MxMIndia

Category: TV

  • Star Plus named ‘Best Entertainment Channel’ at CNBC Story Board Awaaz Awards 2011.

    Star Plus gets CNBC award

    By A Correspondent

    STAR Plus, India’s No 1 Hindi Entertainment Channel, has been adjudged the best in its class at the prestigious CNBC Story Board Awaaz Awards 2011.

    STAR Plus topped viewers’ choice in a pan-India survey of over 5,500 viewers in the country. According to the survey conducted by CNBC Awaaz and AC Nielsen in the run up to the awards, STAR Plus emerged a clear leader with maximum viewership in the country and was voted as “The Most Recommended Television Channel of the Year” in the Entertainment Category.

    “Viewers are at the core of STAR Plus’s content. They are the force that drives us to constantly raise benchmarks with shows that set a social agenda, while simultaneously improving on the viewing experience through HD channels and Apps that make content available on-the-move,” Mr Nitin Vaidya, Business Head, Hindi Channels, STAR India said, thrilled by the recognition. He added: “To be voted as the most favorite channel is a huge compliment and an honor. We, at STAR, are humbled at receiving the CNBC Story Board Awaaz Awards 2011.”

    The channels refreshed brand philosophy “Rishta Wahi, Soch Nayi” is not just a tag line but the operating brand philosophy which is best expressed through the actions of its progressive protagonists. These iconic women characters, reflects India, what’s changing and what’s reassuringly remaining the same.

  • A deal between NDTV Hindu and Kasturi and Sons will make Metronation Chennai a 100 percent subsidiary of Educational Trustee Company Pvt Ltd, promoters of Daily Dina Thanthi.

    Dina Thanthi takes over Metronation Chennai

    By A Correspondent

    New Delhi Television Ltd. (NDTV) and Kasturi and Sons Ltd (KSL) have entered into an agreement to sell their respective stake in Metronation Chennai Television Ltd (MNC). The stakes have been sold off to Educational Trustee Company Pvt Ltd (ETCPL), promoters of Tamil Daily Dina Thanthi.

    The deal is worth Rs 15 crore after the completion of which Metronation Chennai MNC will become a 100 percent subsidiary of ETCPL.

    Metronation Chennai Television Ltd was a joint venture of NDTV and The Hindu wherein MNC operated and managed Chennai’s first and only city-specific English news and current affairs channel, NDTV Hindu.

  • BIG CBS Networks unveils fresh programming and future plans for the network

    New programming to make BIG CBS bigger

    By A Correspondent

    BIG CBS Networks Pvt. Ltd., an equal joint venture between Reliance Broadcast Network Limited and CBS Studios International, has announced its new fresh programming line-up and future plans for its channels. The network, which went live with three channels in a record breaking time of under six months, has captured hearts of the discerning Indian audiences and stands as the No 1 English General Entertainment Network today.

    In keeping with its promise of offering the latest seasons of programming, airing concurrent to the US, the channel has acquired fresh content from leaders in the international entertainment space like Boman Bridge, Alfred Haber, Bobby Goldstein and Medi-Asia. Offering audiences more than 25 hours of original fresh programming each week, on each channel, the Network offers audiences a further assortment of programming, and advertisers, the best platform to partner with for their brands.

    Speaking on the occasion, Mr Nikhil Mirchandani, Business Head, Television Channels, Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd said, “We are very pleased with the way the channels have shaped and delivered. The channels have grown the market and we have been able to successfully bridge the existing void in international quality programming that existed. We now enter our next growth phase and are completely equipped with our hand-picked shows that match the tastes and sensibilities of our target audiences.”

    Mr Mirchandani further added, “BIG CBS’ programming is in keeping with our endeavour to offer Indians the latest, freshest and hottest content straight from America. Today, audiences have evolved and are looking for more than just soaps and films. The well travelled Indian viewer is always looking for quality content and we continue to bring the best of American television to our viewers here. Also, our effort to give audiences India-grown content has worked excellently for us with the overwhelming response to India’s Sexiest Bachelor. Tracing this success, BIG CBS is now launching the next Indian property, India’s Glam Diva. With this and more shows planned BIG CBS Network is poised to become a network to reckon with.”

