Kangana Ranaut, the first to fight back on HallaBol in the first episode of the show

As Hall aBol’s first episode premieres with the feisty Kangana Ranaut, she will appear as a youth icon sharing her views on eve teasing as a menace.The first episode narrates areal life inspired story about this largely prevalent issue.

The victim, Isha’s story starts in a crowded bus while travelling to her college. Two eve teasers try to get close to a school going girl, Swati. Isha realizes this and tries to protect her from the guys, who in turn try to teach Isha a lesson by unzipping her dress. This incident shocks Isha and she reacts immediately by slapping them. Although the men pose a real threat to them, the apprehensive ladies are reluctant to lodge a police complaint out of concern to their families. Next day, as Isha gets off the bus, the bullies follow her and try to grab her, but she manages to escape. Immersed in a state of shock, Isha requests her brother to drop her to college but they still try to harass and abduct her. Although Isha’s brother saves her in the nick of time, her family is left extremely worried.

After the dreadful incident, Isha is grounded at home but decides it’s time to take a concrete action against these eve teasers.

To watch how Isha Fights back, whether she manages to teach them a lesson or gets in to further trouble, tune into Halla Bol, this Friday, 28^th February, 2014 at 7 pm on bindass

Saurabh Tewari announces the launch of his new production house – Tequila Shot Productions

Saurabh Tewari, the creative brainchild behind setting up Nautanki Films Pvt. Ltd which gave the country some of its most loved shows including Madhubala – Ek Ishq, Ek Junoon among many others is all set to launch his new production house titled ‘Tequila Shot Productions’. The newly formed company is set to produce a new TV shows for a leading broadcaster, details of which will be revealed in the next quarter. In addition to this, Tequila Shot Productions will be venturing into feature films and digital content creation in near future.

Commenting on his new venture, Saurabh Tewari said, "I am delighted to announce Tequila Shot Productions through which I aim to continue my promise of delivering entertaining and engaging content to my audience. Tequila Shots productions will not only create content for Television but will also be foraying into film production very soon.”

Talking about his role in Nautanki films, he added, "Abhinav and I had great stint running Nautanki Films together. The two on-air shows of Nautanki Films are extremely close to me. I will continue to oversee the entire creative aspect of these two shows, the way it has been going till now. Besides this under Nautanki Films, Abhinav and I have just finished producing a feature film ‘Ekkees Topon Ki Salaami’. The journey with Nautanki has been extremely enriching and I am happy that we created a brand that stood out.  I am sure the journey ahead will be as exciting and I look forward to taking Tequila Shots Productions to newer heights’

A Bachelor of Arts from Lucknow University, Saurabh began his career directing ad films.  Since then he has worked with a variety of television production houses primarily as a writer which have given him a completing understanding of the creative & production business. In 2006, he moved to Zee Telefilms as Assistant Vice-President of Programming for ZEE TV where he was instrumental in growing the market share of the channel. In late 2007, he moved to Viacom 18 as a part of the start-up team for the launch of Colors. In his role as Associate Vice President and Head of Content – Fiction programming, Saurabh played a key role in the launch of the channel and was involved in creating and designing the entire line up of fiction shows for the channel. He then joined Imagine TV, the flagship Hindi GE Channel of Turner General Entertainment Networks India Pvt. Ltd as Head of Programming Fiction in 2010.

In 2011, Saurabh Tewari joined hands with BAG Films to launch his Film & TV Production company Nautanki Films Pvt. Ltd.

QTP brings Award-winning play "HeLa" on 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks'

A compelling, thought-provoking play will hit the floorboards, this month, as award-winning play HeLa makes its way from Scotland’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival to India on a thee-city tour. The multi-faceted and impactful story of HeLa has been brought to India by QTP as part of its 15th anniversary celebrations. QTP has associated with British Council to bring the show HeLa to India.

HeLa has been inspired by the book: ‘The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks’ by Rebecca Skloot, and is about ethics, equality and ownership of our DNA and will pose a pertinent question: ‘What is more human – the DNA that make up our bodies or the personalities that come from our souls?’ It is a true story of Henrietta Lacks, who in 1951 walked into the coloured section of the John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore with a pain in her abdomen. A cell sample taken without her permission was used as the raw material for some of the most important scientific discoveries of the past 100 years. This solo, one-woman show by actor Adura Onashile, takes as its inspiration the true life story of Henrietta Lacks and the extraordinary life of the HeLa cell line. It is an all-consuming story, intertwining genetic identity, social responsibility and current ethical debates about human tissue research and ownership.  

