DILLI GANG -Review by Mohan Iyyer
Radha Creations’ Dilli Gang is a film about a gang of four who on the pretext of being Aircondition repairers enter the flats of old people or single woman staying in the flats and rob them and even kill them. One of the sub-plots depicts a family of Ishambhar Prasad( Darshan Jariwala) and Sujata (Neena Kulkarni) who have a son Ashish working in Germany, sister who is engaged to get married and everything is blissful until the mother suffers from a terminal disease. On the day of her death the four killers enter the house of Ishambhar and kill him. When the son returns from Germany he blames the Police Officer( Yashpal Sharma) for this irresponsible killing and the cat is out of the bag when it is revealed that their own car driver has been involved with the killers which shocks the viewers.
The film has an introductory poem by Minister Kapil Sibal which is impactfull but the film has been handled amateurishly and the script also has been written poorly which makes the drama look tame Performances of the four killers Amir Dalvi,Asif Ali,Gopal and Imran Javed are okay. Neena Kulkarni does very well while Darshan Jariwala is excellent. He weeps bitterly when he comes to know his wife will be dying which will even make the stone hearted cry in the cinema halls.Yashpal Sharma is very good . Others are okay.. Dialogue in some scenes are good while in some lack the punch. Musically,functional. Camerawork (the film has been shot in Super 16) is fair. Production and technical values are adequate.
DILLI GANG has a shoe-string budget, short length and may do well in the interiors, mainly in the North.
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Crime Patrol to air a special Karva Chauth mysterious killing case in Chandigarh
Sony Entertainement Television Reality-based crime show “Crime Patrol” will narrate a special Karva Chauth mysterious killing case in Chandigarh. The case revolves around the woman named Kiran Walia the wife of a Chandigarh businessman Uday Walia. Kiran along with her friends gathered at the terrace for Karva Chauth party. The women were playing cards when suddenly Kiran collapsed on the card table. Seeing blood oozing out, her friends get shocked.
Kiran is rushed to the hospital where she succumbs to the injury. Uday reaches the hospital and is given the bad news. It also is revealed that Kiran was shot and the bullet had hit her in the head. According to Kiran’s friends they were playing rummy and poking typical fun at each other when all of a sudden, Kiran fell down on the table. None of them had heard the sound of any gunshot. Even the hotel management denies hearing the sound of any gunshot.
Will the Karva Chauth mysterious killing case solved?
Will innocent woman Kiran get justice?
To find out tune in to Crime Patrol, Saturday at 11 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television
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Dhoom:3 The Game debuts exclusively on Windows Phone
Cool superbikes and hot pursuits through the streets of Chicago. Continuous gameplay and state-of-the-art graphics – Dhoom:3 The Game is available first for Windows Phone users
New Delhi – 25 October, 2013: Slick graphics, cool cops and superbikes, mean streets and a tenacious anti-hero – Dhoom:3 The Game has it all, and more. Developed by 99Games Online Private Limited in collaboration with Yash Raj Films Private Limited (YRF), Dhoom:3 The Game launched exclusively on Windows Phone today. An endless 3D racing game where the player dons the digital avatar of Aamir Khan’s character in the movie (slated for release on 20th December), is chased by Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra, who play two cool cops. To get into the characters’ skin and onto their bikes, all you need to do is download the game from the Windows Phone Store here: http://aka.ms/Dhoom3.
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The ‘It’ Clinic conquering another milestone!
Barkha’s Brand Clinic bags prestigious award at the Brand Excellence Awards!
Entrepreneur Barkha Dattani bags the title of ‘Emerging Brand’ at the Brand Excellence Awards by the hands of Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed; wife of Nigeria’s Governor, an initiative of the World Brand Congress!
She has seen too much success too soon and it doesn’t stop here. Founder of Barkha’s Brand Clinic, Barkha Dattani after having bagged titles Brand Creator of the year for two consecutive years, Pride of Gujarat – Maharashtra in the Business Category as Brand Diva bags yet another award title of ‘Emerging Brand’ at the Brand Excellence Awards, an initiative of the World Brand Congress.
Brand Excellence Awards have categories that reflect the strategic marketing objectives that are common to all organizations with an esteemed panel of judges selecting the best judging all entries against the marketing achievements of all types of business & also against those of direct competitors in the relevant industry sector.
The World Brand Congress this year is designed to educate, engage and inspire marketing Leaders and professionals in their pursuit of sustainable brand value. Seeking to enhance professional development skills in the areas that are most relevant to the marketing community today – these conferences and workshops will provide hands-on, skill–building experiences for the brand, research, digital and design community.
Barkha Dattani has come a long way, MD, Barkha’s Brand Clinic popularly known as the Design Doctor has successfully managed to emphasize the power of visual representation through logo designing being her specialization.
