Team HAPPY NEW YEAR at Slam! The tour

The artists of the biggest Bollywood extravaganza SLAM! The Tour performed at Toyota Center in Houston, TX and Continental Arena in New Jersey on 19^th Sep and 20^th Sep respectively. Farah Khan, Deepika Padukone, Malaika Arora Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani, Sonu Sood, Vivaan Shah and singers Kanika Kapoor and Yo Yo Honey Singh set the stage on fire with their enthralling performances in front of the live audiences where both the concerts were houseful.

The opening act of the evening was  performance by Viviaan on the SLAM track composed by Ram Sampath followed by Deepika’s performances on Aahu Aahu and Titli. Shah Rukh Khan entered the show in his larger than life style on aerial cable and danced on his famous numbers like Chammak Challo, Kaali Kaali Aankhe, Suraj Hua Maddham andDon. Abhishek entered from the crowd and asked the thrilled audience to stand up as  he rapped the song Ek Main Aur Ek Tu Hai and then performed on Kajrare, Maa Da Ladla, Desi Girl and Nandu Bhede from Happy New Year. Farah and Boman performed on a special medley on which they made every one laugh with their conversation about how Boman wanted to be a lead actor in Farah’s movie and it reminded the audience of their comic chemistry in Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi. Malaika performed on the song Devil from Kick and Sonu joined her on Munni Badnam Huilater. Deepika also danced on her new song Lovely by Kanika Kapoor from Happy New Year, Angrezi Beat, Tu Hi Din Chadhe and Balam Pichkari. Shah Rukh and Deepika’s chemistry in the romantic number Satrangi Re was never seen before in front of the live audience. Yo Yo Honey Singh performed on Char Bottle Vodka, Blue Hai Paani, Tere Town Main and when he started singing Lungi Dance, Shah Rukh joined him and called Abhishek, Boman, Vivaan and Sonu also on stage. Baby Doll fame Kanika also performed on Jugni with English dance duo Suleman Mirza and Madhu Singh of Signature group.

But no extravagant show as this is complete without a selfie with the crowd! Abhishek shot the biggest Selfie video in Houston and New Jersey which he took from the stage capturing the entire crowd from his phone and then he later on posted it on Instagram and Twitter which went viral immediately.   

The highlight of the most awaited show was when Shah Rukh invited a couple each from Houston and New Jersey from the crowd and asked them few questions which led to the winning couple getting a luxury bike. While the artists created frenzy, a lot of fans have come to watch SLAM The Tour from India, Australia, Brazil, Middle East and from different American states.

This exciting tour which began in Houston on Friday and then in New Jersey will be followed by performances in cities like Washington DC (September 21), Chicago (September 26), Vancouver in Canada (September 27) and San Jose (September 28). They will also travel to The O2 Arena in London in UK on October 5. 

Love in the times of Jigariyaa

Romance is everyone’s guilty pleasure, so when the makers of TANU WEDS MANU decided they wanted to make a film on love and romance, they decided they will make each of their audience feel the movie deep down to their hearts, and what better way than you have a film inspired by real situations.

JIGARIYAA directed by Raj Purohit actually boasts of many such instances that will tough the heart.

Purohit says, “I love realistic things, I don’t like contrived situations. Real, actual life inspires me a lot. So we thought of making Jigariyaa based on true events.  However I was clear about one thing, though I like realistic cinema, I knew I had to ensure I made my film commercially viable and thus entertaining, for me I believe we have made that blend. Given, our script itself is very different, we are talking about a love story that isn’t like the instant coffee everyone is calls love these days, starts in the morning and ends at night! No ours is more of an eternal love story. The ever-lasting type, I guess that should make all the difference!”

Wave cinemas Ponty Chadha present A Soundarya Production’s, ‘Jigariyaa’, directed by Raj Purohit, produced by Raju chadha & Vinod bachchan, starring Harshvardhan Deo and Cherry Mardia along with Virendar Saxena, K.K. Raina, Navni Parihar, Natasha Rastogi, Vineeta Malik, Deepak Chadha, Ketan Singh, is slated for 10th October 2014 release.

Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene is Releasing on 9th January

Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene produced by Akhilesh Jain and directed by Gurmeet Singh starring Zayed Khan, Tina Desai, Ranvijay Singh.

Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene’, a comic thriller and they recently shot a song titled ‘Selfiyaan’, which shot at a studio in Goregaon east recently. Choreographed by Ganesh Hegde, ‘Selfiyan’.  Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene is now slated to release on

 January 9, 2015.

Dharma Productions' Ungli

Dharma Productions' Ungli to release November 28th 2014

Mumbai, September 22^nd: Dharma Productions announce their ambitious next "Ungli" starring Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, Randeep Hooda & Sanjay Dutt in lead roles. Directed by Rensil D'Silva, the sleek, edgy, vigilante drama also stars Neha Dhupia, Angad Bedi and Neil Bhoopalam.

Talking about the film says director Rensil D'Silva who has also penned the script and screenplay, "Ungli is a story about friendship and it’s a very character driven film. It’s about what happens when a gang of friends decide to take justice into their own hands.”

Says producer Karan Johar, “UNGLI is new territory for us. It is Dharma's first film with Emraan and has a very different plot from the kind of subjects we have explored in the past. Rensil D'Silva has put his heart and soul into this one.”

Dharma Productions’ Ungli directed by Rensil D'Silva starring Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut & Sanjay Dutt is slated to release November 28th 2014.

Sonam Kapoor goes the Anne Hathway way !

Sonam has been approached for the Indian remake of a Walt Disney Film - Few studio officials in LA recently watched Khoobsurat,the India's first ever Disney film and loved Sonam's work in it and the fact that she has great screen presence,not to mention international recognition thanks to her fashion icon status.While the details remain tightly under wraps, sources reveal that Sonam has been approached for the Indian remake of the Princess Diaries ,with the role originally essayed by Anne Hathway.

Hrithik Roshan sports his own brand at recent events.

Superstar Hrithik Roshan , who has redefined health and fitness in the country recently shot for a commercial for HRX, something his fans will definitely not want to miss. 

Hrithik's signature line HRX is inspired by the Bollywood superstar's style and philosophies, , created to not just reflect his stardom but also his incredible story of overcoming various setbacks.Embodied in the tagline `Push Your Extreme’ , the actor has been going all out to promote the brand and its philosophy.

Hrithik who always manages to make a style statement with his public appearances has recently been sporting brand wear from the HRX collection at various do’s and events.

Confirming the news says Hrithik Roshan’s spokesperson, “Yes the looks Hrithik has been sporting recently at various events are from the HRX collection. The brand is about fitness and fashion, the two key strengths of Hrithik Roshan”.

Divine Lovers

​​

Irrfan Khan and Kangana Ranaut starrer Divine Lovers is an Indo-French co-production!

Director Sai Kabir's upcoming film, Divine Lovers starring National Award winners Irrfan Khan and Kangana Ranaut, is  one of the few projects from all over the world which has been noticed and advised by Frank Priot,DGA Film France, the French Film Commission, which has been closely following Sai Kabir’s work as a director for 3 years now.

Helping set up the partnership between Paris and Mumbai talents and companies, Film France made sure that Divine Lovers is on the track to be an official Indian-French co-production, and therefore could be eligible for French Qualification when its production starts. What this means for the film is that Divine Lovers may receive a mainstream cinema release in France and the rest of Europe, a very rare occurrence.

Every bit the great Indian Dream,Divine Lovers will be India’s answer to French edgy , love stories that the whole world watches .Bringing together two versatile talents, Divine Lovers is a love story drama set in the heartland of India that deals with the lives of the lower middle class.

Talking about the film says director Sai Kabir, “Divine Lovers will be a collaboration of French & Indian producers coming together for a project.The film will also star French technicians. It's an attempt at making an authentic Indian film, with French technical and philosophical support. I really admire their passion for cinema”.