Directed by Graham Eatough, performed by actor Adura Onashile, HeLa is produced by Iron-Oxide, Scotland’s leading large-scale companies that specialises in producing daring outdoor shows. HeLa is a fusion of video, music, monologue and physicality, which makes it a feast for all senses. 

The play was showcased at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2013 and ran to packed houses during its 24-day run. Vivek Rao, the senior producer at QTP, who was invited as a delegate as part of the British Council Showcase at this Fringe edition, watched HeLa and it struck a chord with him, stronger than any of the other performances, and decided that it was a play that India must get the opportunity to see. It seemed like the perfect way to celebrate QTP’s 15th anniversary as well.

HeLa was nominated for numerous Fringe Awards and also won the ‘Flying Artichoke Award’ (Scottish Arts Club-Edinburgh Guide-Scottish Theatre Fringe Award). It also received nominations for Total Theatre Award 2013 and Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award 2013. 

The three-city tour will commence from 14th February:

> Mumbai 4 shows: 15th to 17th February @ Sitara Studio

> Delhi 5 shows: 21st to 23rd February @ British Council Auditorium

> Bangalore 6 shows: 26th February to 2nd March @ Jagriti Theatre

Screenwriters' Lab in partnership with Sarajevo Film Festival Calls for Entries

This two stage script development lab, now in its 7th Edition delivers intensive coaching tailored to the precise needs of each writer and project selected for development.

Screenwriters bring to the lab a script in development to be part of an in-depth group and one to one creative discourse. From session one of the lab at Sarajevo Film Festival, international industry knowledge and sessions with renowned, award winning mentors will prepare the writers to present their projects during NFDC's Film Bazaar in Goa.

Recent writers and projects include

·         Rajesh Jala - Chingari (The Spark) - ASAP Films - France (Financing)

·         Ritesh Batra - The Lunchbox - ASAP Films, Sikhya Entertainment, NFDC (Worldwide Release)

·         Umesh Kulkarni - Antaraal (The Space Within) - Arbhaat Films (In Development)

·         Kanu Behl - Titli (Butterfly) - Dibakar Benerjee Productions and Yash Raj films (Post Production)

·         Ruchika Oberoi - Island City - NFDC (Post Production)

·         Gyan Correa - The Good Road - NFDC (International Release)

·         Bikas Mishra - Chauranga - Anticlock Films, NFDC (Post Production)

While Session 1 will be held in Sarajevo during the 2014 Film Festival from August 15-23, 2014; Session 2 will be held in Goa, prior to and during the Film Bazaar 2014, 21-24 November, 2014.

The Submission Deadline is 5th March, 2014 and the requirements are as follows:

• 2 page synopsis
• You will have two months to submit the screenplay if short listed. 

For more details or to apply, visit www.filmbazaarindia.com

Tigmanshu Dhulia to be featured at AMU Film Club's Filmsaaz 14

Aligarh Muslim University Film Club conducted Filmsaaz 2014, an International Film Festival comprising of Short Films, Documentaries, Ad Films, Music videos and Animation films will witness the latest edition, Filmsaaz 14, which will be held with all its charms, in the Kennedy Auditorium of the Aligarh Muslim University. With duration ranging from Short Films (20 min. max), Documentaries (30 min. max), Ad Films (2 min. max), Music videos (6 min. max) and Animation films (10 min. max) duration, this is the first of its kind Film Festival in India to be organized by a University. Entries are invited under the various categories mentioned above from all such budding filmmakers.

Filmsaaz was first held in 2008 by the University Film Club, Aligarh Muslim University. The festival has since been organised by the UFC annually, and has become grander by the day! This festival aims to extract the unexplored talent and inspire an urge among the young filmmakers. It is not just another film festival, but is a mission to bring to the fore those who think out of the box.

The year 2014 will witness the latest edition, Filmsaaz 14, which will be held with all its charms, in the Kennedy Auditorium of the Aligarh Muslim University. Entries are thus invited under the various categories mentioned above from all such budding filmmakers. Refer to the registration section to download the form, and the Rules and Regulations section for further guidelines. Last date for receipt of entries: 27th February, 2014.

The 6th edition, Filmsaaz 13, saw the presence of master actor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and this year's function, 7th Filmsaaz 14, will be in the august company of class director, Tigmanshu Dhulia, the maker of films like Haasil, Charas, Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster, Paan Singh Tomar and the biggest flop of 2013 - Bullet Raja. He also made his mark as an actor with Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur.

