BIG Star Entertainment Awards unveils its starry list of nominees…

After the phenomenal success of the first leg of the BIG Star Entertainment Awards last year which rated a phenomenal record breaking 5.78 TVR on new year’s eve, the powerhouses, Reliance Broadcast Network through its intellectual property division BIG Live and Star India come together once again to bring in the 2nd leg of the first award function of this season! 

The nominations for the same were released. Bodyguard, Rockstar, Ra. One strong contenders across categories Introduces new category to honor actors in a Social role - Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan & Rani Mukherjee among the finalists

With categories covering films, television, music, dance and sports, the entertainment awards promise to offer the most dhamakedar welcome to the New Year, exclusively on Star Plus on the night of December 31st.

With exciting categories ranging from the most entertaining actor in an action role, to the most entertaining film – romantic, action and comic, to the most entertaining singer, the most entertaining song to the most entertaining dancer… and more, this is one award which will see India vote for their most favorite entertainers, making it truly a people’s choice award.

This will be an ode to the explosive entertainers of the country, the awards bring together the BIG entertainer amongst entertainers! And so, it will be the people of India spread across the Hindi belt who will choose their biggest entertainers amongst Bodyguard, Rockstar, Ra. One, Singham, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dirty Picture, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, 7 Khoon Maaf, Ready and more… The night will also unveil India’s true BIG Star Most Entertaining Actress in a leading role as audiences choose from Kareena Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra and Rani Mukherjee.

The Big Star Entertaining Actor in a Leading Role category will see the likes of Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Ajay Devgun, Ranbir Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar contending for the coveted title. Melody queens Shreya Ghosal who has been nominated for her chartbusters Teri Meri and Ooh La La will compete with Hamsika Iyer of Chammak Challo for the Best Singer (Female) category. In the reckoning for an award in the Big Star Most Entertaining Director category are Abhinay Deo (Delhi Belly), Imtiaz Ali (Rockstar), Milan Luthria (The Dirty Picture), Rohit Shetty (Singham) and Zoya Akhtar (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara). 

The Television and Sports categories look equally exciting with names like Dilip Joshi (Tarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chasma), Ram Kapoor (Bade Aache Lagte Hain),Sakshi Tanwar (Bade Aache Lagte Hain), Disha Vakani (Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasma) and more.

Another interesting aspect of the Awards are the unique categories it covers. Be it honoring entertainers from theatre, hosts / jury members from TV shows or sportspersons these awards cover them all.

And finally a new award category, for India to decide on the BIG Star Most Entertaining Actor in a Social Role - Male and female who has entertained them the most! This category has nominees like Amitabh Bachchan, Manoj Bajpai, Rahul Bose, Vidya Balan, Rani Mukherjii, Kalki Kochin, Nandita Das to name a few. 

Tarun Katial, CEO-Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd. said, “The Big Star Entertainment Awards will showcase a spectacle that comprises stunning performances by the biggest stars from Indian entertainers. The nominees for the Big Star Entertainment Awards 2011 represent the best work of the year and the celebration of these worthy nominees and the revelation of the winners will undoubtedly create another magical milestone on scale, performance and presentation. We will through this and each of our entertainers ensure the best entertainment offerings from our stable.”

Audiences can vote for their favourite entertainers through www.facebook.com/BSEA2011 and/or  sms 55454.

The evening promises to have all the oomph, glitz and glamour as the people of India select their biggest entertainers ever. Watch this space for more on the BIG Star Entertainment Awards. 

Kalpana Pandit at American India Foundation Gala that honored AR Rahman and Quincy Jones

American India Foundation Southern California celebrated its Annual Gala at the Fairmont Hotel in Los Angeles. The event honored AR Rahman and Quincy Jones and was attended by many well known Indian community leaders from many different backgrounds. Kalpana Pandit, actress and producer who's first home production from "House of Pandit"- Hindi Feature film " Jaanleva 555" is set to hit the screens in 2012, and Marianne Colin of Glue LLC who is representing "Jaanleva 555" in Hollywood, was the guest of Radhika and Ravi Achar who have been long time supporters of AIF.

The glittering evening was graced by multiple Indian stalwarts in an evening filled with gaiety. Sunidhi Chauhan enthralled the guests with her inimitable voice and style.

The AIF, which was founded at the initiative of President Clinton in 2001, is a leading development organisation focused on helping those in India and is a trusted bridge for Americans to channel their philantropy towards India.