Says Frank Priot, DGA Film France, "It is exciting for us at the Film France to have young talents like Kabir Sai, from the new generation of Indian directors, willing to work with France and French talents in order to have their movies reaching out to wider audiences outside of India. And his impressive knowledge of French cinema for sure will help him to find common grounds and references with us.With its reality-grounded style, Divine Lovers has a potential appeal to European audiences, even if they don't know the Bollywood conventions".

The film will be produced by  Shailesh R Singh with Irrfan Khan. Shailesh Singh has previously produced many acclaimed films like Tanu Weds Manu, Dil Kabaddi and Shahid to name a few. He is excited to collaborate with his French partner, Léonard Glowinski (co-producer), a successful film producer,having headed StudioCanal and Pathé and produced films like Oliver Stone's Alexander,Alain Chabat's Astérix & Obélix: Mission Cléopâtre and  Julian Schnabel's The Diving Bell and the Butterly to name a few.

Says French co-producer Léonard Glowinski, "What I notably appreciate is that Sai's Divine Lovers deals with hard and complicated subjects with a comic tone which I'm sure will prove extremely effective.The casting too is perfect for the exposure of the film".

The film that goes on floors March next year, will be shot in various locations across India.

Says Kangana Ranaut, "To work on Divine Lovers is extremely exciting for me as an artist and as an actor .It will be India's answer to edgy, love stories that world-cinema viewers enjoy and I'm glad to be a part of the film". 

French co-producer Léonard Glowinski , Frank Priot ,DGA Film France flew down to Mumbai over the weekend and interacted with the media here along with director Sai Kabir, leads Irrfan Khan and Kangana Ranaut.

5th Jagran Film Festival

Actor Irrfan Khan & Actress Neetu Chandra inaugurates the 5^th Jagran Film Festival as it arrives to the ‘City of dreams’

~ Opening film “The Woods Are Still Green,” an India premiere and screening attended by lead actor Michael Kristof ~

~ The inauguration ceremony shines bright with actor Irrfan Khan as the Chief Guest present along with other eminent film personalities ~

The 5th Jagran Film Festival commenced with a ceremony on September 22 at the PVR in Andheri West, Mumbai. The festival got off to a gala start with the ceremonial tradition of lighting a lamp by internationally acclaimed Indian actor Irrfan Khan as Chief Guest along with the renowned Bollywood actress, Neetu Chandra, Veteran Script Writer-Director Vinod Pandey, Renowned Screenplay Writer Sanjay Masoom, Strategic Consultant, Jagran Film Festival Manoj Srivastava and Mr. Vinod Srivastava of the Jagran Group. The presence of many other eminent personalities from the entertainment industry added to the charm of the much awaited festival and enthralled the cine-goers who not only witnessed the grand

​ ​

opening but also got a glimpse of the Jagran Film Festival’s journey so far.

The festival began with a 106 minute film ‘The Woods Are Still Green’. The screening marked the film’s Indian premiere and was attended by none-other-than Michael Kristof, the lead actor of this anti-war drama who also presented the intro to the film. This much anticipated Austrian-Slovenian coproduction is set during the World War I. Directed by acclaimed Slovenian film director Marko Naberšnik, the film is shot in original locations from the frontline of the First World War and marks the 100th anniversary of the historic war.

The seven day film festival is dedicated to world peace and features a notable selection of classic as well as contemporary cinema from all over the world. The lineup for the opening day also included Asian premiere of Jack Zagha Kababie’s 91 minute Spanish film ‘One For the Road’, followed by Mrityunjaya Devvrat’s 160 minute Hindi film ‘Children of War’ and Tomislav Mrsic’s 107 minute Croatian film ‘Cowboys’ showcased at PVR Andheri. During the screening of “Children of War” Actor Raima Sen and Director Mrityunjaya Devvrat were spotted promoting their film.