  • Sony Entertainment Television launches music video of ‘Kuch Toh Log Kahenge’

    Sony serial’s title track goes the music video way

    By A Correspondent

    ‘Saiyyan Naino Ki Bhasha Samjhe Na’, the title track of Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, has become a rage right from the moment the promos of Kuch Toh Log Kahenge went on air. After the huge success of the title track, Sony Entertainment Television has launched a music video, which captures the magical chemistry between the lead couple Mohnish Behl playing Dr Ashutosh and Kritika Kamra playing young Dr Nidhi Verma.

    The excellent music, background score and the approach towards the title track of the show brings alive the theme of delicate and fine romance that will be budding between the lead protagonists. The enchanting video has been directed by Sony Entertainment Television’s on air promotion team and the music has been rendered by Mr Abhishek Arora. Singer Ms Sukanya Purkayastha of who rose to fame with ‘Kaisi Hai Yeh Udaasi’ from Kartik calling Kartik has lent her voice for the title track. The creative team at Leo Burnett, who have created the advertising campaign for the show and filmmaker Mr Gajaraj Rao, have created the lyrics of the song.

    Mr Danish Khan, Senior VP Marketing, Sony Entertainment Television said, “Since the time, the promos have hit the air, we have witnessed the rising amount of popularity of the title song amongst the viewers. Seeing the popularity of the song we decided to shoot the music video which has been created keeping in mind two important elements of the show – love and hesitation. With Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, we are hopeful to bring good old romance back on Indian television.”

    Kuch Toh Log Kahenge is a story of a budding love relationship between two doctors from diverse generations. Ashutosh (Mohnish Behl), a 38-year-old surgeon is married to his duty and is a disciplinarian, while Nidhi Verma (Kritika Kamra) is a 24-year-old carefree, jovial, MBBS graduate. The show is a striking portrayal of how both grow into a strong liking towards each other, eventually falling in love but are unable to express their feelings to each other due to the age gap.

    Kuch To Log Kahenge is aired every Monday to Friday at 8 pm on Sony Entertainment Television.

  • Star Movies fans can get a chance to watch Hollywood titles a day before the official release.

    Star’s Hollywood Blockbusters aims to thrill

    By A Correspondent

    Star Movies, India’s leading English movie channel, presents Star Movies Hollywood Premieres; an initiative that brings exclusive screenings of Hollywood titles for their fans a day prior to their official theatrical release by leveraging the strength of their studio tie-ups.

    To be a part of this experience viewer will have to participate in a simple contest and answer questions that will be broadcasted on Star Movies and their India Facebook fan page. Lucky viewers will get a chance to attend the exclusive premier screening of the latest upcoming movie titles by Star Movies Hollywood Premieres. Star Movies kickstarts the initiative with its inaugural movie premiere of The Three Musketeers on October 14 at select theaters in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata.

    The channel also holds the exclusive rights to premiere other Hollywood biggies like ‘In Time’, ‘Twilight Saga- Breaking Dawn’ and ‘The Darkest Hour among others.

  • India’s biggest Business Reality Show The Pitch is back, as BloombergUTV invites entrepreneurs to enter Season 2, with the potential to get funding up to Rs 5 crore.

    The Pitch returns to Indian TV

    By A Correspondent

    BloombergUTV, India’s premier business channel, today announced Season 2.0 of The Pitch – India’s Biggest Business Reality Show. The channel is inviting potential entrepreneurs with sound business ideas to send in their entries through www.yourmoneysite.com/thepitch. Surviving a gruelling series of tasks given by India’s biggest business leaders, the winner stands to receive a funding up to Rs 5 crore to execute their business plan.