Barkha’s Brand Clinic stands apart with a 360 Degree approach towards designing a brand from Logo Designing, Ad Campaign, Brand launch & execution, Personality logo, 3D Walkthrough Animation to Brochures & Catalogue Designing with a clientele comprising of Hyundai, Reliance, Maruti, Nokia, Royal Enfield, Toyota, ICIC, actor R Madhavan to name a few catering to every segment i.e. Hospitality, Healthcare, Gems & Jewellery, FMCG, Real Estate, Textile, Media, Financial Services, Education, Automobiles & Celebrities.
Barkha Dattani proudly mentions, “I have worked hard and I’m bearing the fruits. Receiving accolades gives you a different high & motivates you to work furthermore and so I believe in Sky is the Limit. The award at the Brand Excellence Awards is like conquering a milestone in my career.”
Vivacious Barkha further adds, “It is an excellent initiative by the World Brand Congress. I believe it is the single largest rendezvous of best brains behind some of the world’s most sought after brand. I am overwhelmed to be associated.”
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The Curious case of Carnivorous Plant in Sony TV’s Adaalat
http://www.tellychakkar.com/sites/tellychakkar.com/files/styles/display_665x429/public/images/story/2013/10/03/adaalat.jpg?itok=U8MauDra
The popular law based show Adaalat on Sony Entertainment Television is back with a very interesting case. After a case of short term memory loss, this time the murderer will be a Carnivorous Plant. The story is about a professor getting accused of murdering his lab assistant. He was carrying out some experiments on trees. It was said that he created trees that could eat human being, carnivorous plants. However the professor denies of the murder. But there are evidences that prove the contrary. KD does not believe that the plant could kill a human being. He however has to find a way out to prove the doctor innocent. Things become more difficult when the plant that is termed to be the killer withers away as after the doctors arrest nobody could take care of it.
How will KD find the actual murderer?
To know that tune in to Adaalat Saturday- Sunday at 8.30pm only on Sony Entertainment Television
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“It was a great journey creating Dhankorba with Sanjay Leela Bhansali” says Supriya Pathak
Powerhouse actress Supriya Pathak who will soon be seen essaying a pivotal role of Deepika Padukone’s mother in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ram-Leela ,is all praise for the director stating that she enjoyed every minute of making the magnum opus.
The actress who was initially nervous on taking on the character found great support from her mother,veteran actress Dina Pathak who has previously worked with Bhansali in Devdas.
Says Supriya Pathak, “I heard a lot of very good things about Sanjay Leela Bhansali from my mother when she worked with him in Devdas.I also love the films that he makes so I very excited when I was offered Ram-Leela.Though I was nervous on the first day he made me feel so much at ease.We both love my character in the film so it was a great journey creating her together .He gives you great scope to work on your character and does complete justice to it. He also is a very warm person. “
Eros International & Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ram-Leela starring Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh is scheduled to release November 15th 2013.
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T S Kalyanaraman joins the elite Hurun India Rich List 2013
Mumbai, 25th October 2013: Chairman and Managing Director of Kalyan Jewellers, T S Kalyanaraman has made powerful entry into the elite Hurun India Rich List 2013 at the 50th slot. T S Kalyanaraman, who also finds mention in the lists of Geographical Spread as well as Sectoral Break-up for Jewellery business, has an estimated net worth of approximately Rs 7500 crore. What makes the achievement far more significant is the fact that Kalyan Jewellers operates only in the limited geography of select Indian cities. Thus, it’s a real tribute to the ingenuity of T S Kalyanaraman’s business practices.
Kalyan Jewellers is the single largest directly owned jewellery retail chain in the country with 52 branches spread across India. The company is targeting a turnover of Rs 13000 crore in retail trade alone this year. Kalyan is planning a mega overseas expansion by opening seven showrooms in a single day in the United Arab Emirates in December this year. The investment for UAE will be Rs 400 crore which will also be the biggest single investment ever by an Indian retail player in the emirates. In FY14, the company is expected to open 20 more showrooms in India and 15 more abroad, targeting an overall turnover of Rs 20000 crore. Kalyan Jewellers was recently awarded the most coveted `The Best National Retail Chain 2013′ and `The Best Campaign of the Year 2013′ from the Bombay Bullion Association.
This year, Hurun Rich List had kept a minimum cut off mark (for finding a place in the coveted list) of US$ 300m. Wealth calculations are a snapshot of 18 October 2013 when the rate of exchange to the US dollar was Rs 61.5.
As per the list, the total wealth of India’s Top 100 increased to US$ 250bn from US$ 221bn compared to last year. Almost 46 new millionaires found entry in the coveted list though five from the Rich List 2012 could not make 2013’s cut off mark of US$ 300m. Men dominate this year’s Hurun India Rich List with just 4% of it occupied by women.
The traditional powerhouse of manufacturing continued to be the main source of wealth in India with 17% of the rich list, followed by pharmaceuticals and real estate, which have both seen their percentages drop slightly to 11% and 9%, down from 12% and 10% respectively. Other industries that have had a good year include financial services and healthcare.