At the Cinemax Versova, Day 1 saw a historic opening and the film that opened the 100 year anniversary of the First World War was equally historic, Robert Bresson’s 1962 film ‘The Trial of Joan of Arc’. The 65 minute French film had won the Special Jury Prize at the 1962 Cannes Film Festival.

The day also featured in Sir Richard Attenborough’s 183 minute biopic ‘Gandhi’ made in 1982; a screening that commemorated the vast and unforgettable contribution of the legendary director who passed away in August this year. Besides, Omung Kumar’s 122 minute modern-day biopic ‘Mary Kom’ capturing nuances of Olympic bronze medalist’s life featured in as well. The lineup of films tracing journeys of real life heroes from historic to the modern day era proved just right to mark the inauguration of 100 years of First World War.

Day 1 in Flight Bigg Boss 08

A dekko of Day 1 in Flight Bigg Boss 08

After an extravagant take off amidst a lot of fanfare, Flight BB08 has begun its incredible journey with Captain Salman Khan. Here’s a glimpse of how the passengers felt and behaved on the first day.  

Despite of the discomfort on having to sleep on the airplane seats the whole night, their morning started with the classic ‘Yeh Kahaan Aah Gaye Hum’ which perfectly suited their state of mind.

In the absence of a kitchen, the passengers wondered how they’ll get their meals. However, they found meal trays being sent to them for breakfast and lunch, as they started the first day of their flight life.  

Even though the journey has just begun, romance has already filled the air. Sparks flew between Upen and Sukirti as they seem to enjoy each other’s company more than that of others. From private conversations to already keeping nick names for each other, (Upen started calling Sukirti, ‘Sukku’), looks like these two clearly are heading somewhere. Aarya Babbar thought a flight is the most romantic place in the world to meet someone, as you’re destined to get to know your co-passenger.

To enjoy their stay and keep themselves engaged, the passengers decided to play Dumb Charades and put up a ramp show in the evening, without any music. The theme of the fashion show was, ‘Supernatural Beings’ and the contestants were dressed like vampires and zombies.

Starting a new twist this season, Bigg Boss has formed a secret society. This 3 member team has the power to control the passengers in Flight BB08. The passengers as per this will be required to follow the orders of the Secret Society and please them. At the end of the first day, only 6 passengers receive their luggage, the other 6 are asked to complete a task called ‘Qurbaniyan’ in order to receive their baggages. Will the passengers manage to please the Secret Society with the task?  Will the secret society release their luggage? 

To get answers to all these questions and see more drama being revealed, keep watching Bigg Boss 8, everyday 9 pmonly on COLORS.

Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff in the Mutual Admiration Club

Tiger Shroff and Hrithik Roshan seem to be in the mutual admiration club.

While it was Hrithik Roshan w

ho was all praise for Tiger's tribute to Michael Jackson earlier, now it is the other way round.

When Tiger Shroff launched his video on teacher's day recently, he was overwhelmed to receive appreciative words from his idol, Hrithik Roshan.

Hrithik thought Tiger was sheer magic and he asked everyone to watch the video. And now Tiger Shroff is in all praise for Hrithiks tribute to MJ in his recent song.

"Hrithik sir has added a touch of his own style to his tribute. I have lost count of how many times I have pressed the pause and play button just to take notes. He makes the most complex moves look effortless and that's what makes him stand out." I think even the king himself must be smiling in heaven and taking his stage hat off to appreciate Hrithik sirs performance  "

Sonali Cable in masters hand : Ramesh Sippy

While shooting for Ek Mulaqat song, Ramesh Sippy had dropped by the sets of Sonali Cable. It was late evening and the film's lead pair, Rhea Chakraborty and Ali Fazal, were shooting a lovemaking scene that takes place in the middle of a romantic track.

"Their nervousness was visible on camera and dad took them and the director Charu (Charudutt Acharya) to the makeup van and, moment by moment, explained the choreography of hands, eyes and body language that would make the scene sensual and memorable," recalls Rohan Sippy, co-producer of the film.

