India to be global entertainment superpower: FICCI-KPMG report

Speedy execution of policies; approvals for multiplexes, live events & film shoots will pave way for India to be global entertainment superpower: FICCI-KPMG report

MUMBAI, March 25, 2015.

India could well become a global entertainment superpower, provided key enablers such as flawless and timely execution of policies and  interventions at a local level like speeding up permissions for multiplexes, live events and film shoots are put in place by the government. For the Indian media and entertainment players it is imperative to have tailored content strategies for global, national and local audiences and a focus on building the relevant digital and physical touch points to enable easier and more open and interactive access, says the FICCI-KPMG  Indian Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2015, titled ‘Shooting for the Stars’. The report was released here today at the inaugural session of FICCI FRAMES 2015.   The report notes that India’s significant consumer market base, and increasingly favourable macro-economic and regulatory environment have prompted several investors and global players to look to the Indian market for growth.   Their optimism stems from the fact that the building blocks for future growth have been put in place in 2014 – such as new spectrum for mobile, ongoing digitization in cable, consolidation in exhibition, and Phase III auctions for radio. With the advertising boost from the ICC cricket world cup, strong projections for economic growth and on the base of these building blocks, 2015 holds great promise for the industry.

2014 has been a turning point for the Media and Industry sector in India in many ways. Post general elections, with a stable government at the centre, business sentiment has been positive and bolstered by a number of growth promoting policy initiatives taken in the recent months. A benign external environment and the presence of a stable government prompted the Economic Survey to suggest that India has reached a sweet spot and could finally be launched on a double-digit medium-term growth trajectory. Top global institutes also have an upbeat view on India. Rating agency S&P called India the Asia-Pacific region’s bright spot while the International Monetary Fund revised up India’s growth forecast, expecting its growth rate to surpass China’s in 2016.

  The FICCI-KPMG report points out that in the media sector, digital media continued its rapid penetration, as indicated by the stupendous 44.5 per cent growth in digital advertising in 2014 over 2013. One of the major highlights in 2014 was the announcement of ‘Digital India – A programme to transform India into digital’ by the new Government at the Centre. India topped as the world’s fastest growing smartphone market. By the end of 2014, India had around 116 million internet enabled smartphones and the number is expected to reach 435 million by the year 2019. This growth presents a good opportunity for digital content aggregators, advertisers, app developers and online streaming companies to engage users through relevant mobile-led strategies.

- See more at: http://www.filmytown.com/india-global-entertainment-superpower-ficci-kpmg-report/

CELEBRATE A SUPERHERO MARCH WITH STAR MOVIES!

Star Movies celebrates the month the superhero way!

Give in to your Superhero Mania this month as Star Movies brings to you some of the most loved Superhero movies of all times! Please find the line- up below and meet your superhoeroes at home only on star movies.

22^nd March

Premiere @ 9pm

Captain America: The Winter Soldier – As Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world, teams up with another super soldier, the black widow, to battle a new threat from old history known as the Winter Soldier.

Cast: Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson

24^th March

Blockbuster @ 9pm

Spider-Man 3 – A strange black entity from another world bonds with Peter Parker and causes inner turmoil as he contends with new villains, temptations, and revenge.

Cast: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Topher Grace

25^th March

Blockbuster @ 9pm

The Hulk –  Bruce Banner, a genetics researcher with a tragic past, suffers an accident that causes him to transform into a raging green monster everytime he gets angry.

Cast: Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliott  

30^th March

Blockbuster @ 9pm

Thor 2: The Dark World – The second installment is all about how Thor teams up with Loki to save the Nine Realms from the Dark Elves led by the vengeful Malekith, who intends to plunge the universe into darkness.

