Sunday Musings..

Abhilash Panwar and Rashmi Gowda are the new Models of the Week...

This week's Male model is "Abhilash Panwar" from Mumbai. A Hot Shot Model on the Block, Abhilash Panwar is also an actor who has already worked in a short film 'Muafinaama' shot in Kashmir. He has also been signed as a lead for a new film that will soon go on floors early 2015. A fitness freak who is bundle of talent to watch out for, Abhilash is interested in acting, modelling as well as walking on the ramp professionally for renowned designers. He is determined to excel in any role given to him and add substance to it. "And Excel I will", says this hunky lad originally from Delhi.

"Rashmi Gowda" who features as our Female Model in this section is an aspiring model cum actress from Bangalore. Already been short listed for a short film, she is keen to do Ads, films, serials, as well as well hone her skills in acting. And we are sure, this 5.4 feet tall girl will be a surprise package. “I have always loved acting and dancing right from my school days. It wasn’t that all advised me to try acting and I evinced an interest in this. Rather I’m serious about this passion and ready to give my 100% to it. I know I’m not the conventionally good looking, but times are changing. I don’t have to be very good looking to look glamorous,” says this Kannadiga girl who oozes confidence in her style and mannerisms. 

We at FTV wish both Abhilash Panwar & Rashmi Gowda - all the best in their careers and wish them a fabulous future.. In case, you would like to be featured on this “Model of the week” page in our series, mail your portfolios with your contact details on studiofilmcafe@gmail.com. And ya, no need to get disappointed if you don't find yourself in the coming week. Who knows, it might be your turn next... Cheers!!

Watch the Twin Trouble chasing Mahi on MahiSagar

India’s one stop destination for Humour - Big Magic’s MahiSagar has an out of the ordinary chatpata dose for fans this week! With an interesting turn of events Mahi lands up in a double role game. Viewers are in for a rib-tickling special episode this Monday 1st September 2014 at 7.30pm!

As per the track, Anusuya convinces the conventional Mahi to try on western clothes for a photo-shoot. Reluctantly agreeing to it Mahi goes on for the shoot. Hilarity ensues when Chachi- Naani comes home unexpected and is shocked to see Mahi in a modern avatar. Being a heart patient, no one wants to take a risk and so Sagar claims that this is actually Mahi’s twin sister Simi.  Thus, begins the double role chase. Every now and then Mahi has to come in a desi or a modern costume to make Chachi-Naani believe in the twin sister story. How long will this game go on? Will Chachi-Naani ever find out the reality? What will be her reaction?

MahiSagar is a A rib-tickling offering set in the background of Gujarat, show revolves around the life of a sweet, carefree small-town girl who is pitted against her politically distinguished mother-in-law. With an amusing storyline and stellar cast featuring Vandana Pathak, MahiSagar is aired on Big Magic at 7.30pm. The show has captured the audience’s imagination and received a lot of adulation from fans and critics alike. So don’t miss the rib-tickling dose of MahiSagar at 7.30 pm this Monday 1st September only on India’s one stop destination for Humour – Big Magic

Appeal to make ‘Roar-Tigers of Sundarbans’ a tax free film in India

Films are the most effective medium to reach out to the masses at large and spread awareness about issues of grave importance. As a result, movies that highlight social causes and lives of inspirational people are on a rise. Aware of this fact, the government today aims to encourage these films by making them tax free. In recent times, Mardaani and Mary Kom have received government support in the form of tax exemptions for hard hitting matters they tackle.

Another such film is ‘Roar-Tigers of Sundarbans’ which focuses on a sensitive issue of Tiger poaching and encroachment of their natural habitat. The gripping tale revolves around the inhabitants of the Sundarbans who are haunted by angry roars of a Royal Bengal Tigress. They are ready to hunt the vicious yet beautiful creature down as she continues to unleash havoc on them.

This film gives audiences an opportunity to ponder upon the serious repercussions of environmental problems. Humans are infringing upon Tiger’s territory causing it to enter human land for survival. Consequently, man in order to defend himself aims to kill the animal. How far will people go to protect themselves? Unlike humans, animals are guided purely by instinct, so think! Is the act of killing necessary or can there be a better way?

This is a story every Indian should watch and know about. Providing a tax free status to ‘Roar-Tigers of Sundarbans’ will make it affordable for every Indian to watch and learn about the fate of the Tiger. This is an important step in the right direction. Save the Tiger, support the cause. Make it Tax Free..!!

Bacardi NH7 Weekender 2014 announces lineup of the happiest music festival

The fifth edition of India’s happiest music festival returns this November with a huge lineup of some incredible artists from India and around the world. Over the last four years, the Bacardi NH7 Weekender has grown to be one of the country’s most beloved musical weekends - representing Bacardi India and Only Much Louder’s commitment to giving fans unforgettable musical experiences - a reflection of the untameable spirit of the festival. This year, over 100 artists will play on six different stages at the Bacardi NH7 Weekender’s four editions - November 1-2 in Kolkata, November 8-9 in Bangalore, November 21-23 in Pune and November 29-30 in Delhi.

From critically-acclaimed international headliners, to homegrown musical heroes, this year’s Bacardi NH7 Weekender lineup has something for all sorts of discerning music lovers. Classic Bacardi NH7 Weekender stages like the Bacardi Arena and The Dewarists return, while recent additions like the Red Bull Tour Bus and this year’s home of electronic music, mmx.beat, will also host some incredible live performances.