Cell 18 and Host Rahul Mahajan to find the "Perfect Bachelor" on ETV Marathi

Basking on the success of Ya Valnavaar and Aflatoon on ETV Marathi, Cell 18, India leading creative production house has announced its new show Perfect Bachelor on ETV Marathi. It will be a reality show which will hunt down Maharashtra’s most eligible bachelor based on good looks and talent.

The show will be hosted by Bigg Boss fame Rahul Mahajan who himself had in the past undergone the same kinda popular reality Swayamvar and is now keenly hosting one on similar lines. Rahul has also judged a kid comedy reality show ‘Chote Miyan’ on a leading Hindi GEC in the past.

The show will have twelve contenders vying for the position of Perfect Bachelor. The candidates will be made to live in a large house and will be given tasks to perform on which they will be judged. Four girls will also live with them in the same house. Each girl will embody different qualities that make up attractive women. These four girls will live in a huge room close to the boys’ dormitory.

Elaborating on the concept of the show Zubin Driver, Group Creative Director, Network 18 Group & CEO, Cell 18 said, “Ever since Cell18 entered in television production we have constantly tried to offer viewers newer concepts which have never been brought to Marathi television before. As a reality show format, there is no similar show thus far in India similar to Perfect Bachelor. The show relies on allowing audiences to vote for the most eligible bachelor. I am confident that audiences will be engaged with Perfect Bachelor.”

Commenting on Rahul Mahajan as host of the show, Mr. Driver further added, “Rahul is well known face on television and blends well with the concept of the show. He is an ideal choice for us as the audiences like him and connect to him easily.”

Cell 18 has approached names like Neha Pendse, Sai Lokur and Shruti Marathe as judges for the show. The show has been adopted by the Cell18 team and will be supervised by Harish Tiwari & Zubin Driver. Perfect Bachelor is expected to go on air by end of December and will be a bi-weekly show.

BIG CBS Prime premieres a brand new comedy starring Kevin ‘Johnny Drama’ Dillon

BIG CBS Prime the first premium English general entertainment television channel, from the BIG CBS bouquet, premiers a hilarious American sitcom ‘How to be a Gentleman’, from 25th November, at 8.30 pm. Created by lead actor David Hornsby, the series is an adaptation of the nonfiction etiquette book of the same name by John Bridges.

Two former high school classmates, an uptight columnist (Hornsby) and his more freewheeling, Iraq war veteran, trainer (as well as a former high school bully) (Kevin Dillon),  renew a friendship that never really existed before.

Inspired by the book this series follows an unlikely friendship between Andrew Carlson (David Hornsby), a traditional, refined columnist to an etiquette magazine, and Bert Lansing (Kevin Dillon), a reformed ‘bad boy’ whom Andrew knew in the past, and who has inherited a fitness center. Loud and sloppy Bert is meshed with Andrew, a print dinosaur, who finds himself with a new boss his son's age forcing him to go down-market. As he describes it, the mag's new goal is to reach "men in their 30s who act like they're 15." Or in the case of "Gentleman" creator-star David Hornsby, write like it. Bert is hired as Andrew's life coach to get him learning how to be more of a man rather than the gentleman he has always been. Their differences are great fodder for comical situations, as they renew a friendship that never really existed.

Although Andrew's and Bert's views are different, they wind up finding out that they are more similar than they thought. The show is written and produced by David Hornsby ("It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"), Adam Chase ("Friends") comes How To Be a Gentleman, a comedy in which two worlds collide to find common ground.

Watch out for this smashing new comedy that premieres on Friday nights at 8.30 pm only on BIG CBS Prime.

Sonakshi Sinha lauds Dirty Vidya as the only hero amongst all heroines

Whoever said that there is insane amount of competitiveness in Bollywood should see India’s Glam Diva contender Sonakshi Sinha. Even though Vidya Balan is one of the contenders on BIG CBS Love’s India’s Glam Diva along with Sonakshi, nothing stops the Dabangg girl from appreciating what is she believes is the best. The Dirty Picture, starring Vidya Balan, released in the theatres around the country yesterday, 2nd December. The actress’s work was not only appreciated by the critics but also with by Sonakshi Sinha.

Sonakshi was so pleased with her senior’s work in the film that this new entrant in Bollywood tweeted out saying, “Amongst us heroines, Vidya Balan is the only hero! Congratulations #thedirtypicture for a phenomenal start! Can NOT wait to watch it.”

Wonder what the other actresses on India’s Glam Diva have to say about this? Watch leading ladies of Bollywood battle for the viewers’ votes to be crowned as India’s Glam Diva, only on BIG CBS Love.

Sundeep Malani's "Jo Jo Laali" to premiere on World Aids Day..

