LifeCell Launches World’s Most Affordable Stem Cell Banking Solution on the eve of 25th Anniversary of Life-saving Umbilical Cord Transplants
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan advocates stem cell banking as the best gift for the child and endorses LifeCell
Mumbai, October 7, 2013: LifeCell, India’s largest and most accredited stem cell banking company today announced the launch of world’s most affordable stem cell banking solution. Umbilical cord blood stem cells have been used for over 25 years for more than 30,000 successful transplants world over. This announcement coincided with the global observance of the 25th anniversary year of stem cell treatments using umbilical cord blood. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a patron of LifeCell and goodwill ambassador for stem cell banking reinforced the value of stem cell banking on the occasion and stated this as the best gift parents can give for their child.
With over a lakh of children’s stem cells banked in India, the private stem cell banking industry in India stands at Rs. 200 crores, and is estimated to touch Rs. 2700 crores by 2020, accounting for 17 percent of the world’s market. More and more parents are recognizing the importance of banking their child’s umbilical cord blood in the event that their child needs a lifesaving transplant treatment in the future.
Mayur Abhaya, Managing Director & CEO, LifeCell said “At LifeCell, we understand the importance of educating expectant parents about the value of umbilical cord banking and are committed to reaching out to maximum number of families. We are proud to celebrate 25 lifesaving years of umbilical cord transplant globally by offering parents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bank their baby’s cord blood at the most affordable prices. We currently have over 80,000 customers in India who have preserved their baby’s stem cells with us and we see this growing many fold over the next few years aided by awareness and affordability, thereby potentially making us from India’s largest stem cell bank to the world’s largest stem cell bank.
Umbilical Cord Banking is becoming increasingly popular for expecting parents as a unique form of insurance since it provides them the assurance about their child’s safe, healthy and secure future. As a Patron of LifeCell and Goodwill Ambassador for Stem Cell Banking, Aishwarya Rai said “It is a privilege to educate expectant parents on the significance of banking umbilical cord stem cells since it can secure your baby’s future health against many serious medical conditions. Also advancing stem cell research would only increase the benefits”.
At the time of Aaradhya’s birth, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan opted for banking her daughter’s stem cells with LifeCell owing to its efficient facilities, trust and values. She added “The most important role in my life is that of being a mother. Choosing to bank our baby’s umbilical cord stem cells with LifeCell is a treasured gift that will stay with her for life and is an investment for her healthy future. LifeCell’s dual storage, comprehensive insurance packages for total security and complete stem cell service solutions including research and therapy gives me confidence that it is the world’s most accredited stem cell bank.”
Some other celebrities who have chosen LifeCell for their children include Hrithik & Suzanne Roshan, Raveena Tandon & Anil, Manyata & Sanjay Dutt and Madhavan apart from many others.
Umbilical cord has been the number one source of stem cells for treatment of children in US & Japan and umbilical cord banking is regarded as an essential service globally. In 2005, there were less than 25 stem cell banks worldwide, but now in 2013, there are approximately 500 banks globally with one bank in almost every major country. LifeCell is the first company to bring the revolutionary concept of umbilical cord stem cell banking to India in 2004 in technological collaboration with Cryo-Cell International. Since then, LifeCell has been a leading cord blood bank providing transplant quality stem cells that can be used in thousands of successful treatments. Laws have been enacted in US to create awareness on cord blood banking, and financial aid is provided in countries like Singapore. India lags behind world indicators significantly with extremely low public cord blood units and lack of bone marrow donors. Therefore, there is a dire need to address both awareness and affordability to increase adoption of stem cell banking.
About Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Banking:
The umbilical cord is rich in life-saving stem cells that can only be collected at birth, and can be preserved for a lifetime. Umbilical cord banking is a safe and simple procedure wherein the baby’s umbilical cord blood and tissue are collected within 10 minutes after the baby is born. This procedure causes no harm to the mother or baby. The collected sample is transported to the laboratory where it is processed, and preserved in a safe and secure environment at minus 196 degrees centigrade. These stem cells have the potential to treat over 80 medical conditions including blood disorders, immune diseases with ongoing research continuing to bring about additional benefits using these cells. Moreover these preserved stem cells can be used for treatment of the baby’s siblings too as they are a better match and have improved outcomes, and it’s no wonder they are the #1 source of stem cell treatments for children in US & Japan.