More details about Filmsaaz 14 are available at the University Film Club portal (filmclub.amu.ac.in). All queries should be directed to the Secretary, University Film Club. Refer to the registration section to download the form, and the Rules and Regulations section for further guidelines. Last date for receipt of entries: 27th February, 2014.

AFP signs partnership agreement with global video network, Rightster.

Agence France-Presse (AFP), one of the world’s leading global news agencies, has selected Rightster, the global B2B video network for distribution, audience engagement and monetisation, to be one of its premium news videos distribution partners on the web.

Under the agreement, AFP will syndicate a selection of its international news videos to websites within Rightster’s network, offering an easy solution to international and local publishers around the world to rapidly access and stream AFP video content.

“Video is a strategic focus for our business in 2014,” said Olivier Lombardie, Sales and Marketing Director at AFP. “The growth of online video is transforming the news industry, as stories break ever faster and appetite for content increases. Working with Rightster will allow AFP to extend reach and revenues for video content on the web, increasing efficiency”.

“Online video is a vital means of sharing the most important events and breaking news across the world. News agencies are developing, sourcing and producing video at an astronomical rate”, commented Charlie Muirhead, CEO and founder of Rightster. “We work to simplify the distribution process to make it as swift and effective as possible, allowing news agencies to make the most from the content they produce”.

Gathered from a video production network of over 90 units operating around the world, AFP delivers more than 200 videos in 7 languages, providing the highest quality footage, scriptwriting and storytelling from events shaping our world including the Sochi Winter Olympics starting next month and the FIFA World Cup taking place in Brazil in July. AFP was the first global news agency to offer HD [16:9] video in September 2010.

AFP is a global news agency delivering fast, accurate, in-depth coverage of the events shaping our world from conflicts to politics, sports, entertainment and the latest breakthroughs in health, science and technology. With 2,260 staff spread across almost every country, AFP covers the world 24 hours a day in six languages. AFP delivers the news in video, text, photos, multimedia and graphics to a wide range of customers including newspapers and magazines, radio and TV channels, web sites and portals, mobile operators, corporate clients as well as public institutions. 

Rightster is a global b2b video network for distribution, content-sourcing, audience engagement and monetisation. Rightster's software and services make it simple for sports, fashion, news, entertainment and viral rights holders to maximise the value of their video whether on a licenced, ad-funded, direct to consumer or paid placement basis. Rightster provides an “upload once - commercialise everywhere” solution that extends the reach of live and on-demand video content to web, mobile and connected audiences via clients' own sites, social channels, portals, platforms, newspapers, magazines and specialist blogs. Thousands of syndication partners are already preconnected, and Rightster’s Multi Channel Network (MCN) on YouTube consists of 450 channels, regularly featuring in the ComScore top partner rankings. Founded by Charlie Muirhead in May 2011, Rightster has since grown to approximately 200 employees across 11 offices in 10 countries.

Special screening of 'Millions Can Walk' organised for Nandita Das

MIFF and Nandita Das organized a special screening for 'Millions Can Walk', a documentary on Jan Satyagraha at the Tata Theater, NCPA Cafe on 6th February, 2014. This special screening was held yesterday for Nandita Das at Mumbai International Film Festival. Also present at the screening was film's director Kamal Musale.

According to the directors, in 2012, an estimated 50,000 Dalit and tribal landless farmers set out on a march to Delhi to persuade the Centre to abide by its promise and implement land reforms. Millions Can Walk that is co-directed by Kamal Musale and Christoph Schaub is the rousing account of that long trek from Gwalior to the Capital, called the Jan Satyagraha, and organized by the grass-roots organization Ekta Parishad to demand a policy that promises every poor family a small patch of land. With its stirring imagery of the poorest of the poor taking to the highways and braving adverse weather conditions to make their collective voice heard, Millions Can Walk is in the best tradition of the activist documentary. It waves a flag for the Ekta Parishad, headed by the indefatigable P.V. Rajagopal (The long march of P.V. Rajagopal) and reminds viewers that human progress is linked inextricably to land rights.

Nandita Das who saw this special screening was totally overwhelmed at the effort. According to her, “Non violent marches have always been an integral part of India's struggle against injustice and are considered a momentous way to fight for your cause as it takes a lot of strength to make your point without being aggressive. The documentary ‘Millions Can Walk’ by Kamal Musale and Christophe Schaub, tells the story of one such effort by the Adivasis of our country in a very effective way. Surely our country needs more films like these which are made not only for the niche audiences but are also watched by more people because these are stories that need to be seen, told and heard beyond all borders".