“The India Rich List is the most serious attempt to identify the country’s top entrepreneurs and measure their holdings. It is an account of several exciting insights and trends of wealth patterns and demographic and geographic spread of wealth in India. These factors give it a stamp of uniqueness,” said Rupert Hoogewerf, Hurun Report Chairman and Chief Researcher.
About Hurun Report
Established as a research unit in 1999 by British chartered accountant Rupert Hoogewerf, Hurun Report Inc. has grown on the back of the Hurun China Rich List, a list which ranks the 1000 richest individuals in China. As the Chinese entrepreneurs have grown in the past decade, Hurun Report has expanded to include a Global Rich List in 2012& 2013 and India Rich List 2012 and 2013, allowing for comparisons between two of the most dynamic economies in the world. Hurun Report is a leading research house and luxury publishing group based in Shanghai, China. Hurun Report Inc. has a stable of four luxury magazines, the Hurun Research Institute and an active business events division targeting China’s entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals. Hurun Report Inc. also publishes Horse & Polo, The Schools Guide Series and Wings & Water.
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Divya and Bhushan Kumar’s Yaariyan music date
Post the success of Aashiqui 2, the maker will soon launch the theatrical of their next movie. Bhushan Kumar announced T-Series’ next movie directed by his wife Divya Khosla Kumar titled YAARIYAN.
Divya Khosla Kumar who has shot many music videos now debuts as a film director with Yaariyan. To ensure she gives the best to this film, Divya has sat for all the music sittings with her husband – producer Bhushan who has personally looked into the soundtrack.
Talking about her husband who has been in full support during making the songs, Divya says, “Bhushan has an excellent ear for music. A lot of people in the film industry too consult him while choosing music for their films. It would have been silly of me to not take advantage of Bhushan’s skill. He was very hands-on while creating Yaariyan’s music. His inputs have taken the music to another level. ”
Bhushan Kumar says, “We have got on board four different music director – Pritam, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Mithoon and Arko Pravo Mukherjee. All the songs combined have given us a fabulous mix of tracks from youthful to peppy and Sufi to romantic and rock.” Divya adds, “When we have amazing talent in the industry why should we shy away from making full use of them? The key point was to bring the best in front of the audience and entertain them to the fullest.”
After Aashiqui 2, T-Series is ensuring that Yaariyan gives their audience a great album that can cater to
their different tastes.
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Honda builds excitement with new -CB Trigger Ad Campaign
Mumbai, October 25, 2013: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) commences its new Ad campaign titled ‘Untame yourself’ for its 150cc Sports segment –CB Trigger. The TVC is created by Dentsu Marcom and is running on air across channels. The new TVC showcases Honda’s ultimate answer to the latest Technology, CB TRIGGER which caters to needs of those young Indians who desire a global motorcycling experience, as well as a motorcycle perfect for daily commuting.
Objective of the campaign
To strengthen its portfolio in 150cc Sports segment by highlighting CB Trigger and its positioning as the motorcycle that triggers the fun of riding for the youth.
Brief shared with the agency – Dentsu Marcom
The 150cc – 180cc motorcycle segment contributes approximately to 10% of the Indian 2-wheeler industry. To meet the expectations of the young Indian riders aged between 18-24 years, Honda created a 150cc masculine & aggressive styled motorcycle that can trigger the fun of riding while being perfect for daily commuting.
HMSI has been meeting varied customer demand in this segment with its CB Unicorn for mature commuters and the premium CBR 150R for riders who desired a global motorcycling experience. To further fortify its presence in this segment, Honda launched the CB Trigger -Honda’s ultimate answer with latest technology
Approach
As we delved into the life of young aspiring consumers, we find a young man’s life is filled with dilemmas, not all in his control, not all his choice alone to make. It’s almost like his life comes pre-packaged, forced to be someone else other than who he ought to be.
The CB Trigger arms the youth with the means to break free of the shackles of imminent domestication. With an inimitable Honda way of bringing power, fun, style, performance and mileage together, the CB Trigger is not merely a best-in-class 150CC bike. It’s a call to the youths to take action, and its clarion call says, “Untame yourself
Film Descriptor (i.e. describing the film)
The film starts with the backdrop of a jingle (about a domesticated “cutie pie”), where the protagonist is being tamed by his friends, girlfriend and other members of the society in their own ways.
The protagonist goes on to say “Do they make my choice, do they define my life, and do they make my destiny”?