Speaking about this year’s Bacardi NH7 Weekender lineup, Only Much Louder CEO Vijay Nair adds, “Preparing the lineup of the Bacardi NH7 Weekender is one of the most fun creative processes in the run up of the festival. It is also one of the most challenging. Achieving the right balance of exciting international live performers, one-night-only festival sets, acts that people will discover and fall in love with after catching them live at the festival, and unmissable Indian artists is really important to creating the perfect festival experience. And this year, I think we’ve managed to strike that balance really well."

After a successful pre sale of tickets that sold out in a matter of hours, regular tickets for the festival will be available on Insider.in on Friday, August 22. Fans can gain access to special Community pricing (a significant discount on regular ticket prices) by signing up to the Bacardi NH7 Weekender Community on NH7.in/Weekender. Community registrations will be open for a limited time only.

International Artists

Right from the English indie rockers The Vaccines that will play their first ever live shows in India at the Pune and Delhi editions of the festival this year, American heavy metal superstars Fear Factory will also debut in Pune and Delhi.  Beloved by rock fans all over, Valiant US rockers MuteMath will return after an unforgettable headlining performance at the Delhi edition of the festival in 2013. This year, the band will play the Kolkata and Bangalore editions of the festival, bringing their irresistible energy and unique brand of alternative rock to these cities for the first time.

In her decade-long career Sarah Blasko, a singer-songwriter hailing from Sydney, Australia, has released four acclaimed solo albums (I Awake, As Day Follows Night, What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have and The Overture & The Underscore). Sarah has composed music for film, theatre and dance, and mesmerised audiences with her stunning live shows across most of Europe, North America and Australia. Her most recent album tour for I Awake was her most ambitious, the highlight being two sold out concerts with a 45 piece orchestra at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Sarah is currently writing her fifth solo album and this is her first time performing in India - she will perform at the Kolkata and Bangalore editions of the festival.

At the Pune and Delhi editions of the festival British singer-songwriter Garba Touré, Aliou Touré, Oumar Touré and Nathanael Dembélé that comprise Songhoy Blues, a rock band from Mali will perform.  The other band to play at the same editions include a rock on performance by Luke Sital-Singh as well from the English alternative rock band Dinosaur Pile-Up who broke out of the thriving Leeds rock scene of the time and instantly drew favourable comparisons to the cream of '90s US college rock.

Other international artists include Pakistani electronic music producer Talal Qureshi, Australian indie rockers Cloud Control, English producer Jon Hopkins, Pakistan's Sachal Jazz Ensemble, US indie pop act Goldspot, US indie rockers Motopony, etc.

Indian Artists on the other hand include composer Amit Trivedi, Skyharbor, The Raghu Dixit Project feat. Nrityarutya, Indian Ocean's Tandanu, The Manganiyar Classroom by Roysten Abel, All India Bakchod, Bombay Punk United and The Delhi Alternative, Monica Dogra, Bhayanak Maut, Pentagram (Unplugged) and others.

Few bands have symbolised the breakout of the Indian independent music scene as well as Pentagram. Comprised of Vishal Dadlani, Randolph Correia, Shiraz Bhattacharya and Makarand ‘Papal’ Mane, Pentagram’s electro-rock sound has defined a generation on indie music fans. At the four editions of the festival this year though, fans will experience another facet of the band’s live prowess - a stripped-down Unplugged set featuring reworked renditions of many of the band’s popular songs.

Deva O Devaa Ganpati Deva, Tumse Badhkar Kaun…

Today is the day of the arrival of Lord Ganesha - the harbinger of success at all homes. The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great pomp, zeal and splendor in Mumbai and the glitterati of Bollywood and the Television industry are not immune to this huge festival. While almost every television soap includes Ganpati festivities in their track, many of our television stars celebrate the coming of Lord Ganesha in real life too. While for some it’s all about eco-friendly Ganesha, some like to celebrate it the traditional way. And the ones who don’t get it home, they are either at their friends or relatives place or just visit Lalbagh cha Raja or Siddhi Vinayak for blessings. And while they are not shooting for the serial with the lord, they don’t mind going pandal hopping too, says a few.

And the same goes with our film fraternity too. While Nana Patekar continues the tradition of the festival started five decades ago by his father, Superstar Salman Khan has faithfully celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi for the last decade at his home in Bandra Galaxy Apartment. Almost all major Bollywood celebrities take part in the pooja and celebrations held in the homes - be it Akshay Kumar, Govinda, Shilpa Shetty, Rani Mukherjee, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Raveena Tandon and Shreyas Talpade. Not to forget mentioning Jeetendra and his daughter Ekta who has a Ganesh Chaturthi celebration in nearly all the serials that are on air during this sanctum occasion.

As our favourite actors share their ideas on how they celebrate the Ganpati festival in this special feature, we will take you around to tell you how your favourite celebs celebrate the Ganesh festival at home too.

