2013-08-01

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India records highest ever sales in July 13

· HMSI is 2nd largest two wheeler company in both domestic and export sales

New Delhi, August 01, 2013: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd (HMSI), the only Honda in Indian 2 wheeler industry, recorded its highest ever sales in its 13 years of Indian operations. In July,2013 Honda recorded overall two wheeler sales of 287, 177 units with growth of 20% in July 13 (Y-o-Y) . In July 2013, the company sold 287,177 units as against 239,094 units in July 2012. The company recorded motorcycle sales of 147,635 units and Scooter sales of 139,542 units in July,2013.

Highlights:

1. HMSI achieves EVER HIGHEST SALES: With 20% overall growth(YoY),HMSI total sale is 287177,units in july’13

~Motorcycle growth is 35 %(led by demand for Dream Series, HMSI motorcycle sales cross scooter sales for the FIRST TIME)

~Scooter growth is 8%

2. HMSI gains 2nd position overall for the FIRST TIME (Domestic+ Export)

3. HMSI domestic market share is 24%

4. Third Factory: The second line of first phase has started rolling the Activa in Narsapura, Karnataka.

Highlighting the company’s performance in July 2013, Mr. Y S Guleria, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd. said, “Today Honda created a new chapter in its Indian operations with three new records, in July 13, Honda have achieved highest ever sales, highest domestic market share of 24 % and also became 2nd largest player in domestic and export sales in two wheeler industry. This is largely attributed to the overwhelming demand for Dream series and the increase in production with start of 2nd production line at the third factory in Narsarpura, Karnataka.”

For further information please contact:

Suvidha Awle / awle@perfectrelations.com

Sholom Kemkar / skemkar@perfectrelations.com

Regards,

Suvidha Awle

Senior Image Manager

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Radhe Maa Trust organizes Anup Jalota concert in Aadhar old age home

“People say time for Bhajan is after 60 years, but I have passed my 60 years in Bhajan.” – Anup Jalota

Mumbai: Padmashri Anup Jalota performs in a Bhajan Sandhya organized by the Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa Charitable Trust at Aadhar old age home, Borivali (E), Mumbai on 31 July, 2013. Mr Jalota sung several evergreen classics like ‘Aisi Lagi Lagan’, ‘Chahe Krishna Kaho yaa Raam’ and ‘Rang De Chunariya’ along with newer compositions for the residents of the old age home who number over 125.

Aadhar houses senior citizens abandoned by their families, and includes couples. Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa Charitable Trust has been associated with Aadhar Old Age Home from last couple of years. The trust’s social work initiatives are inspired by Shri Radhe Guru Maa’s teachings that ask devotees to go beyond the temple and engage in good works for the benefit of all beings.

Commenting on the experience, Anup Jalota said “I am happy to be associated with the noble cause of Radhe Maa Trust. Through my bhajans, I try to connect people with God and feel the strength within. Today at Aadhar Old age home, I sang for people who are deprive of love & care, it’s one of the most hearts touching experience, I ever had. People say time for Bhajan is after 60 years, but I have passed my 60 years in Bhajan.”

Sanjeev Gupta, Managing Trustee of Radhe Maa trust, said that “He is grateful to the singer for having acceded to the trust’s request. The world knows Anupji as a singer of world repute whose contribution to Indian music is incomparable. However, the eagerness with which he agreed to perform reveals what a big-hearted person he is.”

On this occasion Advisory Panel Member of ‘Central Board of Film Certification’ Shri.Manmohan Gupta, Shivji Gupta, Sanjeev Kohli, Khemchan, Ravi Kalra, Girdhari Lal and others are present there.

The social service initiatives of Radhe Maa trust includes women’s empowerment programs, health camps, blood donations, support to schools for students of limited means, orphanages, old age homes, gaushalas and temples from last 10 years.

Sanjay Sharma Raj

(P.R.O.)

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Imran-Sonakshi in a future Balaji film?

At a recent closed door screening of ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAI DOBAARA held in Mumbai, senior Balaji officials were incredibly impressed with the fresh and crackling Imran-Sonakshi chemistry that is being depicted on the silver screen for the first time.

So much so that Ekta Kapoor spoke to her team members immediately about casting them together in a future Balaji film.

Says a source, “Balaji is producing a large number of films with well-known directors and has decided to cast the duo in a romantic film. The team is floored by their romance in the film.”

Ekta confirmed, “We were amazed at the sparkling chemistry between Imran and Sonakshi. They are at amazing ease with each other. They are the new romantic pair created and we would definitely like to repeat them in one of our future productions.”