He wants to take his life in his own hands and the Honda’s new bike is a trigger for him to realize that enough is enough and he breaks the shackles of society saying “I don’t belong to them. I belong to myself’’
Campaign Summary
Campaign elements: TVC
Client: Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India
Creative Agency: Dentsu Marcom
Branch Head:-Harjot Narang
National Creative Director: Titus Upputuru
Creative team: Vishal Mittal, Jitendra Kaushik, Aneesh Ayyapan, Brijesh Bharadwaj
Planning team: Narayan Devanathan
Account Management: Yuichi Toyoda, Nikhlesh Jhingan, Sunil Singh, Farhat Naim & Shivam Dua
Films Chief: Suprotim Day
Director (of the film): Lloyd Baptista
Producer: Ruchi Mehta
Production House: 7 Films
Post production studio: Prime Focus & Famous Studios
Music credits: Kartik Shah
TVC details
Working title of film: Untame yourself
Duration: 30 seconds
Campaign breaks on : 12th Oct
Exposure (mediums used): National
Broadcast duration: 30 seconds
Excerpts from Company Spokesperson-
“Honda further strengthens its portfolio in 150cc motorcycle segment with the CB Trigger is targeted at the youth. CB Trigger with new technology- CBS (Combined Braking System) promises a perfect mix of best in class features and fuel efficiency for daily commuting. It offers real value to the youth who want it all – style, performance, advanced features, mileage and maximum riding comfort. I am confident that the new TVC of CB Trigger will create a top of the mind recall with it’s youth centric theme aiming at the lives of today’s young generation’’. -Mr. Y. S. Guleria, Vice President-Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd
“The new CB Trigger combines the raw power of 150 cc and macho styling. So we asked, “Why tame yourself?” Youth enjoy college life and the life after because it seems to liberate them from the 12 years of schooling. Little do they realize that there is another kind of schooling that follows them in these and the following years. Fact is, people around you continue to teach you, what is cool, what isn’t, they tell you that you must join a gym, build your muscle, party hard etc. The new CB trigger gives them a physical tool to break out of all this and live by themselves.”–Titus Upputuru NCD Dentsu Marcom
“The simple but key insight into the life of the 18-year-old prospective biker is this: at a time when the 18-year-old tastes freedom for the first time, the shackles of conformity try to bind him, hold him back, and worse, define him for who he really is not. Along comes Honda to remind him that there is indeed a time and a place to become domesticated. And that the new Honda CB Trigger is here to take him far, far away from them.”-Narayan Devanathan, National Planning Head, Dentsu Marcom
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Don’t miss watching
“Comedy Nights with Kapil”
This Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 10.00 PM,
Only on COLORS!
Telecast Date – On Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 10.00 PM –
In tonight’s episode, the Sharma Family welcomes a brand-new guest – singing sensation Sonu Niigam. Join them as they tickle your funny bones with a musical twist as non-stop jokes between the different members of the Sharma family keep Sonu Niigam in splits. Kapil also increases the humour quotient through a touch of singing incorporated through it all.
So, don’t miss watching Comedy Nights with Kapil on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 10.00 PM, only on COLORS!
“Comedy Nights with Kapil”
Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 10.00 PM,
Only on COLORS!
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Indian director Somshukhlla makes her global mark with Sandcastle
Sandcastle, a simple film with a complex message written and directed by Indian debutante director Shomshukhlla has been nominated at several International Film Festivals including the Tenerife and London International Film Festival and screening in Hollywood LA Femme Fest.
The journey of a woman in modern India, finding her identity, Sandcastle will be screened at Hollywood’s LA Femme Film Festival at the Regal Stadium 14 LA LIVE, and has been nominated in the Best Foreign Language Feature Film category at the London International Film Festival (LIFF) 2013 and prides itself with four nominations at the Tenerife International Film Festival 2013 in London on October 12, including nods for Best Feature Film, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Cinematography.
Some important and rather poignant messages are conjured up in this bright and beautiful journey of a woman building her life. The ending is settling and although the film has its fair share of surreal moments, there is clarity to the communication of Sandcastle that reads much like a wonderfully crafted manuscript.
“The film addresses the unsatisfied longings of a seemingly comfortable middle-class Indian woman. India is waking up to good stories, with substance, new voices, ideas and perspectives, redefining the lost glory of story-telling. I am lucky that I am getting to be a part of it,” says Somshuklla.
Sandcastle tells the story of Sheila, (Shahana Chatterjee) whose upper middle-class life in India isn’t as perfect as she hoped it would be. Sheila is a home-maker, an aspiring writer and loving mother. From an outsiders perspective it would seem like she has the perfect life. Her husband is a wealthy advertising maverick and she is part of the elite middle-class of Indian society. But like the shifting of the sands, is it all slipping through her fingers? How will she build her own dreams? In all that she has, does she really have a voice of her own?
The story of Sandcastle reflects one’s belief in the ability to build a perfect life. But even in perfection there is emptiness and wanting. What is perfect to one person is misery for another. The film focuses on contemporary women in urban India and the changes in society that have moulded these women as an independent and self directing force of nature. Shomshuklla shows two colliding worlds of fateful acceptance and feminine Indian independence and individuality. The film focuses on contemporary women in urban India, and the changes in society that have moulded these women as an independent and self directing force of nature.
