SPJIMR-Abhyudaya’s Hastantaran 2024: A new mentorship journey begins

Mumbai, August 08, 2024: Hastantaran, meaning ‘handing over’ or ‘transferring’, is an exciting ceremony marking the start of the mentoring journey undertaken by SPJIMR’s first-year PGDM participants and Abhyudaya Sitaras (Stars).

Abhyudaya, meaning ‘growing together’, is an experiential learning programme where each first-year PGDM participant is assigned a Sitara to mentor for the entire year. The Sitaras, selected based on their academic records and performance in specially curated aptitude tests, are some of the brightest students from Mumbai’s marginalised and underprivileged sections.

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Speaking about the initiative, Prof. Varun Nagaraj, Dean, SPJIMR, said, “The SPJIMR-Abhyudaya programme is designed to cultivate social sensitivity and empathy in our future business leaders by exposing them to the realities of urban poverty and inculcate mentorship qualities.” Since 2008, 948 Sitaras and 3,688 PGDM participants have undergone this transformative journey.

The Sitaras, who refer to the PGDM participants affectionately as ‘Didis’ (sisters) or ‘Bhaiyas’ (brothers), gain lifelong mentors who provide academic support, personality development training, emotional counselling, and advice on personal or professional issues.

Hastantaran 2024 marked the propitious commencement of Abhyudaya for the PGDM cohort of 2024-26. Arati Nagaraj, Director, SPJIMR-Abhyudaya, inspired the Sitaras and PGDM aspirants, and said, “To the senior mentors, remember, your journey is never over. You continue to be your Sitaras’ North Star. And to the new mentors, embrace this journey and strive to become a guiding light for your Sitaras.”

‘Celestial Connections’, the theme of Hastantaran 2024, signified the sincerity and depth of the bonds formed between the PGDM participants and the Sitaras. “Abhyudaya was a life-changing experience for me. I learned a lot from my mentee and her family,” said Swapneel, PGP2 mentor. Added Sakina Jabir Khan, his mentee and a class 8 student, “I learnt about leadership from Swapneel bhaiya. He helped me with my studies. Though I am sad that I won’t see him every month, I am excited to know who my new mentor will be.”

To celebrate the beginning of these beautiful mentor-mentee relationships, the Sitaras and the PGDM participants lit up the stage with energetic dance and soulful song performances. During a panel discussion, second-year PGDM participants and Sitaras shared their Abhyudaya experiences to clarify doubts and allay concerns of the first-year participants.

The most awaited event of Hastantaran 2024 was the first mentor-mentee meeting. Each Sitara searched with keen eyes, bated breath, and hopeful hearts for their beloved ‘Didis’ and ‘Bhaiyas’. A sense of emotion overtook them as this moment marked the rite of passage from their previous mentor to their next mentor. The event concluded with a series of ice-breaking and team-building exercises where the Sitaras and their new mentors shared personal stories, aspirations, and expectations.

Hastantaran 2024 marked a shift in the energy on campus. The excitement of being part of an experience that shapes lives, creates lifelong bonds, and builds a treasure trove of memories was almost tangible. Each participant and their Sitara are now set to embark on a stellar journey of personal growth and learning.

Must-Watch August Releases: Top Titles in Theaters and on OTT to Lift Your Spirits

2nd August 2024: The month of August is poised to be a cinematic treat for audiences, with multiple exciting titles lined up for release in both theatres and on OTT. Be it a fantasy-fueled spectacle inspired by Tolkien’s world of Elves and Dwarves, or the thrilling adventures of apes in the reboot of a multi-billion dollar film franchise, watch out for these unmissable titles this month!

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season Two sets the stage for the arrival of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary villain, Sauron, as he casts a dark shadow over Middle-earth’s Second Age. Building on Season One’s epic scope and ambition, the new season plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity.Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots… as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will unite and fight fiercely to hold on to what matters to them the most: each other. The second season of this acclaimed fantasy drama premieres on August 29, exclusively on Prime Video, in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and English, alongside multiple other international languages, reaching audiences in 240 countries and territories worldwide.

