Category Entertainment

29th April 2024: BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, honoured the remarkable talent and creative achievements of the Marathi television industry at the third season of BIG Marathi Entertainment Awards. It was a star-studded evening graced by renowned personalities who have not only shined on-screen but also made a significant impact on our culture. Held on 25th April 2024 at Marigold Banquets and Convention, Pune, the awards night was hosted by BIG FM RJs – RJ Addy and RJ Chetana. This season, the radio network broke its record, earning a whopping 2 lakh votes, marking a significant achievement.

The BIG Marathi Entertainment Awards 2024 lit up with fun moments from RJ Shreyas and RJ Pallavi, alongside the hosts, making the night an unforgettable one. Highlighting the event were the special awards, with the actor par excellence Ashok Saraf winning the award for Powerhouse of Entertainment. Varsha Usgaonkar was honoured as the Evergreen Performer for her inspiring acting prowess and timeless elegance while actor Siddharth Chandekar stood out as the Performer of the Year. The excitement soared higher with the announcement of the Blockbuster of the Year, marking a moment for the acclaimed film Bai Pan Bhari Deva, while Vaishali Samant received the award for the BIG Most Memorable Voice.

The BIG Best Male Character award saw a tie between Ajinkya Raut and Indraneil Kamat for their outstanding performances in Abol Pritichi Ajab Kahani and Pirticha Vana Uri Petla, respectively. Aishwarya Shete clinched the BIG Best Female Character award for her captivating portrayal in Rama-Rama Raghav. Vishaka Subhedar and Dipti Ketkar were honoured with the BIG Best Female Villain award, while Sunil Tawde and Piyush Ranade secured the BIG Best Male Villain accolade. Jui Gadkari and Amit Bhanushali’s enchanting on-screen chemistry earned them the title of BIG Best Jodi. Furthermore, Purnima Dey and Yogesh Kelkar took home the trophy for the BIG Supporting Characters Female and Male respectively. The mesmerising melodies of Tuj Maj Sapan…Premach Tufaan earned the prestigious title of BIG Best Title Song and Sur Nava Dhyas Nava was acknowledged as the BIG Best Non-Fiction show. Finally, the heartwarming family drama Tharala Tar Mag! won in the categories of BIG Best Family and BIG Best Serial, stealing the hearts of many.

Sharing his thoughts, Sunil Kumaran, COO, BIG FM, expressed, “Over the past two seasons of the BIG Marathi Entertainment Awards, we have had the privilege of celebrating the finest talents in the Marathi entertainment industry, honouring them with well-deserved recognition. With the third season, the celebrations were taken a notch higher as we once again felicitated the remarkable performers and imaginative minds for their spectacular work that kept the audiences completely entertained. The overwhelming response from listeners through their votes for their favourite artists stands as a testament to the platform’s ability to captivate its viewers. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners on behalf of the entire team of BIG FM.”

The third edition of BIG Marathi Entertainment Awards is powered by Lokmanya Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, in association with Krsnaa Diagnostics as a Diagnostics Partner. The awards were extensively promoted on-air, digitally and across all platforms of BIG FM and will be telecasted on 12th May 2024 on Zee 24 Taas.

Mumbai, 27th April 2024: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, is all set to take audiences on a journey of sisterhood, self-discovery, and the complexities of teenage life with its upcoming series, ‘Amber Girls School’. The streaming service today announced the coming-of-age teen drama series by unveiling its gripping trailer, which offers a glimpse into the world of Amber Girls School (AGS), an all-girls institution that focuses on grooming ‘Sanskari’ young women, where tradition clashes with the desire for freedom. The upcoming series is certain to captivate the audience with its hard-hitting narrative, compelling characters, and authentic portrayal of teenage struggles. Produced by Reliance Entertainment Studios and directed by Rajlaxmi Ratan Seth, it features Celesti Bairagey, Kajol Chugh, Adrija Sinha, Ishika Gagneja, Harsh Khurana, and Shruti Panwar in pivotal roles. This series is helmed by the acclaimed writer Garima Pura Patiyaalvi, known for her exceptional work in the 2022 Oscar-winning documentary ‘Elephant Whisperers’.