    The Pitch aims to identify, evaluate and encourage potential entrepreneurs who not only have the most deserving business ideas, but also possess the critical skills required to execute those ideas successfully. Following the nationwide call-for-entries, a jury comprising of highly renowned professionals will shortlist the participants who will be called to make their elevator pitches in Mumbai. The jury and angel investors will closely evaluate these shortlisted aspirants not only on the merit of their business pitches, but also on their individual brilliance and identify the finalists who will appear on Season 2 of The Pitch.

    Mr Deepak Lamba, Business Head, BloombergUTV said, “Through this show, BloombergUTV continues to strengthen its commitment to enrich the business news viewing experience. We encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship in the country and the response to Season 1 of The Pitch goes to prove that there is no dearth of ideas in the country. We will not only identify the next big business idea but also the most deserving entrepreneur who has the right balance of all the necessary elements required to succeed out there.”

    To enhance the experience of The Pitch, BloombergUTV has established strategic partnerships, each adding a distinct value to the proposition. The Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE) at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A); The National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN), LinkedIn are among several organizations and communities who have joined this unique platform to promote entrepreneurship in the country.

    This season of The Pitch is presented by Samsung Electronics and will see participants benefiting from the multiple features and utilities of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 750, from using the wireless keyboard to prepare for their documents to presenting directly from their tabs and of course receiving their tasks.

    Aspirants can send in their entries through www.yourmoneysite.com/thepitch or SMS PITCH to 59995 | ZipDial 022 33010050 for more information. The Pitch is scheduled to air exclusively on BloombergUTV from November 2011.

  • UTV Stars and People present ‘The Mercedes Benz Best Dressed Show 2011’.

    UTV Stars to do catwalk show with People

    By A Correspondent

    After a successful launch, UTV Stars – The Official Channel of Bollywood has announced its partnership with People magazine for ‘The Best Dressed Show 2011’.

    The event will see an exclusive fashion show by ace designer Manish Malhotra. Walking the ramp as the showstopper will be actress Priyanka Chopra, who will also feature on the cover of the annual issue of People magazine, featuring the Best Dressed People of the year. The event is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, World Gold Council, Teachers Origin, Schwarzkopf, Vero Moda and Jack&Jones. This association marks the beginning of a long-term partnership with People for more such on-ground initiatives.

    Commenting on the association, Mr Nikhil Gandhi, Business Head, UTV Stars said, “UTV Stars has been able to etch a strong mark in the Bollywood, lifestyle and fashion space in a very short time. It has an urban upmarket appeal  and we have already tied up with like minded partners to make the 360 degree experience more holistic and true to the brand. I am happy to announce this association of UTV Stars with People magazine for the Best Dressed Show as out first such initiative among many others planned in the coming year”.

    Now in its third year, the India edition of People magazine is one of the fastest growing magazines across genres. Says Mr Indranil Roy, President, Outlook Group, “People magazine’s internationally acclaimed titles like Best Dressed, Sexiest Man Alive, Most Beautiful are getting very popular among celebrities and with readers in India. The ‘Mercedes Benz Best Dressed Show’ is our endeavour to popularize these titles further. We’re glad to partner with UTV Stars and amplify this property on national television.”

    UTV Stars now plans to extend its 360-degree presence with many such associations and prominent on ground properties. The brand has already initiated Advertiser Funded Properties, providing advertisers customized solutions and communication packages on air, on ground, on mobile, web, digital etc.

  • HTC has come up with some really silly stuff for their new handset called 'Explorer'

    Debrief: HTC: Fingering around

    By Anil Thakraney

     

    Quite understandably, desperation has set into the advertising for mobile phones. After all, every single route and trick has been exhausted in this highly cluttered category. HTC has come up with some really silly stuff for their new handset called ‘Explorer’. They have used the ‘finger’ as the creative device.