Interestingly, this laurel comes at a time when the director is ready to launch her seventh book of poetry ‘Easy’, has been a pop-singer with over nine albums, done fusion renditions of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s songs on a global platform, written column on relationships, formed her theatre company, Kali Theatre , writing original scripts, directing, designing, staging, producing and acting nine original plays. ‘We draupadi’s and Sitas’ an epic retold in modern times drew full houses at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The film’s credits: direction, story, script, production and art design, Shomshuklla. Cinematography, Ritam Banerjee. Original music, Ankur Mukherjee. Editing, Shashi Kumar. The cast includes Shahana Chatterjee, Malvika Jethwani, Rajat Sharma and Uditvanu Das.
……………………
Thnx & Regards,
Manzer Shamim
+91 – 8767989669
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Divya and Bhushan Kumar’s Yaariyan music date
Post the success of Aashiqui 2, the maker will soon launch the theatrical of their next movie. Bhushan Kumar announced T-Series’ next movie directed by his wife Divya Khosla Kumar titled YAARIYAN.
Divya Khosla Kumar who has shot many music videos now debuts as a film director with Yaariyan. To ensure she gives the best to this film, Divya has sat for all the music sittings with her husband – producer Bhushan who has personally looked into the soundtrack.
Talking about her husband who has been in full support during making the songs, Divya says, “Bhushan has an excellent ear for music. A lot of people in the film industry too consult him while choosing music for their films. It would have been silly of me to not take advantage of Bhushan’s skill. He was very hands-on while creating Yaariyan’s music. His inputs have taken the music to another level. ”
Bhushan Kumar says, “We have got on board four different music director – Pritam, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Mithoon and Arko Pravo Mukherjee. All the songs combined have given us a fabulous mix of tracks from youthful to peppy and Sufi to romantic and rock.” Divya adds, “When we have amazing talent in the industry why should we shy away from making full use of them? The key point was to bring the best in front of the audience and entertain them to the fullest.”
After Aashiqui 2, T-Series is ensuring that Yaariyan gives their audience a great album that can cater to their different tastes.
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South Indian actress Kavya Singh to sizzle in Bollywood
Bollywood has always welcomed new talents from South industry especially actresses. Many actresses, who have played the female lead roles in South Indian movies have dreamt of entering into the industry and make their own identity in Bollywood. Earlier in the 70s and 80s, popular South actresses like Sridevi, Jayapradha and Vyjayanthimala achieved a successful transition in Bollywood. It is also said that Sridevi and Jayaprada were on screen rivals in Bollywood. Veteran actor Vyjayanthimala, who ruled South Indian film industry for two decades became the most wanted actress in Bollywood in late 50s. She also replaced Madhubala and gained successful stardom in Bollywood. The same trend was back in late 2000, where few South Indian actresses Asin, Bhumika Chawla, Genelia D’Souza, Deepika Padukone and many others made their way to Bollywood and they were flooded with movie offers in Bollywood.
Kavya Singh has already blazed quite a trail in the southern film industry, now she is ready to flaunt her sexy curve body and oomph factors in Bollywood. Kavya Singh has done controversial southern movie “I Love You Teacher” where she was seen playing a character of hot and sexy teacher. Kavya Singh said, “Bollywood seems to be the dream destination of every actress. For a very long time Bollywood industry is accepting south Indian actress who makes their own identity in bollywood. Now it’s my turn to make something big in Bollywood and its time for me to list in stardom staircase. I am getting lots of offers from Bollywood producers and directors but I am waiting for the right script”
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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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Jackpot to release on Dec 13
Jackpot, a fast paced thriller con full jhol film starring Naseeruddin Shah, Sachiin J Joshi and Sunny Leone among others is all set to release on December 13. The film is directed by Kaizad Gustad in thriller format with natural comedy in progression. Shot in Goa, Mumbai and Thailand, Jackpot is set in the world of casino boats and gambling in Goa and is one of this year’s most awaited films.
…………………..
Thnx & Regards,
Manzer Shamim
+91 – 8767989669
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Celebrating 25 Years of Authentic Chettinad Cuisine
Vivanta by Taj-Connemara presents the all-new Raintree
Vivanta by Taj – Connemara, Chennai, the city’s first and only heritage hotel, truly enhances the hospitality experience where heritage and history meets modernity in a rare blend. With a fresh new vibe to complement tradition, the Hotel is now infused with the spirited style of Vivanta by Taj. Having been a vaunted address for bonafide Chettinad cuisine over the past 25 years, the venerable Raintree returns to give culinary adventurers an authentic taste of the Chettinad province of Tamil Nadu. A cultural icon, this restaurant has beguiled many a stolid palate and has been a must on the culinary schedule of travellers into Chennai, not to mention an address of comfort for the residents of the city.