The trailer follows the story of Ojaswini, a 15-year-old sincere and sanskari girl, who is amongst the most promising students of her grade. In pursuit of her dream to be the Vice Head Girl of her school, she maintains discipline and focus until teenage rebellion and desires come to the fore. The conflict between exploring all things ‘grown up’ and dealing with the financial crisis her family is going through puts Ojaswini in sheer confusion as she navigates through the challenges of teenage life. As the school’s strict rules clash with her desire for individuality and freedom, it will be interesting to witness how Ojaswini paves her way through the obstacles that arise in her journey.

“We are delighted to add yet another engrossing story to our content library, which exemplifies the quality and diversity of content that we offer to our audience. Amber Girls School beautifully captures the essence of teenage, portraying the complexities of identity, rebellion, and friendship in a compelling narrative.” shared Amogh Dusad, Head of Content, Amazon miniTV.

“We are pleased to bring ‘Amber Girls School’ to the viewers on 1st May,” said Sweta Agnihotri, Producer, Reliance Entertainment. “It’s a story that reflects the universal struggles of adolescence, and with the talented cast and crew, we are confident that the series will leave a lasting impact.”

Celesti Bairagey, who plays the character of Ojaswini, shared her thoughts, saying, “I am incredibly honored to be a part of Amber Girls School and bring the character of Ojaswini to life in this teen drama. This series is a powerful exploration of the teenage experience, and Ojaswini’s journey of independence and self-discovery is one that, I believe, will resonate with each viewer. Working alongside such a talented cast and crew has been an unforgettable experience, and I am excited for audiences to join us on this adventurous yet relatable ride.”

Amber Girls School will premiere on 1st May 2024, exclusively on Amazon miniTV for free within Amazon’s shopping app, on Prime Video, Fire TV, Smart TVs, or download the app from Play Store.

Renowned TV actor Mayank Verma, known for his notable performances in shows like “SaddaHaq” (Channel V), “Parvarish 2” (Sony), “BaateKuchAnkahee Si” (DD1), “ChikuYehIshqNachaye” (Star Plus), and “Meet” (ZEE TV), is all set to grace ZEE TV’s screens once again in their upcoming serial “Main HoonSaathTere.”

In this new venture, Mayank Verma will be stepping into the shoes of a negative character named NishantBundella. The show is scheduled to premiere on April 29th, 2024 at 7:30 PM, airing daily. For viewers who prefer online streaming, the episodes will also be available on ZEE 5.

Having previously appeared in over 100 episodes of ZEE TV’s “Meet,” Mayank expresses his excitement about portraying a negative role for the first time. He shares, “I’m thrilled to delve into the realm of villainy as it allows me to explore different facets of my acting abilities.”

Mayank extends his gratitude to Rahul Barve and ZEE Entertainment for their unwavering support throughout his journey in the industry.

Fans eagerly anticipate MayankVerma’s performance in this new show, and we extend our best wishes to him for his upcoming venture!

Rajkot, 17th April 2024: Essen Speciality Films Limited proudly announces its remarkable achievements at the Nayi Peedhi Entrepreneurs Award 2024, held in association with PLASTICS TODAY Sanyukt Vyapar. Mr. Pallav Doshi, representing Essen Speciality Films Limited, has been honored with the prestigious “Nayi Peedhi Entrepreneurs Award” as the icon of New Generation Entrepreneurs for their outstanding contributions to the industry.

Essen Speciality Films Ltd stands out as one of the few manufacturing companies in India championing gender equality and women empowerment. The company’s commitment to inclusivity is evidenced by its implementation of night shifts for women in production, ensuring equal participation at all levels around the clock.

Moreover, the company reaffirms its dedication to business sustainability through the horizontal expansion of its product range and the acquisition of new customers globally. The company has recently added new customers in the USA, India, and Sweden, introducing innovative products such as desk mats, artificial plants, and shower curtains with hooks to diverse markets.

Mr. Pallav Doshi, Managing Director of Essen Speciality Films Limited, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Receiving the Nayi Peedhi Entrepreneurs Award as the icon of New Generation Entrepreneurs is truly an honor for us. These accolades not only recognize our individual efforts but also acknowledge the collective dedication of our team toward driving innovation and sustainability in the industry. At Essen, we believe in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and these awards serve as a testament to our commitment to excellence and positive change.”

In line with its commitment to operational and manufacturing sustainability, Essen has made significant strides. The complete phasing out of diesel forklifts in favor of electric forklifts demonstrates the company’s eco-conscious operational practices. Furthermore, the implementation of a solvent recovery system underscores Essen’s proactive approach to drastically reduce environmental impact by recovering and reusing solvents.