Vipul Roy

Actor

It's the best time of the year for me and this time it's more special as the next day August 30th is my birthday too!!  It's my 8th year of bringing Ganesha home!! And a huge number of people turn up rite from Friends to acquaintances and that's the best part. And that’s precisely was the idea with which Ganesha festival was started. Ganpati Bappa Morya…

Twishaa Bhatt Sandhu

Actress

It’s been 7 years now that I do visit Lalbagh cha Raja and like any other devotee, I too stand in the queue for long long hours just to get a glimpse of him. And the wait is worthwhile. While visiting him, I don’t expect any preferential treatment and this is my way of paying obeisance. I don’t get the Lord at my place, but I have been planning to do that and hopefully if Bappa agrees, maybe next year I will be welcoming him

Like any other Indian festival, Ganeshotsav is celebrated with lots of excitement and the atmosphere in the entire state is so happy happy.. You just can’t be sad when Bappa is around. In my childhood, 10 days of Ganpati Bappa in our society meant coming home only to sleep. It was so much fun with the aartis to the cultural event that followed - I have fond memories of my childhood attached to the festival.

Soon, I will start shooting for a new show from September and with the blessings of Bappa may soon do a movie for which talks are on.

 

Amit Behl

Actor
We have been getting Ganeshji since 2000 and this will be the 14th year. We celebrate it in a very traditional Maharashtra fashion as my wife is a Maharashtrian.

Amrita Dutta

Fashion Photographer

Ganesh Chaturthi is synonymous with the state of Maharashtra, but Mumbai is where the fun never ends.  This is not because the festival is observed at a grand scale here, but cos of our beloved Lalbaug cha Raja. The 10-days festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and it’s also one of the best times when we photographers are click happy. And Lord Ganesha is my most revered deity and thus Ganesh Chaturthi happens to be the most happening event of the year for me.

While we don’t get the lord at our home, but we do celebrate it my maternal uncle’s (Mama). And the onus of the entire decoration comes on me. Every year we have a theme and this year we have the Peacock theme. Even I believe in being eco friendly but couldn’t do much with the murti’s, but we have been having the eco friendly visarjans as well as eco friendly decorations. Yes, we re-churn the decorations and yet give it a very different look each year. However, next year, I am planning to make an eco-friendly ganesha myself and perhaps that will be the start of a complete eco-friendly Ganeshotsav for us.

We bring the lord and rever him in our own way. We have got done of the priests unlike others and conduct all the rituals ourselves - it’s like having a direct connection to him. We love him like a kid, feed him delicacies that my aunts and my mom prepares and just like him, his modaks are my favourite too.

Shakti Arora

Actor

Currently doing Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi on colors, I have made it a point to be home to welcome my Lord. We bring a Ganesh idol at our place since many years now. Rather it would be right to say, that he gets we all family members together to welcome him home. This festival means a lot to me since it signifies that Ganeshji is a Vighnaharta - that means he solves all problems. Ganeshji in my life has played an important role too - he has.always solved my problems and given me whatever I have asked from him. He is more a friend and we enjoy celebrating his visit and presence every year with full josh'.

Umer Khan

Singer - Mile Sur 2 Winner

As Maharashtra and especially Mumbai gears up for 10-day long Ganesh Chaturthi beginning today with road-side pandals coming up in every corner of this metros, the Ganeshotsav fervor is one not to be missed in Mumbai. I basically belong to Srinagar, Kashmir and I had heard a lot about the Mumbai Ganeshotsav celebrations. It also amazes me as how all regardless of their religion or personal differences celebrate the festival in colorful ways. It seems, even Salman Khan celebrates it at his home. And this time I will be a witness to this frenzy and mammoth event - My first time to witness such an event in its magnitude and scale. I can see the city already in the festive mood. I will be visiting my friend’s home and will also witness the celebrations all across the city with my friends and colleagues.

Meghaa Mukherjee

Actress

I do not get a Ganeshji home, but I definitely visit Ganesh Pandals and friend's homes who get a Ganeshji. According to me, Lord Ganesha symbolizes purity, abundance and honesty. Some of the moorti especially which I have seen are marvellously made and simply makes my heart melt. It restores some hope and faith that there is still positivity left in the world and miracles can happen even today. My only concern is damage done to the environment due to many idols of ganesha going into the sea every year which can harm and destroy the marine life. We had an incident once where it was mentioned in the papers that millions of fish died the day of Ganesh Visarjan. I would like to ask that since god created this world, would Lord Ganesha be happy that we are destroying the world he has created? I pray people get together and try to find ways to reduce the number of idols and also use eco friendly Idols so that there is still a balance in the environment. I am spiritual but also i think it’s high time we all get realistic and care more about the world and its people. That’s true worship of Lord Ganesha, or any god/goddess for that matter. As of me, I am currently working with stray animals - helping arrange funds for food and medical supplies mainly dogs and cats. As well talks are on for a Bengali film early next year.

Neeraj Malviya

Actor

No, I don't get Ganeshji at my Mumbai home but in Bhopal we get him for 10 days. So on my behalf they do everything. But yeah, I do miss the fun and celebrations. However, I go to my friends place and its awesome feeling to visit and worship there. But the best thing about Ganeshotsav celebrations is Mumbai is the Visarjan - who will miss the Ganpati dance? And I would in no way miss that. As for my career, he has given me the best opportunities and Im thankful to Ganesha in every way. My Ek Mutthi Aasman is going off air on 12th September. Right now I’m doing a cameo in Rajan Shahi's show and talks are on for new projects.

