he made the shift from a steady engineering career to the wild and exciting world of filmmaking.

A Bold Beginning

Rishabh started his academic career in engineering since it provided stability and was an obvious continuation of his family’s legacy of disciplined careers. He had an unrelenting calling to become a filmmaker, regardless of the opportunity. He was so drawn to filmmaking that he felt obliged to abandon engineering to pursue his love.

Media and Film Interests for Academics

Rishabh enrolled at the University of Mumbai to hone his talents, and he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in media and film. During this time, there were a number of notable successes and educational opportunities. Notably, Rishabh participated in the 48-hour short film competition. This was an inventive and challenging endeavour that led to the selection of his video as one of the top 50.

New Proficiency: Honours and Proofreading

It was immediately clear that Rishabh was an expert editor. He was honoured with an award at the prestigious Cannes Short Film Festival for his work editing a highly acclaimed short film. This project represented his early contributions to works that resonated on international stages and showcased his editing abilities.

Additional Education and Professional Accomplishments

Rishabh studied at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, California, to get a Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography as part of his academic endeavours. This postgraduate degree significantly boosted his technical proficiency and artistic vision, preparing him for the competitive world of filmmaking.

One of Rishabh’s greatest career accomplishments was serving as producer and cinematographer for the 7 Marble Productions short film “ZAMEER,” which starred the well-known actor Jackie Shroff. The largest Indian film festival in Europe, the 21st Indian Film Festival Stuttgart, and the 14th Pune Film Festival have both officially picked ZAMEER.

Stand-Alone Companies and Notable Projects

These days, Rishabh works for himself as a key grip, gaffer, and cinematographer. His reel is filled with numerous feature films and short films. Among them is the feature film “Treacherous Border,” produced by Lion & Tiger Productions. Based on a genuine story, this film was shot in Texas near the US-Mexico border and highlights Rishabh’s developing skill at narrating intricate and intensely personal stories.

Future Initiatives

It seems like thrilling new adventures are about to embark on in Rishabh’s filmmaking career. He is now working on several film scripts and a TV show pilot based on an award-winning novel. Through these initiatives, he hopes to maximise his enthusiasm and expertise, which will help him achieve greater success in the field.

Rishabh Dudhedia’s story is one of courage, dedication, and unwavering passion. His transition from the disciplined engineering hallways to the thrilling world of cinematography is evidence that one can pursue their passion and overcome the obstacles that come with it. Many are motivated to follow their ambitions with courage and imagination by Rishabh’s experiences and accomplishments as he continues to make his mark in the film business.

Following the overwhelming response to the emotion-packed trailer for Prime Video’s upcoming Original docuseries, Angry Young Men, it’s time to kick off the long weekend with a cinematic journey into the iconic world of Salim-Javed. This legendary screenwriting duo redefined Hindi cinema in the 1970s and 1980s, creating the unforgettable ‘Angry Young Man’ persona that captivated audiences with powerful tales of rebellion, justice, and social change.

As we count down to the premiere of Angry Young Men on August 20, Prime Video invites you to immerse yourself in the legendary world of Salim-Javed. Celebrate their cinematic brilliance by exploring the Salim-Javed archival collection and binge-watching five of their blockbuster hits that continue to redefine Bollywood storytelling. Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic that shaped an era!

Sholay: Directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay introduced some of the most unforgettable and iconic characters of all time: Jai (Amitabh Bachchan), Veeru (Dharmendra), Basanti (Hema Malini), and Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan). The film revolves around two criminals, Veeru and Jai, hired by a retired police officer (Sanjeev Kumar) to capture the ruthless dacoit Gabbar Singh. His iconic dialogues like “Kitne aadmi the?” and “Yeh haath humko de de Thakur ” remain etched in the hearts of audiences to this date. With the perfect blend of drama, romance, humour, and action, Sholay set a new standard for storytelling in Indian cinema.