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Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli – August 02 on Netflix

The engrossing documentary highlights visionary film director SS Rajamouli’s remarkable contributions to Indian cinema, including his revolutionary work on award-winning films like Baahubali and RRR. By integrating interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal anecdotes from his family and celebrity friends, it paints a vivid picture of the director’s influence in the world of filmmaking, which extends to a global scale. Directed by Raghav Khanna and produced by Anupama Chopra, Modern Masters arrives on Netflix on August 2.

Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes – August 02 on Disney+Hotstar

Set a few hundred years after the events depicted in its 2017 predecessor, Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes follows a young chimpanzee named Noa (Teague), who joins forces with a speaking human he named Nova (Allan) to rescue his clan from the clutches of a ruthless clan led by Proximus Caesar (Durand). As they embark on a harrowing journey, Noa is forced to question everything he has known about the past, making choices that will shape the future of apes and humans. Starring Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, and Peter Macon, among others, the latest installment in the Planet of the Apes reboot series is directed by Wes Ball, and it spans several generations after Caesar’s reign.

Stree 2 – August 15 in Theatres

Featuring RajKummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor in lead role, the horror-comedy is amongst the highly anticipated films of 2024. Boasting a stellar supporting cast such as Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana and Abhishek Banerjee, the film marks the much-awaited return of the spooky yet hilarious world, as the small town of Chanderi is being haunted again, this time by a headless entity. Directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Jyoti Deshpande under the banners of Maddock Films and Jio Studios, this sequel to the 2018 blockbuster Stree is the fifth instalment in the Maddock Supernatural Universe, set to hit the theatres on 15th August.

JACKPOT! – August 15 on Prime Video

In the near future, a ‘Grand Lottery’ has been newly established in California – the catch: kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion dollar jackpot. When Katie Kim (Awkwafina) moves to Los Angeles, she mistakenly finds herself with the winning ticket. Desperate to survive the hordes of jackpot hunters, she reluctantly teams up with amateur lottery protection agent Noel Cassidy (John Cena), who will do everything in his power to get her to sundown in exchange for a piece of her prize. However, Noel must lock horns with his slick rival Louis Lewis (Simu Liu), who also seeks to collect Katie’s commission at all costs. JACKPOT! is directed by Paul Feig and written by Rob Yescombe, and it’s slated to premiere on Prime Video on August 15.

Rajesh and Vandana Face Relationship Crisis on Sony SAB’s Wagle Ki Duniya: Can They Overcome It

Mumbai, August 2, 2024: Sony SAB’s ‘Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedi Naye Kissey’ follows the daily struggles and triumphs of the Wagle family. In recent episodes, Rajesh (Sumeet Raghavan) becomes obsessed with the turtle and rabbit comparison. Provoked by Atharva’s (Sheehan Kapahi) ongoing criticism, he starts taking reckless risks, including investing in stocks by mortgaging Vandana’s jewelry. His actions push the boundaries of sanity, causing growing concern among his loved ones.

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In the upcoming episodes, Vandana (Pariva Pranati) discovers Rajesh’s gambling problem and his extreme attempts to earn Atharva’s approval. Despite her efforts to address his strange behavior, their relationship gets strained, leading to frequent conflicts between the once inseparable couple. The growing rift between Vandana and Rajesh starts to affect the entire family, leaving them worried about the situation.

Will the Wagle family find a way to resolve Vandana and Rajesh’s issues and get things back to normal?

Sumeet Raghavan who plays the role of Rajesh Wagle said, “Raj and Vandu have always been the ideal couple. For 3 years, viewers have seen them navigate life’s ups and downs without ever turning against each other. However, Rajesh’s recent reckless behavior and his wild actions push Vandana to her breaking point. She feels that parents shouldn’t have to change fundamentally just to satisfy their teenage children. The challenge now is for Rajesh to understand this. The growing distance between them will undoubtedly concern everyone and it will be interesting to see how our once-perfect couple resolve their issues.”