Anubhav Krishna Srivastava

Actor

I don't bring the lord home but it does come in my Apartment where the whole society celebrates it for 5 days. To me that is as well bringing him to my abode too. Apart from this, I do celebrate it on my show Pavitra Rishta with my on screen father Hiten Tejwani. I am playing Sachin Deshmukh, the son of Archana and Manav. I also do visit pandals especially Lalbaug and Wadala as well go over to my friends house who keep Ganpatis

According to me, Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the best festivals as Ganeshji is not only the most popular god, but the best thing about Ganeshotsav is that it's not religion based. I have Muslim friends who bring in Ganpati at their place - that shows the love and respect for him. The enthusiasm is also at his best and we not only get to see the lovely avatars of Ganeshji in different pandals which is mesmerizing, but of course the delicious modaks, which is quite a favourite.

Deepak Wadhwa

Actor

I was hectically tied up with Qubool Hai for quite some time. In between I got a few days break and I rushed home to Delhi to be with my family. I so much wanted to get home a Ganpati this year, but since I’m in Delhi and not coming back for another couple of days I could not. Every Ganpati I usually go to my friend’s house and celebrate. Also on the last day I usually travel from my home to Versova jetty clicking pics, admiring different ganpati's and taking prasad from almost all the pandals..and the last one is my fav part.. hehe..

Since I have been staying in Mumbai since the last 4 years, Ganpati has definitely become a part of my life. The way people celebrate Ganpati in Mumbai is amazing. It reminds me of my childhood when we used to celebrate Diwali. I’m glad atleast people still celebrate festivals in the same fervor.

Ankush Salgotra

Actor

First of all, Ganpati Bappa Morya… Mangal Murti Morya. I basically belong to Jammu and as such never got a chance to celebrate Ganeshotsav the way it is celebrated in Mumbai. But now stationed here for quite a few years, I celebrate Ganeshotsav by visiting family members and friends who get Ganpati at their place and also visit the various Ganesh pandals across the city. I always wanted to get a Ganesha home - but my family stays in Jammu and we believe that the lord is usually bought in the family home. And I am looking forward to the day when I can welcome Ganesha at my home. Ganeshotsav to me means seeing the lord - I believe in being celebrated all over. The decoration, the devotional chanting and the beautiful idols are very exciting. Also it gives me time to catch up with my friends and family during this season as being an Actor, life gets very hectic. And this gives more a reason than the time to visit all. Once again, wishing you all a very Happy Ganeshotsav.

Shruti Kulshrestha

Model & Actress

Ganesh utsav is always an auspicious festival for me. It is really a wonderful feeling to bring home a beautiful and cute Ganesha - the love of our life. In my childhood, I used to eager look forward to welcoming him and those 11 days would be real bliss for me. Ganesha brings with him his usual dose of luck, goodness and cheer to our home and spreads spirituality all across. Ganeshji is also the sign of prosperity and good luck and I strongly believe that Ganesh utsav always bring luck for me. We don’t do a fanciful puja but its all Dil se and with modak Prasad, his favourite and delicious food. My mom also prepares his favourite ladoos. I hereby invite all my friends, relatives and well wishers to my home to celebrate Ganeshotsav with me and chant Ganpati Bappa Moriya Mangal Murti Morya. Jai Ganesha..

Ameya Naik

Music Composer

Lord Ganapati comes to our home, rather his home since past 20 years, for 5 days, and his arrival every year brings us immense happiness, warmth, luck and love, as that’s what he is full of.

We usually get an Eco-Friendly Ganpati made out of paper mache from Sadguru Shri Aniruddha Upasana Trust.  This is what everyone should be going for now, to preserve our nature and the Sea.  Such an eco-friendly Ganpati, dissolves in water in 3 hours flat and is also painted with safe water soluble colours, which won’t harm the marine life.

We celebrate Ganeshotsav in a very different way. We do not believe in any fixed ritual done by any priest, which everyone does. Our beliefs are very true and practical. As Lord Aniruddha (Bapu) teaches us that God is only a sea of love and when he comes to your house, You yourself need to welcome him in your own way, which he loves the most, and accepts whatever you do, however you do it, with love. He does not need any agent like the priests, to take your prayers to him. I think this is a very important thought which can change lives of people, as this is the right way of worshipping God.

So all of us family members perform the pooja everyday and say mantras we know, and those which we enjoy chanting. After that we feed the prasad to our Lord Ganesha and then do the Maha Aarti in the morning and evening. Many people visit our house as they love the strong vibrations of love, peace and joy during these five days of the celebrations. Being into music, there are many artists who come, and perform on their own as they take lot more back home after performing here. So Lord Ganapati, is our biggest friend who loves us no end and always blesses our family every second.

As I hurriedly finish off writing this piece, Mumbai and Bollywood is already soaked in a devotional spirit as the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities starts off. Even I am rushing home to welcome Bappa at my abode and usher in the festive spirit with his favourite modaks and ladoos. On the way I can see a sea of people carrying Ganesha home while the fm in my car is busy playing...

Deva O Devaa, Ganpati Devaa, Tumse Badhkar Kaun; Swami Tumse Badhkar Kaun

Aur Tumhare Bhakt Jano me Humse Badhkar Kaun; Swami Humse Badhkar Kaun...

Mohan Das

Exculsive: Watch Priyanka Chopra's Favorite Trailer Moment NOW!