Sundeep Malani's short award winning film Jo Jo Laali, (originally made in Kannada) will have its First World Premiere on Internet via Awaaz TV broadcasting from California. Simultaneously it will also have a Satellite Release on December 1st, considered worldwide as World Aids Day.

Jo Jo Laali - a heart wrenching lullaby - shot in Mumbai over a period of a week is a beautiful Kannada film with English subtitles of a classical dancer single mother who discovers that her 4 year old son born out of a love affair has AIDS transmitted by her ( from mother to son). The agony of her heart wrenching loss is portrayed through music and dance and the film ends on a note of positivity with a strong message for society in this gripping emotional drama.

A musical and emotional film, Jo Jo has brought in heaps of laurels and awards for all including actress Kalpana Pandit for Best Actress at the South India Mega Film Contest, Master Shrey Tejani as the Best child actor for his cute performance at the Gujarat International Film Festival and director Sundeep Malani as Best Directord at the Super Kidz International Film Festival. The film has been praised for the beautiful rendering and the ease with which the story was told in an emotional way than being too loud and overdramatic. Sundeep’s wonderful screenplay and direction and has won accolades, appreciations and requests for screening at various film festivals and college events to educate the youth on this subject.

Jo Jo Laali has wonderful performances by Kalpana Pandit, Akash Hora and Shrey Tejani playing central roles. With music by Ameya Naik and tandav score by Ricky Kej, Kalpana who is a talented dancer has tried to match her footsteps with her Director’s dream muse – Sridevi and has come close to her performance. Produced by House of Pandit, the film is been dubbed in Hindi for telecast on Awaaz TV on December. 1st. Unfortunately, such films do not see the light of the day in our very own country where the dangers of the deadly disease AIDS loom large. Its high time our government made it mandatory for satellite channels to release a slot for such films to be aired.

Besides Jo Jo Laali, Sundeep's forthcoming attraction include Jaanleva 555 which is ready for release.

If Barbie Doll Katrina goes for abandoned kids, Priyanka Chopra is a Rockstar!

Imagine the Indian Barbie Doll, Katrina Kaif, being a guardian angel to a group of abandoned kids! Well, that’s what the pretty actress is doing-- in spite of her busy schedule shooting, rehearsing for an item number for a forthcoming film, dancing at awards functions or endorsing products… pouring all her love, affection and attention to bring cheer in to the lives of these few  unfortunate children.

What makes BIG CBS Love’s India’s Glam Diva contender & our very own Barbie doll Katrina take on this huge responsibility?  Perhaps it’s in her genes…Her mother runs an NGO where Katrina is said to be very active. Or may be her close friend Salman Khan ,who in his own way has touched many a hearts with his good work, of helping those in need…could he be Katrina’s inspiration? Whatever may be the inspiration, here’s another side to the glamorous actress!

If you thought Sheila Ki Jawani is what   goes with Katrina, then you are completely mistaken. There’s a very different side to the young and pretty Katrina which is kept under wraps, a well kept secret, that will be revealed on India’s Glam Diva, a platform that will bring the most ravishing, talented and deserving divas to the fore. Pretty Karina will compete with the most gorgeous women from the entertainment industry for the title.

On the other hand, Priyanka Chopra or PC as she is fondly called, is the DARLING of the masses and the industry wallas. Beautiful, talented, multi-faceted Priyanka Chopra has often worn many a hats. From carrying the Miss World crown & responsibilities on her young teenage shoulders to rubbing shoulders with the top actors of Bollywood… Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan, John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, to Badshah of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan who is completely in awe of her.

Charming India’s Glam Diva contender, Priyanka has created a niche for herself among her fans, well wishers and the industry where she has found name, fame, and fortune. Priyanka Chopra, who became a global celebrity at very young age, thanks to winning the beauty pageant she took to films like a duck to water! She laughed her way to award functions with élan, she teamed up opposite Bollywood’s biggest and brightest stars, made friends with all… and is known to be one of the most well spoken actresses in the industry today.

Recently, at a function while she was addressing the crowd she had people listening to her in silence, completely mesmerized by her oratory skills and mind you if her speech can hold people’s attention, then you must hear her sing… she’ll simply have your heart beat racing!

That’s PC or the beautiful Priyanka Chopra for you for the moment. There’s yet another side to this beautiful actress that’s not known to her fans which will be revealed in India’s Glam Diva, coming up on BIG CBS LOVE.

Aditya Koley

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARTIK TIWARI...

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.

