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Archives for May 2016

Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road bags Nursing Excellence award from NABH

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Fortis Malar Hospital

Bangalore: Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road achieves yet another milestone by receiving the coveted Nursing Excellence award from National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare. The certification will be effective from May 13, 2016 and valid until May 12, 2018, subject to continued compliance with NABH requirements.

Fortis Hospital has successfully met the standards and measures set by NABH to achieve this recognition. The standards provide framework for quality of care for patients and quality improvement for nursing services. The standards help to build a quality culture at all level and across all the function of hospital.

“Our nursing services team has yet again brought laurels to our organization by achieving this certification. This certification is a reflection of Fortis Hospitals-BG road’s commitment towards facilitating ‘Safe, Competent and Ethical Nursing practices’. The Hospital complies with the NABH Standards for Nursing Excellence which focuses on various professional, administrative and governance aspects of nursing”, said Mr. Vijayarathna, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospitals.

The Mandatory Quality protocols including: Nursing (Clinical & Administrative) guidelines, Infection-control programme for patients safety, Guidelines for Safety of Healthcare Workers were followed diligently by Fortis Hospitals to bag this certification.

Star World & Star World HD celebrate #SpeakGourmet

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MasterChef Australia

Bangalore: MasterChef Australia, a show that’s captivated Indian audiences for seven seasons, is currently airing its 8th on Star World and Star World HD every Monday to Friday at 9 pm. For the first time ever, the channel is airing the show right after its international telecast. To celebrate the launch of the new season, Star World and Star World HD hosted an exclusive gourmet gala in the city last evening.

Over the years, Star World through MasterChef Australia has brought about a food revolution exposing Indians to gourmet food and terminologies that have now become a part of everyone’s daily parlance. Based on this insight, the channels 360 degree marketing campaign for this year, “Everyone’s speaking gourmet with MasterChef Australia”, was also infused into the event. To deliver this unique experience, Star World partnered with Food Talk India, an exclusive online community of people with a passion for food, and Olive Bar & Kitchen, one of the most premium restaurant chains in the country.

Drawing inspiration from 5 techniques seen on MasterChef Australia like ceviche, confit, smoking, molecular and roulade, Chef Manu Chandra created 5 amazing amuse bouche dishes to bring the gourmet experience alive through these techniques. The evening was a resounding success with the guests enjoying the food and speaking gourmet all through the night.

“In a gourmet evening co-hosted by Olive Bar & Kitchen & Star World for Master Chef Australia, our chef – Manu Chandra, Executive Chef, Olive Beach in Bengaluru, brought alive a gourmet experience using a range of stellar cooking techniques. At Olive Bar & Kitchen, we constantly push the boundaries of cuisine keeping in mind the affinity our guests have towards gourmet food and new culinary trends that has grown extensively in India. Our chefs constantly discover new techniques and present them to the discerning diner and this event is an extension of the same.” says AD Singh.

Says Anjali Batra, Founder of Food Talk India, “A true culinary journey – over the years MasterChef Australia has changed the way we not only eat but also the way we think and speak about food. Our palette has evolved as we got exposed to all these wonderful ingredients, gourmet cooking techniques and some of the most amazing Chef’s. Today, we #SpeakGourmet. Inspired by some of these techniques today we took our guests on an exciting MasterChef inspired journey with an amuse bouche to 5 techniques as seen on the show, bringing gourmet to their plate.”

MasterChef Australia season 8 is powered by Usha Coldpress Juicers and Indiagate Basmati Rice, partnered by Cornitos with associate sponsors Kohler, Ola MICRO, Gillette Venus, Honda BR-V and Nivea Protect & Care. The restaurant partner was Olive Bar & Kitchen with digital partner Food Talk India.

Bollywood Round Up

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Amitabh Bachchan

BIG B PLAYS FOOTBALL ON SETS OF ‘TE3N’

Amitabh Bachchan who was shooting at the famed club grounds Mohammedan Sporting Club in Kolkatta for TE3N also had quite some fun kicking around the ball during breaks! Post the shoot, the club has bestowed upon Mr Bachchan honorary life membership! The Club which celebrates 125 years of its inception, has inducted Mr Bachchan in their club. Mr Bachchan was quite nostalgic when he was shooting at the football club grounds as they have been the same benches since 1950s! He used to often attend matches, sometimes straight from the train station upon arrival, given the passion Kolkatta has for football! It brought back many fond and nostalgic memories for him on the sets. Endemol, Reliance Entertainment, Cinemaa, Kross Pictures and Blue Waters Motion Pictures, have come together for ‘TE3N’, an emotional thriller starring Amitabh Bachchan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, with Vidya Balan in a pivotal guest appearance. The film, which has Sujoy Ghosh as creative producer and Ribhu Dasgupta as its director, is scheduled for a worldwide release on June 10th, 2016.

VIKRAM OF ‘JULIE’ FAME SEEN AT THE PREMIERE OF ‘AAKHRI SAUDA’ AFTER A LONG PERIOD OF HIATUS

The premiere of AAKHRI SAUDA- THE LAST Deal, an action packed suspense thriller laced with music as well as romancer produced by Mukesh Malhotra and Padmakar Athawale and written and directed by Sandeep Kumar had its grand premiere at the Movie Star, Goregaon (West), in the presence of Vikram, the leading man of the super duper hit film of the 70’s – JULIE. The film stars Aryan Chopra, Zuber K Khan, Tanvi Arora, Soniya Bajwa, Pooja, Mushtaq Khan, Ehsaan Khan etc. Aryan Chopra is also acting right now in a Tamil film while Zuber K Khan has already acted in HUM DEEWANA DIL and is now acting in THE DREAM JOB. Sandeep Kumar, who has written and directed the film AAKHRI SAUDA THE LAST DEAL is the nephew of the late actor Pradeep Kumar and son of the producer -director Kalidas who had produced and directed films like HALF TICKET, BHEEGI RAAT & ISI KA NAAM ZINDAGI. Sandeep Kumar had earlier directed EK HI BHOOL, LOVE YOU CRAZY GIRL, besides the TV serial SAI BHAKTON KI SACHCHI KAHANIYAAN.