About LifeCell:
Established in 2004, LifeCell is India’s first and largest stem cell bank, enjoying the trust of over 80000 parents who have banked their children’s stem cells with the company. With state-of-the-art facilities and a spread over 100 centers in the country and footprints in GCC countries, LifeCell is also the most recommended stem cell bank by gynecologists. The company has accreditations from international organizations for standards such as American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), College of American Pathologists (CAP), WHO & National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL). LifeCell is also the only player in the industry providing comprehensive stem cell solutions including menstrual stem cell banking, R&D and point-of-care stem cell therapy for orthopedic, vascular and cardiovascular specialties. For more information log on to www.lifecell.in.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Edelman India:
Renisa D’Souza (+91 9920 682171)
renisa.dsouza@edelman.com
Sana Ahuja (+91 9820 286866)
Sana.ahuja@edelman.com
LifeCell International:
Ravi Shankar V (+91 9677003344)
ravishankar.v@lifecell.in
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Percept Art in association with Toybank celebrate the Joy of Giving
Mumbai, October 7th 2013: Percept art, a unique initiative of Percept Limited along with Toybank, a non-profit organization that has been set up with the aim of providing toys to children, organized a fund raiser through the synchronization of art, music and creativity on the occasion of joy of giving.
Attendees at this musical evening saw wonderful performances by Vasudha Sharma, Luke Kenny, Ravi Iyer & friends. Vasuda Sharma who broke out of her pop star mould and went on to become a one woman band, was loved by the audience.
Shweta Chari, the founder CEO of Toybank said, “Music is one of the most unbiased essences of life and does not draw differences between anybody. It gives me utmost satisfaction to see so many people offer their support and love.”
Luke Kenny, a well renowned Bollywood singer and DJ, was overwhelmed by the entire event. He said, “It has been such a lovely experience to be here. Music is my passion and it makes me really happy to offer my services for such a noble cause”
Percept Art aims at raising around 10 lacs from all these events and a portion of funds raised from this event will be donated to Toybank, which intends to use these funds to open one dozen rural impact centers across rural Maharashtra by the end of this year.
On the 11th October, Atul Kasbekar and Purab Kohli will grace the event to honor the photography contest which will be followed by musical performances by Suchitra Pillai and Luke Kenny.
Having reached out to over 65,000 kids so far, Toybank is working their way to impact the lives of 1,00,000 kids in their 10th year.
About Toybank
Toybank is a non-profit organization that believes in giving children back their childhood through the medium of play.
Toybank began small and gathered momentum over the years with the help and support of friends and volunteers from all across Mumbai and soon India.
Toybank is currently present in 6 cities in India: Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad and Goa. We have also started a chapter in Bhutan, where we have partnered with the Government of Bhutan to set up Toy Libraries.
Toybank has reached out to children over 65,000 children across India in the last 9 years.
We have set up 70 impact centres across Maharashtra alone where children learn through play methods. We are a ‘proactive’ organisation. We work to ‘prevent’ children from succumbing to immoral habits. Our work has impacted the attendance levels of children going to Govt. schools & there is a 55% rise in their academic performances.
Toybank is registered as a Trust under the Bombay Public Trust Act and is also registered under 80 G for tax exemption
Date
Event
Time
October 04, 2013
Musical performances by Ravi Iyer and Vasuda Sharma
7pm onwards
October 11, 2013
Prize winners for the ‘Click for a Cause’ photography contest will be awarded by ace photographer- Atul Kasbekar & Actor/Director- Purab Kohli
6pm onwards
October 11, 2013
Musical performances by Luke Kenny & Suchitra Pillai
7pm onwards
For more details contact:
Reena Bajaj | reena@communicateindia.com | 9819010115
Mariya Gabajiwala | mariya@communicateindia.com | 9930015552
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Ram Leela trailer – the fastest to cross the 2 million mark
The trailer of Eros International and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ram Leela recently launched,only to be received with an unprecedented reception , making it the fastest trailer this year to cross the 2 million benchmark.