Deewaar: Directed by Yash Chopra, Deewaar (1975) follows the story of two brothers who grow up together in the slums of Mumbai but end up on very different paths. Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) becomes a smuggler, while Ravi (Shashi Kapoor) becomes an honest police officer, leading to a dramatic conflict between them. Deewaar resonated with audiences due to its memorable dialogues, standout performances, and empathetic portrayal of social issues. The famous line, “Mere paas maa hai,” remains unforgettable for cinephiles.

Dostana: Directed by Raj Khosla, Dostana (1980) revolves around two childhood friends, Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan), a police officer, and Ravi (Shatrughan Sinha), a lawyer. However, their friendship is tested when they fall in love with the same girl named Sheetal (Zeenat Aman). What forms the crux of the story is Mr Dagga, a prolonged enemy who takes advantage of the complicated situation and plots to break their bond. The film highlights how genuine friendships can overcome misunderstandings and personal conflicts. Its central message underscores the importance of trust and support in relationships, and the idea that true love and friendship can prevail despite societal and personal challenges.

Kaala Patthar: The 1979 film, based on the 1975 Chasnala mining disaster, depicts the tragic explosion and flooding in the mine that killed 375 miners. Starring Amitabh Bachchan in the lead, the story follows his character (Vijay Pal Singh) who fights against a corrupt system to ensure safety and justice for the miners. Directed by Yash Chopra, the film highlights the negligence and greed of the mine owners that led to the loss of lives of many common men, deeply resonating with audiences, and that’s how the persona of Angry Young Man rose to fame in Bollywood.

Andaz: Released in 1971, Andaz is a classic film directed by Ramesh Sippy known for its engaging storytelling and memorable performances. The film stars Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini, and Shammi Kapoor in pivotal roles. The plot revolves around a love triangle where Rajesh Khanna plays a charismatic, affluent man whose life is intertwined with the lives of Hema Malini and Shammi Kapoor. Andaz is celebrated for its melodious music and emotional depth, showcasing the era’s quintessential Bollywood romance. The film’s portrayal of complex relationships and its timeless songs have earned it a special place in Indian cinema, making it a cherished watch even decades after its release.

Mumbai, 14th August 2024: As we ring in the 75th Independence Day of India, there’s no better time to honour one of our nation’s strongest pillars of support – the Indian Armed Forces. Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released the drama series Naam Namak Nishan, which celebrates the brotherhood and patriotism that define our army officers. Set in the prestigious Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, the series follows young cadets from different parts of India, united by their shared commitment to serve the motherland. Marked by a strong sense of unity, national pride, and personal growth, it’s a heartfelt tribute to the bravehearts who dedicatedly serve our country. Here are five reasons why Naam Namak Nishan is a must-watch on Amazon miniTV this Independence Day.

• Heartwarming portrayal of India’s unity in diversity: As we come together to celebrate another year of independence, there’s no better way to honour our nation’s spirit than by tuning in to the emotional and inspiring journey of Naam Namak Nishan. This series beautifully portrays the melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and dreams that converge at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. Young cadets from each corner of India come together, transcending their differences, to embrace a shared dream and destiny.
• Ode to patriotism and sacrifice: Naam Namak Nishan is an ode to the valour and dedication of the Indian Armed Forces. The series follows the transformative journey of young men and women into lionhearted soldiers, who serve the nation with utmost courage, determination, and selflessness. Through their trials and triumphs, we are reminded of the profound love and commitment that drive these cadets to put their lives on the line for their country. This Independence Day, let this series reignite your pride and gratitude for those who stand at the borders to protect us.
• Inspiring journey of growth and brotherhood: The series deftly captures the essence of brotherhood that forms among the cadets along their journey. Despite hailing from different walks of life, these young men and women forge deep bonds, united by their commitment to national welfare. Their journey is one of overcoming fears, breaking barriers, and discovering the true meaning of courage and solidarity. Watching their evolution is not just inspiring, it’s a powerful reminder that greatness is born from perseverance and unity.
• Stellar performances with emotional depth: Featuring a talented ensemble cast, including Varun Sood, Danish Sood, Helly Shah, and Roshni Walia, Naam Namak Nishan boasts powerful performances that enhance the emotional depth of the story. Each actor brings the highs and lows of their characters to life with authenticity and finesse, making the series a compelling and emotionally resonant watch. The deep camaraderie shared by the cadets and the challenges faced by them are portrayed with such conviction, that it will leave you moved.
• Watch for free: Dive into the heartfelt tale of patriotism and brotherhood with Naam Namak Nishan for free on Amazon miniTV. There is no need to pay anything to tune in to this touching and powerful series on a subscription basis. It is now available to stream on Amazon miniTV and Fire TV within the Amazon Shopping App and on Play Store.