Hope your Birthday gently breezes into your life

all the choicest of things and all that your heart holds

Have A Fun- Filled Day Kartik

We all at Films & TV World wish you

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Days are Bright and Sunny now with Leone inside!

Day 49 & 50: On the day of nominations, we see Vida bid adieu to the Bigg Boss house. After the evictions we see Sky, Juhi, Pooja Bedi and Sidharth having a casual chat when Amar enters and Sky tells Amar that the way Vida had been behaving throughout the show with Amar it depicted Amar in a negative light and showed that he is characterless. Both the men enter into an argument when Mahek comes and pulls Amar away and asks him not to stoop down to Sky’s level and have an unnecessary argument with Sky. Juhi comments on this act of Mahek saying she is the one who is seen fighting and pouncing in the house half the times and she acting like a peace-maker now looks just so contradictory.

In the evening we see beautiful Sunny entering the Bigg Boss house in a grand manner. She is seen dancing on a Bollywood number and is wearing a fine traditional Indian outfit. The housemates are extremely excited as they think she is their ‘New Vida’ and think her to be the perfect replacement for Vida. Sky does not miss his chance of luring Sunny to be a part of his room, when the entire house was still just trying to know her well. The housemates are seen quite happy with their new fellow contestant and are seen bonding with her really well. As the next day begins, Amar is seen explaining to Sunny her duty of keeping the house clean being a part of Bigg Boss.

Early in the morning as the day begins, Sky and Shonali have a huge argument.  Sky thinks that Shonali is upset with him as he had nominated her the previous week for evictions where as Shonali says that she has forgotten it all long back. Sky is generally irritated with Shonali and has been behaving upset ever since the ‘Rajneeti’ task ended. Sky does not leave a chance to mock at her and calls her dumb and keeps repeating that she has an image of changing her rooms and forgetting all the wrong that she has done in the past. Sunny tries interfering and stopping the two, but nothing works. Sky goes on to tell Shonali that she is doing nothing but aping Mahek. Shonali could not listen to all that Sky was saying about her and broke down. Amar, Mahek and Sidharth manage to console her and calm her down.

As the day progresses, we see Sunny getting used to the Bigg Boss house and its contestants. Sunny has spent most of her time talking and understanding things from Sidharth and hence feels comfortable with him. Sidharth is seen teaching her Hindi and also shares with her the cultural values of India and talks to her about the heritage of India. The nominations then take place and we then see Juhi, Pooja Bedi, Sky and Sidharth talking to Sunny and explaining the eviction nominations procedure to her. The four of them also tell her that they really like her and like her company too.

As the day ends, we see Sidharth chatting with Pooja Misrra and Sunny and telling them how he does not like anything going wrong around him. While Sidharth is seen saying this outside, Sky bitches to Pooja Bedi and Juhi telling them that Sidharth has changed all of a sudden. When Juhi tells him that it’s all because of the game, Sky says that it is not because of the game, but it is generally how Sidharth. He also tells them how Sidharth had made a plan against Juhi and Pooja Bedi  and Sky was the one who stopped him and told him he does not want to listen to any of it.

To find out, don’t miss Vodafone presents Bigg Boss 5 every Monday-Friday at 10.30pm and Saturday-Sunday at 10.00pm, only on COLORS

Sex and the City on November 21 only on BIG CBS LOVE

CEAT Cricket Rating felicitates the Best International Cricketers

Tyre major CEAT Limited celebrated the success and glory of International cricket with ‘CEAT Cricket Rating Awards 2011’ at a glittering ceremony here today at Cricket Club of India in Mumbai. The awards honored the best of the international cricketers based on their performances as rated by the CEAT Cricket ratings (CCR) for the year 2010-2011.

Karsan Ghavri and Gautam Gambhir

CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) is the first cricket rating to officially recognize and reward cricketers for their performances in the international cricket arena. This year CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) awards have been awarded in 9 different categories. The evening truly belonged to the stars known for their caliber and timely performance every time they step on the field.

Harsh Goenka, Chairman, RPG Enterprises said, “The CCR International Award function is a tribute to the stalwarts of the world cricket and reiteration of the close association CEAT has with cricket.” He added, “With the changing times the CCR has also evolved and there have been few changes in the format of the awards this year. With the cricket moving to multiple formats, we have focused our rating system to recognize the individual brilliances on the international cricket scene.”