Investments in cutting-edge technology further solidify the company’s position as a leader in innovation. The acquisition of a state-of-the-art X-Rite’s (parent organization of PANTONE) color booth, Photospectrometer Ci62 UV equipped with advanced software and analytics, exemplifies the company’s commitment to precision, quality, and efficiency in production.

As ESFL continues to innovate and expand its global footprint, the company remains committed to driving positive change within the industry while delivering exceptional products and services to its customers.

Mumbai, 17th April 2024 Universal Music India, the leading music label renowned for promoting young, talented artists and boasting one of the biggest catalogs in India, proudly announces an exclusive signing with a 23-year-old multi-talented singer-songwriter, Aditya Rikhari under its Independent Label – IndieA Records. Renowned for his soulful vocals and profound songwriting, Aditya Rikhari epitomizes the spirit of independent music, enriching the label’s diverse portfolio of talented musicians.

Aditya Rikhari has already made an indelible mark in the Indian independent music ecosystem at a very young age. His tracks like ‘Faasle’ and ‘Samjho Na’ both have garnered over 90 million and 100 million audio streams, showcasing his immense talent and widespread appeal. His previous release ‘Teri Yaad’ with IndieA Records further solidified his position in the industry, garnering immense popularity and paving the way for this exclusive partnership.

With this ground-breaking collaboration under Universal Music India’s platform, IndieA Records, Aditya Rikhari is set to unveil his latest track “Paaro,” which serves as the inaugural release from his forthcoming album “Jaana.” “Paaro” offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the timeless Devdas narrative, resonating with audiences across generations.

Drawing inspiration from the classic tale of love and longing, “Paaro” captures the essence of a heartbroken lovers emotional odyssey through evocative lyrics and captivating melodies. Aditya Rikhari’s musical prowess breathes new life into the iconic character, delivering a compelling narrative that transcends time.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the Universal Music family. Our first year together has been fantastic, with successful releases like Ariana and Thinker. The support from UMG has been incredible, and having a team that believes in my vision is invaluable. We’re now releasing my debut album, Jaana, without any restrictions. Each of the 7 to 10 songs will have a different vibe, but there’s a common thread for the audience to discover. The first song, Paaro, is out now, inspired by the character Devdas in a modern context. Check it out on Spotify or Amazon Saavan and watch the video to see me channeling Devdas.” Said Aditya Rikhari.

Sumedhas Rajgopal, ‪Head of Independent Artist Collective (Badshah, Indiea Records and Def Jam India) – Universal Music India, further adds, “Aditya Rikhari, stands out as an exceptionally gifted and versatile singer-songwriter, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Indiea Records. With each new release, Aditya continues to captivate his audience, showcasing his distinctive style and never failing to surprise. Paaro is an absolute treat for his fans, the video features him in an absolute new avatar.”

This Sunday, Sony Entertainment Television’s homegrown kids’ singing reality show, ‘Superstar Singer 3’, will take you on a nostalgic ride with its ‘Kalyanji-Anandji’ Night. In a special tribute to the iconic composer duo, the little wonders will create magic on stage as they deliver heartwarming performances of some of Kalyanji-Anandji’s most acclaimed songs. Gracing this special episode will be the revered Anand Virji Shah and his beloved wife, Shanta Ben Shah.

Amidst all the enchanting performances, 7-year-old Avirbhav S. from Kochi, Kerala, is poised to shine with his rendition of the song ‘Aur is Dil Mein Kya Rakha Hai’ from the movie ‘Imaandar’, alongside his Captain Arunita Kanjilal. Avirbhav’s mesmerizing performance promises to leave everyone spellbound, earning him praise from the captains, Super Judge Neha Kakkar, and Anand Ji himself, who will give Avirbhav a standing ovation. Anand Ji will also be seen going on stage and praising the young talent. Not only this, but Anand Virji Shah Ji will also reminisce about his love story with his wife Shanta Ben Shah Ji, sharing the joy of being married for 70 years.

Stunned by the mesmerizing performance, Anand Ji Shah says, “I must step down because this child’s performance was simply amazing. It’s important to note that certain songs are crafted in unique styles, and this particular one was beautifully executed in a complete saxophone style. The way this child managed to control the volume, knowing exactly when to increase or decrease it, speaks volumes about his talent and heartfelt rendition. Your son is truly a genius, Sir; you’re incredibly fortunate. Remarkable work!”