DESIGNER DUO BHUMIKA & JYOTI COME UP WITH INDIA’S 1ST ZERO WASTE FASHION STORE

Designer brand Bhumika & Jyoti launched India’s 1st Zero Waste Fashion store in the high streets in Mumbai on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya . Though Rani Mukerji was abroad, her mum Krishna Mukerji played the perfect host. Also present was the yesteryears actress Reena Roy, who normally rarely makes an appearance coming to wish the fashion duo. Also spotted were Farha Khan, Bhagyashree, Rhea Pillai, Sheeba, Shefali Jariwala with her husband, Deb Mukerji, Karishma Modi etc. The designer duo also launched their debut collection Forest Greens. The designer duo passion for ethics, believes in recycling ‘Zero waste designs by using every last scrap, and yet conjure up some inspiring and innovative designs that would refuse to sacrifice super – cool style for sustainability. They add “Are you aware that approximately 20 percent of fabric is wasted in the manufacture of a typical design? When a pattern is cut out, the leftover scraps are usually considered useless because they’re too small to sew into anything else. But our brand which represents ethical fashion will ensure that every remnant fabric will become a luxurious embellishment that will add value to the designed outfit or accessories!

RANDEEP HOODA’S A MMA FIGHTER NOW!

Randeep Hooda, who surprised everyone with his incredible weight loss a month back, has yet another dramatic look in store for his fans! The maverick and macho actor will now be seen as a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter in his upcoming romance-drama film DO LAFZON KI KAHANI. The actor got a hardcore MMA training in Mumbai itself where experts were called from Bangkok. He worked out and trained for nearly 4 hours a day despite his hectic schedule to get into the skin of his character. To get the best out of him, he was trained under the supervision of India’s best MMA fighter Irfan Khan. Randeep looks as a MMA fighter. Well, we would not be surprised if we hear about him actually participating in a match soon, given his extreme levels of dedication! Directed by Deepak Tijori, DO LAFZON KI KAHANI starring Randeep Hooda and Kajal Aggarwal will release on 10th June, 2016.

DEEPIKA PADUKONE, BRAND AMBASSADOR LODHA BELMONDO

Deepika Padukone is all set to endorse Lodha’s premium weekend home development around a riverside Greg Norman golf course. Located on the Mumbai-Pune expressway, this exclusive enclave is a short pleasure drive from both Mumbai and Pune. This weekend development will be a home where residents can go relax, play a game of golf, spend some quality family time by the riverside promenade, entertain friends and family over the weekends and indulge in outdoor sports. Deepika believes in working really hard but she also believes in giving herself time to unwind.“ Although it was a hectic 2 days, I enjoyed it so much because it didn’t feel like I was working. It was more like enjoying 2 days of my weekend, experiencing this exclusive enclave playing golf, relaxing at the spa, sitting by the river and watching a movie.” This weekend project of the Lodha group will be seen offering a luxury living experience bringing together the finest privileges of life.

L’ORÉAL PARIS AMBASSADOR AISHWARYA BACHCHAN GOES FOR GOLD WITH HER APPEARANCE AT CANNES 2016

Celebrating her 15th year, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – the reigning queen of the Cannes red carpet, left everyone stunned with her spectacular appearance on day 3 of the festival. Looking infallible in a gorgeous golden Ali Younes beaded cape couture gown, Aishwarya was the cynosure of all eyes as she owned the red carpet with her ethereal beauty, grace and inimitable style. Adding a dash of edgy glamour to her look, Aishwarya lined her upper lid with a bold turquoise blue liner, complementing it with a smokey blue eye shadow and beautiful bold lashes. Leaving no stone unturned to create the perfect red carpet style statement; she styled her hair in loose waves and kept the rest of the make-up nude and luminous.

A BIOPIC ON APJ ABDUL KALAM COMING SOON!

After biopics on Milkha Singh, Mary Kom, Sarabjit Singh etc, it’s the life story of Former Indian President Late APJ Abdul Kalam that’s attracted the film industry. Pramod Gore who made the Marathi film RETI has taken up the herculean task. “It will be complete rags to riches story where a boy from a small village rose against all odds to become not just the talented scientist that he was but also our President. I was amazed how a story as great as this still remained untold,” says Pramod Gore, who went to the lengths of travelling till Rameshwaram, Kalam’s native place, met his elder brother who is now 99 years old along with is nephew who is 66 to get more insight into the life that APJ Kalam lived. “I had to seek permission from his family before going ahead with this film. I have also bought all of his 22 written works including the likes of Ignited Minds, Wings of Fire, India 2020, The Kalam Effect and more to have enough material. It’s not easy to weave an entire life into a two and a half hour film and I want capable hands on board for it. I have already registered the title of the film APJ with IMPPA. I was so moved by the story of Kalam that when I went to visit Kalam’s native place and saw the conditions in which his tomb is placed, I resolved to give all the revenue I would make out of the film into developing that land. I want to build a library there too and do my bit in the name of Kalam. The biopic goes on floors in July will be releasing in 2017”.