He further recollects, "With such expert guidance from him, the actors were able to pull off the scene and this time chemistry was great." Rohan quipped that his dad explained how to draw out the moment of intimacy, the transitory touches, which made it all the more exciting and adoring.

"I don't want to spark off an unnecessary controversy. All I can tell you is that it's not a run-of-the-mill subject," Rohan states, admitting that despite his apprehensions, filmmaking has become much simpler in the past 19 years.” I never sat on a monitor before and okayed shots. I love it!" he exclaimed.

When asked Ramesh Sippy, he couldn’t believe the news was out, "Who told you this?" When informed him that it was his son Rohan he laughed, "Let's say that was a practice session- a dress rehearsal- for me. I was testing myself to see if I was ready to get back behind the camera. And it was also for a little bit of luck." We know that we surely are ready for Sippy Sr.

Sonali Cable, starring Rhea Chakraborty, Ali Fazal, Raghav Juyal "CrockRoaxz" and Anupam Kher, written and directed by Charudutt Acharya, produced by Ramesh Sippy, Rohan Sippy, Roopa de Choudhury and Kamia Mulhotra under the banner of Ramesh Sippy Entertainment in association with BombayMania Production Pvt. Ltd. and is a HBS Raksha Movies Fund release. 

Sonali Cable is slated for 17th October 2014 release.

Femina Style Diva 2014

Femina Style Diva 2014 reveals captivating colors!

 ~ Tangerine presents the title of ‘Ms. Colorita’, category for the most colorful personality ~

Mumbai, September 21, 2014: The exciting, Grand Finale of Femina Style Diva held at ITC Maratha announced Ms. Sidni Shankarwar as the winner of ‘Femina Style Diva 2014.’ Ms. Sidni Shankarwar won the title for Ms. Colorita which was presented by Tangerine colors of life, the Home Furnishing Partner with Femina Festive Showcase. Mr. Rajiv Merchant, Founder, Tangerine, who described the winner with the most colorful personality presented the award for this category. The star studded event by Femina was graced by celebrities like Ayushman Khurana and Huma Qureshi from the Bollywood and Fashion Industry.

From among the sixteen finalists, the esteemed jury from the Fashion and Entertainment Industry selected Ms. ABC based on her diverse individual features accompanied with a witty intellect in the Ms. Colorita category.

Tangerine which associated with Femina Festive Showcase as the Home Furnishing Partner is a well known brand in the Home Décor Solutions and has the trademark design and philosophy based on colors. Recognized as the brand playful with tints and shades, the jury selected the contestant with unusual, colorful qualities like dynamism, brilliance, astuteness and compassion, all in one, for the title of ‘Ms. Colorita’ by Tangerine.  

Mr. Rajiv Merchant, Co-Founder & CEO, Tangerine commented, “Colors reflect designs and concepts, and presenting an award for the category of the most colorful personality has only redefined Tangerine. Ms. Sidni Shankarwar is apt for this title as she is compassionate and clever and adorns different color traits. Our best wishes with all the winners. It was great to have been associated with Femina through this event.”

The exciting affair also witnessed splendid performances by Mr. Sorabh Pant, Shibani Kashyap and a Fictitious Dance Group, making the show a memorable one.

********

About Indian Home Variations: Indian Home Variations is a marketing and distribution company that caters to the needs of the modern consumer by offering them internationally acclaimed, premium design-centric home décor solutions. Indian Home Variations entered into a retail & distribution tie-up with World Kitchen USA - marketers of Corelle and other brands (Segments - dinnerware, bake ware, storage containers etc) - in 2009. It now imports, retails and distributes all World Kitchen brands to modern trade & B2B institutions. Indian Home Variations has also tied up with Umbra, Canada (segment -home decor) and Progressive, USA (segment - kitchen tools) for representing them for Indian market. Since 2012 Indian Home Variations (IHV) has carved a niche for itself in the premium house-ware segment with the objective of making Indian homes more stylish. From their stable comes the introduction of the new age concept of Home Couture in the form of Tangerine, a boutique designer brand of home accessories.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 3rd SONG - LOVELY

Happy New Year is all about in the song Indiawaale, then you appreciated the "fiery" chemistry between Mohini (Deepika Padukone) and Charlie (Shah Rukh Khan) in the romantic Song  Manwa Laage. Now Mohini is here to set your world on fire! Get ready to watch her sizzling and steamy moves like never before in "Lovely" video song. 

