Category Entertainment

Pune – Swaroma Musical Events presents “Romantic Hits of Rafi-Kishore” on 12th July, Friday, at 7 p.m. at Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium, Kothrud in association with Keshav Magar Associates. The show will feature The Golden Era Of Soulful singers Like Kishore Kumar, and Mohammed Rafi who have entertained us with soulful tracks that are evergreen and unforgettable. These two legendary singers had their style and charm when it came to their tracks. Rafiand- Kishore were great personalities with amazing melodic voices. They always had the power to get the listeners to feel the songs they were listening to.

Popular songs of these two great singers have been included in the show which is organised by a singer from Pune, Anupama Kulkarni. She is Sangeet Visharad and runs her own Sangeet Academy. Last few years she has been conducting musical Thematic programs in India and also abroad.

The event will feature Popular songs of Mohammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar with the melodious voices of renowned singers Jitendra Bhuruk and Rafi Habib. Singer Anupama Kulkarni, Rajeshwari Pawar, and Dr. Rohini Kale will also accompany the Pair in Duets.

The show is coordinated by Karuna Patil, who is active in the Cultural Sector and Media. singers will be accompanied by Asif Khan on Keyboard, Baba Khan on Trumpet & Saxophone, Sayeed Khan on Keyboard, Hardik Raval on Guitar, Sachin Waghmare on Flute, Asif Inamdar on Rhythm Machine, Swayam Sonawane on Drums, Somnath Phatke on Tumba and Rohit Sahane on Tabla & Dholak. The show will be hosted by Akash Solanki.

National, 2nd July 2024: For Indians, Antakshari is not just a game but an emotion that transcends borders, cultures, and languages bringing us all together. Fostering this belief, BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, announced the return of its highly successful show, BIG Antakshari with Annu Kapoor presented by Bank of Baroda, one of the leading Public Sector Bank. Revamping the iconic musical game, this season features selected teams that have passed rigorous audition rounds held across major cities in India. This highly anticipated show will air across 52 stations of the BIG FM network on Thursdays and Fridays from 8 pm to 9 pm.

BIG Antakshari Season 2 features three teams – Bank of Baroda Deewane, Bank of Baroda Parwaane, and Bank of Baroda Mastaane – competing in an epic musical showdown each week, showcasing their passion for Bollywood music. The electrifying game comprises three rounds: the Akshar Round, the Dhun Round, and the Visual Round. With BIG Antakshari Season 2, BIG FM aims to redefine the classic Antakshari experience by not only entertaining listeners but also engaging them in fun Bollywood trivia and encouraging participation with Mega Prizes.

Host Annu Kapoor commented, “My long-standing association with BIG FM has allowed me to witness the evolution of audio content over the years. With growing anticipation and enthusiasm among listeners of all age groups, the second season of BIG Antakshari promises to be an unforgettable journey filled with fun and entertainment.”

Adding to it, Sunil Kumaran, COO, of BIG FM, said, “BIG Antakshari continues to take BIG FM’s rich legacy of iconic shows forward. The show’s transition from television to radio marks a significant milestone in the audio industry, especially for us. With Annu Kapoor’s signature hosting style, coupled with his valuable insights, witty remarks, and engaging banter, this season is poised to cement a special place in listeners’ hearts. Additionally, integrating anecdotes, games, and trivia with the traditional game format makes this season relatable for audiences across ages. We’re beyond excited for BIG Antakshari season 2 and cannot wait to revel in the love from our listeners, once again.”

Season 1 of BIG Antakshari, also presented by Bank of Baroda, was a resounding success. Continuing the association in Season 2, Bank of Baroda once again intends to connect with its loyal patrons through this innovative and interactive game show. With Madhur Sugar as a sweetness partner, BIG Antakshari Season 2 is powered by Torex Cough Syrup (A product by Torque Pharma).

Chennai, 01 July 2024: Zee Tamil, one of the leading entertainment channels in Tamil Nadu, is known for delivering a diverse range of captivating content that deeply resonates with its audience. Over the years, the channel has launched several memorable shows that have captivated the imaginations of the viewers. Now, as the channel gears up for the new show, ‘Nenjathai Killathey’, expectations are very high. Set to premiere from 1st July, Nenjathai Killathey will telecast every Monday to Friday at XX pm, only on Zee Tamil!