ANIL KAPOOR & YAMI ANNOUNCED GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADORS

Qutone, a popular brand in the tile industry does it once again. It has launched a completely new, never seen before range of products called imarble. The company will be manufacturing the product line at Asia’s first of its kind, state – of – the – art plant using European technology based at Gujarat. Anil Kapoor and Yami Gautam graced the occasion and were announced the “Global Brand Ambassadors” for Qutone. Manoj Agarwal expressed his exhilaration and said, “Our primary aim at Qutone is to launch new products at regular intervals and offer the consumer a vast and technologically sound product range.” Anil Kapoor adds, “I give my confirmation on any brand when I am confident enough to endorse it. Team Qutone have smartly collaborated European Technology with Indian warmth and the result is this beautiful collection. “ Yami Gautam exclaims, “I love decorating my house and when I was introduced to the world of Qutone, I instantly wanted to use almost all their products as they are so beautiful, maintenance free and cost effective at the same time.”

JABRA FAN SINGER TURNS MUSIC COMPOSER WITH ‘MISSING ON A WEEKEND’

Nakash Aziz (of songs like Saari ke fall sa, Pungi, Selfie le le re and Jabra Fan) has now turned a music composer for MISSING ON A WEEKEND which will mark debut of singer Hariharan’s younger son Karan as an actor. Nakash will be composing music for the film alongside Shaan and Akshay Hariharan. Nakash will also be working on the background score of the film. After singing for Pritam and A. R. Rehman, Nakash is looking forward to compose for this movie. Working with A.R. Rahman and Pritam who are known for their commercial approach towards their songs, Nakash says that he has learnt a lot. “It feels great when people acknowledge your work and you get an opportunity to extent your hands in the field which you love the most. I am amongst the lucky few who have worked with both the masters, Rehman sir and Pritam da. Assisting the legend, A.R. Rahman, to playback singing and now entering the world of music composers in Bollywood, it would be not wrong to say that Nakash has come a long way in his musical journey.

KHAYYAM & HIS WIFE JAGJIT KAUR DONATE THEIR ENTIRE WEALTH TO FWICE

The veteran music composer, Padma Bhushan Khayyam and his wife Jagjit Kaur have donated their entire life earnings and wealth back to the film industry from where it was earned by forming a trust called Khayyam Jagjit Kaur KPJ Charitable Trust that annually provides a designated sum of money to the FWICE forever to support artists, workers and technicians of the film industry. Khayyam and his wife Jagjit Kaur announced the same at Maheshwari Bhavan in Mumbai in the presence of Subhash Ghai, Nitin Mukesh, FWICE President Kamlesh Pandey, FWICE General Secretary Dilip Pithwa, Talat Aziz, Bhupinder and Mitali Singh, Uttam Singh, Mukesh Sharma, actor and Hon. Secretary of CINTAA Sushant Singh etc.

SAURABBH ROY: FROM ACTION TO ROMANCE THIS GUY GOT IT ALL

Saurabbh Roy who entered Bollywood with the movie LUV PHIR KABHI will be seen soon in A TIME TO LOVE ISHQFEHMIYAAN, produced by Amrit Sinha and directed by Shorya Singh. After being a part of BCL and BCL Punjab, Saurabbh says, “I am open to explore myself more and more as an actor with every successive film. The script of ISHQFEMIYAN is so strong that it won’t let you leave the screen even for a second. Being a part of BCL was fun. I have also played for Delhi Ranji team”. While you can see Saurabh playing in BCL from Pune Anmol Ratan team he is also seen hitting some big shots in BCL Punjab which will give you a glimpse of Punjab where he says that his team Royal Patialvi is filled with some great Punjabi singers. It’s going to telecast on 9x Tashan and 28th May is the date when action begins. The actor best remembered for his roles are as Mahesh Babu in AMITA KA AMIT and Draupad in MAHABHARATA. He was also seen in KHATRON KE KHILADI 4 with Smita Bansal, besides a lot of print and TV commercials.

TANUJ VIRWANI AND AKSHARA HAASAN TO RECREATE THE MAGIC OF EK DUJE KE LIYE

Tanuj Agnihotri and Akshara Haasan will be seen together in the intense romantic short film SCENT OF A WOMAN. Their parents Rati Agnihotri and Kamal Haasan played onscreen lovers in EK DUJE KE LIYE (1981). Kamal Haasan’s youngest daughter, Akshara Haasan, who had her debut flick SHAMITABH. Recently the poster of the movie was launched where Akshara was looking menacing and her mysterious eyes are apparently seeking some kind of revenge. SCENT OF A WOMAN is a story of Akira played by Akshara who finds herself caught between an unfaithful boyfriend and an uncertain future. Tanuj has written, acted and directed the short film. Tanuj Said, “I like making short films as it keeps my creative juices flowing. In between I have taken the break because of my work commitments. In my short film, I fell upon this interesting idea of how this girl continues existing in a wrong relationship as she doesn’t have the courage to break away from it. And how sometimes we just need that one person, a catalyst to come and push us into making a much needed and overdue decision. I sounded off the idea to Akshara and she loved it.”

CLAUDIA CIESLA DEBUTS AS A WRITER WITH “KEEP EATING KEEP LOSING WEIGHT”

Om Books International is all set to release “Keep Eating Keep Losing’ by actress and nutritionist, Claudia Ciesla. It is a holistic strategy that will assist the readers redesign the map of their life by making good health their compass. Claudia’s concept rides on three components—Healthy Eating, Exercise and Rest –which benefit all spheres of life. If anyone has reached a dead end in weight loss journey, this book will help you find your way back. It is time to rediscover a time-tested and efficient way to healthy living! Says Claudia said ‘I have learned over the years, through my experiences as a child and days in Bollywood, the importance of food. The ways in which it has changed me, defined me, and empowered me are immeasurable. I came to understand that the concept of healthy living is the secret to a happy, content life. I took my passion for food to a new level and today I’m a certified nutritionist. However, I often found a distinctive trait in people—an unhealthy eating pattern it worried me to see how they abused their bodies and treated it with disrespect. Sadly, I realized that people gave more importance to their materialistic possessions like their phone, TV, laptop, etc, and gave ZERO importance to their most valuable possession—their body”.