     

    In the various TVCs, a man’s fingers literally walk and reach the lady he’s trying to patao. In her bedroom, her bath tub, wherever she goes. And yes, since this is advertising, she gets pataoed. In real life, the lady would file charges for stalking. The concept is this: Win her heart by hectically running your fingers on the smart phone.

     

    [youtube width=”400″ height=”250″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy3j3jM7FOE[/youtube]

    Not only is the finger idea not original (remember Small B’s ‘ungli cricket’?), the way they’ve used it here is ugly and off-putting. Almost creepy, what with fingers relentlessly chasing a woman around. Worse, the situation of wooing a woman… how new is that? The least they should have done was to make sure the ugly unglis do something new.

     

    Bottom-line: Advertising that’s tired, tasteless, boring and repulsive. I understand some amount of advertising fatigue has set into this product category, but fingering with the creative? That’s so not on.

     

    Rating: (On a scale of 1 to 5): 0. The middle finger, anyone?

  • DID viewers can pick up the phone and give a Missed Call to vote for their favourite contestants

    One missed call to vote for DID 3 participants

    By A Correspondent

     

    We all have hopes. It’s what equips us to deal with life’s trials and tribulations. Each one of us has endless hopes….It’s this ‘Umeed’ that keeps us going.

     

    Zee TV’s dance reality show, Maruti Suzuki Presents Dance India Dance will be shortly announcing its Behtareen Terah (13) contestants. And the key decision has been thrown open to the janta. Voting is our fundamental right and if we can vote for free to choose our government, then why should we spend money to vote for our favourite reality show contestants?

     

    Taking this thought forward, Zee TV has made the entire voting process in reality shows free of cost. DID viewers can pick up the phone and give a Missed Call to their favourite contestants.

     

    The thought of giving audiences an opportunity to choose the winner of a reality show through a public voting system, as a concept, was initiated by Zee TV for the very first time in 2003 for the show, Zee Cine Stars Ki Khoj.

     

    After that, the concept of ‘one mobile- one vote’ was introduced during the time of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar in 2010, to avoid duplication while counting of votes made from the same number.

     

    Now, the channel has devised a method which nullifies the entire debate about voting being a money making mechanism between the channel and the telecom companies! The Missed Call voting system devised by Zee TV in Dance India Dance Season 3 will ensure that there’s no fallacy in choosing a winner and will also erase all doubts about the existence of any benefits to the channel in the voting process. The channel will incorporate the same in its future reality shows as well.

     

    “With DID Season 3 – Voting Free, we are aiming for never before achieved viewer’s participation in the show. With this voting system, every unique missed call will be counted as one unique vote thus making the janta janardan, the true adjudicator in deciding the fate of our show.  Technology is helping us value the viewer’s point of view even further. The decision of free voting is a welcome change to those who have hitherto refrained from participating owing to extra charges for an SMS to special numbers! There can be nothing more transparent than this mechanism in the decision of choosing the final winner of any reality show on ZEE TV,” said Akash Chawla, Head Marketing, National Channels, ZEEL.

     

    Here’s how the mechanism works: Every contestant in the Behterein Terah has been designated with an unique number. All a viewer has to do is dial that number and after one ring, the call gets disconnected automatically. The viewer gets an acknowledgement message that his vote for the particular contestant has been registered. In one week, a viewer can vote for a particular contestant only once. However he can vote for multiple contestants in the same week. The best part is the viewers can call to vote their favourite contestant even with zero balance. The mechanism has already assisted in choosing the Wild Card entrants of the show.

     

    Dance India Dance has always believed in exploring unique initiatives on a large scale to build its brand equity. Be it the grand Carnival that was conducted on the streets of Mumbai during DID Season 2 or the unique ‘Dance Mobs’ that were conducted in malls, multiplexes, railway stations and streets of Mumbai and Delhi during the launch of DID season 3 or the very recent Licensing & Merchandizing deal that the show has done with apparel giant Reebok to further build the brand.

     

  • Tune in to catch your favourite stars on February 26th at 8pm only on MAX!