Paramount Pictures India has released a brand new exclusive YouTube video featuring Priyanka Chopra as she shares her Favorite moment from the ‘Mary Kom’ Trailer. Watch the gritty actress as she reveals her favorites scenes from the trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KihhYFz4VzU

‘Mary Kom’, the film is about the Indian Boxer and Olympic Bronze medallist MC Mary Kom. Depicting her life, struggles, family and her perseverance to be the best - Priyanka Chopra stars as Mary Kom along with Darshan Kumaar, Sunil Thapa, Shishir Sharma and American actor Zachary Coffin. Directed by Omung Kumar, ‘Mary Kom’ is produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures & Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film is scheduled for release on September 5, 2014. 

Randeep Hooda & Nandana Sen heat it up in the melodious title track of ‘Rang Rasiya’

Bollywood’s upcoming period drama film ‘Rang Rasiya’ released the video of the film’s title track ~ a Kirti Sagathia-Sunidhi Chauhan masterpiece. This film is based on the life of 19th century Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma & is directed by Ketan Mehta. The director released the video as a gift to his lead stars Randeep and Nandana who recently celebrated their birthdays. The very talented singers Kirti Sagathia and Sunidhi Chauhan who have rendered their melodious voices to this romantic number, showcases the brilliant chemistry shared by Randeep Hooda as Raja Ravi Varma and his muse Sugandha, played by the gorgeous Nandana Sen. The song uses traditional instruments and creates magic on screen with its addictive beats.

The duo has set the screen on fire with intense romance in the beautiful landscapes of 19th century. Raja Ravi Varma and Sugandha’s love blossoms amidst breathtaking waterfalls, royal architectures, majestic palace of Vadodara and picturesque landscapes. The video portrays the painter as a man beyond his generation, a thinker with boundless talent and one who lives his life to the fullest. Nandana Sen looks gorgeous as the muse, lover and goddess, whereas Randeep steals hearts as the passionate painter.

Jayantilal Gada, CMD of Pen India Pvt Ltd said, "I am happy to associate with this great film directed by Ketan ji. Randeep and Nandana have acted really well in the film along with melodious music by Sandesh Shandiliya. It's a story based in the 19th century but with this film people will remember it for years to come.”

Director of the film, Ketan Mehta says "It’s an inspiring story of an inspiring man - a great artist who fought against all odds for the idea of freedom of expression- I simply had to make this film."

The composer of the title track ‘Rang Rasiya’ Sandesh Shandilya, said that this track is the best music of his career. The soulful lyrics have been penned by Manoj Muntashi. Presented by Jayantilal Gada (Pen), Rang Rasiya is directed by Ketan Mehta, produced by Deepa Sahi and Aanand Mahendroo. It stars Randeep Hooda, Nandana Sen and newcomer Triptha Parashar in the lead roles. ‘Rang Rasiya’ is slated for a Diwali release. Watch the title track of ‘Rang Rasiya’ here:

Punkaj Challaani's Mamachya Gavala Jaaoo Yaa gives new perspective to Marathi cinema

Kids these days are born geniuses! The way they handle modern gadgets gives us a feel that they are IT experts. No wonder they are born in the era of Information Technology, but the continuous exposure to smart phones, tablets and computers has only led to many diseases at a very young age. Even the physical activity of children has greatly reduced due to technology.

Until some years ago, trips were planned to maternal uncle's place long before the holidays arrived. There was a different fun which the age-old song rightly said 'Jaaoo Yaa... Mamachya Gavala Jaaoo Yaa’ (Let's go to maternal uncle's place). But these days, kids seem to have forgotten the song. In addition to this, nuclear family systems have resulted in kids being distant from their grandparents and thus missing out the important things required for their upbringing. Parents engrossed in corporate lifestyle hardly spend quality time with their children, thereby creating gaps in relationships. So to close the widening gap between relationships and to again bring people close to nature, Pune based Punkaj Challaani thought of producing Mamachya Gavala Jaaoo Yaa.

Punkaj hails from the finance background. But the sheer love of the Marathi language and interest towards cinema encouraged him to produce Marathi films. Having earlier co-produced DhageDore, he had the confidence and thus he decided to produce Mamachya Gavala Jaaoo Yaa as an independent producer.

"Love, hatred and revenge are the orthodox factors on which majority of Marathi films are based. The audience is bored of watching such oft repeated content. But when writer-director Sameer Joshi came to me with the script of Mamachya Gavala Jaaoo Yaa, I immediately said yes. There were two reasons why this film touched my heart. One, the film has the content which is a complete family entertainer and two; the film revolves around the emotional world of kids. I was confident that I could give an all-round entertainment to the viewers," opines Punkaj Challaani.

Marathi Family Entertainment Film set in forest by Punkaj Challaani, Mamachya Gavala Jaaoo Yaa is shot in a Satara jungle near Pune for 30 days and will also see Abhijeet Khandkekar and Mrunmayee Deshpande in pivotal roles. The film is being distributed by Pickle Entertainment all across Maharashtra.

NFDC Film Bazaar Calls for Entries for Producers Lab 2014

Kyoorius announces the second edition of Kyoorius Design Awards

Kyoorius in association with D&AD, will announce the winners of the 2014 Kyoorius Design Awards at an awards party on 13th September at Grand Hyatt in Goa. The awards night promises to be a celebration of Indian design like no other, done in the signature Kyoorius way.