RJ SHADAB KHAN TO DEBUT IN ACTING WITH LOVE LIFE & SCREW UPS!!

New Delhi’s popular RJ Shadab Khan will be debuting in acting with the web series called LOVE, LIFE & SCREW UPS!!! It has one of the most interesting ensemble cast comprising of actors from films, TV, theatre and modelling world, like Zeenat Aman, Mita Vashisht, Dolly Thakore, Kapil Kaustubh Sharma, Yuvraaj Parashar, Diandra Soares, Sushant Divgikar and Akshay Sethi who are making their digital debut with it. It is a cool and trendy romantic comedy on relationships. Zeenat Aman will be seen again in her glamorous diva avatar. It is written and directed by Kapil Kaustubh Sharma. Music is by Nikhil Kamath. Bappi Lahiri has sung one cool peppy number.

Glenmark launches “Digihaler – India’s first Digital Dose Inhaler” for Asthma and COPD medication

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glenmark

Bengaluru: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, the research-led global integrated pharmaceutical company today announced launch of “Digihaler – India’s first Digital Dose Inhaler (DDI).” This next-gen inhaler provides accurate digital dose counter along with low dose warning indicator to enable Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients to track adherence to their therapy.

As per WHO estimates 2007, there are 300 million people currently suffering from asthma globally, and it is expected that could increase by further 100 million by 2025. There have been 2,50,000 deaths per year globally and 57,500 deaths per year in India.

Today, there are about 35 million asthmatics in India and about 40% patients have an uncontrolled asthma and over 60% have partially controlled asthma.

It is a known fact that, patient’s compliance is worldwide challenge in any chronic disease treatment, especially in Asthma and COPD condition, where daily preventative medication is crucial for its treatment. Implication of non-adherence leads to poor control symptoms, worsening the quality of life, high mortality rate which further increases health care expenditure and so on. Globally over 50% of patients have asthma that is not well controlled. In India about 40% patients have an uncontrolled asthma and over 60% have partially controlled asthma.

On the occasion of the launch, Sujesh Vasudevan, President and Head of India Formulations & Africa Region, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, said, “We feel Digital revolution will play a central role in the industry. Especially in Asthma and COPD disease, were patient’s non-adherence to treatment regime is age old challenge worldwide, and also one of major reason for inadequate control of asthma and COPD across age groups. Digihaler is “India’s First Digital Dose Inhaler (DDI)”, aims to address this age old challenge, the device will enable the patients to track the number of doses that have been consumed and prominently placed indicator provides a low dose warning which is beneficial to patients. This will further enable the doctors to determine patient’s adherence to the prescribed therapy regime.”

“Digihaler also addresses the issue of pseudo-adherence & tail-off phenomenon which leads to poor outcome of the therapy. Pseudo-adherence is when patients thinks that he/she taking their medication but in reality is just activating a nearly empty canister. A “tail-off” phenomenon occurs when patients continues to use the inhaler beyond the recommended number of doses and the drug delivery per actuation becomes inconsistent and unpredictable, with the amount of active drug eventually becoming negligible.”

He added further, “With the launch of Digihaler, Glenmark is committed to provide innovative and world class products at affordable prices, and it further expands and strengthens our product offerings in the respiratory category too.”

Digihaler, represents a next-gen inhaler which is “India’s First Digital Dose Inhaler” (DDI). The device has DDI enabled with electronic dose metered kit which ensures ‘Precise’ or ‘Accurate’ delivery of dosage for ‘Assured’ benefits. The revolutionary Digital Dose Inhaler – DDI offers several benefits like low dose display forewarning the patient about the impending end of the ‘recommended’ doses, end dose display, so device can be replaced with a new one’ and “Tail-Off” phenomenon

About Glenmark
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (GPL) is a research-driven, global, integrated pharmaceutical company headquartered at Mumbai, India. It is ranked among the top 80 Pharma & Biotech companies of the world in terms of revenues. (SCRIP 100 Rankings published in the year 2014). Glenmark is a leading player in the discovery of new molecules both NCEs (new chemical entity) and NBEs (new biological entity). Glenmark has several molecules in various stages of clinical development and is primarily focused in the areas of Inflammation [asthma/COPD, rheumatoid arthritis etc.] and Pain [neuropathic pain and inflammatory pain].

The company has a significant presence in branded generics markets across emerging economies including India. GPL along with its subsidiary has 14 manufacturing facilities in four countries and has six R&D centers. The Generics business of Glenmark services the requirements of the US and Western Europe markets. The API business sells its products in over 80 countries, including the US, various countries in the EU, South America and India.

Five shooters arrested over Bihar journalist’s murder

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Rajdeo Ranjan

May: Bihar Police on Wednesday arrested five shooters involved in journalist Rajdeo Ranjan’s murder.

Ranjan, Siwan bureau chief of Hindi newspaper Hindustan, which is part of HT Media, was shot dead at a busy market near Station Road on May 14 .

A joint Special Investigation Team (SIT) and Siwan district police arrested the five shooters, a district police said.

According to police officials, arms and motorcycles used by shooters in Rajan’s killing were also recovered.

Police in Siwan said that Ranjan’s killing was part of a pre-planned conspiracy.

Meanwhile, Bihar Director General of Police P.K. Thakur said that police have identified the shooters involved in the killing of the journalist.

Protests against the killing continued in Patna and also in other parts of the state.