SONG - Lovely 
SINGER - Kanika Kapoor, Ravindra Upadhyay, Miraya Varma, Fateh 

MUSIC DIRECTOR - Dr. Zeus
LYRICS - Kumaar and Jiwan Mann 

Ashish Sharma wins the coveted ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’ Season 7 Trophy

~ Emerges Triumphant after the 16 Week ultimate dance battle for supremacy ~

Mumbai, 20^th September, 2014: The biggest dance reality show in India, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa came to a dazzling conclusion this weekend as finalist,  Ashish Sharma was adjudged the man with the grooviest dance moves in the entire country. Showing  remarkable growth as both a dancer and a performer, Ashish had been a front runner in this race for winning the title of the ultimate dancing star. A nail biting finale to a fantastic season of dancing awesomeness, Ashish and his choreographer partner Shampa Sonthalia mesmerized judges and audiences alike. Dancing their way to victory to lift the coveted mirrorball trophy of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa on COLORS, Ashish and Shampa were followed by Karan Tacker who came in as a close second while Shakti Mohan cxplaced third.

The Super Finale was magical in every sense of the word with some breath-taking performances from the finalists. The‘Jhakaas’ Anil Kapoor joined the jury members Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Karan Johar and Remo D’Souza to celebrate the incredible journey undertaken by the contestants on the show this season. Being a household name in the television industry, thanks to his note-worthy performances as an actor on the silver screen, the journey on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa for Ashish has been a true test of time and indeed a satisfying one. Other than being crowned the winner, Ashish also won prize money of Rupees 30 lakh and a Mahindra XUV car.

Upon being declared the winner of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, an ecstatic Ashish Sharma said, “It has been an electrifying experience to be a part of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and now that I have won, I cannot contain my emotions. The past sixteen weeks have been extremely tough with multiple highs and lows which make this victory that much sweeter. I would like to thank my choreographer Shampa, for having faith in my abilities and motivating me to push my boundaries to become a better performer. And, my Jhalak victory would be incomplete without a special mention to the judges who have been our mentors and guides throughout the season. Last but not the least my wife and the viewers who have showered me with their unending love and support.”

Speaking about the Grand Finale of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Manisha Sharma, Weekend Programming Head – COLORS said, “I would like to congratulate Ashish Sharma for his outstanding victory on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. This season, we focused on doing things with a different take on the game of dance. The contestants have done a great job and the season would not have been successful without the support and the charm of our three esteemed judges and the captivating hosts, who are now an integral part of the Jhalak family.”

Myleeta Aga, SVP and GM BBC Worldwide India added saying, “ Innovation and creativity were the key mantra for this season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. From outdoor performances to introducing international artists to the contestants and the Jhalak audience, we have gone beyond the ordinary. The Jhalak contestants this year were the perfect ensemble. Kudos to them and their choreographers whose spirit and dedication helped the show reach newer heights.”

An evening of glitz and glamour, the Super Finale brought together a potent combination of pulsating music and magnificent dance moves under one roof. Putting their best foot forward, even the Jury triad performed in the finale with Madhuri Dixit in a never seen before aerial act, Karan Johar set the stage on fire with the hunkalicious Varun Dhawan and Remo D’souza left the audiences spellbound with his robotics act. While the finalists presented some breathtaking dance performances with some incredible props, the quartet came together with past contestants of the season Sophie Choudry, Kritika Kamra, Mallishka, Andy, Purab Kohli, Puja Banerjee, Akshat Singh and Tara Jean Popowich for a dance relay to a medley of some of the most memorable Bollywood songs. Adding sparkle to the dance fiesta for the evening were singers Shaan and Mika who crooned chartbusters from the years gone by. And if this was not enough to whet your appetite, the entertainment quotient spiraled even further with the inclusion of Gutthi and Dadi from Comedy Nights With Kapil together with comedian Bharti Singhwho joined Manish Paul and Ranvir Shorey as the co-hosts for the glitzy evening.  Showcasing some world-class performances which have brought alive the concept of presenting something ‘alag’  for the television-viewing audience, this season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa has been truly remarkable!

