2013-07-15

Curtain raising ceremony of cross-cultural awards event SAIFTA held in Mumbai

~ Ceremony showcased distinguished panel of film and TV personalities from India and South Africa ~

~ Hand-prints of eminent personalities from South African and Film Industry to be part of Wall of Fame”

~ Renowned Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan to host the award in Durban ~

~ Unveiling of SAIFTA Award Trophy ~

~ SAIFTA Brand Campaign unveiled~

Mumbai, July 15, 2013: A first of its kind awards event, the South Africa India Film and Television Awards (SAIFTA) by Celebrity Locker debuted in Mumbai with an exclusive curtain raiser ceremony. The attending mumbaikars were in for a treat as the arc lights of the award event shone bright at the Taj Lands End Bandra. SAIFTA is an annual event with the aim of creating a never before seen cultural exchange of the Indian and South African entertainment industry while rewarding outstanding performers and will take place in Durban on September 6, 2013 with a host of South African and Indian dignitaries.

The ceremony commenced with much fanfare and cheer as the cross-cultural event was officially inaugurated. The audience was treated to distinguished and respected personalities from both nations, who would be acting as the jury members for the duration of the awards. The star-studded Indian panelists consist of actor Ms. Waheeda Rehman, producer Mr. Mukesh Bhatt, actor Mr. Boman Irani, director and screenwriter Mr. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra along with director Ms. Farah Khan.

The South African panel comprised of luminaries such as renowned actor and writer Mr. Welcome Msomi, theatre and television personality Ms. Saira Essa, film industry veteran Mr. Peter Rorvik, performing artist Ms. Linda Bukhosini, theatre personality Ms. Caroline Smart as well as actress Ms. Leleti Khumalo.

Celebrity Locker, the Mumbai-based events company joined hands with the Province of KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism of Durban to make the award ceremony possible.

John Abraham, Waheeda Rehman, Manoj Bajpai, Sanjay Gupta, Suniel Shetty, Apoorva Lakhia, Apurva and Shilpa Agnihotri, Mukesh Bhatt, Mr. Sadha Naidoo, Board Chairperson, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Ms. Neliswe Dlamini, Project Manager DEDT attended the curtain raiser press conference of SAIFTA.

The curtain raiser showcased the coveted Wall of Fame to the audience which will be taking hand prints of eminent personalities from the Indian and South African film and television industry and will be showcased at a prominent location in Durban.

Actress Waheeda Rehman unveiled the SAIFTA Trophy with John Abraham. The trophy has been tastefully designed keeping in mind the cross culture association between South Africa and India. The trophy has been brought to life by The Award Gallery.

Renowned Bollywood actor Mr. Saif Ali Khan would host the event in Durban on September 6, 2013.

Director Apoorva Lakhia and Director Sanjay Gupta of ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ and ‘Shootout at Wadala’ respectively announced screening of their films in Durban. This is a SAIFTA skills transfer initiative in conjunction with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Through this initiative 500 tickets of each movie will be distributed via social media for free. Cinema enthusiasts can avail of these tickets and watch these movies that will be screened in one of the most legendary theatres in Durban. After each screening the cast and crew will be have a dialogue with the audience present to discuss the art and business of movie making.

The curtain raiser launched the first look of the brand identity. The design language (designed by the creative agency TWO) is a result of the merging of traditional South African and Indian motifs that represent entertainment themes but with a contemporary twist.

Regards,

Sonal Salvi

Crisscross Communication

9769690588

sonal.crisscross@gmail.com

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Judges parda act for Karan

Karan Wahi will be seen at his funny best in the upcoming gala episode of Sony Entertainment Television’s singing reality show Indian Idol Junior. The humorous host cracked one joke after the other, much to the amusement of the judges. That’s not all, Karan Wahi sported a unique look for the gala episode imitating actor Manoj Kumar’s style and throughout the episode covered his face with his hand. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed his entry but it later backfired at him when he opened his bag of PJ’s and all the judges and contestants covered their faces in the same style and requested him to stop. Seems like this gala episode is going to be a fun filled with Karan’s funny jokes and Imitation .