The trailer of the magnum opus that saw its launch 3 days ago,is also being celebrated on the social media front with everyone from the media to the film fraternity voicing their praise and support.
Said Amitabh Bachchan, “Saw trailer of “RamLeela” .. stunning ! The colours the passion the Deepika .. !! ‘Ram’ and his MAFH..Sanjay Leela and his genius !”.
Said director Farah Khan, “what a Fantastic trailer of Ramleela! Deepika Padukone looks fab !”.
Said director Anurag Kashyap, “SLB on LSD .. Whattay trailer”.
On the trade front , said Taran Adarsh, “No one films songs the way Sanjay Leela Bhansali does… The songs of his new film #RamLeela bear testimony to this fact…”
Said Anupama Chopra, “Loved the #RamLeela trailer. Extreme colors, extreme passion, extreme opera, extreme Bhansali. Nice.”
Added Rajeev Masand, “Trailer of Ram Leela: http://tinyurl.com/ne9ov9a All the Bhansali staples in place, yet tone seems different from previous films. Interesting.”
Eros International & Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ram Leela starring Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh is scheduled to release November 15th 2013.
Pro Raindrop Media
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The Spiciest Bollywood News show on TV now gets Spicier!
Catch Sonam Kapoor on the sets of Planet Bollywood News for a steamy new revelation
on Wednesday, 9th Oct at 7 pm
National, 3rd October, 2013: In a Bollywood crazy nation like ours, a constant and almost insatiable craving for some controversial scoops or insider updates on what’s happening in the off-screen lives of stars we worship or even despise, is quite the usual thing. And when it comes to choosing a destination that can be relied upon to fulfill this eternal craving, only the spiciest one can make the cut. With its sensational revelations and tongue-in-cheek commentary, Planet Bollywood News has consistently been the no. 1 choice of the viewers.
Acknowledging this support from its loyal fans, the show is taking the next step towards whetting their appetite for Bollywood News with the launch of a new avatar! Starting Wed, Oct 9th, Planet Bollywood News will be airing full one hour episodes every Monday to Friday, 7 pm to 8 pm. It’s a definite promise to ‘hit the spot’ as the show prepares to bring you more in-depth coverage, break more sensational secrets and steamy stories in an hour like no show has done before!
Its not just the fans of Bollywood, but celebrities too who follow the show closely. Congratulating zoOm and the Planet Bollywood team, Bollywood’s deadly diva Sonam Kapoor said – “The show is very entertaining and informative. Whether I am in town or out travelling to remote places for shoots, this is one show that always keeps me updated about all that’s happening in the industry.” Well its not just Sonam who follows this shows for her regular dose of Bollywood, but her grandmother too! She further quips: “My grandmother hears stuff about me on this show and calls me up to ask whether it really happened or not.” Sonam would be gracing the launch of the new format on Wednesday. Known for being a fashionista, a fine actress and one who speaks her mind and makes the most quotable quotes, Planet Bollywood News could not have hoped for a more glamorously sensational guest to grace the launch of its new format. As the show braces to press the restart button on 9th October, with Sonam around, we are assured that it is going to be a blast!
Starting 9th October, tune into Planet Bollywood News every Monday-Friday 7 pm to 8 pm only on zoOm – India’s No. 1 Bollywood Channel.
About Times Television Network:
Times Television Network is part of India’s largest media conglomerate, The Times Group. It houses upscale brands including ET NOW – India’s No. 1 Business News channel; MOVIES NOW – India’s leading English Movies channel; ROMEDY NOW – a unique destination for Love and Laughter; TIMES NOW – India’s No. 1 English News channel; and zoOm – India’s No. 1 Bollywood channel. The network delivers segmented and differentiated content under one umbrella. It informs, entertains and engages over 100 million urban affluent viewers in India and is available in 45 countries across the globe.
About zoOm:
zoOm, India’s No. 1 Bollywood channel, and a trendsetter in its genre, brings viewers closer to the biggest stars through the hottest entertainment news, features, countdowns, music, trends, celebrity interviews and reviews. zoOm is available across 28 countries worldwide besides heavy presence in the social media space making it the one stop shop for everything related to Bollywood.