Tune in to watch Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedi Naye Kissey on Sony SAB from Monday to Saturday at 9 PM

ZEE5 Premieres Bengal’s Biggest Murder Mystery, Kaantaye Kaantaye, on August 1 Kaantaye Kaantaye5

Kolkata, 1st August 2024:  ZEE5, India’s largest home-grown video streaming platform and a multilingual storyteller, is set to deliver a pulse-racing Independence Day treat with the premiere of ZEE5 Original, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ on August 15. This edge-of-your-seat detective thriller, based on the iconic Narayan Sanyal’s ‘Sonar Kanta,’ promises to keep viewers glued to their screens as they unravel a murderous mystery alongside the brilliant advocate P.K. Basu. Created by the visionary filmmaker and actor Joydeep Mukherjee, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye boasts a stellar cast led by the versatile Saswata Chatterjee as the iconic P.K. Basu, National Award-winner Ananya Chatterjee as Rani Basu, and marking his electrifying OTT debut is the charismatic Soham Chakraborty. This powerhouse ensemble breathes life into a story that’s as much about solving crimes as it is about confronting personal demons. Stream the biggest murder mystery of Bengal, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ starting August 15 on ZEE5.

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Set against the misty, storm-lashed backdrop of Darjeeling, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ plunges viewers into a world where nothing is as it seems. P.K. Basu [Saswata Chatterjee], haunted by the tragic loss of his daughter, finds himself in a race against time at the ominous Hotel Repose. As a killer stalks the halls, seeking their next victim, a savage storm cuts off all communication with the outside world. Trapped with a cast of suspicious characters, each harboring their own dark secrets, P.K Basu must rely on his razor-sharp intellect and uncanny observational skills to unmask the murderer before they strike again. But this is no ordinary whodunit. As bodies pile up and the tension ratchets to unbearable levels, viewers will be forced to question everything they think they know. Is the killer among the hotel guests? Or could it be someone closer to home? With each twist and turn, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ will keep audiences entertained, making every frame worth watching.

Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5, expressed, “At ZEE5, we’re thrilled to present our latest offering ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’, featuring some of the biggest talents of the Bangla creative ecosystem. Bengal as a market has been a key focus area for us with ZEE5 launching multiple originals in the last one year. Our content strategy has featured quality storytelling and some powerhouse local collaborations. This has led to the diversification of our library and has also resulted in incremental audience engagement and watch-time. We’ve witnessed immense popularity and dedicated fandom for murder mysteries and detective thrillers, especially in the Bengali market. ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ is not just a nod to Bengal’s rich literary tradition, but it is also a modern, high-octane thriller that we believe will captivate audiences across India. The series represents our commitment to delving deeper into regional content and expanding our reach to viewers who crave high-quality, locally resonant storytelling.”

Director Joydeep Mukherjee remarked, “Bringing ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ to life has been a journey very close to my heart. We’ve taken Narayan Sanyal’s beloved ‘Sonar Kanta’ and reimagined it for today’s audience, creating a thriller that’s as emotionally resonant as it is along with being suspenseful. Saswata Chatterjee breathing life into P.K. Basu, an advocate haunted by personal loss, and Soham Chakraborty making his OTT debut along with national award winner Ananya Chatterjee playing the role of Rani Basu. we’ve crafted a story that will keep viewers guessing until the final frame. Set against the wondrous backdrop of storm-ravaged Darjeeling, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ is more than a mystery – it’s a psychological rollercoaster that will test your nerves. We’ve poured our hearts into every aspect of this series, from the intricate plot twists to the haunting cinematography, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience the tension, drama, and emotional depth of this uniquely Bengali thriller.”

Saswata Chatterjee said, “Bringing P.K. Basu to life in ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye has been incredibly rewarding. Basu is a successful lawyer whose world crumbles when he loses his daughter due to a case he took personally. This tragedy transforms him, pushing him to use his keen observational skills to stop a criminal. What drew me to this role was Basu’s struggle to protect his loved ones from a dangerous killer while battling his own grief. It’s a character that requires both intellect and emotion, and I’m eager for viewers to follow Basu’s journey through our suspenseful story.”

Ananya Chatterjee shared, “Playing Rani Basu in ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ has been a touching experience. Rani is a mother and wife whose world is shattered by the loss of her daughter Mithu. She sees visions of her dead child, which adds an eerie element to her character. Despite her grief, Rani helps her husband with his cases, offering valuable insights. It’s been rewarding to portray this complex woman who balances her sorrow with a desire to be useful. I’m looking forward to viewers seeing how Rani’s story unfolds in this gripping thriller.”