Last week, an unconventional trend was observed across Tamil Nadu, catching the attention of many passersby, and sparking curiosity among the public. It appeared that the traditional matrimonial ads had taken on a quirky, mysterious route. Standing apart from the clutter, the matrimonial posters placed in bustling streets and prominent locations, bore a simple message: ‘Bride Needed’ and ‘Groom Needed’.

The sudden appearance of those posters sparked widespread intrigue and speculation among people. A QR code was embedded in the posters, which contained minimal information about two individuals: Sivaji, a 45-year-old groom, and Sridevi, a 36-year-old bride. The posters took everyone by surprise and now it has been revealed that it was put up by Zee Tamil to create some buzz around the upcoming show ‘Nenjathai Killathey‘

Nenjathai Killathey follows the journey of Gowtham (played by Jai Akash) who is an unmarried and wealthy businessman in his 40s and Madhumita (played by Reshma Muralidaran) who is a working middle-class woman in her 30s. The upcoming serial show delves into the heartwarming tale of two seemingly incompatible individuals who embark on a journey of unexpected love. The story revolves around how two unlikely people get married and find love over time. The serial is slated to premiere on the first of July at 7.00 P.M. from Monday to Friday.

Don’t miss out on this emotional saga that promises to melt your hearts and leave you wanting more!

Step into the ring with Filmfare’s newest and most captivating interview series, ‘In the Ring with Filmfare.’ This groundbreaking talk show, hosted by Jitesh Pillai, Editor-in-Chief, Filmfare, presents in-depth and unfiltered conversations with the brightest stars of film and OTT. Each episode is recorded in front of a live audience, providing a unique and engaging atmosphere. The second episode, featuring the talented Bhumi Pednekar, is available on Filmfare’s YouTube channel from 26th June, 2024.

‘In the Ring with Filmfare’ is more than just an interview series; it’s a bold and energetic platform that delves into the true essence of the artists. By pushing boundaries and exploring raw, unfiltered conversations, this show offers a unique and intimate look into the lives and minds of your favorite celebrities, providing fresh insights into the entertainment industry and sparking meaningful dialogue.

The highly anticipated second episode featuring the fearless Bhumi Pednekar, is available on Filmfare’s YouTube channel from 26th June, 2024. In this episode, Bhumi opens up about her journey, sharing powerful insights on body shaming, work-life balance, social responsibilities, and her admiration for a co-star. Here are some highlights from her candid conversation:

Expressing about body shaming and her first film, Bhumi Pednekar said, “Since my first film, my weight has been a constant topic of conversation. Whether the comments were good or bad, I have developed a certain appreciation for it, especially given the message of my debut film. However, I no longer wish to discuss my weight—there has been enough said about it. I have made a conscious decision to stop abusing my body.”

Speaking about work-life balance Bhumi said, “I believe that you should do everything in moderation, including working. Unfortunately, in India, there is a culture that makes us feel guilty for asking for a holiday. It’s as if requesting a break implies, we are not dedicated to our work. This mindset overlooks the reality that burning out means we genuinely need time to rest and recharge.”

Talking about the social responsibilities and trolls on that, Bhumi said, “I can completely understand that we are doing this for PR. Of course, we are doing this for PR because I want people to be inspired by what I am doing. Every time we release something, it is cause and action-related. If I am the face of power, my greatest soft power is influence. I strive to reflect this in my films as well.”

Speaking about a co-star who shares similarities with her, she reveals, “I think Rajkummar and I have very similar value systems. His journey has been truly remarkable, and I resonate with it deeply. The way he approaches each role, with such dedication and hard work, is truly brilliant. He is someone who understands my insecurities and complexities as an actor.”

Don’t miss this captivating episode of ‘In the Ring with Filmfare’ featuring Bhumi Pednekar. Tune in to Filmfare’s YouTube channel from 26th June, 2024, for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that promises to challenge norms and offer fresh insights into the world of entertainment.