    10 years of Max Stardust Awards

    By A Correspondent

     

    Max, the premium Hindi movies and special events channel, is bringing for the audience an unforgettable night with the 10th Kamla Pasand Max Stardust Awards 2012 on February 26 at 8pm. This award ceremony is a salute to the new talent of the film industry.

     

    This year the awards are even more special as Kamla Pasand Max Stardust Award celebrates its tenth year and pays a tribute to Hindi cinema.

    The evening will witness many entertaining acts by hosts Vir Das, Kunal Roy Kapoor and Shreyas Talpade and some scintillating dance performances.

     

    Shahid Kapoor will enthrall the audience with his performance on a medley of hit songs including ‘Munni Badnam Hui’; Bollywood beauties Kareena Kapoor and Bipasha Basu will dance to the songs of their latest movie releases and Anushka Sharma will sway to the tunes of evergreen Hindi songs.

     

    The ever-ravishing Rekha will bring the evening alive with her harmonious singing to the tunes of ‘Oo La La’ as she receives a special MAX Stardust award: “Role model of the industry”.

     

    The lavish sets for the awards have been infused with archaic and arty structures ofParis, including the iconicEifelTowerand coupled with lasers, special effects, lighting and acoustics.

     

    The winners list:

     

    New Talent Awards

    Superstar of Tomorrow:

    Male: Ali Zafar (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan)

    Female: Parineeti Chopra (Ladies vs Ricky Bahl)

     

    Breakthrough Supporting Performance

    Male: Vidyut Jamwal (Force)

    Female: Poorna Jagannathan (DelhiBelly)

     

    Standout Performance by a:

    Music Director: Krsna (Tanu Weds Manu)

    Lyricist: Ashish Pandit (Dhinka Chika/Ready)

     

    New Musical Sensation

    Male: Ash King (Te Amo/Dum Maaro Dum)

    Female: Neha Bhasin (Dhunki/Mere Brother Ki Dulhan)

     

    Best Debut Producer: Atul and Alvira Agnihotri (Bodyguard)

    Best Debut Director: Ali Abbas Zafar (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan)

     

    Achievers of the Year

    Drama

    Best Actor: Hrithik Roshan (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara)

    Best Actress: Vidya Balan (The Dirty Picture/ No One Killed Jessica)

     

    Comedy/Romance

    Best Actor: Akshay Kumar (Desi Boyz)

    Best Actress: Anushka Sharma (Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl)

     

    Thriller/Action

    Best Actor: Ajay Devgn (Singham)

    Best Actress: Bipasha Basu (Dum Maaro Dum)

     

    STAR OF THE YEAR

    Male: Salman Khan (Ready & Bodyguard)

    Female: Vidya Balan (The Dirty Picture & No One Killed Jessica)

     

    Dream Director: Rohit Shetty (Singham)

     

    Film of the Year: The Dirty Picture

     

    Stardust Searchlight Awards (Small Budget, High Concept Films)

    Best Actor: Gulshan Grover (I Am Kalam)

    Best Actress: Shraddha Kapoor (Luv Ka The End)

    Best Film: Ragini Mms

    Best Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia (Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster)

     

    Style Icon of the Year: Deepika Padukone

     

    Pride of the Industry: Tanuja

    Role Model of the Industry: Rekha

     

    Max,India’s No. 1 Hindi Movie channel, backed by Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI), provides its viewers with the biggest and best of Hindi Movies and Special Events. It is the exclusive broadcaster of the world’s biggest entertainment extravaganza, the DLF Indian Premier League (DLF IPL). Some of the on-air movie properties of Max, such as ‘Ab Tak Bachchan’, ‘Maha Movie’ and ‘Mera Movie’ have become a staple diet of millions of viewers across India. Max has also been widely acclaimed and distinguished in the media marketplace with a host of awards recognising leadership and marketing excellence.

     

  • The Noida Special, which greeted residents on February 20, will start off with a special series on what Noida should be proud of, followed by a survey on Noida specific civic issues on February 24.