Sunil Gavaskar presenting Courtney Walsh the Award

English cricketer Jonathan Trott won the award of CEAT International Cricketer and CEAT International Batsman and his team mate James Anderson was awarded the CEAT International Bowler of the year. In addition to the awards honored to the International Players, Virat Kohli from Team India won the CEAT International Youngster of the year and Virender Sehwag was honored with the Special Award on completion of 10 years in International Cricket. VVS Laxman won the special award for contribution to Indian cricket and Gautam Gambhir walked away with the CEAT award for the innings of the year for his inning of 97 during the 2011 World Cup Final against Sri Lanka.

Courtney Walsh was conferred with the CEAT Lifetime Achievement Award. The other Awardees were:

·         CEAT International Cricketer of the Year – Jonathan Trott (England)

·         CEAT International Batsman of the year - Jonathan Trott (England)

·         CEAT International Bowler of the year – James Anderson (England)

·         CEAT International Youngster of the year – Virat Kohli (India)

·         CEAT International T20 player of the year – Suresh Raina (India)

·         CEAT Lifetime Achievement Award 2010-2011- Courtney Walsh (West Indies)

·         CEAT Match winning inning of the year - Gautam Gambhir (India)

·         CEAT Special Award for completing 10 years in international cricket - Virender Sehwag (India)

·         CEAT Special Award – Contribution to Indian Cricket Award VVS Laxman (India)

Sunil Gavaskar, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag

Speaking on the occasion cricket legend Mr.Sunil Gavaskar said, “CEAT International Cricket Rating Awards is one of the most important events on Cricketing calendar as it recognizes the achievements of the players from grassroots to the international arena“. He also added, “With too many formats in the international cricket we are trying to consolidate individual performance from different formats.

CEAT CRICKET RATING (CCR)

The CEAT Cricket Rating was the first rating system in international cricket to recognize and reward outstanding performers in cricket on an annual basis. Conceived in 1995 by CEAT, the CEAT CRICKET RATINGS attempted to answer every cricket-lover’s persistent and perennial query – “Who is the best of the best?” 

The CEAT Cricket Rating stands out by virtue of its simplicity. It comprises an objective points system that awards points to cricketers for their batting, bowling and fielding performances in the ODI, T20 and Test format. The CEAT Cricket Year commences on 1st May and ends on 30th April of the following calendar year. The cricketer’s that accumulate the highest number of points in their respective categories at the end of this twelve-month period are declared as winners. The adjudicators: The CCR are overseen by cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar, who is the adjudicator for the ratings. The evening winded off on a colourful note by an exclusive performance by Kangana Ranaut.

Javed Ali croons World Record 71 Minutes long song with support from Malika Rajput and Sahir Rayyan

For the first time ever, a record is made and in none other than in the Guinness Book of World Records. And the credit this time goes to India that produced this claiming their way to fame. Yes, for the first time ever in the history of world music, this will be ever etched for posterity as the famous Indian playback singer Javed Ali crooned non-stop for the longest ever romantic song which lasted 71 minutes long. This remarkable feat was achieved on 17th October between 4 and 6 pm at the Ashok Honda Recording Studios at Andheri, Mumbai. The news though is yet to sink in and has come in late as the creators of this remarkable feat were waiting to enter the Guinness Book of World Records.

"Tere Khatir : For You Only” the record achieving romantic song has been penned and produced by Malika Rajput while the lilting music has been composed by Sahir Rayyan. The album is made under the banner of Open Idea Productions. Earlier lyricist and model Malika Rajput has also launched her album “Ek Ishaara” which was released through T-Series and was recorded by the famous singer Hans Raj Hans and Aamnah Noor. This is Malika’s second and latest album that features Javed Ali along with Dhaa Joshi.  

Javed Ali has been singing in Hindi movies since 2000 but shot to fame only in 2007 when he sang the song ‘Ek Din Teri Raahon Mein’ from the movie Naqaab. Later, his ‘Jashn-e-Bahaaraan’ from Jodhaa Akbar, ‘Guzarish’ from Ghajini, 'Arziyaan' from Delhi 6 and 'Tum Mile' from Tum Mile gave him the much needed fame and impetus to glory. He is currently one of the leading playback singers in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil and Telugu. His recent song "Kilimanjaro" held the #1 position in the music charts and was currently judging a reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs 2011 on Zee Tv.

As Vida waves a Goodbye to the Bigg Boss house, Pornstar Sunny dances her way inside..