Regards,
Gitanjali Khatau
GITANJALI KHATAU
PROJECT EXECUTIVE
A LINOPINION – GOLINHARRIS JOINT VENTURE
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DJ Khushi won the “Most Popular Bollywood DJ of India” Award
DJ Khushi, rich repertoire of remixing Bollywood songs and Shah Rukh Khan’s culled, won the “Most Popular Bollywood DJ of India” award in ‘The Nightlife Convention 2013’. The first ever one of its kinds of convention was held in Resort Rio, Goa that discussed the various issues plaguing the nightlife in metros.
DJ Khushi got to fame through big banner projects like Ra One (Chammak Challo by Akon), Chikni Chameli, Ek Tha Deewana – A R Rehman composition (Hosanna), among others. His recent works include Boss Remix, Aashiqui 2’s CHAHUN MAIN YA NAA official remix, Student Of The Year’s VELE official remix, etc. He has also tied-up with international artists with his first international release ‘Unleashed’.
DJ Khushi strength lies in spinning sounds that vary from retro to hip hop and his capability to handle the Bollywood sounds and Electronic Dance Music is par above excellence.
- H. S. Communication
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Not Mohit Raina, but a look – alike for Mallika Sherawat’s The Bachelorette India
Rumours were rife of Mohit Raina being approached to enter as the wild card entrant on Life OK’s The Bachelorette India with Mallika Sherawat. However, the latest on the show is that not Mohit Raina but a Mohit Raina look – alike Karan Sagoo who will battle it out with the other contestants to win over Mallika.
A source says, “Yes we had approached Mohit Raina to be a part of the show, however things have not worked out. We have Karan Sagoo as one of the best contenders in The Bachelorette India. Karan has an uncanny resemblance to Mohit Raina. In fact when we first saw Karan, we mistook him for Mohit Raina. Karan is an NRI from London and is a model by profession. ”
Will Karan Sagoo prove to be Mallika Sherawat’s Mohit Raina on The Bachelorette India? Only time will tell!
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Angry Bird Chocolates launched first time in India by The Cocoa Trees
Singapore based brand, The Cocoa Trees has recently introdu
ced internationally renowned Fazer Angry Birds Chocolates first time in India to its vast range of chocolates for its Indian audience. The Angry birds and the pigs have now turned into sweets, lollipops and chewing gums.
The Cocoa Trees have launched Fazer Angry Bird Sweets, Lollipops, Chocolate Eggs and Chewing gums into the market.
Angry Bird Lollipop: Super popular Fazer Angry Birds have now wrapped themselves in lollipop costumes. The three fruity flavoured, groovy looking lollipops have a sudden surprise hidden inside. Once you’ve enjoyed the great taste long enough the piquant powder fills your mouth. Three birdilicious flavours have only natural colours and flavourings. The Angry Bird Lollipops are available in three flavours strawberry, pear and cola. Available at Rs.290 for 120gm.
Angry Bird Chewing Gum: The super popular Fazer Angry Birds are now also chewing gums! Tooth-friendly chewing gums come in four flavours, summer, strawberry and cool, refreshing eucalyptus. Available at Rs.495 for 70 gm.
Angry Bird Chocolate Eggs: Fazer Angry Birds Surprise Eggs are really big milk chocolate eggs with surprises in every chocolate egg. Available at Rs. 795 for 100 gm.
Angry Bird Candy Bags: Fazer Angry Bird Candy Bags contains 5 unique characters and shapes, from strawberry Red Bird, to the crunchy and chewy caramel eggs. The whole amount of bird energy has bounced into the candy bag. The colourful and tangy birds taste like familiar strawberry, spiky lime, delightful orange, wild berries, and punchy cola with a fresh lemon filling. Available at Rs. 190 for 120 gm.
Fazer Angry Bird Collection is now available at all The Cocoa Trees outlets at Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and Goa
.