In a newer, sleeker and more contemporary avatar, the refreshed interiors include wall murals and dining nooks for private celebrations under the open shade of raintrees surrounded by flowing aqua bodies. With Master Chef Chandrassekaran as the proverbial guardian of this revered house courted by the fawning boughs of verdant trees, Raintree returns with the true blue Vivanta bursts of pleasant surprises.
The Food Affair
Retaining the essence of its signature offering over the last 25 years, the striking menu offers the best from the Chettinad repertoire, dishes that are hearty and refreshingly flavoursome, reflecting the culinary landscape of the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. The differentiated culinary legacy has been carefully crafted after intensive research by our expert chefs who visited several homes in Karaikudi in their quest for authenticity of ingredients and traditional recipes. In an effort to retain genuine flavours, keen attention has been paid to essential traditional spices like maratti mokku (dried flower pods), anasipoo (star anise), karu milagu (peppercorn) and kalpasi (lichen known as the ‘black stone flower’, also known as dagad phool), along with tamarind, whole red chillies, sombu (fennel seeds), pattai (cinnamon), lavangam (cloves), bay leaf, jeeragam (cumin seeds) and venthayam (fenugreek seeds). Masalas are ground using the conventional grinding stone that lends a dash of authentic flavour to the dishes. A key highlight is that all the ingredients are procured daily to ensure freshness and all the dishes are prepared a la minute.
Being true and utterly faithful to the concept of the Aachis, the Aachis Samayal Thali is a traditional banana leaf experience comprising an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes focusing on fine authentic food prepared by the powerful Matriarch of the Chettiar household to give the meal a homely touch.
The menu opens with the appetizing Arambham like Tiger Prawns Roast, a Raintree speciality (fresh tiger prawns tossed in a Chettinad spice mix full of the fresh flavours with tomato, ginger, green chily and lemon juice), Kezhanga Meen Varuval (Fresh Lady Fish marinated with delicate chettinad spices and fried), and Kozhi Sukkah Varuval (Spicy deep fried chicken tossed with curd, green chillies and sesame seeds) for seafood and poultry lovers; while vegetarians can delight in delicate Urullakkizhangu Podi Perattal (baby potatoes, tossed in gun powder with curry leaves in ghee) and Cauliflower Varuval (Cauliflower florets, fried crisp and tossed in yoghurt, green chilli and curry leaves).
The magic extends to the irresistible curries like the Chettinad speciality Nattu Kozhi Varuthu Aracha Kozhambu (Tender pieces of country chicken, cooked with broiled and ground fresh coconut, chilli, coriander, cumin and pepper curry), Yera Thokku (Prawns cooked in spiced onion and tomato masala) and Kari Kozhambu (Tender lamb cooked in a home style curry with spices). Vegetarians can savour exotic combinations like the typical Chettinad Vegetable Mandi (a unique preparation of assortment of vegetables with Lablab beans simmered in rice water with a tinge of tamarind extract), Vazhaipoo Paruppu Urundai Kozhambu (Banana flower dumplings gently simmered in a mildly spiced curry), Vendakkai Melagu (Okra cooked in a spicy pepper masala), Kathrikai Perattal (Baby Brinjal gently roasted with cinnamon garlic pearls and bound with ground coconut masala) and Karuveppellai Poondu Kozhambu (A classic curry of garlic and curry leaves).
All-time favourites that have marked their place on the menu over the last 25 years such as Karuveppellai Yera (Prawns marinated in a unique curry leaf powder and deep fried), Meen Manga Kozhambu (Cubes of Seer Fish, simmered in a moderately spiced gravy of tamarind extract, ginger and raw mango) and Vazhaipoo Vada (Banana flower and lentil blended with spices and crispy fried) have been retained in the menu for loyalists of the restaurant.
The delectable desserts on the menu include specialty ice creams (Rosepetal / Cinnamon / Tender coconut with Lychee / Filter Coffee Ice Cream) and Kodhuma Halwa (Samba wheat pudding). The all-time favourite Rosappu Gulkandu (a delicious combination of rose petals, dates, honey and white pumpkin) and the Elaneer Payasam (an exquisite combination of tender coconut kernels and coconut milk) continue to dot the menu.
Design and Decor
The refreshing experience starts at the entrance where the long walkway lined by century old carved stone pillars have since been accentuated and brought to life against the contrast of the black flamed granite that now lines the path to the restaurant. The welcoming lounge area complete with daybed seating on either side of the entrance is a great way to start the meal experience where guests can enjoy a drink with hot snacks prepared by live Mami’s counter.
To reclaim the romance of courting the fawning boughs, untrammelled views and glimpses of a starlit sky, the restaurant has undergone a complete change by cajoling in the lush outdoors. Raintree now offers dining nooks for private celebrations under the open shade of raintrees surrounded by flowing aqua bodies.