Kolkata, 25th June, 2024: Hemanter Aparanha, a new film by award-winning director Ashoke Viswanathan, takes audiences on a poignant journey through love, loss, and the transformative power of art. The Grand Trailer launch was held today at Hindusthan Club, Kolkata which was unveiled by the cast and crew of Hemanter Aparanha: Ashoke Viswanathan, Director; Rwitobroto Mukherjee, Actor; Anusha Viswanathan, Actress; Satyapriya Mukhopadhyay, Actor; Amit Agarwal, Producer. The film is a dynamic and dramatic visual exploration of the tensions of life during the Pandemic and also of the atmosphere in a world stirred and shaken by the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

On this occasion, Sri. Ashok Vishwanathan, Director & Producer of Hemanter Aparanha said, “This film has a narrative that constantly keeps you engaged with questions relating to life after retirement and life after death, desire and despair and how the young people of today are so alive to a changing world replete with virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence. In the background are the menacing resultants of the lockdown and war in the Ukraine and Gaza. This presentation has been orchestrated by Amit Agarwal, a filmmaker in his own right and me. I am also happy that Amit has worked as a Trailer Editor for me after a long time. He has earlier worked with me as an editor for my award winning documentaries and film trailers. The trailer of Hemanter Aparanha has come up very well and he has done a great job this time too.”

Speaking to the media, Sri. Amit Agarwal, Producer of Hemanter Aparanha said, “As a producer of the film I am feeling very content. I loved the story, its message and the manner in which Ashoke Da has executed the film. Like his earlier intellectual works this film too has a similar flavour but with an amazing narrative. This film is going to cater to a mass audience which includes the youth and the elderly both especially the theatre and film buffs. It is a family film as it has many elements and messages to inspire and influence everyone. It was also an amazing experience to work as a trailer editor for the film after a long time. I hope the audience will like the trailer and will get interested to watch the film in theatres thereon.”

On this occasion, Rwitobroto Mukherjee, Actor, said, “I am really thrilled to be part of Hemanter Aparanha, a film that beautifully captures the complexities of life and promises to resonate deeply with audiences.”

Speaking to the media, Anusha Viswanathan, Actress, said, “Hemanter Aparanha is a heartfelt exploration of human emotions and relationships, and I am honoured to bring my character to life in this poignant narrative.”

Amit Agarwal has earlier backed the popular Hindi Film ‘M. S. Dhoni – The Untold Story’ and has produced films like Simran (Hindi), Vartak Nagar (Hindi) Astra (Bengali) and the acclaimed Goutam Ghose film Raahgir (Hindi). He presented the recently released film Sada Ronger Prithibi (Bengali) and now with Hemanter Aparanha he seems to be in high spirits and is thrilled that he is presenting the Bengali audience yet again a different film and believes that it would be liked by the audience.

The film Hemanter Aparanha features a stellar cast, including Anusha Viswanathan, Rwitobroto Mukherjee and Satyapriya Mukhopadhyay in central roles. A strong supporting cast includes Bidipta Chakraborty. The music is composed by Gourab Chatterjee with songs by Lokhichara. Cinematography is by Joydeep Bhowmick and editing is by National Award winner Arghyakamal Mitra.

Hemanter Aparanha is produced by Amit Agarwal and Ashoke Viswanathan on behalf of Adarsh Telemedia and AV Productions. The film is all set to release at the Theatres on 12th July, 2024.

India, June 25^th, 2024: Nick India continues to solidify its position as the premier kids’ entertainment brand with the launch of the innovative ‘Stick with Nick‘ campaign. This latest campaign underscores Nick‘s commitment to seamlessly integrate into the lives of its young audience, providing a rich, multi-platform entertainment experience.

For over a decade, Nick has been the go-to brand for kids’ entertainment in India, with beloved shows like Motu Patlu, Chickoo Aur Bunty, and Rudra creating a unique space for kids to call their own. Beyond television, Nick offers a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem, integrating television, digital platforms, and on-ground experiences. The brand’s embrace of new technologies has solidified its relevance in the kids’ entertainment sector.

At Nick, our commitment to innovation and engaging content remains unwavering. Anu Sikka, Business Head – Kids TV Network Viacom18, states, “Nick is dedicated to creativity and great content, making it the top choice for millions of kids and families. Our brand’s wide reach and appeal make it a favourite not only among kids but also for partners looking to connect with young audiences. This new campaign aims to give kids an amazing experience with their favourite Nick toons in unique ways. It’s a clear example of our commitment to bringing joy and excitement to kids’ lives while offering a valuable platform for brands.”

The ‘Stick with Nick’ campaign is live on-air with a watch and win contest, where kids will get a chance to win exciting specially curated gifts that ‘money can’t buy’. Furthermore, Nick enhances its television content with a strong digital presence through its OTT platform JioCinema. With Centerfruit as presenting partner, the campaign is set to create a whole lot of fun, along with powered by partner Camel and associate partners Catch and MamyPoko Pants. 