Soham Chakraborty expressed his excitement, “Debuting on OTT with the role of Subir Roy in ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ has been incredibly thrilling. Portraying a character deeply enmeshed in a gripping and suspenseful storyline alongside P.K. Basu has pushed me to explore new facets of my acting. The series is packed with intensity and unexpected twists, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience this riveting story.”

Akash Jagga Dives into Charismatic Tycoon Role in Shemaroo Umang’s Chaahenge Tumhe Itnaa

Fans of Shemaroo Umang’s popular drama ‘Chaahenge Tumhe Itnaa’ are in for a thrilling drama! Recently the show welcomed the character of Aniruddh Singhania, brought to life by the talented Akash Jagga. Aniruddh is a powerful business tycoon with a complex personal life, who is set to add a whole new level of drama and intrigue to the show.

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Speaking about his character in the show Chaahenge Tumhe Itnaa Akash Jagga said, “The character of Aniruddh Singhania is a blend of intensity, charisma, and emotional depth. He is charming and successful. Working with such a talented team on a show that has already won so many hearts is truly exhilarating. I hope the audience enjoys the exciting new twists and turns Aniruddh is going to bring to the story!”

With Aniruddh Singhania’s entry in Aashi’s life, will the distance between Aashi and Siddharth increase or will their love pass the test of time?

Don’t miss out on the latest developments—tune in to ‘Chaahenge Tumhe Itnaa’ on Shemaroo Umang every Monday to Friday at 9:00 PM and stay hooked as Aniruddh Singhania makes his mark!

BMEG Adds Rohit Shaw as Senior VP and Rrahul Deo Manerao as West Media Head

New Delhi, 30 July 2024Bharat Media & Entertainment Group (BMEG), a leading player in the media and entertainment industry dedicated to helping brands and businesses grow, proudly announces the appointment of two senior executives to strengthen its leadership team. These strategic hires highlight BMEG‘s commitment to driving innovation, enhancing brand engagement, and accelerating growth across India.

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BMEG has appointed Rohit Shaw as the Senior Vice President of Integrated Media for BMEG India. With over 14 years of experience in FMCG, QSR, and mobile sectors, he will lead the planning function nationally and strengthen BMEG India’s Delhi operations. Meanwhile, Rrahul Deo Manerao joins as Business Head for West (Media), bringing more than two decades of industry experience in integrated media strategy, planning, and new business development.

Saurabh Jain, Country Head – Media at BMEG India, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Rohit and Rrahul, to BMEG India. Rohit’s stellar background across agencies and brands, Rrahul’s exceptional leadership skills, bring a powerful combination of talent to our team. These strategic additions are crucial as we continue to grow and innovate in the dynamic media landscape. I’m confident that their collective expertise will propel BMEG to new heights, enabling us to deliver even more remarkable results for our clients and solidify our position as a leader in the industry.”

Rohit Shaw, Senior Vice President of Integrated Media at BMEG India, said, “I’m excited to join BMEG as the Senior Vice President of Integrated Media and contribute to our national strategy. I’m enthusiastic about working with our talented team to develop impactful media strategies and achieve significant results for BMEG.”

“I’m thrilled to join BMEG during this transformative time in the media industry,” said Rrahul Deo Manerao, Business Head for West (Media) at BMEG India. “In my role as Business Head for West, I’m focused on harnessing the power of intelligence, creativity, and passion to propel BMEG’s business growth in the market.”

These appointments come at a time of transformation for BMEG as it expands its capabilities and strengthens its position in the industry. Each executive brings unique skills and experiences that will contribute to the company’s mission. The leadership team’s commitment to excellence and innovation promises exciting opportunities ahead for both BMEG and its clients in India.

Sonu Tyagi Recalls His First Cinematic Experience with Classic Bollywood Film Charas

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Mumbai: In a candid moment of nostalgia, Sonu Tyagi, the dynamic founder of Approach Entertainment, Approach Communications, and Go Spiritual India, shared a vivid memory of his first cinema experience. The film that etched an everlasting impression on his young mind was the Bollywood classic ‘Charas,’ starring the legendary Dharmendra and Hema Malini, directed by the renowned Ramanand Sagar.

Recounting the experience exclusively with Bollywood & Entertainment Newswire, Approach Bollywood, Tyagi revealed that he watched ‘Charas’ while skipping school in the 8th standard. The venue for this unforgettable escapade was Muradnagar Priya Cinema, a small town near his village in Western UP, district Ghaziabad, a place that holds a special place in his heart.