Now in its second year, Kyoorius Design Awards is the only awards programme in India that recognizes exceptional work created across a breadth of disciplines such as Branding & Identity, Communication Design, Book Design, Editorial Design, Design for Space, Packaging, Writing for Design. In addition to these there are individual categories for Design Crafts such as Illustration and Typography, while the Design for Good category awards work that promotes social awareness

Jury sessions comprised of some of the best creative minds from across the world who were flown down to Pune to judge the entries. The diverse 6-member jury comprised of  Jury Foreman Michael Johnson – Creative Director, Johnson banks, Felix Ng – Creative Director, Anonymous, Brandon McCormick – Creative Director, FITCH, Alok Nanda – Founder & CEO, Alok Nanda & Company, Anthony Lopez – CEO & Principal Designer, Lopez Design and Ram Sinam – Co-Founder, Trapeze.

Out of the 680 entries submitted, a total of 72 in-book winners have been announced who will go on to be nominated for Blue or Black Elephants. In-book winners include work by leading design studios and consultancies, including Alok Nanda & Company, Umbrella Design, Redlion, Curry Nation, Chlorophyll Brand and Communications Consultancy, Kulture Shop, Bombay Duck Designs, Locopopo, Trapeze, Lotus, as well as agencies such as Ogilvy & Mather, Publicis India and Grey Worldwide.

The Kyoorius Awards have no tiers, no bronze, silver, or gold. Only the best work is awarded, and the jury can choose to not award any work in a category if they find that it is not up to the mark. Over the course of the 3 days of Kyoorius Designyatra, the shortlisted work will be exhibited at the Grand Hyatt so that professionals and students in attendance can get a glimpse into the outstanding work that has been created over the past year. While these shortlisted entries are nominees for the Elephant Awards, all nominations will be featured in the Kyoorius Design Awards Annual – distributed to over 5000 corporates and creatives across India – providing an invaluable and unrivaled source of creative inspiration.

Rajesh Kejriwal, Founder CEO of Kyoorius commented, “We are trying to fuel a design movement in India through our continued efforts to expand the platform. The response for the Kyoorius Design Awards has doubled since last year and continues to grow thanks to the support and participation of the entire design fraternity.

Jury members responded to work that had an added cultural nuance that made them distinctly Indian. They were especially impressed with the quality of writing in the work, which is one of our hidden strengths.”

The awards party is free for all Designyatra attendees and remains free for those who would like to attend only the awards function.

Big Magic’s Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal unleashes a secret from the Emperor’s past

India’s one stop destination for Humour - Big Magic’s Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal has an out of the ordinary chatpata hunt for fans this week! With an interesting turn of events Akbar misplaces Rani Sahiba’s prized wedding ring. Viewers are in for a rib-tickling special dual episode this Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th August 2014 at 9pm!

As the episode begins, almighty Akbar comes forth to a reality that his jeweller Manganlal has been selling fake stones and jewellery to the people since 25years. Taken aback with this revelation and to shy away from embarrassment, Akbar tries all the tricks in the book to get the ring off Rani Saheba’s finger. After a lot of failed attempts he finally manages to get hold of it and immediately gets rid of the ring by throwing it outside his palace window without realising the repercussion that would follow the next day. Thus, what followed was chaos and panic in the palace, since the ring Akbar threw was not fake.

Having realised his folly emperor Akbar announces lum sum prize money for that one man who gets the precious wedding ring back. Will Akbar ever get his ring back? Did anyone steal it from the palace? Will Birbal’s intelligence and wit save Akbar from loosing face in front of Rani Saheba? 

Featuring some of the best in comedy and television entertainment, Har Mushkil Ka Hal – Akbar Birbal is a fresh, comic take on the much-loved childhood folktales. The first in the genre of Historical Comedy, Akbar Birbal has captured the audience’s imagination with its delightful storyline and stellar cast featuring Kiku Sharda, Delnaz Irani, Vishal Kotian and Kishwar Merchant.  Aired on Big Magic at 9pm, the show has received a lot of adulation from fans and critics alike. Over social media, there has been an outpouring of praise for the well-crafted script, the actors’ quick comic timing and their unique chemistry.

Don’t miss the rib-tickling episode of Har Muskhil Ka Hal – Akbar Birbal at 9pm This Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th August only on India’s one stop destination for Humour - Big Magic.

An expert on diets, Amit Sadh puts in numerous hours of research and reading

Amit Sadh has always believed in staying fit. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Amit's understanding of fitness is not limited to hitting the gym and bulking up. He believes in the wellness beyond everything else. The star adheres to a strict diet. His current diet regime is good balanced intakes at regular time intervals, a diet plan drawn from selection and balance oppose to abstinence that most go for. The star is invested in fitness to such a degree that he is an expert on diets himself. He has put in numerous hours of research and reading along with consulting some of the leading dietitians in B-town.

Amit is now himself a professional as far as diet regimes go. The star’s current diet plan has been designed himself and his gym trainer swears by its success. Amit alters’ this diet plan himself to match his current requirements in the gym as and when required.

Amit’s skill is no secret on the sets of Guddu Rangeela. Amit has now embraced his gift and is providing professional consultation to quite a few people on the sets. He is often approached by members of the crew for consultation. Like the disciplined professional that he is, he sits down with them hears their schedules and requirements and draws a personalized diet chart for them.

Amit has only one advice for anyone who wants to follow a healthy diet, “There is only mantra for success of a diet - Discipline". Guddu Rangeela is an upcoming Indian comedy film, directed by Subhash Kapoor. It stars Arshad Warsi, Amit Sadh and Ronit Roy in lead roles.