Directed by Milan Luthria, the films also stars Akshay Kumar and Sonali Bendre. It releases worldwide on August 15.

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Thursday, 01 August 2013: Sushant Singh Rajput introduced YRF’s Shuddh Desi debutant Vaani Kapoor at a launch event earlier today where they also unveiled their shuddh desi song, GULABI, from their upcoming film SHUDDH DESI ROMANCE.

Music: Sachin-Jigar

Lyrics: Jaideep Sahni

Singers: Jigar Saraiya & Priya Saraiya

Choreographer: Brinda

Catch Raghu (Sushant Singh Rajput) and Tara (Vaani Kapoor), in this very enjoyable, charming and ‘gulabi’ number from YRF’s Shuddh Desi Romance on YRF’s YouTube channel http://youtu.be/Ll-LluZrNqw and you’ll soon be seeing the world through ‘gulabi’ tinted glasses!

Shuddh Desi Romance is the journey of three restless young people who junk the society’s syllabus for finding love and decide to follow their heart. When their lives crisscross, their beliefs get challenged, and their loves, tested.

From the director of Band Baaja Baaraat and the writer of Chak De! India, comes a very real love story about the hair raising minefield between love, attraction and commitment.

Starring in this classy, candid look at the affairs of the heart in today’s desi heartland are the endearing Rishi Kapoor, exceptionally talented Sushant Singh Rajput, and the versatile Parineeti Chopra, along with debutant Vaani Kapoor.

SHUDDH DESI ROMANCE is directed by Maneesh Sharma, written by Jaideep Sahni, and produced by Aditya Chopra.

SHUDDH DESI ROMANCE — a romantic comedy that finally tells it like it is, releases worldwide on 6th September 2013.

/yrf /ShuddhDesiRomance /ShuddhDesiRomnc /yrf

Website: www.yashrajfilms.com

sms SDR to 53131

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Kangana Ranaut to sport tobacco stains in several portions of Rajjo

National award winner Kangana Ranaut who essays the role of a kothewalli in Vishwas Patil’s Rajjo will be seen sporting tobacco stains on her teeth in several portions of the film – Known to get under the skin of her characters,Kangana who plays the protagonist in the film, went out of her way not just to train in classical dance for her role ,but even ensured she looked the part –

Given that the actress is against tobacco, she chose to substitute it and chew on paan and food color instead , making it a win-win situation.

Says a source, “Though Kangana had her initial reservations ,she decided to go all out and look the part of a kothewalli and even sported tobacco stains on her pearly whites -She suggested chewing on paan and food color instead of tobacco since the addictive is banned in the state and being extremely health conscious thought of an alternative. Her dedication and her need to achieve perfection in every single scene had everyone floored”.

Says Kangana , “As an actor , I will do whatever the script requires me to, if it helps in making the character seem more believable “.

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Serial kisser SRK

Shahrukh Khan went on a kissing spree on the upcoming gala episode of Indian idol Junior. Shahrukh was at his charming best as he entered and immediately went ahead and landed a kiss on each contestant’s cheek. He then made his way to Mandira Bedi and landed her one on her cheek as well. Both recalled their DDLJ days and got a bit nostalgic. Even during the show after each performance SRK kissed each contestant and gave his blessings.

Catch Shahrukh Khan turn serial kisser on Indian Idol Junior this Saturday, 3rd August 2013 only on Sony Entertainment Television

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Veena Malik Silk Sakkath Hot Maga release on August 2

Bollywood hot bombshell Veena Malik is not leaving any stone unturned while promoting her upcoming movie “Silk Sakkath Hot Maga” is all set to release on August 2. The Film is likely to release in 140 screens in Karnataka. Recently Veena was seen at Bangaluru promoting her movie along with co-star Akshay. Veena was looking very glamorous and was seen wearing lacy flowing skirt which rises the temperature. Veena is portraying the character of Silk in her movie which has all the romance and beautiful scenes. The movie will show you 10 emotions like Happiness, sadness, comedy, suspense, love, action and romance. The movie also gives out message on AIDS and eye-donation.

Veena Malik said, “People think that Silk Sakkath Hot is hot and glamour and I agree with it. But it has lot of sensuous scenes which you see in the songs. Silk is a story of a girl and what happens in her life. People will be moved to tears in the climax. There is a different kind of feel in Silk Sakkath Hot for which you when you watch the movie. I want to thank to all my fans to support me. I’m eagerly waiting for the movie to hit the screens.”