Despite his first outing in cinema as a 6-year-old kid watching ‘Naam,’ directed by Mahesh Bhatt and starring Sanjay Dutt and Kumar Gaurav, featuring the famous song by Pankaj Udhas ‘Chitthi Aayi Hai,’ he was too young to make much of the story. However, it was ‘Charas’ that truly ignited Tyagi’s passion for the entertainment industry. This iconic film, known for its gripping storyline and stellar performances, left a lasting impression on him.

Reflecting on this experience, Tyagi said, “Watching ‘Charas’ was a turning point in my life. The magic of cinema and the powerful performances by Dharmendra and Hema Malini captivated me and set the foundation for my future endeavors in the entertainment world. It was an innocent rebellion that led me to discover my true calling.”

Today, Sonu Tyagi stands as a visionary in the entertainment industry, with his ventures making significant impacts across various sectors. Approach Entertainment, an award-winning celebrity management and film production company, is a testament to his dedication and innovative approach. Under his leadership, the company has carved a niche in managing high-profile celebrities, producing captivating films, and executing memorable events. Over the years, he has worked with Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Govinda, Bhagyashree, Jackie Shroff, Tanushree Dutta, and Bobby Deol, among others, for endorsements, events, and films.

Approach Communications, another brainchild of Tyagi, excels in PR and integrated communications. The agency is known for its strategic communication plans, media relations, and brand management, serving a diverse clientele across industries. Tyagi’s expertise and forward-thinking strategies have propelled Approach Communications to the forefront of the industry, earning it a reputation for excellence and reliability.

In addition to his accomplishments in the entertainment and communications sectors, Tyagi’s commitment to promoting spiritual awareness and philanthropy led to the establishment of Go Spiritual India. This not-for-profit organization works tirelessly to foster spiritual awareness, promote mental health, and wellness, and support social causes. Go Spiritual India also delves into spiritual tourism, events, and media, providing a holistic approach to spirituality and well-being.

The organization recently launched the Go Spiritual India News Magazine and is set to unveil a Web TV/OTT platform, further expanding its reach and influence. Through these initiatives, Tyagi aims to create a platform that not only entertains but also enlightens and inspires individuals to lead a balanced and fulfilling life.

Tyagi’s journey from an 8th standard student skipping school to watch a movie, to becoming a leading figure in the entertainment and spiritual sectors, is truly inspirational. His story serves as a testament to the profound impact that a single film can have on shaping one’s future aspirations and career path. His ventures, driven by passion and vision, continue to make significant contributions to their respective fields, reflecting Tyagi’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his mission to make a difference in the world.

Sonu Tyagi has a rich academic background with a graduation in psychology and postgraduate courses in advertising management, journalism, and filmmaking. He honed his skills by working with leading advertising agencies and media houses across India before launching Approach Communications and Approach Entertainment.

Approach Entertainment Group stands as a distinguished hub for Celebrity Management, Film Productions, Advertising & Corporate Film Solutions, Films Marketing, and Events & Entertainment Marketing. Additionally, Approach Communications operates as a prominent PR & Integrated Communications agency serving sectors including Corporate, Healthcare, Entertainment, Finance, Education, and Social domains.

With a robust presence spanning Mumbai, New Delhi, Gurugram, Goa, Kolkata, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, Approach Entertainment Group leads the charge in entertainment, media, and communications. The group’s specialized Bollywood Newswire & Content Dissemination unit, known as Approach Bollywood, further enhances its industry influence and reach.

Go Spiritual India is a charitable spiritual organization dedicated to philanthropy, spiritual awareness, mental health, wellness, organic practices, spiritual tourism, events, media, and social causes. Recently, the organization debuted a news magazine and is preparing to launch Go Spiritual India Web TV & OTT shortly.