The protesters, including mediapersons, have demanded justice for Ranjan’s family of Ranjan.

The Bihar government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has already recommended a CBI probe into the journalist’s killing.

(IANS)

Pinarayi Vijayan sworn in as Kerala Chief Minister

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PINARAYI VIJAYAN

Thiruvananthapuram: LDF leader Pinarayi Vijayan was sworn in as the 12th Kerala Chief Minister by Governor Justice (retd) P Sathasivam along with a 19-member cabinet on Wednesday.

Elaborate arrangements had been made at the Central Stadium for the swearing-in ceremony, which was attended by senior CPI(M) leaders and thousands of party workers.

The 72-year-old Vijayan, son of a toddy tapper, had earlier called on the Governor.

(Agencies)

7 Celebrities Attended 6th Bharat Ratna Award Dr. Awards Ceremony

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mahendra nath,ekta jain,salma agha & neelam sonkar

7 celebrities like Udit Narayan, Adnan Sami, Pahlaj Nihlani, Salma Agha, Shabbir Kumar, Shilpa Shinde & Ramdas Athavle attended 6th Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Awards.

Kailash Masoom recently organised the 6th Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Awards 2016 on a grand scale at Shanmukhananda Auditorium, Mumbai and the awardees of this prestigious award were Adnan Sami, Pankaj Udhas, Udit Narayan, Salma Agha, Arun Bakhshi, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Shilpa Shinde, Sonal Singh of Zee News, Ekta Jain of Target Media Solutions, Yogesh Lakhani of Bright Outdoor Media, Raghuvendra Dwivedi of Hamara Mahanagar, SK Dey journalist, Social Activists Aneel Murarka, DB Chand and many more.

On the eve of this grand ocassion 6 Members of Parliament Prasanna Kumar Patsani, Ramdas Athawale, Rajesh Verma, Mahendra Nath Pandey, Sunil Gaikwad, Neelam Sonkar & Pahlaj Nihalani (Chairman Central Board of Film Certification of India) graced this grand award ceremony.

“I will continue to make films of all genres”: Sharad Patel

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Sharad Patel

Sharad Patel, the dashing and debonair guy, happens to be a model turned actor turned film maker in his own right. He had made his debut as a producer with a runway hit Gujarati film namely Chello Diwas. His next step was to join hands with the well – known director Vivek Agnihotri to be a part of the most talked about and the most controversial film namely Buddha In A Traffic Jam which is releasing this week.

Briefly narrate your background before entering Tinsel Town.

I am hailing from Baroda and since I had the passion for modelling and acting. I landed up in Mumbai and completed a course at Barry John’s Acting School. Out here I explored my passion for acting. Actually speaking I had started my professional career in Real Estate which I had inherited from my family. Then being a model in my own right I conceptualised a unique four day event about glamour and fashion known as Rajashthan Fashion Week (RFW) held at the heritage, Jaipur City. Besides in this I also walked the ramp with various Bollywood celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha and Vivek Oberoi.

First a Real Estate Businessman, then a model and an actor and now you have also turned a producer. How come?

You can say that I believe in trying my hands at everything, maybe I am adventurous by nature. So one fine day I launched a film production and film distribution house too under my own banner of SP CINECORP. My first film production venture was a Comedy film in Gujarati namely Chhello Divas. After producing the film I released the film with 231 screens worldwide and it was rated 8.6 on IMBD. One of the highest ever grade awarded to a Gujarati film. Chhello Divas did a whooping business of Rs 6 crores in the first 10 days, and a gross Box Office collection of 19 crores plus.

What made you produce your next film in Hindi namely Buddha In A Traffic Jam?

You see I believe in doing new things. So my next step was to join hands with well – known director Vivek Agnihotri and the result was a film called Buddha In A Traffic Jam which is releasing all over this week. Even before its release our film Buddha In A Traffic Jam directed by Vivek Agnihotri has become the talk of the town and is now also known as the most controversial film of this year.

Can you give us a little more insight into your latest film?

The film talks about the connections between the Universities, the NGO’s & the Naxalite’s and how the Universities are brainwashing the students. This film had been recently screened at JNU, IIT Bombay, IIT Gandhinagar and currently being showcased in many such reputed Universities and until now the film has been receiving overwhelming response from the students.

What exactly is the plotted scenario about Buddha In A Traffic Jam?

Though Buddha In A Traffic Jam is a controversial subject and depicts the current scenario of our society and exposes the Naxalite’s within the country. They have clearly differentiated between two India’s within India. I have also faced a lot of difficulties in releasing the film, yet I believe that the film will do decently at the box office through the word of mouth publicity. Actually speaking Buddha in Traffic Jam is a Socio – Political drama which deals with the situation of a young management student, Vikram Pandit, who finds himself in the midst of Maoists threat, while trying to work for the welfare of the tribals.

What made you to produce a non – linear film like Buddha In A Traffic Jam?

Actually speaking it is based on true events and its strong subject caught my fancy and I confident that it will grab many eyeballs after its release. That apart it has already been showcased at MAMI Festival and Jakarta International Film Festival garnering rave reviews and I am sure it will also travel to many other National and International film festivals.

What is the USP of the film?

We have not modified the truth and kept its as transparent and as realistic as possible. Besides this I would say that Vivek Agnihotri’s power packed directorial treatment and all the actor’s like Anupam Kher, Arunoday Singh, Mahie Gill, Anchal Dwivedi and Pallavi Joshi’s power house performances.

Why was the film delayed for so long?

That is because we did not get proper release outlet and none of the big corporate houses were ready to back us. Finally I release the film under my own distribution banner SP CINECORP.

What are your future plans?

I am planning to make my next film in Bollywood and also another Gujarati film. I will continue to make films of all genres.