Veena Malik is going ga ga over the character of a Silk Sakkath Hot Maga she played in the film.



Media Contacts:

Scribes INC- The PR Company

Satish Reddy

Mobile : 09167115564

Email : sateshreddey2013@gmail.com

Abhishek Dubey

Mobile : 09699384240

Email : abhiscribesinc@gmail.com

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Maharashtra Tourism to be the first Asian Indian organization to host Mega Cultural Celebration at Times Square, USA

Maharashtra Tourism Aims to promote the rich heritage and culture in US

Mumbai, July 30, 2013: Times Square, one of the biggest, iconic landmarks of the world will soon come alive to celebrate Diwali, the biggest festival of lights. Maharashtra Tourism who is aggressively promoting the state across the globe has decided to promote Maharashtra at Times Square. For the first time ever, Diwali will be celebrated at Times Square on 22nd September 2013. “Maharashtra Tourism- Diwali at Times Square” event is titled by Maharashtra Tourism, organized by Event Guru, conceptualized by ASB Communications and presented by Air India.

Maharashtra Tourism has taken a larger leap as a title sponsor with the aim to promote the rich and varied culture of India and Maharashtra. More than 100,000 Asian Indians will be participating in the event from tri- state and neighbouring states. More than 350,000 pedestrians visit Times Square on daily basis. As Diwali falls on November 3rd, this would be a major promotional campaign in September to attract foreign tourists to Maharashtra during the festival of lights and tourists can plan their visit accordingly.

Shri Chhagan Bhujbal, Honorable Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, expressed his complete commitment towards the success of this iconic event as it would make positive impact on Mumbai in the long run. Shri Bhujbal said that, “Maharashtra Tourism is gratified to participate in this historic occasion. Maharashtra has the kind of tourist destinations which every international tourist will fall in love with. We have pristine beaches, best of hill stations, festivals, culture and cuisine. With this event at Times Square, we will be able to gain attention of the world and surely, Maharashtra will be established in the international tourism map.”

First Time ever Diwali is being celebrated at Times Square ASB Communications is organizing and managing Diwali at Times Square event. Neeta Bhasin, President and CEO of ASB communications said ” We want to show the world how rich Indian culture and heritage is and how we celebrate festivals in India. I could not think of better place than the center of universe “Times Square”

The event will be publicized on digital, TV radio print media in USA. The concert will also display an orchestrated laser light show and fireworks on big screens, creating a unique visual experience. The event will witness Cultural Festival which includes a wide variety of Indian food, dance classes, Diya/ Rangoli painting, Indian arts and crafts, a fashion show, photo booths with ethnic outfits, celebrity Autograph/Photo Booth, Dahi Handi/Mallkhamb and a lot more. The grand event will also see the excitement with Light Up Times Square, a concert showcasing performances by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. A film of MTDC with the destinations of Maharashtra will be showcased on the jumbo screens present at the venue. Sari draping lessons, Heena (Mehendi) designs, placing of Gudis will be additional attractions at the event.

The glamorous fashion alley of Times Square is now going to get saffronised with traditional Kolhapuri turbans. The pointed moustaches will be distributed to the audience to recreate Maharashtrian village side- effect. Bhangda, Dandiya and bollywood dances with traditional drums will mesmerize the global tourists flocking around Times Square. This gala event will give all authentic performances by the artist from remote landscape of Maharashtrian soil.

Times Square is a major commercial intersection and a neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Times Square – iconified as “The Crossroads of the World”, “The Center of the Universe” and the “The Great White Way” – is the brightly illuminated hub of the Broadway Theater District, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections, and a major center of the world’s entertainment industry.

Apart from acting as the primary agency of the State for promotion and development of tourism, MTDC also protects and enhances the state’s historical, geographical, and cultural heritage.

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Indian Travellers Move To The Next Level – 97% indicate preference for online hotel reservation over traditional booking methods

MakeMyTrip survey reveals hotel-preferences and booking behavior of Indian travellers for domestic & overseas holidays

New Delhi, 30 July, 2013: Contrary to popular perception, Indian travellers are all set to take the next step in their travel buying experience. 97 percent Indians prefer booking a hotel online while 77 percent have already booked a hotel online through an OTA. What is even more interesting is that 40 percent Indian travellers have booked last minute hotels for same day check-ins while 14 percent Indians have used a mobile app to book hotels. These are some of the interesting findings from a recent survey undertaken by MakeMyTrip, India’s leading online travel company. The survey aims at understanding the behavior pattern and preferences of Indians for booking hotels for their domestic and overseas travel.