"Complan Memory" launches new television commercial with GrandMaster Vishwanathan Anand

Complan, one of India’s iconic  brands and nutrition expert in the health drink category, today unveiled its new TV Commercial for their brand ‘Complan with Memory Chargers’ (“Complan Memory”) with its celebrity brand ambassador Viswanathan Anand, the Chess Grand Master and the former World Champion. The TV commercial will be broadcast across television channels countrywide.

Complan with ‘Memory Chargers’ has nutrients which are known for their role in brain development and higher order cognitive functions like planning, focusing attention, problem solving, thinking and remembering information. This health drink, available in a delicious chocolate flavour, also has the goodness of almonds (badaam).

Mrs. Seema Modi – Managing Director, Heinz India Pvt Ltd highlights Heinz’s commitment to India. “India will continue to be a growth driver for H.J.Heinz Company. Complan is our flagship brand and we continue in our endeavor to exceed consumers’ expectations in India. We are delighted to exclusively partner with Mr Viswanathan Anand, who is very selective about the brands he associates with. This is the first time that Complan has tied up with a global sports celebrity. We are absolutely confident that Complan’s association with Grand Master Viswanathan Anand will further enhance the brand’s equity and help us to appeal to a wider audience”.

Commenting on his association with Complan Memory, Viswanathan Anand, one of India’s most iconic and trusted names in sport, says: “I am selective about the brands I partner with.  I would like to be associated with brands that I can trust personally. Heinz over the years has commanded confidence and trust across the globe and I am delighted to be part of this globally well-trusted company.”

Speaking about Viswanathan Anand as the undisputed choice for Complan Memory, Mr. V. Mohan - Wholetime Director/ VP-Business Development, Corp. & Legal Affairs & Co. Secretary, Heinz India Pvt Ltd says: “Viswanathan Anand personifies hard work, strategic and smart thinking, and a sustained quest for excellence - traits that we as a company are eager to encourage in every Indian child. Viswanathan Anand has such a close semblance to our beliefs and values that he is an undisputed choice for us.”

Describing the new television commercial, Mr. Abhishek Prasad - GM Marketing, Heinz India Pvt Ltd says, “Children today have to store so much in their memory. The right health drink can help bridge gaps in children’s diet, helping them to cope with the day to day demands. The new commercial for Complan Memory depicts this in a simple and entertaining manner. The television commercial features Viswanathan Anand in a playful avatar, bantering with a child and then recommending Complan Memory for helping him cope with academic demands.

Seema Modi adds “We are committed to our consumers and endeavor to exceed their expectations through constant delivery on our promise.”

‘Complan with Memory Chargers’ refill pack of 400g is available for Rs. 228

Anmol Productions to shoot Pragaash in Kashmir

Anmol Productions is all set to shoot their new project “Pragaash” in the valley of Kashmir. Popular for narrating stories on human bonding and relationships, Anmol's latest venture Pragaash to be directed by Award winning director Mohan Das will be made in Hindi, English and Kashmiri.

A film production company initially incepted ‘Shree Anmol Productions’ that is surging ahead in the global entertainment industry, Anmol Productions was founded in 2007 by Madhavanand Bhatt, one of the most successful and well known Navi Mumbai based builder and developer. Spearheaded by daughter Twishaa Sandhu who is also an actress, Anmol Productions has been professionally managed and continues to strengthen and streamline all its activities in Film Production, Television, Music and Home Entertainment.

Speaking about the project, Twishaa Sandhu says, “I always wanted to shoot in Kashmir. But given the conditions in Kashmir, it wasn’t feasible earlier to think of a project there as my near and dear ones always asked me to think twice before venturing into a place that was not a “Paradise” any more. Rather all advise her against, given the political tensions, bomb blasts, and insurgency and militancy problems coupled with bloodshed that they keep on reading in newspapers and on news channels. However, the chance story of the Kashmiri all-girl rock band - Pragaash forced to disband in Kashmir by an issuance of fatwa made me decide to go and work on a story there.”

Twishaa Sandhu

“This will be Anmol Productions’ maiden venture in virgin Kashmir. With this film, we are not trying to probe into what was right or not, but rather we will be trying to portray Kashmir as the same valley of romance as shown in films. At the same time, we would be focusing on the light-hearted people the Kashmiri’s are,” added Twishaa.

Based on a story, screenplay by Mohan Das, the film will have a strong emotional narrative in Hindi, English and Kashmiri with real life characters from the valley. Apart from showcasing the beautiful locales of Dal Lake, the Nigeen Lake, Pari Mahal, Shalimar Gardens, Nishat Bagh, Hazrat Bal Mosque, the Jama Masjid and the Kashmir University, the film will also capture the stretch from Srinagar to Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg.