Global Films Round Up

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gaumont

GAUMONT EXPANDS ITS BIZ IN US

Preparing to expand its animation business in US, French powerhouse Gaumont
has appointed LA based industry vet Nicolas Atlan to a new position as president of animation. Another LA based executive, Terry Kalagian, has been tapped creative VP of animation. Both executives will report directly to Sidonie Dumas, Gaumont CEO & Christophe Riandee, vice CEO of Gaumont. Prior to joining Gaumont, Atlan was co – CEO of Splash Entertainment (rebranded from Moonscoop) since Feb, 2014. He has also presided over Kabillion, a VOD platform for kids. Kalagian, meanwhile, has previously worked as VP of business development for Rainmaker Entertainment. During her tenure at Turner, she led acquisitions and co – productions for Cartoon Network US & Boomerang US.

FOX SEARCHLIGHT SIGNS 1ST LOOK DEAL

Fox Searchlight Pictures has signed a 2 year, 1st look deal with Damian Jones’ DJ Films, which recently wrapped principal photography on Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, which will be released by Fox Searchlight on 1st July 2016 in UK & 22nd Jul, 2016 in North America. It is based on the television series directed by Mandie Fletcher, starring Jennifer Saunders & Joanna Lumley. Last year Jones produced the British comedy film Dad’s Army, directed by Oliver Parker, & Lady In The Van, directed by Nicholas Hytner and starring Maggie Smith, who was nominated for both BAFTA & Golden Globe Awards for her performance. Jones is developing Goodbye Christopher Robin with Steve Christian & director Simon Curtis. Jones’ relationship with Fox Searchlight started with The History Boys, and continued through Belle into Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie & Goodbye Christopher Robin. Fox Searchlight Pictures has a long & exciting history of collaborating with film making partners in the British film industry.

NETFLIX COMMISSIONS SEASON 2 OF SCROTAL RECALL

Netflix has commissioned and will debut globally season 2 of the Netflix original series Scrotal Recall, following a deal with BBC Worldwide North America.
Clerkenwell Films will produce the new season exclusively for Netflix with series stars Johnny Flynn, Antonia Thomas & Daniel Ings all returning to the romantic comedy. Season 2 will consist of 8 episodes. Season 1 is now streaming on Netflix in US & Canada, and will be available globally later this year. In Season 1 of Scrotal Recall, viewers followed the exploits of hapless twenty something Dylan Witter (Johny Flynn) who, after receiving a troubling diagnosis, resolves to contact everyone he’s ever slept with to tell them the news. Each episode focuses on Dylan reaching out to a different girl from his past, which gives him the opportunity to look back on his neurotic mess of a love life and figure out where it all went wrong, all the while missing his most obvious hope at true love that has been under his nose the whole time. Joining him on this trip down memory lane are best friend Evie (Antonia Thomas), and ladies’ man Luke (Daniel Ings), who’ve been by Dylan’s side for years, picking up the pieces after each romantic car crash.

MUSIC BOX ACQUIRES US RIGHTS TO THE BRAND NEW TESTAMENT

Music Box Films has picked up all US rights to Jaco Van Dormael’s Golden – Globe nominated The Brand New Testament, a Brussels based eccentric & surreal comedy starring Benoit Poelvoorde as a tyrannical God. The movie, which world premiered at Cannes’ Directors Fortnight & repped Belgium in the Oscars’ foreign language race, re-imagines God as a jerk living in Brussels who clashes with his daughter, the 10 year old Ea. Setting off to save humanity from her father, Ea hacks into his computer and leaks to the entire world via text message their date of death. Poelvoorde stars opposite Catherine Deneuve, Francois Damiens & Yolande Moreau. Deal was negotiated between Music Box Films’ president William Schopf & Camille Neel, head of International sales at Le Pacte. The Brand New Testament’ has been a hit in every territory it has opened so far. Music Box will release the movie in the fall.

LABIRINTUS TO STAR MARK -RACHEAL – LORANT

Mark Webber, Rachel Hurd -Wood & Lorant Deutsch have been signed on to star in a chiller Labirintus, which is directed by The Howling & Gremlins helmer Joe Dante.
Goldcrest Films is handling the International sales. Labirintus tells the story of a paranormal investigator (Mark Webber), psychiatric researcher (Racheal Hurd-Wood) & engineer (Lorant Deutsch) who join forces to explore an abandoned subterranean Soviet research facility, hidden within the dark twisting catacombs beneath Buda Castle. When supernatural forces confound & torment the group they begin to question their own sanity. To escape they must quash their fears and lead their team to find & destroy the dark heart of the maze. Written by Alan Campbell, Labirintus is produced by Fabrice Lambot of France’s Metaluna Prods, Lucy Mukerjee – Brown of Mukerjee – Brown Prods, Elizabeth Stanley of Elizabeth Stanley Pictures & Jean – Charles Levy of Forecast Pictures.

BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE STRIKES PROGRAM PACT

The British Film Institute has struck an exclusive deal to curate a movie strand for iQIYI, one of China’s largest online video platforms. “The BFI Collection for iQIYI includes 20 feature titles, a mixture of stand – out British independents & world cinema, which have all premiered at BFI London Film Festival,” the organisation said in a statement. Some titles have already been licensed by iQIYI from rights owners. Others are supplied to Chinese company by BFI, which describes its role as having “programmed & delivered” the collection. Titles in the collection include Captain Phillips, Ilo Ilo & Submarine. BFI supplied titles include Philomena, Nowhere Boy & Millions. They are organised into thematic strands including “foreign adventures,” “growing pains” & “family anecdotes”, mirroring London festival’s own programming avenues. The collection is expected to grow beyond the initial 20. “Online movie streaming transcends time & space to allow more Chinese movie fans to watch world class films in real time,” said Yang Xianghua, senior VP of iQIYI.