Elaborating on the survey results Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder & Chief Financial & Operating Officer, MakeMyTrip said, “We launched this survey to better understand the hotel-reservation behaviour of Indian travellers, and the triggers and concerns that shape their decision-making process. The results are quite insightful and we will utilize these to build compelling hotel offerings to further enhance customer confidence in our Hotel products. The survey has some encouraging findings for OTAs such as the increasing preference and propensity for Indian travellers to research and book Hotels online. However, the results also reveal that payment/ data security continue to be the Number 1 concern-area for a majority of Indian travellers when booking a hotel online. MakeMyTrip offers secure payment options to make the travel-buying experience convenient and safe, but as the survey shows, more needs to be done to educate the traveller on how to determine that their online transaction is being conducted in a safe and secure ecosystem.”

The survey showcases the emergence of the daring Indian traveller, one who is influenced by a hotel property when deciding on his holiday destination (40 percent) and is tech-savvy and confident enough to use a mobile app to book hotels (14 percent).

Emergence of the daring Indian traveller

Hard to believe but when it comes to hotel booking, Indians are the least brand conscious with only 14 percent Indians preferring brand name while price, location and service top their preference list. Price is the key decision making factor for Indians booking a hotel in India (49 percent) or overseas (60 percent) while amenities are the least important factor when booking a hotel. Indians prefer hotel location (49 percent) over customer service (44 percent) when booking an overseas hotel while service (49 percent) triumphs over location (46 percent) when booking in India.

What motivates the Indian traveller?

Elaborating on the key concern areas highlighted by the survey, Rajesh said, “Accommodation is a key component of a traveller’s itinerary. We understand and acknowledge it, and over the last few years we have made efforts to allay common customer-concerns. From offering 100% Money-back guarantee if the hotel property did not meet expectations built, or claims listed while booking from our website, to offering a Pay-at-Hotel solution, we have worked with our extensive network of Hotel partners to provide a security-blanket for travellers wary of online hotel booking. Earlier this year, bolstered by our success and customer-confidence in our Hotel-offerings, we extended the MakeMyTrip brand-promise to ‘Hotels Unlimited’. We are continuously striving to raise the bar of customer-experience while booking a Hotel through MakeMyTrip. This survey helps identify other areas we can look at delivering a distinctly superior experience, such as the lack of flexibility in terms of meal plans and special inclusions that have been cited by respondents.“

Online Hotel-reservation: Key Concern Areas

Another interesting finding is that Indians favor 3 & 4 star hotels over luxury properties both in terms of preference and for actual booking in India and overseas. More Indians prefer a luxury property when booking overseas (23 percent) than in India (20 percent). Home-stays too continue to excite the Indian traveller with more Indians (26 percent) preferring home-stays to service apartments (18 percent). More Indians prefer service apartments when booking overseas (21 percent) than in India (18 percent). Also, 72 per cent Indians trust web search/ TripAdvisor ratings while choosing their hotel as opposed to other influencers like word of mouth (18 percent), newspapers/ TV review (3 percent) and ads (4 percent).

* Survey methodology: The survey was administered to MakeMyTrip’s customer database – over 3000 people aged 18-40 years responded.

For more information about MakeMyTrip visit: www.makemytrip.com

About MakeMyTrip

MakeMyTrip was launched in India in September 2005 as the first comprehensive online travel site with real time booking for flights, hotels, holidays and cars. The site offers innovative products and services and attracts over 7.2 Million unique visitors every month. MakeMyTrip has also established an offline presence through 61 stores across India. The Company has received numerous accolades for providing best-in-class services to travellers. It has also been ranked among the Ten Best Employers in India for four years in a row (2010-2013). MakeMyTrip Group achieved sales of INR 6400 crores in the financial year ending March 2013.

For media enquiries, please contact:

MakeMyTrip Genesis Burson-Marsteller

Poonam Thakur Neha Singh/ Srishti Soni

+91 124 4910 560 9811645152/ 9953505512

poonam.thakur@makemytrip.com neha.singh@bm.com/ srishti.soni@bm.com

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Lose weight the wise way!!

Shemaroo Entertainment launches

‘Indian Food Wisdom and The Art of Eating Right’ by Rujuta Diwekar

Supported by Siyaram

31 July’13, Mumbai: The new mantra for a fitter, healthier you is “eat local, eat seasonal, go back to your roots” says Rujuta Diwekar – India’s most loved nutritionist.