Commenting on the association, Gunjan Khetan, Marketing Director, Perfetti Van Melle India, says, “Centerfruit is excited to partner with Nick for the ‘Stick with Nick’ campaign. Nick’s extensive reach and universal appeal align wonderfully with Centerfruit’s vibrant and playful brand ethos. This collaboration contributes to our pursuit of bringing joy and excitement to our consumers. Together, we aim to create memorable moments for children across India.”

Talking about the collaboration, Mr. Rishi Kakar, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Kokuyo Camlin Limited, says, “Camel is excited to join forces with Nick for the Stick with Nick campaign. We look forward to a successful collaboration that enriches the lives of kids and families alike.”

Strategic partnerships to give kids an on-ground experience include an association with MyFroyoLand, where Nick has curated an exclusive “Nick Specials” menu featuring flavors like Nick Chikoo Bunty Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Nick Motu Patlu Cotton Candy. Additionally, a collaboration with Birdy’s introduces limited edition cake flavors such as Nick Chikoo Bunty New York Cake and Nick Motu Patlu Dutch Truffle Cake, available across food delivery platforms and Mumbai stores.

The brand has activated a robust social media strategy that includes integrated posts and campaigns across all major platforms and features over 120 influencers maintaining a strong connection with its audience. Moreover, recognizing the importance of physical interactions, Nick executes extensive mall branding and takeovers in key urban markets that allow kids to experience the magic of their favourite Nick Toons in real life. Moreover, innovative digital strategies include hyper-realistic CGI ads and interactive experiences, such as AR filters on Instagram and a hyper-casual game on the Nick website, engaging the digital-native generation.

Nick’s ‘Stick with Nick’ campaign exemplifies the brand’s role as the ultimate destination for kids. By creating a multifaceted entertainment ecosystem that spans television, digital platforms, social media, gaming, and on-ground activations, Nick ensures it remains an integral part of kids’ lives. As Nick continues to innovate and engage, it reaffirms its dedication to bringing joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments to young audiences everywhere. Stay tuned and join the adventure as Nick continues to build a vibrant and inclusive universe for kids.

MUMBAI, India—20th June 2024– Following its worldwide premiere on May 28th, Panchayat Season 3, has set records by ranking among the top three most-watched Indian Originals on Prime Video, in just 14 days. The new season has been streamed by viewers in over 167 countries and territories and has been viewed across 99% of India’s pin codes in the first two weeks. Panchayat Season 3 also reached a global milestone, trending at number one in 26 countries and territories, on launch day. Panchayat has been a fan favorite since it launched on Prime Video in 2018. Season 2 received the maiden Best Web Series (OTT) Award at the 54th International Film Festival of India in 2023. Panchayat Season 3 continues to win hearts in India and around the world, achieving the biggest opening in the service. With an impressive IMDb rating of 9.0 across all three seasons, the series has been lauded by critics and audiences worldwide for its simple storytelling, comedic yet heart-warming moments, and stellar performances.

“Panchayat Season 3 has set a new benchmark in the streaming landscape,” said Manish Menghani, Director – Content Licensing, Prime Video India. “The series has received immense love from audiences worldwide for its unique blend of authentic rural charm and universal themes of community dynamics, resilience and friendship. These elements have made the latest season an irresistibly -binge-worthy mass-entertainer for viewers across the globe. It has been delightful to collaborate with TVF on this journey. Our shared aspiration for the show has been not only to entertain but also to spotlight the nuanced dynamics of the hinterlands in our diverse country. We are absolutely thrilled with the fantastic response, which solidifies the series’ resonance and is a testament to the growing global popularity of Indian content. At Prime Video, we are proud to have put Panchayat on the world map.”

“It has been absolutely wonderful to partner with Prime Video and script the success story of Panchayat together. Panchayat holds a special place in our hearts as it beautifully captures the essence of rural India with authenticity and humour. The series exemplifies TVF and Prime Video’s shared commitment to storytelling that deeply resonates with audiences, showcasing the richness of human connections amidst simplicity. We are thrilled by the overwhelming love and appreciation, Season 3 has received, not just in India, but across the globe on Prime Video. My heartfelt gratitude to the cast and crew whose dedication made Panchayat’s success possible, and to the fans of the series for their love and support,” said Vijay Koshy, President, The Viral Fever (TVF).