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman and Sir Anthony Hopkins

Star Struck @ 11pm

Nanak Shah Fakir spans 70 years: Sartaj Singh Pannu

Director of the first biopic on Guru Nanak talks why it was difficult to make a film on the Guru 

Easily one of the most iconic personalities to have been born in India, Guru Nanak is one person whose story deserves to be told. Strangely however it took over a 100 years cinema to finally have a film on a personality that defines so much about India. Directed by Sartaj Singh Pannu, Nanak Shah Fakir features powerful actors such as Tom Alter, Adil Hussain and Arif Zakaria has been shot across the country in an effort to stay true to the settings of Nanak's era. The trailer has just been launched and the film is set to release in April this year. Here's an excerpt with the director.

Nanak Shah Fakir is the first biopic on Guru Nanak. What do you think took so long for film to be made on him?

Because it can steer instant controversy. Firstly projection of Guru Nanak in flesh and blood is not acceptable, therefore  to make hundred percent  live action it not possible. Second, animation is very expense, third certain facts in history are  blurred between factual and rituals, fourth it requires  huge budget to mount  a film on Guru Nanak as he traveled far and wide in 15^th century.

When you started working  on this film what were your biggest hurdles?

To make a film without showing Guru Nanak, so we had multiple meeting with Mr. Pankaj Kandpur, creative   director  Tata Elxsi.  Mark D’Souza  our in-house VFX supervisor of the film  worked  on CG test  shots  with Mr. Pankaj Kandpur for many month, till we reached technical  satisfactory level , after  months of back and forth we started shooting.  My Director Of Photography Sandip Patil used multiple cameras to insure fluidity of scenes which would later involve  tricky  CGI  shots in the Post

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How did you manage to keep the film true to the period. We understand you have shot across many states in the country.

Not many reference were available on pre- mogul era period films, intense research was done Payal Saluja, an NID graduate, a very experienced costume designer along with  Production Designers  worked really hard and stuck to brief, remained true to Socio- Geo-political and Economic culture of 14 & 15 century.  We were  ruled by Muslims of  Turk Persian origin, most of the country was Hindu, Persian was official government language but  we spoke Hindi.

As the story spanned around 70 years, from the birth  of guru nanak, till he departs, the Make-up department had to be exceptional. I had to convince my  producer to step up first prosthetic Lab in India  to  reduce cost on talent import and Prosthetic  material .Indigenous Prosthetic artist Preetisheel Singh and clover Wotton with team of 10 people worked over an year to give exact natural ageing on many character, designed severed limbs used in  first battle of Panipat war, made 50 years old men look 200 year humans living in Himalayas etc 

As guru nanak travelling extensively with his message of IK ONKAR.”One god’   he went north  south, east ,west. We shot in snow, desert, ocean, jungle, ladkh, Punjab, Mumbai, Gujarat, Rajasthan, oddisa, green room studios etc.

It was challenge for my unit  and my actors who  stood by the film  and shot at most adverse location with heavy costumes and face altering prosthetic which  sometimes took 4-6 six hours to complete especially   on Adil Husain and Tom alter, Arif and Manav Kaul 

How long did you take to complete the shoot of the film?

We started in April 2012 and completed 2013 October  The most aspiring part was the music rendered by Uttam Singh and sung by Nirmal Singh. The music gave me insight into spiritual feel of  the film and dialogues by Sagar Sarhadi were of poetic flavor

Did it not make sense to have a well known star to be a part of such a film? How did you choose your cast?

The film was very cumbersome, additional baggage of stars and paraphernalia would take the would be detrimental to film. I thought I required long commitment from technicians and actors , which Arif Zakaria  gave me. Mardana, reenacted by Arif was a rebaab player who  lived in village Talwandi of Guru Nanak, he was Guru Nanak’s  friend and companion during his childhood and all his travels. The story is narrated through his life and character.  

Nanak is your second film and comes almost 4 years after Soch Lo. What's your next?