EONE BUYS CONTROLLING STAKE IN RENEGRADE 83

Canadian studio’s eOne has acquired a 65% stake in David Garfinkle & Jay Renfroe’s reality show production company Renegade 83. Garfinkle & Renfroe will continue to lead the company as co – presidents & CEOs. California based Renegade 83, which launched in 1994, is behind such shows as Discovery’s Naked & Afraid, Discovery’s Emmy nominated documentary special The Kennedy Detail, CMT’s Gone Country, ABC’s Miracle Workers, NBC’s The Law Firm & USA’s Emmy nominated scripted series The 4400. “Renegade is truly best – in – class with a winning formula and a strong track record of success in unscripted television. We are looking forward to collaborating as they continue to do what they do best now powered by eOne,” said John Morayniss, CEO, eOne Television.

“BATMAN V SUPERMAN BEATEN BY “ASSISSINATION CLASSROOM” SEQUEL

Assassination Classroom: Graduation, the 2nd part of a 2 part action comedy based on a hit comic, debuted atop the Japanese box office for the weekend of 26th & 27th Mar, 2016. Bowing on 319 screens, with Toho distributing, the film earned $5.64 million on 545,000 admissions. That was more than 50% higher than the 1st weekend take of the prior film, Assassination Classroom, which was released in Mar, 2015 and finished with $24 million. Doraemon: Nobita And The Birth Of Japan 2016 took 2nd place after 3 weeks at number #1. Opening in #3 slot was Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice. Released on 717 screens by Warner, the film recorded $3.27 million on 231,000 admissions in its opening frame. Over the 3 day holiday weekend, the film racked up $4.42 million and is expected to finish with $13 million. Bowing at #4 was Kamen Rider 1: The Movie, the latest feature in the long running action series about a baddie battling biker cyborg, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. Bowing on 307 screens with Toei distributing, the film took $1.37 million on 124,000 admissions. That was about 70% of the 1st weekend Box Office for the previous installment, which opened in Dec last year. The film’s final take is forecast at $8.8 million.

GAGA ENTERS PRODUCTION SECTOR

Major independent Japanese distributor Gaga has announced its entry into feature production & TV anime
production. One of its 1st ventures will be Itazurana Kiss – The Movie, a live action feature based on a popular 1990s girls’ comic that has previously spawned live action TV dramas in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea & Thailand, as well as an anime series in Japan. Gaga will partner
with Korean production company Asia Pictures Entertainment & Tokyo based music talent agency LDH for production & distribution. Directed by Minoru Mizoguchi, Itazurana Kiss – The Movie is set for a fall 2016 release in Japan. Gaga will become involved in production committees for TV anime shows, starting with 2 titles that will be announced at the Anime Japan Event on Sat, 26th Mar, 2016. The target is not just Japan but global markets.

“BATMAN V SUPERMAN” TAKES 2 THIRDS OF WEEKEND TOTAL

Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice debuted on top of Korean Box Office, accounting for 68% of the weekend Box Office. Opening on 1,600 screens nationwide, the film earned $10.1 million from 1.39 million admissions between Thurs & Sun. That is higher than the opening score of previous DC movie Man Of Steel, which made $8.24 million from 1.21 million admissions over 4 days in 2013, but weaker than The Dark Knight Rises, which earned $15.4 million from 2.43 million admissions in 2012. Previous weekend winner, Zootopia slipped to 2nd place. The Walt Disney animation earned $1.8 million between Fri & Sun, for a total of $21.2 million from 3.18 million admissions after 6 weekends. Korean low budget drama, One Way Trip opened in 3rd, earning $766,000 between Thurs & Sun. The CJ release about 4 friends, whose fate dramatically changes in one night, premiered at last year’s Busan festival. 4th placed, local drama Spirits’ Homecoming made $303,000 between Fri & Sun, for a total of $22.9 million after 5 weekends.

“BATMAN V SUPERMAN” HAS AN OK $56 MILLION OPENING WEEKEND

Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice opened on top of the Chinese box office. But it fell short of expectations and failed to rewrite many record books. The double superhero fantasy action franchise picture opened on 16,000 screens and posted $56.5 million over its 3 day opening, according to data from Ent Group. That comfortably beat Zootopia in 2nd place, which managed $26.8 million over the full week and stands on a 24 day cumulative of $197 million after 24 days on release. “Batman v Superman” had the supposed benefit of a release that was simultaneous with its worldwide rollout. And it scored an impressive $18.4 million on Fri (25th Mar, 2016). That was the 2nd largest Fri opening for a Hollywood film, behind Transformers 4 from 2014, and was reported to be the 6th largest opening day for a Hollywood movie in China, But after Fri matters were much closer over the weekend proper. On Sat “Batman v Superman” earned $22.3 million, an increase of only 21%. On Sunday its score slipped to $14.8 million. Warner Bros. said that the film delivered the biggest 3 day opening in China for the studio, and reported $57.3 million (RMB371.5 million). Preliminary data for Mon, which was not a holiday in China, is for a score of $4.58 million and a cumulative of $61.5 million after 4 days. That slowdown is going to make it hard for the film to reach even low end forecasts of $150 million, and it is highly unlikely to reach the top end predictions of $230 million. Sources close to the studio suggest that “Batman V Superman” is well positioned for the upcoming holiday weekend. Though it will face fresh competition from local titles including The Bodyguard & When We Were Young. Zootopia, in contrast, looks to have crossed $200 million on Mon and still has a few days before its run is terminated. It is the top grossing Hollywood film of the year in China and the highest ever animation film. It also beat the China – US co – production Kung Fu Panda 3, which has taken $152 million.