‘She came, she saw, she conquered’ is one phrase that suits Vida Samadzai the best. Her flight of miles to enter the Bigg Boss house did not seem like a waste. Though she waves a goodbye to the Bigg Boss house this Saturday, she did not fail to charm her fellow contestants and viewers alike.  She never missed a chance to talk or bond with her fellow contestants on the show and made it a point to win their trusts and stay loyal to them. Be it her friendship with Amar Upadhyay or be it her love-hate relationship with Pooja Misrra, she always did as promised and would never utter wrong against anyone on the show. The contestants not only enjoyed her presence, but loved the way she would enthusiastically cook up delicious meals for everyone in the house. This is something that everyone inside the Bigg Boss house is really going to miss. 

Vida's love for India was seen every time she tried to manage talking in her broken Hindi. She never missed a chance to learn more about the Indian culture and Hindi from her fellow contestants and always said how much she loved being a part of the show. What she takes along with her from the Bigg Boss house is not only a new list of friends but is also taking along a lot of memories from India that she would cherish forever. We would definitely miss this ever-smiling and ever-happy Hollywood dame and wish that she makes a comeback on the silver screen through a new show soon.

As Vida's entry had left the contestants shocked and sad enough as they had lost a dear and charming Hollywood friend even before they could get to know more about her, this was when Sunny planned to enter the Bigg Boss house and in a grand way. She danced on the famous 'Chaliya Chaliya' track and made sure that her entry was entertaining enough to make the sad faces smile bright. Carried by 8 men on their shoulders, Sunny entered the Bigg Boss house in a traditional Indian attire sitting daintily inside a doli. Soon as she entered the Bigg Boss house, she gelled well with everyone inside the house. Contestants were so impressed that they immediately started inviting her to stay with them in their rooms. Sunny's entry in the Bigg Boss house bought back smile on everyone's faces. We hope Sunny has a bright and sunny stay inside the Bigg Boss house.

To find out, don’t miss Vodafone presents Bigg Boss 5 every Monday-Friday at 10.30pm and Saturday-Sunday at 10.00pm, only on COLORS

Lucha Libre - Masked Warriors TV Series to begin airing in India only on BIG CBS Prime

Lucha Libre USA announces a long-term partnership with international multi-media entertainment conglomerate Reliance Broadcast Network, of India, for its bouquet of Channels. The first season of the Masked Warriors will air simultaneously on its English Entertainment Channel BIG CBS Prime, part of the Channels launched through its joint venture with US’ CBS Studios International, and its regional entertainment channel – BIG Magic – targeted at the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. The global hit show will air on BIG CBS Prime each Friday at 9:00pm and on BIG Magic – each Saturday and Sunday at 7:30pm.

This language agnostic programming is a free style wrestling show that boasts of some of the most death-defying showmanship and premiers in India, exclusively through the partnership with Reliance Broadcast Network. Lucha Libre USA has seen a tremendous increase in popularity among Indian audiences especially among the 15-24 year old demographics. To capture that audience, Lucha Libre USA: Masked Warriors television series includes a well-known, world-class roster of Mexican and U.S. wrestlers, such as Lizmark Jr., Super Nova, Marco Corleone, Shane Helms and Tinieblas Jr.

BIG CBS Prime, which has grown to a leadership position in under a year of launching in India, has been delivering its promise of offering the latest, freshest and hottest entertainment straight from the United States. With this offering, the Channel stays true to its commitment of offering audiences superlative and an unmatched entertainment mix.

BIG Magic, launched in April of this year, is the India’s first variety entertainment channel targeted at the core Hindi heartland, locally relevant entertainment around Humor, Reality, Music & Bollywood, along with high end international content that appeals to the people of the heartland. Bringing in Lucha Libre is in line with the programming strategy to offer the audiences in India’s heartland, international content that appeal to their tastes.

“Sports programs are known to draw huge audiences in India. A deep audience insight mapping indicated an excellent opportunity to bring to India the Masked Warriors, showcasing the new and iconic warriors of Lucha Libre. We are confident that this offering will resonate well with our audiences across both channels, and are extremely pleased with the partnership”, said Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd. in a statement.

“We are excited to be partnering with Reliance Broadcast Network to bring this incredible tradition of Lucha Libre to audiences in India and allow them to view the program across demographics. We are confident, the reach and rich relevant audience base of BIG CBS Prime and BIG MAGIC will allow us to create sizeable impact in the Indian market.” says Lucha Libre USA’s CEO Steven Ship.

Porn star Sunny Leone to enter Bigg Boss 5

After generating a lot of heat  at Bigg Boss 5 by constant fights and all, the reality TV show is all set to add fuel to fire by bringing in a Porn Star whose reputation to bare all preceedes her. The same show which got all the men's jaws dropping when Pamela Anderson entered the house will now reportedly open its doors to adult film star, Sunny Leone. According to sources, the actress will be welcomed into the Bigg Boss 5 house immediately as she is landing in Mumbai tonite.

