Category Entertainment

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.

Mumbai, 5th April 2024: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released the much-awaited third season of their popular family drama, Yeh Meri Family. Starring Hetal Gada, Anngad Raaj, Rajesh Kumar, and Juhi Parmar in pivotal roles, the series explores the intricacies of family dynamics while bringing back the magic of 90’s India. Produced by The Viral Fever, the new season takes viewers on another nostalgic journey filled with emotions and heart-melting moments. Boasting a captivating blend of nostalgia, humour, compelling characters, and relatable narratives, here are the top 5 reasons why Yeh Meri Family S3 must be your next watch.

• ● Heart-warming storyline: Yeh Meri Family S3 reconnects the audience with their beloved Awasthi family, exploring the nostalgic memories of growing up. From touching highs to heart-wrenching lows, every moment is imbued with a sense of authenticity and depth, drawing viewers deeper into the lives of the characters. As the story unfolds, it takes them on an emotional rollercoaster, from laughter and joy to tears and empathy, adding layers of nuance to the narrative.
• ● Relatable characters: The series features a roster of multi-dimensional characters, each with their own unique quirks, strengths, and vulnerabilities. From the strict yet loving mother to the lenient yet wise father, every character reflects the complexities of real-life relationships. The struggles, triumphs, and everyday moments depicted in the series mirror the experiences of audiences, enabling them to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
• ● Nostalgia at its best: Set in the 90s, Yeh Meri Family S3 offers a heartfelt trip down memory lane for everyone who grew up during that era. The show skillfully captures 90s India, evoking a sense of nostalgia that resonates with the masses. From iconic Bollywood moments to everyday nuances of life, the series transports viewers to a world that feels both familiar and comforting.
• ● Return of the talented cast: The series brings back the beloved cast from Season 2, including Hetal Gada, Anngad Raaj, Juhi Parmar, and Rajesh Kumar, each delivering performances that are both hard-hitting and emotionally resonant. Whether it’s Anngad Raaj’s portrayal of the witty and observant Rishi or Hetal Gada’s depiction of the curious Ritika, who is a protective sister, every actor brings their character to life with utmost authenticity.
• ● Watch for free: Immerse yourselves in the world of the Awasthi family while reliving the 90s era with Yeh Meri Family S3 for free on Amazon miniTV. There is no need to pay anything to tune in to this slice-of-life family drama 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 Sunday, get ready to enjoy an evening filled with laughter as Sony Entertainment Television’s comedy show, ‘Madness Machayenge – India Ko Hasayenge’, celebrates ‘Daily Soap Queens’ in the presence of Indian television’s most-loved actresses – Kamya Punjabi, Surbhi Chandna, and Adaa Khan.

Comedians Kettan Singh, Kushal Badrike, and Hemangi Kavi will showcase their comedic prowess with a rib-tickling parody of the classic movie ‘Devdas’ where Kettan will be seen playing Dev Babu, Kushal will embody the character of Chunni Babu, and Hemangi will play Paro. The spoof will bring to life the frustrations faced by Chunni Babu after Dev Babu suffers a break-up. In this scenario, Chunni Babu endeavors to capitalize on Dev Babu’s misery by attempting to claim ownership of the store in his name. However, complications arise when Dev Babu’s now ex-girlfriend Paro intervenes, leading to a comical series of events that ultimately leave both Chunni Babu and Dev Babu in financial hardships.

While the gag will be high on hilarity, Hemangi Kavi, who portrays the role of Paro elaborated on her experience, saying, “I am a huge fan of Aishwarya Rai and her legendary performance as Paro in ‘Devdas’. I always wanted to play this character once in my career and this wish is coming true with ‘Madness Machayenge, wherein viewers can expect a fresh comic take on the iconic character Paro. Kudos to our costume team, who deserve the credit for perfectly capturing the character of Paro in my attire. And of course, working with the amazing Kushal Badrike and Kettan Singh has been an absolute pleasure, as our off-screen friendship reflects on-screen. I hope the viewers enjoy our act as much as we enjoyed performing it!”

Dr. Anita Ratnam’s Arangham Dance Theatre presented “Naachiyar Next” – A Retelling of Andal’s Legacy Tale of India’s Earliest Feminist

Arangham Dance Theatre, led by renowned choreographer and performer Dr. Anita Ratnam, presented “Naachiyar Next,” a captivating dance theatre production exploring the life and legacy of Andal, the revered 7th century CE poet-saint of Tamil Nadu. This powerful performance was held at the Chinmaya Mission Hall on March 31st, 2024.

Hailed as a dance visionary, Dr. Anita Ratnam has explored unique and unexplored subjects that recast women and myth through her feminist lens. Her craft extends beyond performance to outreach initiatives to share the wonderful nuances of Indian arts to today’s youth. Ratnam described “Naachiyar Next”, that had stirred audiences each time, and is a “trans-creation,” a fresh interpretation of Andal’s story. This innovative presentation showcased rarely explored aspects of Andal’s life and integrates elements like the traditional Kurathi (gypsy) soothsayer ritual from the Srivilliputhur temple. The 70-minute performance featured a talented ensemble of eight dancers, two actors, and four musicians, creating a visually stunning and emotionally charged experience braiding dance, theatrical staging, ritual chanting, storytelling and contemporary movement improvisations.

On the occasion of this unique performance, Dr. Ratnam said, “Re-telling is like a translation. Rather a trans-creation. A remarkable life, saturated with emotion, passion and poetry – lived over 1000 years ago- where the landscape of devotion and personal worship were forbidden for women- is a challenge. Even more so, when her words have already been seen, heard, experienced through generations of artists and philosophers. ANDAL aka GODA, is a phenomenon, whose allure and appeal do not dim through the vagaries of time. As among the very early feminist voices whose searing love and devotion to her Ranganatha/Krishna made the heavens tremor and the Lord Himself surrender to her will, ANDAL remains an enigma and a beloved icon of the Tamil imagination.”

Extensively worshipped in South India and the only mystic poet to have her own temple with a living tradition, this rare depiction of Goddess Andal invited audiences to journey with and to immerse themselves in this teenaager’s remarkable poetry. Naachiyar Next” promised an unforgettable evening of artistic excellence and cultural exploration.