COOK STILL CHARTING A VAST CHINA STRATEGY

Using your brand as the host of a big conference in
China does not necessarily mean that you have made it in to Chinese film industry. In the case of former Disney chief Dick Cook, it appears to mean that he is on the way. Cook, his Dick Cook Studios, and a clutch of Middle Kingdom allies this week put their names to the China – US Motion Picture Summit. It was a bridge building film conference graced by the likes of Paul Haggis, Alfonso Cuaron, animation great Don Hahn, top Chinese director Lu Chuan & Desen Media producer Ann An, as well as senior Chinese Government figures. All in all, it was a massive display of kudos. Though quite who was doing who the bigger favour remains unclear. At present Cook is unwilling or unable to give precise answers about strategy, the timetable or how many movies DCS intends to produce. Cook, who operates with grace, while undoubtedly under pressure, says his alliance with the state backed CITIC Guoan group, 1st unveiled in principal in Apr, last year, is “strategic, not just financial.”

WANDA PICTURES RAISES $2.4 BILLION

Dalian Wanda is reported to have raised $2.4 billion (RMB15.9 billion) for its film unit, Wanda Pictures. According to a report by Bloomberg, group VP Liu Zhaohui held a briefing for financiers in Hong Kong on Thurs and said that the offering, which had sought $1.5 billion was over subscribed. Wanda is busily restructuring & scaling up its entertainment assets, though it is not currently clear how the organisational chart will finish up. Chairman Wang Jianlin has publicly said that he was seeking one, or two, IPOs for the company’s film distribution & production arms. But now it appears that Wanda is able to raise the finance through private placings and may be able to avoid a new share listing. Wanda Cinema Line, the groups already listed theaters chain, is expected to absorb Wanda Pictures, the unit that will include the recently acquired Legendary Entertainment. Wanda Cinema Line shares have been suspended since the end of Feb, 2016 and the group has said that the stock could remain suspended until Apr, 2016, albeit with updates made to the market every week.

PARADIGM & BENDERSPINK SIGN MEXIC’S EMILIANO ROCHA MINTER

The Paradigm Talent Agency has signed Mexico’s Emiliano Rocha Minter, screenwriter -director of Tenemos La Carne” (We Are The Flesh), a Mexican movie that is quickly acquiring cult status after its 2nd Feb, 2016 world premiere at the Rotterdam Festival and endorsement by fellow Mexican cineastes Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu, Alfonso Cuaron & Carlos Reygadas. LA based production management company Benderspink has also signed on as his manager. Paradigm’s representation deal comes only 3 weeks after it moved smartly to ink Maria Evoli, the Mexican actress star of We Are The Flesh. Not since Reygadas’ 2002 Japan has a Mexican feature debut attracted so much attention, though that’s currently limited to Rotterdam audiences and cognoscenti who have seen the film. We Are The Flesh is set in a seemingly post apocalypse world, where a teen sister (Fauna, played by Evoli) & brother (Diego Gamaliel) stumble on a grotesque but charismatic man who seems to make a living grinding human flesh into slush and offers them food if they convert his building into a womb like cave. There, he cajoles and coerces them to abandon inhibitions, slake their lusts and break taboos in acts of incest, bloodlust, rape, murder, onanism and cannibalism.

IPL: Charged-up RCB face Lions in race to final

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rcb

Bengaluru: With the conclusion of the league phase, the stage is all set for the Indian Premier League (IPL) play-offs, as a rampaging Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) take on Gujarat Lions in the first qualifier here on Tuesday.

Having won four of their last league games on the trot, the Virat Kohli-led RCB finished on the second spot on the points table while Suresh Raina’s Gujarat Lions have had a successful debut campaign to atop the standings.

Going into Tuesday’s clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here, both the sides will have an advantage. While the winning team will book a place in the final, the losing team will get to play in the second qualifier against the winner of the eliminator for a place in the title clash.

In the first qualifier, RCB will not only have the advantage of playing the high pressure game on their home ground but also can take solace from their all-round effort in the six-wicket win against Delhi Daredevils on Sunday.

The Bangalore franchise, runners-up in 2009 and 2011, will hope for a solid start from the in-form batting trio of skipper Kohli, West Indian Chris Gayle and South African veteran AB de Villiers.

With 919 runs so far in the tournament, Kohli, who has amassed four tons and five fifties, is a shy away from breaking another IPL record of becoming first to score 1,000 runs in an IPL edition.

Lokesh Rahul, Shane Watson and youngster Sachin Baby form a formidable middle order followed by the likes of all-rounder Stuart Binny.

The bowling department which was a weak link for the side in the earlier part of the league phase, has also come to the party towards the business end with the pace-spin duo of Watson and Yuzvendra Chahal among the top five wicket-takers.

With 19 wickets so far, leg-spinner Chahal is the purple cap holder while Australian veteran all-rounder Watson, with 16 wickets is fifth.

On the other hand, Raina has led debutants Gujarat from the front with back-to-back half centuries in the final two league matches to finish on top of the standings.

Apart from Raina, the batting will centre around West Indian Dwayne Smith, former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum, Australian Aaron Finch and stumper Dinesh Karthik.

Gujarat also boasts of quality all-rounders in Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja, who can add enough firepower in the lower order.

The bowling department has variety in its ranks with chinaman Shivil Kaushik being one of the finds of the tournament while veteran medium pacer Praveen Kumar has also been impressive with his new ball partner Dhawal Kulkarni.

Smith, with his gentle medium pace has been an effective weapon for Raina to contain the rival batters while the left-arm spin of Jadeja and Shadab Jakati will be good test for the RCB batters, who will relish playing at the home turf.

(IANS)

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