Created by The Viral Fever, directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, and written by Chandan Kumar, the new season of Panchayat deep dives into the antics of Phulera-dwellers as politics and rivalry reigns supreme, leading to humorous trials and tribulations. Launched on May 28, Panchayat Season 3 is streaming in Hindi, exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Mumbai, India 12th June 2024 – Today, ASICS SportStyle announces the launch of the GEL-QUANTUM 360™ VIII sneaker. This shoe’s design is meant to help support advanced comfort for active lifestyles and exploring urban environments. The design inspiration for this project stems from supernatural forms and interlocking structures.

For the upper construction, the shoe features 5D print details that resemble ergonomic shapes from elements found in nature. These details add a greater amount of depth to give the design a more layered aesthetic.

The sneaker’s midsole structure was formed with new technologies, like DIVISION SPACE™ cushioning. This cushioning technology is meant to lighten the shoe’s overall weight while providing more impact absorption underfoot. This feature is also met with FF BLAST™ BIO cushioning, which includes at least 20% biomass to help reduce waste and promote better durability.

The GEL-QUANTUM 360™ VIII sneaker launches today Tuesday, June 11th on ASICS SportStyle online and in select stores for ₹13,999.

To understand the nerve of the audience and strategies your programming isn’t just a one-time effort that streaming platforms have to make to get the ball rolling. It is a task they are assigned daily, where they need to re-invent, re-analyze, take risks, make mistakes, and try again.

However, in a market out there where there is a pool of content that continues to brim beyond consuming capacities, Amazon probably made a then-bold call to branch out their platform, Prime Video into another avenue in the form of miniTV – which was and continues to be free viewing for everyone. Three years later, miniTV has not only managed to boast its loaded library of content but has received several accolades for its understanding of the audience and staying true to its content presentation. Here’s where we try to understand the logistics and decipher its market positioning

In an already cutthroat market of streaming wars where India, while a huge market to cater to – also comes with the struggle of pricing and subscription slabs that make or break their positioning ahead. Someone like Netflix had enough capital and global stature to make their trials and errors but never quite branched out themselves continuing to be a subscription-based system.

Then, when Amazon, who was already offering a much cheaper subscription fee for their original content presented miniTV, which did not compromise on its production value or scale while still offering ‘Free’ viewing. The word ‘free’ always attracts a consumer and when that is coupled with entertainment, it only gets better. What worked wonders for miniTV was that ethics and aesthetics never took a backseat where ‘free’ just became an eyeball-grabbing tool but never misled into watching something that deterred your expectations.

The Pulse of The Country & The Youth

As mentioned above, it is one thing to just navigate through possible ideas and trials with expansion of content but it is another to specifically target a particular demographic that is untapped and still. not limited. With miniTV, the branching out was never limited to just more of the same – if they just made more drama originals, international shows, films, and so on available on miniTV with the only added advantage of being ‘free’, it defeats the purpose of having another facet to explore. Instead, their vision seemed clear from Day 1 that we needed to get to the pulse of the country and mostly. the youth.

The Youth & The Results

The bigger challenge comes with understanding the youth – because let’s admit it, none of us do! And with the attention span and retainment experience of the young ones out there getting lesser and lesser, it becomes an uphill task. However, miniTV seems to have struck the right balance with this where they manage to cast faces that resonate with the younger people out there – who are spread across social media and the numbers are in millions. For the past year and more, we have seen social media influencers cast in fictional roles, stand-up comedians have their own fictional shows, and already-popular teenage actors have popular shows to themselves, spawning returning seasons.

The list is long to name a few. shows like I am sharing with you, Dillogical, Udan Patolas, Adulting, Official CEOgiri, and Yeh Meri Family among others; the more recent arrivals like Jamnapaar, Dehate Ladke Season 2, Chacha Vidhayak Hai Hamare Season 3, Crushed Season 4, Campus Beats, Half CA, Constable Giprade and even a reality show like Hip Hop India – accentuate miniTV’c clear understanding of their viewership and constant need to stay up-top.

The Future

This crystal clarity on their content placement with local and even imported content (which also boasts of Korean, Taiwanese, Mandarin, Turkish, and many other language shows and films) has only furthered what and how miniTV looks ahead. The subtle rise in their production values, having the more conventionally popular faces be a part of their content and gradually increasing share in the market are indicators of how the future looks brighter for them. Indeed not so ‘mini’ anymore. With MX Player content also coming into its bouquet, it’s going to get only bigger and better from here.