Yeah, this has taken almost three years,  I have many scripts which I have writing over the years. I want to make this intercontinental classic revenge love story in '50s and '60s based in Punjab and wild outback's of Australia, I'm a trying  to talk to actors. If this takes time, I’ll make a  quickie contemporary  film

Mrs. Earth Crown, Mrs. India Priyanka Khurana Goyal's Gujarati photoshoot

Mrs. Earth Crown, Mrs. India “Priyanka Khurana Goyal” visited Ahmedabad for her ‘Gujarati’ photoshoot

The portfolio was shot and conducted by Famous Fashion Photographer Vijay Kabra

Ahmedabad, March 2015: 

Mrs. India 2015 Priyanka Khurana Goyal visited Ahmedabad to create her portfolio in the run up to win the next Mrs. Earth Contest. The pageant will be held in October2015 in Jamaica. Well known Fashion Photographer Vijay Kabra shot the portfolio at traditional locations of the city. The two days there were spent in different outdoor and indoor photo shoots. Furthermore Priyanka visited hospitals and participated in social activities and organized awareness for the “Save Girl Child” campaign, to inspire married Gujarati women. She also addressed the audience to inspire a sense of doing innovative work after marriage. About the Mrs. India crown, she says this is an unbelievable victory for me; my real inspiration is my two year old baby, who is always ready to do something new.”

Priyanka also mentions that before representing India at the global platform of Mrs. Earth, she would like to get a first-hand experience of the diverse cultures of India and visit places of historic and traditional value, in different states, starting with Gujarat, Rajasthan and Bihar.

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Priyanka Khurana Goyal, an IIM-C alumna of the batch of 2006 won the Mrs. India 2015 pageant. Priyanka, Vice President, Nomura Securities, became the first Investment Banker to win the pageant. The pageant was organized by Handicap Children and Women’s Aid which promotes community service for Women Empowerment. Priyanka, mother of a 2 year old child, was also awarded as Mrs. Popular by the fellow contestants. Priyanka will now walk down the ramp at the prestigious Mrs. Earth title in October in Jamaica.

Mrs. India Priyanka Khurana Goyal says, "The Mrs. India 2015 title was a keenly fought competition with 7 rounds - interview, talent, introduction, bridal, traditional, evening gown, tennis wear and question-answer round. Winning the title gives me a voice and a platform to express my views on social issues that I strongly feel about. I want to be an inspiration to all the women who wish to pursue their aspirations of being an all-round personality with multi-facetted interests and hobbies."

Music Release of Margarita with a Straw

Margarita, with a Straw” released the music with a bang

Kalki Kolechin, Prasoon Joshi, Joi Barau, Sonu Kakkar and Mikey McCleary were all present for the music release of Margarita with a straw.

The team was seen having a fantastic time together discussing and singing the music of the film.

They shared that the songs are all part of the narrative and have fantastic lyrics.

The music is an important aspect of the film and the entire team was seen humming it even as they left.

Margarita, with a Staw is a story on Laila who has cerebral palsy. It is a slice of life film wherein Laila embarks on a journey to seek love and acceptance.

The film has garnered accolades internationally wherein it travelled to numerous film festivals.

It won awards at the Toronto Film festival and Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and also won standing ovations at other film festivals.

The trailer of the film has been receiving a positive response.

Margarita, with a Straw is slated for release on 17th April.

CAPT. SUNIL NANGIA HOSTS THE “14TH SAILOR TODAY SEA SHORE AWARDS" 2015”

REJOICING WITH THE MARINERS

Tina Dutta, Aneel Murarka , Mohit Malik, Vishal Singh , Carlyta Mohini ,Ashiesh Roy,Rajeev Mahavir ,Barkha Bisht,Jassi Kaur,Zaisha Grewal,Mazhar Khan , Anand Suryavanshi ,Shweta  Khanduri were few amongst the many sailors who graced the 

14TH SAILOR TODAY SEA SHORE AWARDS" 2015

  

Endorsed by INSA MASSA FOSMA television partners Bloomberg TV

 And Sailors’ Society As our NGO Partners

The evening hosted by the heart throb Umesh Pherwani kept the audiences entertained with his wit, energy and humor.