    Hindustan Times begins campaign for Noida

    By Akash Raha

     

    Hindustan Times has renewed its Noida focus with increased local coverage for residents of Noida and Greater Noida. The Noida Special, which greeted residents on February 20, will start off with a special series on what Noida should be proud of, followed by a survey on Noida specific civic issues on February 24. The Noida Special reinforces HT’s commitment to local readers.

     

    Speaking about the Noida initiative, Shantanu Bhanja, VP Marketing, HT Media Ltd, said, “Noida is today a world-class city. It has top-notch educational institutes, leading MNCs, a thriving film city and outstanding infrastructure . Hindustan Times’ increased Noida focus bears testimony to the growth the city has witnessed. Our Noida-focused approach, in which we will take up news stories and issues that matter to the resident of Noida, will benefit both readers and advertisers.”

     

    As part of this effort, Hindustan Times has also launched its Noida First initiative, aiming to help Noida truly embody its promise of a ‘City of Hope’. Apart from its superb infrastructure, Noida is an education and corporate hub and is also home to affluent HNIs who’ve chosen to live in this bustling metropolis. The editorial team at HT has lined up a series of articles that will explore the various facets of Noida. In addition, the paper has planned cultural events across the city in the month of March.

     

    “Hindustan Times has been the voice of Delhi for the last 87 years. With the city’s expansion into Gurgaon and Noida, we’ve gone hyper-local and tried to give our readers a flavour of the entire national capital region. The renewed focus on Noida is a step towards helping the city realize its potential,” said Sanjoy Narayan, Editor-in-Chief, Hindustan Times.

     

  • Axis bank launches its new campaign created by Lowe Lintas, 'Badhti ka naam Zindagi'

    Axis, banking on life’s growth story

    By A Correspondent

     

    Axis Bank has launched a new brand campaign, ‘Badhti ka naam zindagi’. Having established its credentials as a customer-centric bank, the new campaign aims to highlight the bank as a preferred partner in progress.

     

    [youtube width=”400″ height=”200″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ar0AoIAVCs[/youtube]The campaign, designed by Lowe Lintas, features Axis Bank’s new brand philosophy of “success as a never-ending story”.

     

    Speaking on the launch of the campaign, Manisha Lath Gupta, Chief Marketing Officer, Axis Bank said, “Badhti ka naam zindagi or ‘progress on’ is an expression that encapsulates Axis Bank’s belief on the meaning and purpose of life that everyone wishes and works towards. We believe that success today is no longer about having accomplished a goal. It’s about setting newer goals and achieving each one of them. People today feel inspired about their own capabilities and that in turn triggers hope towards a better life.”

     

    R Balki, Chairman, Lowe Lintas, added, “It is fascinating to see how much movies have impacted our lives. When we fall in love there is background music playing in our heads. When we are angry, happy, sad, successful we have begun to see ourselves as actors in our own private film. This is a reality. So to express the philosophy of ‘Badhti ka naam zindagi’ it was interesting to visualize the real journey of life as if it were a film and use a director’s language to plot every step.”

     

    The repositioning of Axis Bank from ‘Aapka Solution’ to ‘Badhti ka naam zindagi’ is an important milestone in the journey of Axis Bank brand. The new campaign marks the evolution of Axis Bank brand from playing the role of a ‘problem solver’ in the customers life, to that of an ‘encouraging and enthusing partner’ by owning an attitude and belief that resonates with the target audience in everyday life.

     

    Axis Bank has also launched two applications, Meri Zindagi ka Safar and Meri Zindagi ki Picture, on its Facebook page. Meri Zindagi ka Safar is an application that lets users mark the places they have travelled to, thus enabling them to find out how much distance have they covered in these journeys of their life. The premise is that one is enriched by one’s experiences as one travels, and this helps people learn and grow and progress in their lives.

     

    Meri Zindagi ki Picture lets users compile their images in a showcase of their life’s story.