The interior of the restaurant is inspired by a traditional Chettinad home with an extended roof, pillars and the quintessential Chettinad Thinnai (an elevated verandah on either side of the entrance). The walls of the restaurant have given way to large windows which blur the sense of being cocooned indoors while showcasing a tree filled courtyard on one side and an enormous tree trunk in the midst of a lush natural setting on the other.
A large water feature occupies the most prominent place inside and bullrushes are incorporated into the water feature thereby lending a minimalist sense to the interiors. The original wall frescoes by Thotha Tharani that capture the spirit of an old Chettinad home and reflect life in a village have been retained and accented giving the wall a darker hue.
Adding the stylishly spirited Vivanta touch to the experience is the hand-made stoneware tableware, crafted by Thanor Pottery. Besides being a testimony to the restaurant’s eco-friendly values and appreciation for art, the contemporary form and chic colour palettes of this bespoke handmade stoneware lends itself to refreshed dining experience while savouring time-tested classics.
Star Attractions
Guests can enjoy the Rotating Dosa and Appam trolley where Dosa and Appam would be made on the guest table on request from the gueridon trolley.
For those with a sweet tooth, the traditional desserts are presented with an innovative Vivanta twist that seeks to redeļ¬ne the usual. Tender Coconut Mousse (Creamy tender coconut kernels with coconut milk, also served as a sugar-free variant), Semiya Aval Custard (Vermicelli and flattened rice pudding) and Layered Banana Appam with Jaggery caramel sauce (Layered pancake filled with grilled bananas, nuts and raisins topped with ice cream) are just some of the innovations that offer edge-of-plate dining.
This reinvented meal experience includes a range of custom-made signature cocktails based on traditional chettiar spices featuring unusual combinations like Elaneer mojito (gin, lime chunks, mint leaves, sugar syrup, coconut flakes and tender coconut water garnished desiccated coconut), Karuvepilai Martini (Vodka, lime juice, sugar syrup and curry leaf), Raintree Mace twist (gin, lime juice, sugar syrup, mace and apple juice), Hot n Sour Mix (durk rum, lime juice, sugar syrup, tamarind & dates syp garnished with slit red chilli), Jasmine Martini (vodka, lime juice and home-made jasmine sugar syrup garnished with Jasmine flower), Aachi’s Coffee (Rum, Filter coffee, Sugar Syrup and topped with whipped cream), Fiery Mary (vodka, Bloody Mary mix, freshly squeezed lime juice and Tobasco Sauce), Art Beet (Vodka, Beetroot juice, Sugar Syrup with fresh lime juice) and Gold Rush (Ron Zacapa/spiced rum, Rosso Vermouth, Apricot Brandy, Crème de cocoa and Honey garnished with Edible Gold Flake).
This 25-year-old classic is truly an obsession with the authentic, where guests will get to experience genuine food and inspired cooking in an ambience that is elegant and intimate.
Discover Vivanta
Work hard and play hard. Relax and energize. Ideate and confer. Evolve and transform. Revel in a spirit that presents the normal with an unexpected twist. Stylish and sophisticated, Vivanta by Taj delivers premium hotel experiences with imagination, energy and efficiency. Currently comprised of 28 hotels and resorts in India and the Indian Ocean region, Vivanta by Taj is represented across key metropolitan capitals as well as popular holiday destinations like Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Vivanta by Taj offers an imaginative, vivacious and stylish take on ‘cool luxury’. With innovative cuisine, energetic spaces, unique motifs, the smart use of technology and experiences that seek to constantly engage, invigorate and relax, it appeals to the cosmopolitan world-traveler immersed in a sensory lifestyle.
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Saroja Shankaran| Senior Account Manager | Edelman India
903, One Indiabulls Centre, Tower 2-B, 9th Floor, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400 013, India
M: +91 98200 79804 | E: saroja.shankaran@edelman.com
Daniel J. Edelman India Group
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Veena Malik launches her second solo track, ‘RUM RUM’.
After the success of her first song, ‘Dramaqueen’, she is back to make you groove, once more!!!. The song promises to get your adrenaline pumping. It is composed by IshQ Bector and ShreeD.
Venue : Kino 108, Andheri (west)
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Shantanu
Senior Media Consultant
09987948528
(Shamrock Communication)
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“MUNNA MANGE MEMSAAB”
Dubbing completed
The entire dubbing of ‘VINAY ARTS’ “MUNNA MANGE MEMSAAB” was completed recently at ‘Sneha Recording Studio’. The film is being Produced by AJAY GUPTA & MRS JAYSHREE BOTHRA & Written & Directed by SHAREEPH MANSURI (SARANAWALA).
The film stars ONKARDAS MANIKPURI, MS. JORDIYA ANNA, HIMANI SHIVPURI, BHARTI TIWARI, SATINDER KAUR (SATTI), MUSTAK KHAN, KISHORE BHANUSHALI, RAZZAK KHAN, JR. MEHMOOD, ALI KHAN & RAZA MURAD.