Sharon Lucas
Crisscross Communication
9867856848
sharon@crisscross.in | shrnlcs4@gmail.com
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Pick up the best screenwriting skills at a special workshop at the
15th Mumbai Film Festival
Mumbai, October 7, 2013: If you’ve always marveled at the wonders of cinema and wished you too could create compelling stories, do mark mid-October in your calendar right away. The 15th Mumbai Film Festival in association with Equinox Europe is conducting a two-day workshop on the 14th and 15th of October at the conference room of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Andheri.
On the agenda are pitching, screen writing and script development, i.e. skills to take your budding film career forward. The workshop will be conducted by the Chair of the Melbourne International Film Festival and eminent script advisor Claire Dobbin along with James Hart, producer and screen-writer having worked with some of the top studios of the world.
Dobbin, who is conducting the first day’s activities has been at the heart of script writing workshops in Australia & New Zealand and has been a guest lecturer at the Abu Dhabi Film festival. As the Senior Script Executive at the Australian Film Commission (AFC), she bettered many Australian films with her touch, such as Road to Nhill, Small Treasures and Mallboy.
The second day’s writing guru has written/produced Hook, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Muppet Treasure Island, Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life among others. ‘Never grow up, never give up’ is Hart’s way of life which comes through in the animated feature, EPIC in which he is co-writer and the Executive Producer.
Beginning at 9.30 am on Monday the 14th, Claire and Jim will listen to idea pitches and give their feedback. By noon, they will delve into the world of screenwriting and script development. Stretching till 4 pm with a lunch break in between the session will discuss themes, concept lines, structure and characters. And of course, there’s question hour from 4.15 – 5:00 pm.
Day 2 begins with the screening of Bram Stoker’s Dracula followed by lunch. Post this, James Hart will begin ‘deconstructing Dracula’ and discuss the finer nuances of script writing. Armed with their new found knowledge, participants will get to pitch ideas once more. The whirlwind workshop will wind up at 5 pm.
The workshop is open to all film writing and cinema enthusiasts.
To register, visit: http://www.mumbaifilmfest.org/index.php?page=workshop
–
Reema Vengurlekar
Crisscross Communication
9833587313
reema@crisscross.in / reema.crisscross@gmail.com
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CP PLUS presents Villa & Multi-Apartment Video Door Phones
Aesthetically securing your home & loved ones
New Delhi, October 2013: CP PLUS GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Germany and a worldwide leader in electronic security products, introduces their advanced Video Door phones for villas & multi-apartments. Developed at CP PLUS TeknoLogix Labs in Taiwan, these video door phones provide the highest level of security as well as comfort & luxury to the consumers.
Villa video door phones, are based on advanced technology and are equipped with TFT LCD screens in 7’’ and 4.3” variants. Both devices have convenient two-way communication system, Remote Unlock functions, Do Not Disturb (DND) feature and that provides ease and comfort to the users. These VDPs also support Intrusion Alarm feature that alert users of any threats. The high resolution color camera of the outdoor unit, installed at the entry door, provides excellent night vision support for that extra security.
For Multi-apartment Video Door Phones, the new TCP/IP enabled VDPs by CP Plus is a perfect fit with a 7” TFT capacitive touch screen for wide viewing. The system offers 3-level security at main guard station, tower lobby entrance and flat entrance. The indoor unit of VDPs provides the recording facility wherein the system is able to record communication between visitors and residents as well as take a picture if required.
The trendy intercom feature of VDPs allows residents to communicate with other residents in the same society, hence eliminating conventional telephones with EPABX system and reduces costs. This stylish device even enables users to leave messages when away from home and can also make emergency calls to the main guard station. Similar to villa VDPs, Multi Apartment VDPs have in-built Intrusion Alarm features which get active in any threat situation.
The CP PLUS analog or TCP/IP based multi-apartment & villa video door phones not only bring convenience to home occupants but also add value to physical security and safety. Both Villa and Multi-apartment VDPs operate on standard LAN architecture & supports integration of IP Cameras with the system. Designed aesthetically, these VDPs go well with the interior of home and are perfect for both new & existing infrastructure. In addition to these features, low labor and operating cost involved in installing these video door phones make them the ideal security companion for your home.