Speaking about this film, director Mohan Das says, “This film takes off with the search of a filmmaker who come to Kashmir to do a story on the Pragaash Band. But wherever she goes, she is met and greeted with warmth and love. Neha comes across a different Kashmir not projected in the news. She tries to soak in the beauty of the valley and the hospitality of its folks as much as possible. Such is the strong undercurrent that she is totally mesmerized by its natural beauty.”

“However, in this search I also come across some very good people, some indifferent and some completely bizarre. I don’t want to reveal much, but yes, it will be a soft romantic story with high paced drama, making the watching engrossing to captivate the audiences,” Twishaa said. “Though many films are shot here, yet what has never been shown across is the beautiful minds of the people here. The hearts of people as pure as snow and the warmth that exudes not from the Kangri, but from within their hearts. This project is going to showcase both – the beauty of Kashmir vis-a-vis the beauty of people on the inside, not the outside,” she expressed.

Mohan Das

“Apart from our lead actress Twishaa, the film will also feature real life characters including the guitarist and lead singer of the Kashmir-based band ValleyBoyz, Having an electic mix of the reel and the real, most of the characters filmed are from the valley and are real life characters. While the reel characters are played by Twishaa Sandhu, Sandesh Gour, Hira Mehta, Saurabh Jadhav and others, the male lead is being played by Mohammad Rafi who is playing himself in the film. Similarly, the characters Parul, Manshaa Dar, Wasim, Adil, the Shikara wala Hilal, his accomplice, the Auto Driver are all for real. The real characters are from Kashmir to give it the film the required authenticity,” said Mohan Das.

“The entire film will be a visual treat, using good cinematography for a fantastic cinematic experience of a beautiful romantic story that unfolds visually to enthrall and captivate the audiences. There will be a song incorporated in the film that will capture the theme of the film. The editing will be crisp and fast paced, that will maintain the pace of the film. Moreover, the packaging of the entire film will not only be entertaining visually but also cinematically and a sure shot winner,” concluded Mohan Das.

Olympic medalist boxer Vijender Singh pledges support on World Cancer Day

On World Cancer Day (4th February 2014), Olympic medallist boxer Vijender Singh, who makes his acting debut in Akshay Kumar and Ashvini Yardi’s Grazing Goat Pictures film FUGLY, inaugurated the RUN FOR MANAVTA charity marathon at Sharda University, Greater Noida, with five courageous children who are suffering from cancer. The Olympic medalist who makes his silver screen debut this year pledged his support on World Cancer Day

The event by Manavta Cancer Foundation of India organised the run to coincide with World Cancer Day, a singular initiative under which the entire world can unite together in the fight against cancer. The Manavta Cancer Foundation is a charitable trust led by groups of doctors, whose aim is to reduce the suffering of cancer patients and to prevent and detect the signs of cancer by providing a range of free services to patients, which include: cancer awareness, cancer screening in initial stages and to support cancer sufferers and survivors emotionally, financially, and scientifically.

Talking about his participation in the event, Mr. Vijender Singh said, "Cancer has taken away people from their close ones. I always wanted to create awareness about this disease so that people get timely treatments done and save themselves. I would like to encourage the people who are suffering from cancer to fight against it. It gives me immense pleasure to see people of all age groups synergizing their efforts in a social cause.”

He further added “We all come across a situation in life wherein we need the maximum support of our family and friends, and then you feel like you can fight any shortcoming. I participated in this event to encourage the people who are suffering from cancer to fight against it and prove to the world that no matter what the situation may be, one can always beat it.”

Vijender will soon be seen on the silver screen in Akshay Kumar and Ashvini Yardi’s Grazing Goat Pictures’ next Hindi release after OMG! Oh My God, Fugly, a youthful entertaining film set in the by-lanes of Delhi, releasing on 16th May 2014. It is a story of four friends: Dev (played by Anil Kapoor’s nephew Mohit Marwah), Devi (played by the grandniece of Sayed Jaffery, Kiara Advani), Gaurav (played by Vijender Singh) and Aditya (played by Slumdog Millionaire actor Arfi Lamba).

Pratyusha does it again! Ishita steps in to salvage..