Paytm Insider & Bhasha Centre set to present three plays in Pune

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Pune 30th July 2024: This August, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Indian theatre as Paytm Insider and Bhasha Centre present three intriguing plays under their co-producing theatre initiative, ‘Manch’, in Pune. Manch has consistently been a platform for groundbreaking performances, pushing the boundaries of traditional theatre, and this August, it is set to captivate Punekars with thought-provoking productions. The line-up includes: I Killed My Mother/It Wasn’t My Fault by Tafreehwale on August 2nd, Asymptomatic – When Failure Becomes Funny by Abhay Mahajan on August 15th, and Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta by Aasakta Kalamanch on August 18th. Rich in narrative and artistic flair, each play features exceptional talent. So, don’t miss out on these sensational productions coming your way!

Written and directed by Mallika Shah and produced by Meghana AT, I Killed My Mother / It Wasn’t My Fault is a comedy-drama delving into the complex emotional world of a 25-year-old urban girl, navigating an ordinary day. Beyond the surface conflict between mother and daughter, this 65-minute play artfully portrays the protagonist grappling with the struggles of modern life – the relentless cruelty of self-doubt, societal pressures, unemployment, singlehood, and generational clashes, while being caught by the blurred boundaries between her reality and the online world.

A tafreehwale production, this comically absurd yet strikingly realistic play is set to be performed on the 2nd of August at The Box Too, Pune. Secure your tickets today, starting at just Rs 350.

Asymptomatic – When Failure Becomes Funny is an intricate cocktail of comedy, tragedy, farce, dance, stand-up, and theatre. Everyone has faced rejection, whether for a job, a program, or a relationship. This piece tells the story of a multifaceted artist, hungry for success and rebuffed at every turn, constantly needing to prove his worth. A solo performance, Asymptomatic scrutinizes the power systems that largely govern success and failure, presenting it with bold and humorous irreverence.

Written, directed, and produced by Abhay Mahajan and produced by Medha Agrawal, the play will be staged at Shreeram Lagoo Rang-Avkash (SLR), Pune on 15th August.

Aasakta Kalamanch’s Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta captures the fragmented reality of contemporary life through its playful use of language. The sensibly crafted play centers on a mismatched couple—a musician and a lawyer, residing in a country with a fascist government. Through the couple’s flawed relationship, the story unravels life’s meaning, love, loss, politics, and freedom when the government enforces a strict law, limiting the daily word usage to just 140. The impact of this totalitarian law on society and individual minds is profound, prompting an inquiry into the true meaning of “the personal is political”.

Adapted into Marathi by Niranjan Pednekar from Sam Steiner’s Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons, this thought-provoking performance will be presented on August 18th at The Box Studio, Pune.

Varun Khare, COO, of Paytm Insider, said, “At Paytm Insider, we are committed to igniting the spark of theatrical brilliance and creating memorable experiences for our audiences. We are thrilled to collaborate once again and bring ‘Manch’ to Pune this August, delivering a remarkable theatrical showcase. So, whether you’re a theatre enthusiast or even experiencing theatre for the first time, we invite you all to dive headfirst into a world of impactful narratives performed by seasoned actors. This isn’t just theatre; it’s a rollercoaster of emotions that you’ll remember long after the final curtain call.”

Vivek Madan, Director, of Bhasha Centre, adds, “We are excited to continue our partnership with Paytm Insider to showcase a curated selection of amazing plays under ‘Manch’, our co-producing initiative. The plays are unique, exciting, uplifting, funny, and heartbreaking all at once and will be performed by experienced, gifted actors. Bringing these talents together and bolstering their artistic ability with producorial and marketing acumen has been a joy and a privilege. We invite you to join us in exploring these exceptional performances and share in the journeys of these people and theatre groups.”

So, what are you waiting for? Be a part of this unforgettable journey into the heart of Indian theatre and witness these captivating stories explode on stage! Secure your seats and let the drama unfold!

Dev Gill Productions Unveils ‘AHO! VIKRAMAARKA’ Title Track

Pune, 29th July 2024: Dev Gill Productions, led by the versatile actor Dev Gill, renowned for his standout performances in South Indian cinema, launched the title track for ‘AHO! VIKRAMAARKA’ . Following the grand teaser unveiling by acclaimed director SS Rajamouli at a spectacular event in Hyderabad last month, the focus now shifts to the highly anticipated title track which has been released in all 5 languages—Marathi, Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Kannada. AHO! VIKRAMAARKA’ is set to be a cinematic milestone, blending action, romance and emotional depth. The film features a stellar cast including Dev Gill, Chitra Shukla, Pravin Tarde, Tejaswini Pandit, Sayaji Shinde, Posani Murali Krishna, Kalakeya Prabhakar, Vikram Sharma, Bithiri Satti and others . This groundbreaking project will be the first big-budget Marathi film to release in five languages.