Sony’s New HXR-MC2500 shoulder-style HD camcorder offers strong night or indoors performance and stable shooting for long events

Sony has announced the HXR-MC2500, a new addition to its High Definition (HD) range of memory camcorders. The HXR-MC2500 offers an ideal balance of performance and functionality in the digital era, with a wide variety of features necessary for serious videographers, and well within their reach at an affordable price point. Sony has designed the HXR-MC2500 with several enhancements over its existing HXR-MC1500/2000 camera models, including an improved Exmor R CMOS sensor and new features such as a built-in LED light, OLED viewfinder, Wi-Fi functionality, DV memory recording and a Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe. With these enhancements over previous models, the HXR-MC2500 is an ideal cost-effective solution for event videographers such as wedding videographers, who desire strong low-light performance, high picture quality, operational flexibility and reliability.

“The HXR-MC2500 is a prime example of how we’ve combined advanced imaging technologies with a host of operational features that the market today needs,” said Norihisa Mizuno, Head of Broadcast & Content Creation Solutions, Professional Solutions Company (PSAP), Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited. “Our customers now enjoy a more comprehensive product offering from Sony, with this model providing practical functions that professionals need, such as wireless connectivity and longer recording time.”

Key Features of the HXR-MC2500

Highly-sensitive Exmor R CMOS sensor and built-in LED light

The HXR-MC2500 is capable of shooting clearly even in low-light or indoor environments. Its highly-sensitive Exmor R CMOS sensor adopts a back-illuminated technology that enables the image sensor to utilise incidental light more efficiently (minimum illuminance of 0.8 lux for NTSC and 0.7 lux for PAL), helping the videographer to achieve rich image quality even during low-light shooting situations. Moreover, the HXR-MC2500 is also equipped with a convenient built-in LED light for valuable extra illumination.

Wide angle view, high contrast 1.44 million dots OLED viewfinder and 0.92 million dots 3-inch wide LCD panel for easy framing of shooting objects

The new camera is equipped with an OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder, offering a high resolution of approximately 1.44 million dots with high contrast levels. Sony’s proprietary viewfinder technologies allow for better tonal reproduction and more detailed picture information of shooting objects. In addition, there is also the built-in 3-inch wide high resolution LCD panel (approximately 0.92 million dots) for crisp and bright views.

Wi-Fi/NFC functions for seamless connection to smartphones

The HXR-MC2500 can connect to mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets via a Wi-Fi connection, enabling monitoring and remote control functions such as start/stop recording, zoom control, iris control and touch auto focus. Furthermore, it is also NFC-capable (Near Field Communications) to allow easy, one-touch wireless connections to compatible mobile devices.

Ideal for long event shooting achieved by embedded 32GB internal flash memory and low power consumption

A 32GB internal flash memory storage system on board of the HXR-MC2500 enables longer duration recording of more than 150 minutes. In addition, by using a combination of the internal flash memory and memory card in the MS/SD slot, recording functions such as “Relay” and “Simultaneous” for backup can be available. When Sony’s L-Series InfoLithium battery NP-F970 (optional) is used, the HXR-MC2500 is capable of continuous long recording of up to 14 hours. This is a critical feature for important occasions where operators may not have the luxury to stop the camera, such as during the filming of wedding ceremonies or other live events.

More Professional Features for Event Shooting

• 26.8mm Wide-Angle Lens - one of the lenses with the widest angles in this class of camera, which enables wide-angle shooting even in small places
• DV Memory – in addition to AVCHD Full HD format support, SD format support includes DV memory
• Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe - expands options to use accessories without cables, such as the UWP-D11 wireless microphone receiver and XLR audio input by XLR adapter
• BNC Composite Terminal - enables the use of BNC cables which prevents cable disconnect during critical shooting occasions such as live recording
• TC/UB Implementation - Time Code and User Bit are included for situations like multi-camera shoots 

The HXR-MC2500 will be available in Asia Pacific in October 2014 for PAL model and in November 2014 for NTSC model.

A Dance Dhamaka with step up all in Mad About Dance

With the release of Step Up All In on 29th August '14- the fifth installment in the biggest and hottest dance movie franchise of all time; and Mad About Dance  on 22nd August everyone is breathing, living and talking about dance! Dance is a passion that evokes emotion, angst and dedication and it requires a great deal of perseverance to make it a profession. Both movies releasing back to back in August focus on the youth, their dreams, anxieties, disappointments and hopes for their future and of course Dance. In Step Up All In it’s an all-star cast with your favorite characters ‘Moose, Eddie, Camille, Alexxa, Hair and Jason and their mind blowing dance moves from previous instalments returning to create a storm on the dance floor coming together to collaborate for a VH1 competition called "The Vortex" which may give them a chance to win a 3 year contract to perform at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. With MAD a young Indian lad trying to make it big in the world of dance in the UK fighting against bigotry and proving his passion for dance.

The other common streak in both movies is an ultimate dance showdown which will make or break their careers of the protagonist’s In STEP UP ALL IN the final dance off at the Vortex  is exceptional with mind blowing choreography which reminds you once again of the calibre of the series and why it is a favourite of choreographers across the globe. Back home M.A.D which stars Saahil Prem and Amrit Maghera also has a final showdown at the National dance off competition with a patriotic feel proving once and for all that Indians can dance (DID not withstanding)!