Super Judge Neha Kakkar also added, saying, “I’d like to address Avirbhav’s father and say, Sir, your son is not just your son but he’s truly a child of God. What he’s achieved is nothing short of extraordinary. Avirbhav, it’s truly unbelievable how you manage to sing with such precision and understanding of the composition at such a young age. The way he seamlessly blends the tune with the lyrics is remarkable; it’s not easy to achieve such harmony. Especially for someone as young as him, to learn and perform these songs with such perfection in such a short amount of time is truly astonishing. Every day, he continues to amaze us.”

World Dance Day Celebrations by Utsav Educational and Cultural Society

April 11th, 2024: As World Dance Day approaches, Odissi exponent Smt. Ranjana Gauhar brings forth her young and budding disciples to perform on Saturday, April 21st, 2024 at Triveni Kala Sangam at 6:30 pm in her annual presentation Su-Tarang propelled and conceptualized by Utsav Educational and Cultural Society, founded by her.

Su-Tarang is Ranjana’s interpretation of making the young generation appreciate the beauty of Odissi Dance as an art and inculcate discipline in them for overall development of their personalities. It is her version of helping them imbibe the riches of Indian heritage and culture whilst enriching their intellect.

A Padmashree Awardee (2003), Smt. Ranjana Gauhar, deems it her prime responsibility to educate, train and mould young minds to imbibe the cultural values of rich traditions in the Guru- Shishya Parampara, which when practiced in daily lives, help to achieve perfection and a sense of responsibility towards self, family and the society at large.

Whilst marching forward towards creating waves and promoting Indian Dance and Culture, Ranjanaji remarks, “We at Utsav aim to empower the disciple through dance for maintaining harmony and balance in the society. The success story of Utsav is that we let children blossom in an environment of love, proper guidance. They are nurtured through disciplined training and are given opportunities to express themselves by showcasing their talent on stage year after year.”

Accredited with umpteen of prestigious a accolades including National Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2007), Senior Fellowship for her research in the temple tradition of Odissi dance by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award and Mahari Award in 2007, Delhi Ratna Award, Ranjanaji’s performances bear the signature of a distinctive style because of her extensive training in Chhau, Kathak and Manipuri as well. Her extensive background has led her to boldly explore and reach out to other creative expressions such as authoring a book “Odissi, The Dance Divine”, which was released in 2007.

Utsav founded by Smt Ranjana Gauhar, believes in the spirit of Guru- Shishya Parampara where reinforcement of discipline, fundamental character–building and capacity to create a vision in the minds of the disciples is constantly been nurtured and imparted. Many students of Utsav are receiving National scholarship from Ministry of Culture and from various other organization like ICCR under the Ministry of External affairs, Sahitya Kala Parishad – Delhi Government, and has even received the prestigious President’s award “Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar” from sangeet Natak Akademi. Some of the students are from abroad, countries like Poland, UK, Trinidad, Spain, Argentina, Norway, Russia, Germany and Brazil to name a few.

Mumbai,11th April 2024 – Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service is geared up to foray into the summer of 2024 with a stellar slate of international releases this April. The enthralling lineup of shows will be dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu alongside their original language under “miniTV imported” and is certain to captivate audiences across all age groups. The shows that are set to release on the service span Korean and Turkish dramas, featuring acclaimed titles including Switch On, The Girl Who Sees Smells, 365 Repeat The Year, and Melody of Love. To announce the intriguing new releases, Amazon miniTV released a dynamic poster, offering viewers a sneak peek into the compelling world of the upcoming releases.

The slated releases span across diverse genres and are certain to appeal to audiences of varied preferences. From the high-octane thriller Switch On which attempts to solve a murder mystery through time travel to A Girl Who Sees Smells, an exhilarating suspense drama centered around a woman’s special ability to “see” smells as visible colors and shapes, the shows will keep fans at the edge of their seats as the stories unfold upon them. 365: Repeat The Year presents a captivating story where ten individuals are granted the opportunity to rewind time by one year. However, as they alter their destinies, unforeseen mysteries unfold, complicating their journey with unexpected twists and turns. Melody of Love is a light-hearted romantic comedy that follows the life of a young adult Yaz, who came to Istanbul for her university and doesn’t want to go back to her home city after graduation. To accomplish this, she lies to her mother Emine, and builds a new life in Istanbul, dealing with the ups and downs of living in a new city alongside confusion centered around her love life.