Dev Gill expressed his excitement, stating, “Working on ‘AHO! VIKRAMAARKA’ has been a deeply meaningful journey. Rajamouli’s support underscores the film’s broad appeal. With the launch of the title track, we are eager for audiences to experience the vision and passion that drives this project. The music, composed by Ravi Basrur and Arko Pravo Mukherjee, is superbly crafted, and we believe everyone will love it.”

Amazon Prime Video and NBA Announce Landmark 11-Year Deal

CULVER CITY, California –July 26, 2024–Amazon Prime Video and the NBA today announced an 11- year media rights agreement, beginning with the 2025-26 NBA season. In a landmark deal, Prime Video will present exclusive global coverage of 66 regular-season NBA games, including an opening week doubleheader, a new Black Friday NBA game, and all games from the Knockout Rounds of the Emirates NBA Cup, including the in-season tournament’s Semifinals and Finals.

Prime Video also acquires rights to exclusive coverage of every game of the postseason SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, first and second-round playoff games, and Conference Finals in six of the 11 years of the deal. Prime Video will distribute its package of games in the U.S. and internationally, with an expanded package of games in select territories, including Mexico, Brazil, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom and Ireland. This expanded package includes a minimum of 20 additional primetime regular season games each year, a Conference Finals series each year, and the NBA Finals in six of the 11 years.

As part of the agreement, Prime Video Channels will also be the strategic partner and third-party global channels store destination for NBA League Pass, the NBA’s subscription service for streaming live and on-demand games, in the U.S. and internationally. A separate release contains further information about the new WNBA rights agreement with Prime Video.

“The digital opportunities with Amazon align perfectly with the global interest in the NBA,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.  “And Prime Video’s massive subscriber base will dramatically expand our ability to reach our fans in new and innovative ways.”

“NBA and WNBA basketball will serve as yet another cornerstone of the robust sports business our Prime Video team has built in just the last six years,” said Mike Hopkins, Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios.  “When combined with our original films and shows; partner streaming services; licensed content; and rent or buy titles – our sports offering is a major driver of Prime Video’s evolution into a genuine one-stop shop for everything our customers want in video.”

“We are proud to be the first exclusive streaming partner for the NBA, bringing Prime members across the globe one of the most exciting and most popular sports in the world. With 66 regular season games, the NBA Cup, the Play-In Tournament, more than 20 playoff games every year, and NBA League Pass, we’re giving basketball fans around the world more ways than ever to watch the action,” said Jay Marine, Global Head of Sports, Prime Video. “Over the past few years, we have worked hard to bring the very best of sports to Prime Video and to continue to innovate on the viewing experience. We’re thrilled to now add the NBA to our growing sports lineup, including the NFL, UEFA Champions League, NASCAR, NHL, WNBA, NWSL, Wimbledon, and more. We are grateful to partner with the NBA, and can’t wait to tip-off in 2025.”

Prime Video’s regular season NBA coverage will tip off at the start of the 2025-26 season with an opening week doubleheader, and will include Friday night games, select Saturday afternoon games, and Thursday night doubleheaders, which will begin in January 2026 after the conclusion of Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football schedule. Prime Video will present live NBA pregame, postgame and halftime shows as part of its coverage, with additional details around talent and production to be announced at a later date.  Prime Video will also stream half of all NBA Summer League games, as well as a package of WNBA and NBA G League regular-season and postseason games.

The international live game package rights extend worldwide, with the exception of Greater China, Poland, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands, with rights in Canada beginning in the 2026-27 NBA season.

Over the past three years, Prime Video has rapidly become a leader in presenting live sports worldwide, with a lineup of marquee properties available on the service in 2024 and 2025 including the NFL, the WNBA, NASCAR, and the NWSL in the U.S., the NHL in Canada, UEFA Champions League soccer in the U.K., Germany and Italy, Premier League soccer in the U.K. and Sweden, Roland Garros tennis in France, and Wimbledon in Germany and Austria.