Disney Channel premieres the once in a lifetime experience at Disneyland Resort California

This Sunday onward, get ready to get transported to the happiest place on Earth - Disneyland. All you need to do is find yourself a comfortable spot on the couch, switch on your television sets and tune into Disney Channel with your family. For the first time since the launch of the channel’s iconic initiative ‘Jet Set Go’, wherein Disney flew Indian families on an all expense paid trip to Disneyland, the channel will chronicle the experiences of the five lucky Indian families who flew to the five Disneylands this year through a one hour dedicated episode every Sunday. Beginning August 24, Disney Channel will narrate the extraordinary trip of the Dalal family who visited Disneyland Resort California.

As part of the one hour special, Disney Channel will document the priceless moments of the Indian family’s first ever trip to Disneyland. The Dalals were not only put up in VIP enclosures to take pleasure of all the live shows and amazing rides, but the channel also ensured special arrangements for the family throughout their trip. In a surreal moment, the family was welcomed by their favourite princess Snow White and the young daughters Dhvani and Pankti dressed up as Disney princesses Snow White and Cinderella to surprise their parents. From meeting the classic characters like Mickey and Minnie to taking an exclusive tram ride with Goofy, this holiday was nothing short of a dream come true for the family.

In the end 13 year old Dhvani Dalal aptly summarizes the entire experience as she says, “Visiting Disneyland was the best family vacation that we could have ever dreamt for. Our surprise dress up as Disney princesses bought tears of joy in my parents’ eyes. This visit will forever remain as one of our most cherished memories as a family.”

So put on your seatbelts and get ready to be part of one magical journey every Sunday as experiences from Disneyland Resorts California, Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Hong Kong Disneyland and the Disney Cruise await you. Don’t miss the special episode of Jet Set Go 3 with Dalal family at Disneyland Resorts California on Sunday, August 24, 2014 at 10:30 AM only on Disney.

What is the truth: Sussanne Khan and Mehr Jesia Rampal clear the air in an exclusive interview

The film industry is characterized by the need to stay ahead in the race, and in such an environment true friendships are hard to come by. Gossips and rumours are common tools to disgrace people and bring them down and budding friendships between actors and their families is a rare sight. One such case is that of Sussanne Khan and Mehr Jesia Rampal.

The two best friends were introduced to each other by their respective better halves and have remained close since then. Sussanne and Mehr who chose to keep quiet about controversy regarding Sussanne’s divorce form Hrithik have finally opened up to media to set the record straight for the sake of their children.

“We have to be hawks to protect them to set the record straight with dignity and decided that we need to talk about this. We need to make people understand that you cannot bully people and cannot demean people's character and get away with it”, said Sussanne.

In the exclusive interview with a leading publication, both the ladies cleared the air about their various appearances and absences that had snowballed into fabricated stories in the media. Speaking about this traumatic phase, Sussanne was quoted as saying, “My relationship with Hrithik will always be what it is. We have a good bond as parents first and that is our priority. And we will always remain close. Mehr and Arjun are like family to me and we have this beautiful relationship and are so close.”

Mehr also added, “Sussanne is my sister and knows more about me than Arjun or my mom knows. She is my closest friend from the industry. Sussanne and I have even done holidays together without our husbands and children.”

The two share a beautiful bond that helped Sussanne through all the media glare and scrutiny during her time of trouble. They have been each other’s support system for a long time so much that Sussanne considers Mehr and Arjun her family, often going out for dinners with them. These rumours have affected their families which led the two beautiful women to give out a statement ending all false news.

Sussanne is a strong independent woman who loves her kids and family and feels that media reports are maligning her image and causing pain to her loved ones. Mehr has stood strong through all the controversies and hope that all these reports will stop before they have a wrong impact on her children. Media has been churning out stories about Hrithik, Sussanne, Arjun and Mehr concocting false information, and the two women hope that through this interview all rumours will be put to rest and  they can move ahead in their life and career.

Educating Rita a British Comedy by Willy Russell on 28th Aug at NCPA Experimental Theatre

This modern day British comedy written by Willy Russell and which has lured many an audiences all over the world, is being staged in Mumbai again after almost 20 years. Rita, a 26 year old married hair-dresser, who is hungry to 'know everything' gets assigned to the English tutor Frank in an open university course. Frank, in his fifties, is a disillusioned professor who takes to drinking, so much so that he keeps his whisky bottles stashed behind the books in his library. Rita enters his life as a breeze of fresh air and life changes for the both of them. However, the lack of support from her husband, the fight she has to put up against the age old norms of a married woman getting an education instead of having a baby and the problems of a formal education geared only to pass exams she loses her fresh and intuitive approach. And thus their relationship takes a number of twists and turns which do not fail to amuse and amaze the audiences. Willy Russell has woven the various threads of human relations in a marvellous fashion with startling remarks on the state of society, education as well as the difficulties a married woman faces to get an education.

This play was first staged by the great theatre guru Pt. Satyadev Dubey in-'93-'94 in which he enacted the role of Frank along with the veteran Marathi actress Neena Kulkarni enacting the role of Rita and was received with great applause. This time around the play is being directed by the well-known Stage, TV and Film Director Pratima Kulkarni with Prof. Ajit Kelkar (also known as 'The Common Man' by many) and Dr. Pradnya Shastri essaying the roles of Frank and Rita.

The premier show in Mumbai will be held at the NCPA Experimental theatre on Thursday 28th August 2014 at 6-30 PM. The bookings are open at the venue and at www.bookmyshow.com