Catch the crackling jokes of Karan Wahi on Indian Idol Junior, Saturday 20th July 2013, 8:30 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television

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Shahid Kapoor performs signature “Phata Poster” stunt minus stunt double

Kaminey left no one in doubt over Shahid Kapoor’s abilities in the action genre, the actor this time around, will be seen performing some interesting stunts in Tips Phata Poster Nikla Hero directed by Rajkumar Santoshi.

The first scene of the film, Shahid’s introductory scene required him to tear the poster of Santoshi’s last film Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani ,while jumping off a high storey building – While the actor was advised to use a stunt double for the shot ,given the risk it involved, Shahid insisted on doing the scene himself ,since he felt it would seem more authentic and believable.

Says a source, “Shahid Kapoor’s introductory scene in Phata Poster is extremely dynamic and fitting to the title of the movie –He performed the stunt himself minus a body double and after a couple of takes the scene was successfully canned – Luckily barring a few scratches he managed it without any injuries”.

Phata Poster Nikla Hero, the mad-comedy from the house of Tips ,starring Shahid Kapoor and Ileana Dcruz is scheduled to release 20th September 2013.

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Director Roland Emmerich’s film White House Down on 19th July

Director Roland Emmerich is in much discussions these days because of his latest film “White House Down” which is getting released on 19th July. This Sony Pictures movie will be released in three languages in India, which are – English, Hindi, and Tamil.

The movie stars big names such as Channing Tatum, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Richard Jenkins, Jamie Foxx and James Woods.

Most of Roland’s films have done good in the Box Office and he has great expectations with this one, as well. When asked about his movie “White House Down” he says,”The story revolves around American president James Sawyer (Jamie Foxx) and the White House. It shows how terrorists attack the White House and how they manage to kill off most of the Secret Service and take the rest of the people left inside, as hostages. Then the questions arise as to who protects the White House and the President. Whether the White House gets destroyed or saved? This is all I have shown in the film.”

Roland tells us about the cast of his film, “Everyone has done an impressive job, whether it is Channing Tatum, Maggie Gyllenhaal, or Richard Jenkins,Jamie Foxx and James Wood. Everyone has done a lot of hard work.”

When asked about Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx’s work in the film, he says “Both of them have given an excellent performance, you will believe it for yourself, when you see the movie. When I first met them regarding the film, I knew both of them where the right choice for the movie. On one hand Jamie has portrayed a quiet and sincere president and on the other hand Channing has portrayed the character of a Secret Service agent. ”

Producer-Director-Screenwriter Roland Emmerich has mad films such as Trade, Godzilla, Universal Soldier, Stargate, Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow and 2012. Roland’s upcoming films after “White House Down” consists of a sequel to the famous movie “Independence Day”.

H. S. Communication



Harish Sharma

098102 34130 & 09967788500

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Bipasha Basu steps up her fitness regime while shooting in Ooty

Bipasha Basu who is currently in Ooty shooting for Bhushan Kumar & Vikram Bhatt’s 3D – Creature is hitting the gym with a vengeance, as the actress, who is one of the biggest fitness icons in Bollywood, looks to battling all the gorging she is indulging in, while shooting amidst an extremely cold climate.

The actress has chalked out a specific fitness regime and increased her cardio-workouts to prevent kilos from piling on – Says a source, “Bipasha Basu is extremely particular about her health and fitness and since the cast and crew are shooting in the interiors of Ooty under extremely cold conditions, she has no option but to eat whatever is available for which purpose she’s increased her cardio so as to avoid putting on any weight – She never takes her health for granted and has everyone on the sets inspired with her dedication”.

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Ad gurus Piyush Pandey and Agnello Dias make their acting debut with Madras Cafe

Executive Chairman and Creative Director of O&M, Piyush Pandey and the first and only Grand Prix winner in the history of Indian Advertising, Agnello Dias, are soon to make their Bollywood acting debut in Viacom 18 Motion Pictures,JA Entertainment and Rising Sun Film’s Madras Café.

The two ad gurus will essay the roles of characters from warring countries – While Agnello plays a Sri Lankan minister, Piyush Pandey essays the role of a cabinet secretary.

The trailer of the political espionage thriller was recently launched at a uniquely themed event in the suburbs ,that paid tribute to the armed forces.