This Independence Day, embrace the unity, diversity, and patriotism that make our nation stand out with Naam Namak Nishan. The series is now streaming for free exclusively on Amazon miniTV, available on Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, smart TVs, and Play Store!

14th August 2024: Sony Entertainment Television’s Kaun Banega Crorepati 16 goes beyond being a mere reality show; it is beacon of hope and a testament to the power of knowledge. Contestants from various walks of life have graced the hotseat, bearing dreams ranging from fulfilling their parents’ wishes to overcoming financial hardships or realizing personal aspirations. These dreams fuel the drive of the contestant’s desire to come to the hotseat, win big and turn their dreams into reality with this once in a life time opportunity. Bringing to the hot seat a moving and inspiring story would be Jhumri Telaiya’s, Vaishnavi Bharti, whose wish is to build a house for her family, get medical insurance for her father and use the rest for her education.

Despite her financial struggles, Vaishnavi Bharti, a 21-year-old from Jhumri Telaiya, did not let her circumstances stop her from preparing for BPSC (Bihar Public Service Commission) exams while pursuing an MA in Political Science as well. Given her mother’s absence, she gracefully runs her household along with her father, Vivekanand; while also excelling in studies. Vaishnavi’s ability to juggle between studies and household responsibilities touched Amitabh Bachchan deeply, and he showered her with praises for being such a lovely daughter and how he is glad to have come across a personality like her.

Her closest bond is with her father, who has been her unwavering support throughout her journey. While a lot of people in their locality think that a girl is meant only for household chores, her family never thought that way rather they strongly believe that Vaishnavi is ‘ghar ki lakshmi’ who is holding all of them together. Despite her challenging life, Vaishnavi remains optimistic and determined to improve her and her father’s lives. She views education as her path to liberation and aims to secure a government job. With the prize money won on KBC, Vaishnavi wishes to build a house for her family as her current house is in a dilapidated condition, get medical insurance for her father and use the rest of the money in her coaching for competitive exams, crucial for achieving her career goals.

A notable moment during the game play was when Vaishnavi stated that the amount of money she won is her first earning. And, she went on to say that her father as always kept her as his priority, therefore she dedicated her winning amount to her father, Vivekanand. Touched by Vaishnavi’s thinking, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan encouraged her to hand over the two cheques to her father, who beamed with pride and expressed his tremendous joy in her outstanding achievements saying, “This is my daughter’s first salary and I am so grateful to god for giving us a daughter like Vaishnavi”.

Grateful for getting the chance to come on Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, contestant Vaishnavi expressed herself saying, “It’s like a dream come true moment for me. Kaun Banega Crorepati has open doors for many people across the country giving everyone the chance to transform their life with the power of knowledge. And, I am glad to have got this once in a life time opportunity to change and uplift my and my family’s lifestyle for the better. With the winning amount, I want to fix my house, which is not in good condition. And, also secure my father’s future by getting him Mediclaim & Insurance for a better life ahead as he has always given me the best and supported me and my dreams. Furthermore, I will also prepare for the competitive exam to secure a good government job. And, sitting in front of Mr. Bachchan got me nervous but it also helped me to play the game with confidence.”.

Vaishnavi’s story is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity, highlighting her unwavering commitment to her education, family, and aspirations for a better future.

Tune in to Kaun Banega Crorepati – Season 16, every Monday to Friday at 9 PM, only on Sony Entertainment Television.