It was heard that Pratyusha has been roped in by BIG MAGIC for a cameo on the show - Love Dosti Dua. As per the contract, Pratyusha was supposed to perform with ace choreographer Punit Pathak. However, the actress delayed the shoot citing ill health as the reason and at the nth hour made someone call up the production house claiming she was hospitalized. The whole day was wasted and the production house incurred huge losses. Finally Ishita Sharma, who recently anchored a popular dance show, came to the rescue of the production house and completed the shoot till very late in the night.

The largest undergraduate film festival in India. - SIES Frames Film Festival - is back with a bang...

The Mass Media Department of SIES (Nerul) is once again back with the most awaited India’s famous undergraduate film festival - Frames Film Festival. In its eleventh year now, the festival provides a platform to all aspiring filmmakers to showcase their talent. The three day event will be presided by eminent personalities from the film industry and its regular participants include students from the New York Film Academy, the London Film school and also elite film schools in India like FTII.

With a strong focus and mission to promote and unearth cinematic talents of students in India and abroad, Frames Film Festival was launched in the year 2003 with a view to provide a platform for students to showcase their cinematic talents. Providing a stage to showcase students' movies to a large audience was the main aim of this festival.For more information visit www.framesfilmfestival.in. The festival is a completely student-run festival with no ties to any agency whatsoever.

Frames receive entries of films from across India and even the world. Over 80 colleges participate in Frames and their entries are judged by members of India’s Film Industry. This year, Frames has tied up with the Lakecity International Short Film Festival and has received a package of 90 films from them. “This tie up is in a way to promote the film makers on a consolidating platform and help them reach out to various others festivals through LISFF,” says Mohan Das, Festival Director, LISFF 2014. “Similar way, we have also given a consortium of films to Aahan International Film Festival 2014, Darbhanga International Film Festival, and ofcourse SIES Frames Film Festival. Last year, we sent a package of films to Cortokino Short Film Festival conducted by Thakur College, Kandivili, Mumbai.”

In the past Frames, eminent film personalities including Anurag Kashyap, Madhur Bhandarkar, Vikramaditya Motwane, Ram Gopal Verma, Mahesh Bhatt, Vaishali Samant, Prachi Desai, etc. have attended the events to judge them. This year apart from other notable judges, Mohan Das who is also a film maker and having his own banner Eon Films is one of the judges at the Frames fest. The categories are Documentaries, Short Films, Advertisements, Music Videos and Animation Films.

Starting from tomorrow the 6th February to 8th, Frames Film Festival will be happening at the SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce at Sector 5, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India.

A huge success and sold out once again - SulaFest 2014

The country’s most gorgeously situated eagerly awaited Gourmet world music festival, back in its 7th edition was bigger and better than ever before! The fest saw close to 10,000 fest-goers all who had a weekend to remember and this year was a grander production with even more amazing memories. SulaFest was an intoxicating mix of music, wine, food, fashion and much much more at the gorgeous Sula Vineyards open air amphitheater. This year had even more terrific international acts and an expanded Electrozone!

SulaFest partygoers enjoyed a mega-mix of great music, wine, drinks, food, fashion and shopping in the idyllic environs of the winery's beautiful open-air, Greek-style amphitheater. SulaFest also saw a stylish new element of cool, edgy fashion. Vero Moda launched their high caliber fast fashion forward jeans brand – Noisy May. An additional treat at the fest this year was a beautiful fashion show at sunset with international top models.

This year’s band line-up made SulaFest a true World Music festival with more international artists than ever before – as always a mix of national and international celebrated acts. Headliners Gypsy All Stars feature children of the mighty Gypsy Kings carrying on their amazing legacy. On the main stage: Gypsy All Stars (Latin (& featuring Rajasthani folk) Spain/France;  Dub Pistols (Dub, Reggae, Hip Hop) UK ; Shpongle (Electronica, World ) UK; Avial (Rock, Folk-rock) India; Susheela Raman (World, alternative) India/UK; The Dualers (Ska, Funk) UK; Wineet Tikoo (Indie, Sufi) India; Baycity Lights (Soul, Funk, R&B) India ; Vasuda Sharma (Folk, Indo-western fusion) India, along with a host of DJ’s from around the world such as Gaudi Live (Ragga-tronic, Dub, Bass, Live-electronic) and UK, DJ Anna (Tech-house & Techno) Brazil, Tom Peppe (Deep House) Ibiza, The Electrovertz  and Ankytrixx from India and more..

Back and way bigger this year was the very popular “Electrozone” where supercool DJs were spinning some fab House and Techno tales. SulaFest-goers this year was among others Mohit Burman, Amrita Puri, Hanif Hilal, Arjun Khanna, Kim Jagtiani, Vikram Raizada, Babita Malkani, Lisa Haydon, Malika Haydon, Nina Shah, Mitali Kakkar, Mona Juneja, Vineet Gautam, Sunila Duggal, Cecilia Oldne and Himanshi Choudhry were amongst the few.