Presented by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and JA Entertainment and produced by Rising Sun Films and JA Entertainment , Madras Cafe ,directed by Shoojit Sircar is scheduled to release 23rd August 2013.

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I Enjoy My Monsoons With Tea & Cake

-Claudia

With the onset of monsoons in India, everyone likes to have tea and pakoras. And with that if there is some romantic music being played in the background then its like an icing on the cake. But, this is the way I like to spend the rainy season.

Different people have different preferences, some people like getting wet in the rains whereas the others like watching the rains from afar.

Balma girl Claudia was asked how she likes her monsoons to which she replied “The rainy season’s incredible and very romantic, I like it very much. If I’m here, in Mumbai during the monsoons, then I get to enjoy it to the fullest. If I have some work to do then I do that work whilst enjoying the rains. When I don’t have some important work, then I like to spend my day in this mood. I sit by the window and like watching the pouring rain and alongwith that I love to have warm tea and cake, and listen to music because without music, everything’s incomplete. And sometimes I also like getting wet in the rains with my friends.”

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Adlabs Imagica Announces Various Packages for the Season

Also launches daily shuttle services for travellers from Mumbai and Pune starting at Rs.500 per person

About the College Pack: • The College Pack is priced at an economic price of Rs.1000/- per person from Monday to Friday on presenting a valid student ID proof • Students of Junior College, Degree, Post-Graduation, MBA and Masters can avail this offer • Book on www.adlabsimagica.com or +91 22 4213 0405 and get additional Rs. 100 Imagica Voucher (Redeemable on Food & Beverage and Merchandise) Mumbai July 15th, 2013: Come rain or shine, the spirit of youth cannot be contained. Recognizing this very spirit, Adlabs Imagica announces its College Pack – a special offer for college students to visit and experience India’s first ever entertainment theme park of international standards.

Pumping their adrenaline on ‘Gold Rush Express’, dropping in an instant from the heavens on ‘D2 – Dare Drop’ or screaming their lungs out when turned upside down by the “Scream Machine”, are all available for students at a special price of only Rs.1000/- per person.

In addition to this, the Travel Pack – a shuttle service from Mumbai and Pune to the theme park – makes visitors’ commute to the park hassle free and relaxed. Priced at just Rs. 500/- per person for pick up and drop to designated locations, this service ensures a safe journey for the visitors. The travel pack can be availed with all types of tickets like Regular, Imagica Express and the College Pack.

Special transportation has also been arranged for visitors who enjoy train journeys through the hills. Free of cost pick up and drop will be available from Khopoli station to the park in order to make their commute convenient. This service is provided based on train timings as per the railway schedule. The timings for the shuttle from the station can be checked on www.adlabsimagica.com.

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Talking about the offers, Pooja Shetty Deora, Joint Managing Director, Adlabs Entertainment Limited said, “These packages reaffirm Imagica’s promise as an all-weather destination. People in the city have very few out-door entertainment options to indulge in. We have built Adlabs Imagica keeping this in mind and are extending these exclusive packages for visitors to step out and take the Imagica experience.”

With the park completely open for visitors, these special packages promise Adlabs Imagica to certainly become a must-visit destination this year.

Tickets to ADLABS IMAGICA can be bought on www.adlabsimagica.com, or via a phone call to +91 22 42130405 or through a travel agent.

About Adlabs Imagica:

Adlabs Imagica is the flagship venture of Adlabs Entertainment Limited (AEL). AEL is promoted by Mr. Manmohan Shetty. Adlabs Imagica is now poised to be India’s first theme park destination, offering entertainment, fun, action, relaxation, dining, shopping and accommodation at a single location. The group has assembled a highly diversified and multi-dimensional team for development and implementation of project. The international theme park will be a celebration of the family entertainment and international wholesome experience that will now be available in India. Plan your trip to Adlabs Imagica with a click on www.adlabsimagica.com

For any queries, please contact

Radhika Mehta | Genesis Burson Marsteller | 9619200115 | radhika.mehta@bm.com

Vaijayanthi Kari | Genesis Burson Marsteller | 9892794143 | vaijayanthi.kari@bm.com

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Kalpana Malviya Becomes International Model

Bollywood divas Katrina Kaif, Freida Pinto and Sushmita Sen had become the eye candy of many International Ramp shows. Now Gladrags Model and actress Kalpana Malviya is ready to burn the ramp walk in US through her electrifying walk. The model is stepping into the shoes of Bollywood ruling actresses. The beautiful actress had signed a project with US Modeling Agency.