Shemaroo Entertainment, one of the largest content houses in the country launched direct-to-video film ‘Indian Food Wisdom and The Art of Eating Right’ at Crossword, Select Citywalk, Delhi. The film is written and presented by Rujuta Diwekar, directed by Yogi Chopra and supported by Siyaram Silk Mills Ltd. The occasion was graced by the one of the most glamorous actress of the film industry – Richa Chadda along with Rujuta Diwekar.

‘Indian Food Wisdom and The Art of Eating Right’ features Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Anupam Kher and Richa Chadda among other celebs. It brings forth our ancient wisdom on what to eat, how much to eat, when to eat, how to stay healthy and its relevance to our times. It is a myth breaking film that helps you to understand your food better. As a result you stop looking at your food as a platter of calories rather you look at it as a blessing and relish it. Rujuta Diwekar blends her understanding of modern nutrition science with our time-tested wisdom on food and wellness, to bring this delicious concoction of easy to understand, simple to follow and grandmother approved principles of eating right and staying fit.

‘Indian Food Wisdom and The Art of Eating Right’ is being simultaneously released on DVD and is also available for digital streaming via Shemaroo’s Bolly & Beyond Android Mobile App and website (www.shemaroo.com/indianfoodwisdom), it will soon be available on other digital and television platforms as well.

Richa Chadda shared her thoughts on the occasion, “Rujuta has helped me look beyond the get thin obsession and move towards holistic health. 5 years ago, she was the first person I met who had anything to do with the industry, and she was very kind and generous with me. She has been propagating the ‘eat local, think global’ mantra through her books and now this film is a wonderful initiative in making that information available to everyone in a way that’s entertaining and also hard-hitting. Eating local food is the only way you can stay fresh and look fresh. How can you expect to look good, forget lose weight, if you are eating food packed in some other continent and which

has traveled for days together to reach your plate? I am really glad to be part of this

project and just like every film I chose, this one too is path breaking and meaningful.”

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So what was it on the sets of Comedy Circus Ke Mahabali that left controversies favorite child Rakhi Sawant speechless?

Strange but true! So when the goddess of dance ‘Helen’ came to be a part of the first episode of this Comedy Circus ke Mahabali, Rakhi’s happiness knew no bounds! It was an implausible moment for her when she came face to face none other than dancing diva herself. An extremely overawed Rakhi went on her knees and touched Helen’s feet in front of everyone present. In fact she also told Helen that she is Rakhi’s idol ever since she was a small kid.

And for all those who are waiting for Rakhi’s all-time divisive one liners, here is what she stated openly “Woh us zamane ki Helen thi, mein is zamane ki Helen, aur baaki sab sirf belan”!!

Catch Rakhi Sawant on Comedy Circus ke Mahabali on Friday, August 2 at 9pm only on Sony Entertainment Television

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Don’t miss watching

“Shah Rukh Khan”

On “Comedy Nights with Kapil”

This Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 10.00 PM,

Only on COLORS!

Telecast Date – On Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 10.00 PM –

Watch Shah Rukh Khan visiting Comedy Nights with Kapil for the second time in a span of three weeks – a first in the history of Indian television. Shah Rukh Khan was seen having a ball and laughing hard at Kapil’s witty stand-up comedy. Shah Rukh Khan and Kapil even did a special saas-bahu act for the audiences. Rohit Shetty also joined the two later on to promote his upcoming movie – Chennai Express.

So, don’t miss watching this entertaining episode of “Comedy Nights with Kapil” with Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 10.00 pm, only on COLORS!

“Comedy Nights with Kapil”

Every Saturday and Sunday at 10.00 PM,

Only on COLORS!

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‘BA Pass’ directed and produced by Ajay Bahl is a brutal saga of seduction and betrayal. The film is based on one of the stories, The Railway Aunty (by Mohan Sikka), from the 2010 book Delhi Noir.

The film was premiered at the 2012 Osian’s Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema in Delhi. The film won the Best Film Award in ‘Indian competition’ section, while debutant Shadab Kamal won the Best Actor award.

Storyline: A young small town boy played by Shadab Kamal moves to Delhi to stay with his aunt and finish his college study. This financially weak young man is seduced by a mysterious married woman (played by Shilpa Shukla) known to him as Sarika ‘Aunty’. The erotic human drama between this college going boy and this bold ‘aunty’ begins in the neon-lit lanes of Delhi’s Paharganj.

BA Pass is all about a relationship based on lust, lies and deceit.

In the film, the director has tried to bring the hard reality behind the closed doors of the society. If you want to come out of the colourful canvas of Hindi Cinema and looking for a change, watching BA Pass will be a good idea.

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