Wine and fashion have always gone hand in hand, be it at the fashion weeks across the globe or the numerous fashion do’s in the city, wine has always been an integral part of these fashion events. Commenting on this association, Vineet Gautam - Country Head - Vero Moda said “We see SulaFest as a platform for confluence of all things fashionable be it wine, music or style, hence it’s a perfect place for us to launch a new sub brand of Vero Moda - Noisy May, a fast fashion denim brand. Also, the elementary synergy between wine and fashion is very exciting, so we are really looking forward to a fruitful association at both ends”.

Rajeev Samant, CEO and Founder, Sula Vineyards says "Great food. Super libations. Amazing music. Cool crowd. What an amazing day out, what could be better!!"

Not C - but "B FOR CHANGE” – b for bindass..

India's leading youth brand, bindass is undergoing a massive change to its brand image and has coined the slogan "B FOR CHANGE”. In a new development, the channel is extending its core messaging from 'Rest-less' to 'Enabler of purposive action'. For the same, the channel has launched a new brand film called "bindass - B for Change". Under this umbrella campaign, 'B for change', there will be multiple activities along with a new websitewww.bforchange.com

The objective is to extend brand bindass’ core messaging from being Rest-less’ to ‘Enabler of Purposive Action’. The campaign aims to inspire the youth to take action and galvanize dreams into reality. Bindass encourages the youth to be enablers of change through their action and initiatives. The initiative to create a change lies with each one of us and just not with society at large.

bindass, India’s leading youth entertainment brand was launched in 2007 for the Indian youth. Today the channel is synonymous with the choice of the youth , who have propelled it to the No.1 position. The channel is home to the best known home grown youth oriented cult shows and franchises such as Yeh Hai Aashiqui, Emotional Atyachaar, Superdude, Beg Borrow Steal and Big Switch, most of which have run into multiple seasons.

The major challenge is to create clutter breaking communication and instill the extended philosophy of the brand in the minds of the youth. Based on the new proposition, build a credible platform which will be further explored by the youth.

Today’s youth is not only dynamic but multifaceted in nature. The brand film has tried to capture the different nuances of this genration. The idea is to portray different shades of today’s youth: The Yo generation, the Duel generation and the Do generation. The brand film features thirteen short stories that will not only break the societal myths, which are often attached to the actions of the youth, but also showcase the strength that lies in them to bring about a change.

The Yo Generation:

The first part showcases stories of youngsters who are looked at as superficial hence connotations like careless, irresponsible, spoilt and uncouth are often attached to them

The Duel Generation:

The other shade shows that although today’s youth is rebellious and loud, they are still contributing in bringing about a change in the society in their own unique ways. But, these actions are often misunderstood due to pre-conceived notions about them.

The Do Generation:

The concluding part portrays a holistic picture of positivity and enthusiasm of the youth who have made a small or a big difference. It also puts forward few thought provoking statements that are aptly defining the voice/intention of today’s youth like:

hum bade shaitaan hai, magar pata hai…humari shaitaani corruption ki naak mein dam kar deti hai

Hum darte nahi, isiliye vahan bhi pahunch jaate hai jahan jaane se manaa karte hai sab

Hum tension nahi lete, tension dete hai..aur aisi ki lene waala phir kabhi bhulta nahi

Humein paison ki value nahi magarjinke paas nahi hain unki hum dil se value karte hain

In the end, the brand film projects the youth as social agents with a strong declaration - ‘Change Aayega….Hum Laayenge’

The concept that is by Bindass Creative Services (OAP Team) has been brilliantly directed by Prashant Madan under Skylark Productions and DOP Tapan Basu has done the brilliant camerawork.

2nd Darbhanga International Film Festival (DIFF) to commence from 8th February

With only 6 days to go, the head honchos at Darbhanga Film Club (DFC) who are also the organizers of Darbhanga International Film Festival (DIFF) have already started with the promotions of the 2014 festival. With already their new video uploaded on site as well as conducting press conferences to reach out to the maximum around the state and country, the chairman of the festival and the other heads have started working on their strategy not only to promote the film festival, but also to make it known far and wide.

The press conference was successfully headed by the festival director Mr. Lalit Jha, alongwith the festival PRO Mr. Aman Abhishek Srivastava and Vicky Choudhary. The 2nd DIFF will be held from 8th to 10th February 2014 at the Darbar Hall of Kameshwar Singh Sanskrit University at Darbhanga, Bihar.