Though there were rumours that Mike Tyson would be the international celebrity to be invited to the Indian version of Bigg Boss season 5, the channel authorities have however finalised the Indian-Canadian adult film actress, Sunny Leone, whose real name is Karen Malhotra to upp the heat quotient. Born to a Punjabi family in Ontario, Leone has appeared in various reality shows in the US, and was named among the world's top 12 porn stars by fashion magazine Maxim in 2010.

The source explained, "There are two single men - Akshdeep Saigal and Siddarth and one married man - Amar Upadhyay, who are currently in the house. Sunny's entry into the house will definitely help to generate some drama and excitement for viewers."

The source informed us that Sunny was named Penthouse Pet of the Year in 2003 and was under a contract for Vivid Entertainment. She was also named one of the top 12 X-rated actresses in 2010. "She is one of the most talked about adult film actresses, who began her career with mainly homosexual roles before she started doing roles opposite men in 2008. Incidentally, there were also rumours that Mohit Suri had offered her a role in his film Kalyug. Apart from many adult films, Sunny has done quite a few mainstream films as well. Sunny will be arriving into the country tonight," added the source.

No doubt the entry of Sunny is sure to set the TRPs soaring, but how it will be taken by the Indian audience and our Moral Police (read our political parties) remains to be seen. Perhaps, this is what the channel is seeking as TRPs badhane ke liye and publicity ke liye ye channel wale kuch bhi karenge...

India’s Glam Diva is here to scorch your TV screens exclusively on BIG CBS Love

On the back of the success of India’s Sexiest Bachelor, BIG CBS Networks, India's No. 1 English Entertainment Network, is making sure that the mercury raises few notches up again this season. After the super success of its first Indian property, ‘India’s Sexiest Bachelor’, the Network is bringing another home grown property ‘India’s Glam Diva’, where leading ladies from the entertainment industry of India will be judged together by an esteemed jury and the Indian public, to select their favorite Diva. The show will be aired on BIG CBS Networks’ women centric channel, BIG CBS LOVE. As the name suggests, it is a platform to bring the most ravishing, talented and deserving divas to the fore.

India’s Glam Diva will bring together – the gorgeous and glamorous women from India, who will compete for India’s final choice of the most glamorous Diva. Backed by the expert jury and programming team and coupled with audience feedback from across the country, phase I will see a shortlist of the top 14 contenders for the coveted title.

The Channel unveiled the stunning ladies competing for the title: Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Vidya Balan, Aishwariya Rai Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Sonam Kapoor, Sunidhi Chauhan, Bipasha Basu, Ekta Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Sania Mirza, Freida Pinto and Shruti Hassan.

The show has been divided into segments. First Segment will give you a peek into the minds of Divas. The Divas will be judged on the basis of their X factor, their public appearances, the brands they handle and their business sense, judging their minds. Second segment will include the attributes that make them so hot. Is it her eyes, is it her lips, her complexion, her skin, her attire, her sex appeal or is it the combination of all?... essentially evaluating the body. The third segment – after Mind and Body, will be Soul. It will be an electrifying combination of these factors that make for a winner.

India’s Glam Diva will be hosted by VJ and actor Neil Bhoopalam. Neil has already made a mark in the industry with his outstanding performance in “Shaitan” and ‘No one killed Jessica”.

Commenting on India’s Glam Diva, BIG CBS Networks said, "After a successful season of India's Sexiest Bachelor, we are glad to announce our second property India's Glam Diva. The show will have the most gorgeous women from the entertainment industry on one platform. These women will be judged on various factors by the viewers. The show will bring to the fore an unusual side of these women that was never known to their fans."

Voting mechanism will include sms, a special BIG CBS microsite and other social media vehicles e.g. Facebook and Twitter. The show is anticipated to garner high TRPs for the network just like India’s Sexist Bachelor.

Desi Boyz take Bigg Boss 5 by storm!

As seven fantastic weeks in the Big Boss house come to an end, it’s now time to celebrate the completion of 50% of the housemates’ journey in a grand yet ‘Desi’ style. To set the mood, Desi Boyz Akshay Kumar and John Abraham will join super-cool hosts Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt to promote their upcoming movie on the Aapka Farman sets. 

Promising to bring their charm and charisma, Bollywood’s hottest boyz will be seen joining hands with the hot combination of co-hosts and heartthrobs, Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt, to bring some fun and masti to the Bigg Boss sets! With the four hotties being seen together on stage for the first time ever, the temperature on the Aapka Farman set is definitely going to skyrocket. While the shoot promises to be a sight for sore eyes, audiences will also bear witness to this deadly combination that will set heartbeats soaring. Which of the nominated ladies will be the lucky one to meet Bollywood’s hunkiest stars?