Price – On request. (Rs. XXX Onwards)
Availability – The products are available through branches of Aditya Infotech Ltd and their authorized channel partners.
About CP PLUS
CP PLUS, the world’s preferred Electronic Security Equipment, is the latest Global offering from CP PLUS GmbH & Co. KG. Their products are a symbol of Reliability, Performance and Aesthetics and every model is launched after rigorous Research & Development by the reputed Tech Cell of CP PLUS GmbH & Co. KG., Germany. CP PLUS provides an array of cost-effective solutions for every application ranging from retail, public spaces and airports to special events, offices and homes.
Today in over 60 countries around the world, security experts rely on CP PLUS to complement the service they provide to their clients. With offices in Germany, Czech Republic, UAE, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China & India; CP PLUS offers best-in-class pre-sales and pro-sales services across the globe. They constantly upgrade their products and services and are recognised for introducing the latest technological advancements in the security and surveillance sector.
About CP PLUS TeknoLogix Labs
CP PLUS TeknoLogix labs is a state-of-the-art Research and Development centre based in Taiwan, which is committed towards innovation and revolutionizing of video surveillance solutions for the global security industry. The lab is the latest addition of its kind to CP PLUS worldwide operations and has been introducing smart and ultra-technology in DVRs, NVRs and CCTV cameras thereby providing the most customizable surveillance solutions and meeting the growing demand for intelligent solutions across different industries
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Shruti Singh
Privé Networks
B-57, Lower Ground Floor, South Extension, Part–II, New Delhi-110049
M: +91 9654497747| L: +91 11 43361300 | F: +91 11 41881779
www.privenetworks.com
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Sony Music explores a never seen before marketing innovation for the much awaited Kareena – Imran starrer
Gori Tere Pyaar Mein
~ Offers a personalized artist video teaser prior to the release of the song exclusively on Gaana.com~
October 2013: Known for its marketing innovations with every release, Sony Music introduces a first of its kind concept for Dharma Productions’ Gori Tere Pyaar Mein. A special video teaser featuring Kareena Kapoor who will be introducing the Brand new song ‘Tooh’ will be launched on Gaana.com on October 8th where in every time a user logs in to this website, they will get to listen & view to the teaser!
Commenting on the same, Sanujeet Bhujabal Marketing Director Sony Music India says, ‘The film and its music has huge anticipation in the minds of the fans and they are waiting for the songs and the look of the film with bated breath. Keeping the same in mind, we decided to create a special unit where in we release a song and video teaser on Gaana.com prior to the release of the song. We are confident this build will be appreciated by the fans across the globe.”
In the past Sony Music had created multimedia roadblocks for Student of the Year, Jannat 2, Shootout at Wadala , Raanjhaana, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, across all the digital and music platforms
Composed by the multi-talented music director duo, Vishal-Shekhar, who has also worked on Punit Malhotra’s I Hate Luv Story, have created a truly memorable music that merges with the theme of the film
Zaheer Chauhan
Senior Associate
+91 22 4042 5575
+91 9920202720
Ketchum Sampark
break through
PRNews Top Places to Work in PR
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Steppin time!
Television stalwarts Deeya and Tony Singh’s daughter Giaa Singh’s arangetram held in ISKCON auditorium in Juhu today turned out to be a grand affair.
Other than Giaa’s parents Deeya and Tony Singh, brother Jashn Singh, grandmother Gunita Bajaj, her friends and well wishers from the film and television industry came in hordes to support and cheer her on her new beginning. Celebrities who came included Jackie Shroff who walked in early to encourage her, Poonam Dhillon, Juhi Babbar, Anoop Soni, Yukta Mookhey, Amol Gupte, Lekh Tandon, Kanwaljit Singh, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Ragini Khanna, Meesha Gautam, Shilpa Shirodkar, Vivek Mushran, S Manasvi, Ragini Khanna, Kunika Sadanand, Prachee Seth, Bhawana Somaaya, Ashiesh Roy, Kaanchi Kaul, Aashish Chaudhary, Shabnam Sayed, Saurabh Vanzara, Sanket Vanzara, Jhuma Mitra, Kabir Sadanand, Rupali Ganguli, Komolika, Jai Kalra, Vipul Gupta, Esha Kansara, Abhishek Bajaj among many others.