Capt. Sunil Nangia, Master Mariner & Editor of Sailor Today Magazine announces the date for Noble Chartering Presents “14TH SAILOR TODAY SEA SHORE AWARDS" 2015” an award to recognize & felicitate outstanding achievements & contributions of Seafarers, Shipping Companies & Maritime Organizations.

 Sailor Today Sea Shore Awards are non-competitive in nature and aim to felicitate the achievements and outstanding services of seafarers and shipping organizations.

The event witnessed a star studded line up of television industry which included stars like Tabbassum, Tina Dutta, Aneel Murarka , Mohit Malik, Vishal Singh , Carlyta Mohini, Umaesh Pherwani, Ashiesh Roy, Rajeev Mahavir, Barkha Bisht, Jassi Kaur, Zaisha Grewal, Mazhar Khan, Anand Suryavansh, Shweta  Khanduri, Rashmi Pitre, Roma Navani, Jugnu Ishique, Suriender Singh, Jesse Kaur, Nikhil, Shakti Arora  and many more.

The occasion witnessed the participation of more than 1600 key decision-making shipping entities, representing all major international shipping companies in the region as well as from around the globe, including the Pacific Rim countries, Europe and America.

Another attraction of the awards night was the entertainment performances which included prominent Bollywood celebrities followed by cocktails and gala dinner.

Having given an outstanding contribution to Merchant Navy itself, Capt Sunil Nangia expresses his love for his profession & mentions that the young blood of India, i.e. today’s Generation should make Merchant Navy #1 Career Choice.

He further adds highlighting the fact that why should one opt for a career in Merchant Navy, “Merchant Navy has always been a promising career option, though not many are aware of this profession. Apart from the high profile and secure job opportunities it offers, Merchant Navy can be an adventurous ride too” informs Captain Nangia, who has had a very fulfilling sailing experience. 

Captain Sunil Nangia with utmost dedication to his work and the Merchant Navy profession talks about the intricacies involved in being a Merchant Mariner. According to him, the “Merchant Navy profession and shipping industry is the backbone of our economy, which means that every professional in this industry is much sort after and holds a position of pride and admiration. So, if you want to be the envy of all and live a life of respect, prosperity, accomplishments and success, choose the Merchant Navy Profession.”

A tradition in the Merchant Navy, a prestigious award ceremony hosted by Capt. Sunil Nangia being supported by the entertainment industry having a lineup of TV stars at the  “14TH SAILOR TODAY SEA SHORE AWARDS" 2015” will be an evening to unwind for the Sailors.

A pioneer himself bought the merchant navy profession to the forefront and public eye Capt Nangia instituted the Sailor Today Sea Shore Awards in 2002, to recognize and felicitated the achievements and outstanding services of distinguished shipping personalities and organization.

Capt Sunil Nangia & his mates from the ship are awaiting Sailor’s Today Awards which are not just awards but it’s a mark of respect towards the people contributing to Merchant Navy.

 So yeah… if you love to travel around the world, you should join the Merchant Navy for the love of the sea!

Sandip Soparrkar honoured with “Aaj Ki Delhi Achievement” Award

In the world of Bollywood where the importance of dance and music in a film surpasses a good storyline, the value of choreographers is much greater than any film technician or employee. 

In India, the plot of a movie may or may not be success when it hits the cinema screen but if it has even one hip or popular item number, then the entire film can turn into a super hit. 

We are talking about talented choreographer Sandip Soparrkar, Who is responsible for some of best B-town dances. He won the hearts of many people across the world with his dancing skill and style. The influential choreographer, famous for Ballroom Dance was quite happy to be honoured with “Aaj ki Delhi Achievement Award” for his unique contribution in Hindi film Industry.