Amogh Dusad, Head of Content, Amazon miniTV shared, “We are delighted to enhance the category of ‘miniTV imported’ by adding internationally acclaimed titles that viewers can enjoy watching, for free. The series that will be released on the service have distinct storylines and having them dubbed in Indian languages will further enhance the viewing experiences of audiences. We will continue to strive to present an unparalleled roster of shows for fans to tune in to as they acquaint themselves with cross-cultural cinema.”

The international shows will stream in Original, Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, exclusively on ‘Amazon miniTV Imported for free within Amazon’s shopping app, on Prime Video, Fire TV, and Smart TVs, or download the app from the Play Store.

Mumbai, India – Leading creative agency The Filmstars has been awarded the creative mandate for Agnisumukh, a pioneering Indian brand known for its revolutionary cooking technology. The agency will be responsible for developing and executing strategic communication campaigns to further establish Agnisumukh as a leader in the culinary world.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Filmstars to help us share the story of Agnisumukh with the world,” said Hari Rao, Founder of Agnisumukh. “Their creative expertise and understanding of the Indian market will be invaluable in our journey to bring our innovative cooking solutions to a wider audience.”

Ranjeet S. Kumar, Director at The Filmsters, echoed Rao’s enthusiasm: “Agnisumukh is a truly disruptive brand, and we are honored to be entrusted with the task of communicating its unique value proposition. We are confident that our creative solutions will resonate with consumers and position Agnisumukh as the go-to choice for those seeking a cleaner, more efficient cooking experience.”

Sohini Mitra, Producer at The Filmsters, added: “Agnisumukh’s commitment to innovation aligns perfectly with our agency’s values. We are excited to work with them to create engaging content that highlights the benefits of their cutting-edge technology and celebrates their impact on the culinary landscape.”

Agnisumukh, Founded by Shri. Hari Rao Sanghi. Who left an enviable career as a civil servant from Indian Revenue Service in order to pursue a full-time journey to transform the eco-system of Indian cuisine is an award-winning clean-tech startup from Bangalore in India driven by innovation, technology & design to manufacture total solutions for radiant heat applications driven by LPG, Natural gas & Biogas. Agnisumukh’s is a first-of-its-kind, made-in-India cooking burner range. These innovative burners utilize a unique ceramic technology that delivers over 30% savings in fuel consumption compared to traditional LPG burners. This efficiency, combined with their flameless, smokeless, and noiseless operation, has made Agnisumukh a favorite among chefs, from renowned establishments like the Radisson to the kitchens of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Filmsters’ expertise in strategic communication and creative storytelling will be instrumental in amplifying Agnisumukh’s message and captivating the hearts and minds of home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Mumbai, 9th April  2024- Zee Café, one of India’s leading English entertainment channels, is all set to enthrall viewers with the premiere of the hit medical drama series, “The Night Shift,” starting April 8th, airing every weekday at 9 PM. The show promises to deliver an adrenaline-fueled blend of drama, action, and compassion, making it a must-watch for fans of gripping television. “The Night Shift” revolves around the lives of the doctors and nurses working the night shift at San Antonio Memorial Hospital in Texas. While the rest of the city sleeps, these dedicated healthcare professionals confront the challenges, ranging from life-threatening emergencies to personal and professional conflicts.

At the heart of the series is the charismatic Dr TC Callahan, portrayed by Eoin Macken, a former Army medic who brings his combat experience to the ER. Alongside him is the skilled and diverse team of medical personnel, including Dr. Jordan Alexander (Jill Flint), Dr. Topher Zia (Ken Leung), and nurse Kenny (JR Lemon), among others. Together, they navigate the high-pressure environment of the night shift, where every decision can mean the difference between life and death. From gripping medical emergencies to heartfelt moments of camaraderie, the series offers a rollercoaster of emotions that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Through its thought-provoking narratives and nuanced character development, the show resonates with viewers on a deeper level, sparking conversations and fostering empathy. With its stellar cast, compelling storylines, and emotional depth, “The Night Shift” promises to be a captivating television experience. Whether you’re a fan of medical dramas or enjoy riveting storytelling, get ready to be swept away into the thrilling world of the night shift at San Antonio Memorial Hospital.