It has Music by NAZAM KHAN, Written & Lyrics by SHAREEPH MANSURI, Story by ANDAAZ KHAN, DOP GOPAL DEY & CHOREOGRAPHED by PRAVEEN BARIYA & DEV.
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CID team to face a mysteries murder
http://www.india-forums.com/tellybuzz/images/uploads/cid_1.jpg
Sony Entertainment Television long-running series CID will have is back with an interesting case for its viewers. In an upcoming episode, the case will revolve around a dead body of a lady who has been stabbed on the road and there is a knife lying near her. A group of teenagers find the dead body and inform CID about it. In the forensic Salunkhe shocks the cops that she has killed herself with the same knife that means she committed crime but why? .ACP cannot believe that she has committed suicide; he feels there something more to it. CID team starts the investigation as they come to know that wherever she was seen before died, bomb blast took place. She had left a blue colored suitcase with bomb in it, cops suspects that she was the member of some gang and was working under them.
Will CID able to solve this mysterious case?
To know that tune in to CID Friday- Sunday at 10pm
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10,000 beer bottles used to design the set of R…Rajkumar’s Gandi Baat
Keeping true to the action entertainer genre, a whopping amount of glass bottles were used to design the set while shooting for the ambitious song, Gandi Baat, in Eros International and NextGen Films R…Rajkumar.
If sources are to be believed, over 10,000 beer bottles were used during the filming of the Prabhu Dheva entertainer , used liberally in the stunt and fight sequences, not to mention ,the highlight song in the film.
Confirming the news says producer Viki Rajani, “In the Gandi Baat track, it is a desi bar song.The production designer Nitin Desai came up with the idea to do the entire set using beer bottles. It also added a lot of colour when it was lit up for shooting. The beer bottles have added flavour to the set up”.
Eros International and NextGen Films’ R…Rajkumar starring Shahid Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha, directed by Prabhu Dheva is scheduled to release 6th December 2013.
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“Words and Images” – An exhibition of paintings and photographs inspired by literature to be held at Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2013
~ Artists create art works inspired by Khushwant Singh’s autobiography titled, ‘Truth, Love and a little Malice’~
The Fine Art Company has collaborated with Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest to present an art and photography exhibition. This exhibition investigates the relationship between literature and art by inviting artists to create art works inspired by Khushwant Singh’s autobiography titled, ‘Truth, Love and a little Malice’. Mr. Singh has been nominated for the Landmark Literature Live! Lifetime Achievement Award. The exhibition will be held at the Piramal Gallery, National Centre for Performing Arts, Mumbai from November 14 to 17, 2013.
On display will be paintings and photographs of illustrious artists like, Amit Ambalal, Anjolie Ela Menon, Arpana Caur, Arunkumar HG, Clare Arni, Desmond Lazaro, G. R. Iranna, Gargi Raina, Gigi Scaria, Indrapramit Roy, Jyoti Bhatt, Karam Puri, Manisha Gera Baswani, Manjunath Kamath, Manu Parekh, Masooma Sayed, Meera Devidayal, Munir Kabani, Raghu Rai, Ram Rahman, Rashid Rana, Riyas Komu, Samar Jodha, Sarnath Banerjee, Shakti Burman, Sumedh Rajandran, T. S. Satyan, Vidya Kamat and Vivan Sundaram.
Art inspires art, often crossing boundary lines in magnificent cross-disciplinary manifestations. Even though writing and painting have been connected throughout history, literature has of late become a diminished subject in the medium of painting and photography, which has looked more to history, society, politics and itself for inspiration.
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Priyanka Chopra inaugurates the HCG Cancer Centre at Nanavati Hospital
Priyanka Chopra known to go all out for the causes she supports, inaugurated the HCG (HealthCare Global) Cancer Centre at Mumbai in association with Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital, a landmark center for healthcare with a glorious history of over 60 years.
Supporting them in this endeavor, Bollywood star and international artist Priyanka Chopra inaugurated the HCG Cancer Centre at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai . An overwhelming moment , Priyanka also unveiled a plaque in the fond memory of her father Dr.Ashok Chopra,with the center dedicating a section of the hospital in his name.
On the occasion said Priyanka Chopra, “I have lent my support to this initiative not only to honor the memory of my father but also to continue his fight against this dreaded disease. Cancer care in India is today a very critical requirement and I am very happy to be to be there in person to inaugurate the section of Hospital in my father’s name. My wish is that this facility will bring change and hope to those in need.”
HCG is the only dedicated cancer care network with quality cancer care across 27 centers in India . Being a leader in the area of cancer care and having established itself as a center for advanced, complicated and recurrent cancers, the establishment has given the exposure and expertise to provide hope to 120000 patients every year.
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