While giving the award to Sandip Soparrkar, editor of Aaj ki Delhi Mr. Yograaj Sharma said "This award is especially to honour all fantastic efforts and creative work of Sandip Soparrkar in films, televisions, theater and stage shows. When he dances the audience is spellbound and don't even blink, that's the charisma of this talented man. We are glad to  honour him with this award."

Sandip Soparrkar said, “I am humbled to have received  this honour, I am thankful to Mr. Yograaj Sharma and the entire team of Aaj ki Delhi for finding me worthy of this honour."

International Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT) recently organized the Aaj ki Delhi Achievement Awards, the evening dedicated to all the Achievers with a mix of Fashion, Dance & Bollywood. The event witnessed many famous celebrities from bollywood like Ali Quili Mirza, Rohit Verma, Alisa Kkhan, Twinkle Vinayak, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, Shankar Shahney, Shamsher Singh Mehandi & Many more.

Vindu Dara Singh presents top awards at PTC Awards

The best of Punjabi cinema was awarded in the PTC awards this year and here you can see the three hosts Sonu Sood , Binu Dhillon and Daljit Dosanjh looking at the hard earned trophy of best hero presented by Vindu Dara Singh along with the best heroine Surveen Chawla ! 

The suspense was a pleasant one for both the top heroes of punjabi cinema as Daljit himself won for 1984 and Gippy Grewal too won for Jatt James Bond all is well that ends well.

Sofia Hayat celebrates with girls at Bal Bhawan orphanage.

Sofia Hayat celebrated success of her debut single song Main Ladki Hoon with girls at Bal Bhawan orphanage.

Hollywood model,singer and actress Sofia Hayat went to Bal Bhavan Orphange to celebrate the success of her debut single song Main Ladki hoon .She has dedicated her song to Prime Minister initiative Beti Bachao Beto Padhao.Sofia Hayat sang and performed on her song with all girls.She also cut the cake with them and gave gift to girls.She was in tears when giving interview.The music is released by Zee Music company.Sofia Hayat has written,sung,directed and acted in her debut song.

Grungy is the flavor for the gen next stars

The Gen Next has been trying to break the mould and push the envelope in terms of acting. They all have tried their hand by getting into the grungy avatar.

While Sidharth Malhotra went grungy with Ek Villian, Ranveer Singh was seen in this avatar in h Gunday and more recently Varun Dhawan stepped into this with Balapur recently.

These films were all highly awaited by the audiences.

The looks of all of them is a drastic shift and audiences have gladly accepted it.

While all these films have done well at the box office, Sidharth Malhotra seems to be racing ahead in the pack. Infact Sidharth will be seen in this grungy avtaar yet again, in his upcoming release Brothers.

- See more at: http://www.filmytown.com/grungy-flavor-gen-next-stars/

Hollywood's Tim Man arrives in Mumbai for an action shoot

Hollywood actor and Martial art champ Tim Man was in Mumbai for a action shoot

Hollywood actor and Martial art champ Tim Man is known for his work on Ninja: Shadow of a Tear (2013),Ong-bak 2 (2008) and Kill 'em All (2012). 

He is from Sweden and was in India for Param Gill's film Waarrior Savitri .

The film is produced by Bobby Kanda and Upendra Maheshwari.

Soulful music of the era… Kaakan music launch

Mumbai, March 11, 2015: The much talked movie launched its music at the party on Wednesday evening in the presence of the entire Kaakan music team and industry dignitaries. The music created a romantic mood in the air making the evening a memorable one.

 Kranti Redkar along with her flair of direction added to the surprise by unveiling her hidden talent of lyricist. Kranti has written two songs‘Suki Poli…’ sung by Shriram Iyer and ‘Saajana…’ soulfully sung by Hamsika Iyer co-written with Omkar Mangesh Datt.

 The remaining three song’s interesting words are written by Omkar Mangesh Datt and music beautifully crafted by Music Director Ajay Singha. The most talked song and title track ‘Kaakan…’ is sung by the renowned Shankar Mahadevan and the melodious Neha Rajpal.