To find out, don’t miss Vodafone presents Bigg Boss 5 on Saturday, November 19 at 10.00pm, only on COLORS

D Y Patil Group in association with Bhamla Foundation presents its first Annual Achiever’s Award

To honor the visionaries and achievers from various walks of life, Dr. D Y Patil Group in association with Bhamla Foundation presented for the first time, the D Y Patil Annual Achiever’s Award. This initiative has been taken to recognize, reward and honour individuals with leadership qualities who have shown exceptional talent in categories extending to various genres from education to business to bravery.

The grand award function that took place at the Taj Lands End was embedded with the eminent personalities such as Sashi Tharoor, Fardeen Khan, Gopinath Munde, Jayant Patil, Harshvardhan Patil, Vasant Davkhare, Sachin Ahire, Aadesh Srivastav, Hariharan, Aditi Govikar, Dhanraj Pillai, Leena Mongre, Chaggan Bhujpal, Subhash Ghai, Sonu Nigam, Baba Siddiqui, Poonam Dhilon, Ramesh Sippy, Arti Kailash Sudernath, Tabassum, Rohit Roy, Dolly Bindra, Raj Thackrey, Jackie Shroff, Rajeev Shukla, Eknath Khadse and Justice Dharmadhikari.

Dr Ajeenkya D Y Patil said, “We are so pleased that the inaugural year of the DY Patil Annual Achiever’s Awards has been so successful. It has been our privilege to be able to felicitate and pay tribute to individuals who have done India proud and contributed towards the nation’s development, thus steering the country on to the path of global appreciation. I would also like to show my gratitude to Mr. Asif Bhamla and the Bhamla foundation for being our valued partners in this venture. We hope that henceforth the D Y Patil Annual Achiever’s Awards will be recognized as an platform  that recognizes, encourages and inspires achievement in various fields that concern the upliftment of India.”

Mr. Asif Bhamla said at the occasion, “The main aim of the D Y Patil Annual Achiever’s Awards for us was to be able to identify and honour people who have the spirit to excel and follow their goal with single-minded passion. We are grateful to everyone who has helped us in this mission. I would like to thank Dr Ajeenkya D Y Patil for giving me and the Bhamla Foundation the opportunity to partner with them in this venture.”

The awardees walked with panache after receiving awards for categories such as entertainment, education, business, sports, bravery, social awareness and lifetime achievement. The respectable jury members who made the choice of the winner after a careful selection procedure included Shekhar Suman, Atul Kasbekar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Vijay Khole, Dr B. K. Goyal, Farzana Dhohadwalla, Yasmin Karachiwala, Bharathi Pradhan, Pradeep Guha and Prasoon Joshi.

The occasion began with Sandeep Mahavir’s opening performance of the Ganesh Vandana which set the tone for the evening. Mandira Bedi and Shekhar Suman added their touch and flamboyance to the event as the presenters for the evening. The audience was kept enraptured by the performance presented by the adorable special children from the Being Human foundation. Salman Khan was acknowledged for Being Human Foundation and encouraged the children performing by joining them on the stage.

The act by Tripura Troupe brought the rustic feel of the splendid country alive with dancers performing with great vigor and dynamism and left everyone spellbound. Shaan wooed the audience with his majestic voice and charismatic performance. To add glamour to the evening, Esha Koppikar performed on various Bollywood numbers.

The event was a true celebration of the various achievements of the awardees present and hopes to continue paying tribute annually to people who continue to do India proud.

The winners of the first D Y Patil Annual Achiever’s Awards are:

·         Entertainer of the Year – Deepika Padukone

·         Best Organization in Education – Rayat Sikshan Sanstha

·         Best Individual Working for Education – Prof. Malshekar

·         Best Organization in Social Work – Iskcon Food Relief Foundation

·         Best Individual in Social Work – Prakash Amte

·         Best Budding Talent – Yuvraj Valmiki

·         Bravery Award - Adl. CP Vishwas Nagre Patil

·         Businessman of the Year – Mr. Anirudh Dhoot

·         Corporate Person of the Year – Mr. D.K. Mehrotra

·         Visionary of India – Anil Kakodkar

·         Sportsperson of the Year, Male – Zaheer Khan

·         Sportsperson of the Year, Female – Tejaswini Sawant

·         Lifetime Achievement Award – Yash Chopra