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Nandini Viswanathan
Naarad PR
09769477595
nandini.viswanathan@gmail.com
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‘UFF YOO MAA’- A fundraising event by Tata Medical Centre and The Taj Group of Hotels celebrating 100 glorious years of Indian Cinema
Mumbai, October 6, 2013: The Taj Mahal Palace, one of Mumbai’s most iconic landmarks, recently celebrated 100 years of Indian cinema with a special musical gala – ‘UFF YOO MAA’. The Taj Group of Hotels along with the Tata Medical Centre presented a theatrical show that brought together all the glorious moments of 100 years of Bollywood cinema in 100 minutes.
The event held at the quintessential The Taj Mahal Palace that completes its 110th year anniversary this year, was anchored by Mrs. Geeta Gopalakrishnan, Honorary Director – Donor Relationships, Tata Medical Centre and well-known actor Vivan Bhathena. The event representing ten decades of Bollywood witnessed a display of rare film posters and also a musical show by Zee – Sa Re Ga Ma Pa winners. Renowned singer Usha Uthup took the guests back in time with some of her nostalgic numbers.
The evening commenced with guests sipping Bollywood inspired cocktails at the ‘Chandni Bar’ themed ballroom. The Crystal Room was redesigned to represent a movie set where a Durga Puja scene was being shot.
The highlight of the star-studded evening was anecdotes shared by both yesteryear and young celebrities including Waheeda Rehman, Asha Parekh, Shabana Azmi, Amin Sayani Javed Akhtar, Vishal Bhardwaj, Soman Kapoor and Aditi Rao Hydari. This was the first time that an event of this scale saw Bollywood royalty coming together to share their personal industry experiences.
Mrs. Geeta Gopalakrishnan, Honorary Director – Donor Relationships at the Tata Medical Centre said, “An overwhelming number of celebrities came forward to support the cause, all had personal reasons of their own. The event witnessed magical moments when these celebrities related unusual anecdotes of their experiences and they walked down the nostalgic memory lane. Through this fundraiser we are raising funds for the urgent expansion of the hospital as well creating a corpus for the treatment of under privileged patients which are currently pouring into the Centre. Just like our generous celebrities and guests who supported us for this fundraiser, we hope to receive immense support from everyone to help us accomplish our dream.”
The elaborate meal specially crafted by Chef Hemant Oberoi was divided into themed menus; Salaam Mumbai menu included Pao Bhaji, Keema Pao, Kathi Rolls while The Khatta Meetha menu comprised of Bhel Puri, Sev Batata Puri and Chennai Express included Medu Wada, Dal Wada among other favorites.
The proceeds from the play went towards expansion of Tata Medical Center’s hospital in Kolkata to treat underprivileged cancer patients from the Eastern and North-Eastern regions of India. With an ambience reverberating of the charm and glamour of Bollywood, the evening was a perfect blend of entertainment and a noble cause.
About The Tata Medical Center
The Tata Group has gifted a Rs. 350 crore non-profit (approx. £46 million), world-class cancer hospital in Kolkata, to the people of East India. The Tata Medical Center was inaugurated by Mr. Ratan Tata on 16th May 2011. The hospital provides the entire spectrum of services from prevention, diagnosis and therapy to rehabilitation and palliative support for patients. 50% of the beds in this hospital are reserved for the underprivileged and the hospital currently houses 167 beds and we are planning to increase it by another 200 beds. It is equipped with modern facilities and currently has 35 specialist doctors.
About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces
Established in 1901, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia’s largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 104 hotels in 64 locations across India with an additional 17 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. For over a century, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, the iconic flagship has set a benchmark for fine living with exquisite refinement, inventiveness and warmth. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India’s premier business house.
For any further information please contact Rediffusion/ Edelman:
Yohanna Irani | Yohanna.Irani@edelman.com | +91 8879019688
Rashmi Biswas | Rashmi.Biswas@edelman.com | +91 9920220230
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