 The other two absolutely addictive songs ‘Gopi Dada…’ is sung by Shriram Iyer and ‘Wedyanche Ghar Unhaat…’ is sung by Swapnil Bandodkar adding their own magic to it.

 - See more at: http://www.filmytown.com/soulful-music-era-kaakan-music-launch/

GiMA 2015 ENTHRALLS AUDIENCES

Awards to be telecast exclusively on Star Plus, 15^th March - 8pm

The 5th Gionee Star Global Indian Music Awards witnessed some stellar performances by some of the most celebrated names in the music industry. The hosts , Mikha Singh and Manish Paul elevated the mood with high levels of zest and humor. The two entertained the crowd as they indulged friendly banter much to the amusement of the films and music industry seated in the audience.

The audience was in splits as the duo spot Daler Mehendi in the audience and proceeded to exclaim at the brotherhood between Mika and Daler. Shankar Mahadevan performed a soul stirring piece from Taare Zameen Par with kids from his own music academy while Pritam on the other hand enthralled the audience  with some of his popular hits.

The ceremony also saw a proud A R Rahman gleaming with joy as he watched his band NAFS make their debut on the GIMA stage. Speaking on the occasion, Rahman said, “The ultimate goal of NAFS is to spread joy. The band will strive not only to entertain musically but will also be a visual treat for its audiences in India and abroad”

The award winning Nooran sisters steered their way into hearts as Zakir Hussain, Atif Aslam, Arijit Singh, Kanika Kapoor, Sulaiman Merchant, Daboo Malik, A R Rahman, Ramesh Sippy , and Mika among others cheered them as they crooned a few lines from their well acclaimed track ‘Patakha Guddi.’

Don’t miss the magic! The 5^th Gionee Star Global Indian Music Awards powered by Hungama.com and Kelloggs Chocos will be telecast on Star Plus on 15^th March at 8pm.

Arijit Singh, Mika and Shankar Mahadevan pay tribute to Kalyanji-Anandji

Hungama Studio at GiMA Awards 2015 saw the entire music fraternity reliving the music of the legendary duo

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Mika and Manish Paul pay tribute to Kalyanji Anandji

Mumbai, 11^th March, 2015: Hungama.com, India’s largest music service came up with a unique way to pay tribute to Kalyanji-Anandji at the Global Indian Music Academy (GiMA) Awards 2015. Hungama.com created a specially designed area – The Hungama Studio – where the celebrities performed the composer-duos hit numbers in their own individual style.

Artists paying homage to

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Kalyanji-Anandji included leading names like Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Shankar Mahadevan, Ankit Tiwari, Arijit Singh, Pritam, Mika Singh and Shraddha Kapoor. The most popular songs relived by the artists in the Hungama studio included evergreen hits like ‘Laila O Laila’ from Qurbani (1980), ‘Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas’ from Blackmail (1980) and ‘Har Kisi Ko Nahin Milta’ from Jaanbazz (1986).

Kalyanji–Anandji, regarded as one of India’s finest music composer duos, has composed chart-topping numbers for over 250 films. Some of the most memorable songs composed by them include Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas – Blackmail, Khaike Paan Banaraswala – Don, Yeh Sama, Sama Hai Yeh Pyar Ka - Jab Jab Phool Khile, O Sathi Re Tere Bina bhi - Muqaddar Ka Sikander amongst many others.

Commenting on the association, Siddhartha Roy, CEO, Hungama.com said, “We created the Hungama Studio to  celebrated to one of India’s best music composers and were glad to the see the enthusiasm of today’s celebrities towards the timeless music of Kalyanji-Anandji.”

He further added, “Hungama.com has been a part of the music industry for over 15 years and rrecognizing the growing importance of digital platforms in music consumption, Hungama.com has partnered with GiMA to introduce a new award category ‘Most Streamed Song of the Year’.”

GiMA Awards 2015 are scheduled to telecast on Star Plus on Sunday, 15^th March, 2015.​