Kalpana Malviya said, “It’s great for me to associate with US project. It’s a nice experience to work there and it is a wonderful place where The City Never Sleeps.”

The Indian beauty has walked for the prestigious Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week and various Indian and International shows. She was the winner (first runner up) of Gladrags Mega Model Manhunt 2009. She was trained as an actor and model from Wigan and Leigh University and has been part of many theatre plays. She has also choreographed shows for MTV and has endorsed many brands.





Media Contacts:

Scribes INC- The PR Company

Satish Reddy

Mobile : 09167115564

Email : sateshreddy2013@gmail.com

Nilofer Ansari

Mobile : 07666989939

Email : niloferscribes@gmail.com

Abhishek Dubey

Mobile : 09699384240

Email : abhiscribesinc@gmail.com

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Evelyn Sharma secretly celebrates her 23rd birthday in pomp and style!

High on the heels of superhits Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Nautanki Saala, actress and fashionista Evelyn Sharma brought in her 23rd birthday with a lot of zest and zing at Bandra hotspot Polpo this week.

And though she celebrated in typical Bollywood pomp and style, surprisingly the event was kept a hush-hush affair from prying cameras. Even some paparazzi was cleverly misled while her party raged on till late night with flowing red wine and a Cinderella-engraved cake.

In attendance were personalities from the fashion, film and business circles. Some of the names we stumbled upon include actors Prateik Babbar, Nathalia Kaur, Izabelle Leite, Madhura Naik, business tycoon Ashish Raheja, ace designer Rocky S, Sonam and Paras Modi, producers Dhaval Gada of PEN and Vishal Gurnani of The Entertainment Hub, photographer Vikram Bawa, singer Aditi Singh Sharma and DJ Deepesh Sharma aka Mr Right.

Having returned from IIFA last week, Evelyn is now gearing up for her next two releases this year. While she has a role with Prateik Babbar in Issaq (Manish Tiwary’s Hindi remake of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet), the gal will also be seen playing an angelic dream girl in T-Series’ Yaariyaan; the directorial debut of Super Cassettes icon Bhushan Kumar’s wife Divya Kumar.

A rocking year indeed!

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Iranian beauty Mandana Karimi to debut in Vikram Bhatt’s Bhaag Johnny

Beauty and Bollywood go hand in hand since the days of Madhubala and Meena Kumari. Be it Sharmila Tagore, Zeenat Aman, Parveen Babi, Aishwarya Rai or Katrina Kaif; they’ve all impressed us by their looks before they made a mark with their talent.

Now joining the list of the industry’s most gorgeous new faces, is a stunner called Mandana Karimi.

An import from Iran, the babe will hit the silver screen in maverick director Vikram Bhatt’s forthcoming film Bhaag Johnny as a lead alongside Kunal Khemu and Zoa Morani.

Born to an Indian father and an Iranian mother, Mandana grew up in Tehran, before globetrotting and landing in India and being discovered by Vikram Bhatt. The gal may be a looker, but the actress in her is more concerned about versatility.

“I don’t want to be known just for my looks,” she quips. “I’m ready to experiment with roles from everything cliché to bizarre. My aim is to enact varied characters with all kinds of shades,” remarks Mandana. But ask her about her role in Bhaag Johnny and all she says is, “Wait and watch. Let me not spoil the surprise.”

Coming from a foreign country, one might think that Mandana would have to learn Hindi first. But the gal reveals, “I can speak Hindi pretty well, though I’m working on perfecting my accent now.”

What’s more! Mandana has walked the ramp for many fashion designers including JJ Valaya, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, Rohit Bal, Anna Singh, Satya Paul and even done an advertisement for Royal Stag with none other than the Badshah of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan, and another one for Sony Ericsson with Kareena Kapoor.

With her debut film nearing completion, Mandana sure makes an interesting debutante to watch for!

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