Meraj Siddiqui, the chairman of the festival also met Magsaysay award winner Social activist Dr. Sandeep Panday at Lucknow and invited him to the festival as well as giving his voice to Darbhanga International Film Festival. “I was feeling very glad and at the same time elated when I met Dr. Sandeep Pandeyji. When I went to meet him, I was wondering how the meeting would go. However, he appreciated my social campaign through films and media at Darbhanga, and that’s the best support I could have ever wished for,” Meraj Said. “He was very happy to know about film festival and promised us of his presence at 2nd DIFF 2014,” added Meraj.

Dr. Sandeep Pandey was awarded the Magsaysay Award in the "Emergent Leadership" category for his initiatives to support education for poor children in India by tapping the resources of Indians abroad. While still a graduate student in the US, Pandey with two of his friends founded Asha for Education, which in the decade since has raised over a million dollars for education projects in India. After a brief period as a university instructor, Sandeep Pandey decided to devote his energies entirely to his activist causes.

Darbhanga International Film Festival (DIFF) is the first ever International Film Festival at Mithilanchal in Darbhanga district which is the cultural capital of Bihar & core heart of Mithilanchal. Providing a forum and a place for showcasing talent of talented film makers, the organizers of DIFF and Darbhanga Film Club (DFC) have grand plans for their 2014 event and make it a huge success. Here’s wishing the organisers tons of luck!

RAGASTHAN 2014 : Second edition to tryst with fantasia amidst the golden dunes...

In its second edition, Ragasthan is expected to come back better - yet still unique, generous, audacious and in many ways liberating. With a slight chill to the winter and nip to the air, Ragasthan will now be held over 3 nights and 4 days close to Jaisalmer city but in the untapped secluded dunes of Khuri and that isn't all that's new with it.

Having retained the style, essence and fundamentals of the previous show, older, wiser and day longer, Ragasthan 2014 has an eclectic line up of new and emerging artists from across the country and abroad like Christophe Chassol (France), Alo Wala (USA) , Ash Roy, Mame Khan and Troupe, Ganesh Talkies and Tritha Electric amongst others who shall be showcasing their talent here across 3 varied stages.

The festival also boosts a range of extraordinary activities like Paintball, sky gazing workshops, karaoke, volleyball, drive-in camping, yoga sessions, dormitory lodging and ATV rides. Adding to the experience will be the full moon slated for the 15th of February when you will see the Thar Desert beauty in all its serenity illuminated by the ambient light of the sun.

Camping at the festival is a big novelty as it gives all adventure enthusiasts and outdoor thrill seekers a chance to bring out their own tents and come enjoy with others in the vastness of nature. Also, with the option of luxury camping in swiss tents (with en suite bathrooms) in the desert, at a relatively affordable price, Ragasthan has opened the door of a music festival experience to all those who would have otherwise had to travel outside the country to try. There's room for everyone, especially the crazy ones who can hire a mattress and bunk under the night sky anywhere in the dunes within the festival premises.

Maintaining a no plastic festival, Ragasthan offers a local taste and feel to its visitors to the fullest. With camel rides all around the camp site to ferry people and a variety of adventure sports in the sands along with scrumptious food and drinks to beat the glaring heat of the desert, Ragasthan fest allows its visitors an over whelming feel and experience of the place away from the luxury and comfort of the daily metropolitan lives.  As a whole, Ragasthan serves to be a hotbed of musical and talent exchanges and an experience that is sure to stay in people’s minds for long…

Parineeti Chopra and Sidharth Malhotra shoot for 'Yeh Hai Aashiqui'

Recently Parineeti Chopra and Sidharth Malhotra were spotted on the sets of bindass' show 'Yeh Hai Aashiqui'. As is the general trend with this serial on bindaas, the two actors were seen shooting for the show to promote their upcoming movie 'Hasee toh Phasee' in Mumbai.

Speaking on the occasion, the stars said, "The story is like Senti and Mental, which are our characters in Hasee toh Phasee. Two completely opposite people, falling in love with each other".

Hasee Toh Phasee is an upcoming romantic comedy Hindi film directed by Vinil Mathew and produced by Karan Johar and Anurag Kashyap. The film spans a period of seven years and seven days and is scheduled to release on February 7th. To capture the seven-year period, the director wanted his leading lady Parineeti to have different hairstyles through the film. 

The episode will see actors Anurag Sharma and Khyati Mangla in the lead role.