About ‘COLORS’:

‘COLORS’ is Viacom18’s flagship brand in the entertainment space in India. A combination of ‘emotions’ and ‘variety’, COLORS launched on 21st July 2008 offers an entire spectrum of emotions to its viewers. From Fiction shows to Format shows to Reality shows to Blockbuster Movies – the basket contains all ‘Jazbaat Ke Rang’. ‘COLORS’ is dedicated to promoting ‘Cohesive viewing’, through programmes like Shastri Sisters, Sasural Simar Ka, Balika Vadhu - Kacchi Umar Ke Pakke Rishtey, Udānn, Beintehaa, Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi, Uttaran, Comedy Nights With Kapil, The Anupam Kher Show – Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, 24, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Bigg Boss amongst others.

“NATIONAL CASTING”

MAX PRESENTS ELITE MODEL LOOK INDIA 2014

“NATIONAL CASTING”

Mumbai:MAXthe country’s largest fashion forward brandhas partnered with the world renowned and prestigious modeling contest,Elite Model Look 2014 (EML)which marks its debut in India this year.The contest completed its Regional Casting rounds in 5 key cities. These are Chandigarh, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata. All the shortlistedmodels from these 5 cities walked the ramp for the “National Casting” on 21st Sept. 2014 at Hotel Sofitel, Mumbai.Prominent personalities present included Marc Robinson, Designer Gaviin Miguel and Model DiptiGujral.

Total 20 models (10 Boys & 10 Girls) got selected at the National Casting. These finalists will undergo grooming sessions with industry gurus like Marc Robinson, guiding and mentoring the aspirants to prepare for the grand finale which is scheduled to take place in October.

The winners of October Grand Finale will then go on to represent India at the international finale in China and secure a 3 year contract with the Elite agency.

This contest offered thousands of boys and girls across India, the opportunity to realize their dream and follow in the footsteps of top models such as Cindy Crawford, Stephanie Seymour, Gisele Bundchen, Sigrid Agren and Constance Jablonski.Judged by prominent personalities from the fashion industry and Executive Director of Max, VasanthKumar, participants were shortlistedbased on criterion like their ramp walk, first impression and photogenic appeal.

Commenting on the National Casting, Vasanth Kumar, Executive Director, Max said “With the launch of Elite Model Look India 2014, Max reinforces its positioning of democratizing fashion and giving the indian models the exposure to establish themselves in the international fashion circuit.” 

Speaking on the occasion, Marc Robinson, Project Head of Max EML India 2014 said, "The fashion industry in India today is bereft of "Supermodels” that once had an iconic influence in the fashion scene in the 1990’s, today they simply and sadly don't exist. With the introduction of a genuine initiative by the fashion brand like MAX and Elite Model Look, Paris, it will provide an opportunity to aspiring young male and female models”
   
NupurTron, Licence owner of Elite Model Look in India said “Elite is the only network of agencies operating in 74 countries that guarantees an authentic modeling career opportunity. The Elite Model Look has always been no.1 in scouting the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of entrants each year. I am very proud to bring EML to India and bring the best of India to a unique springboard and integrate the modeling universe."  

“Elite ​Model Look coming to ​India will bring in an urgent need of picking up the best model talent across India. It is great to see a global wave happening here and to be a part of this makes me feel even more proud ​" saiddesigner Gaviin Miguel"

Model DiptiGujralsaid "It's a great opportunity for young girls and boys to participate in ​E​lite ​M​odel Look. Not only it's prestigious, it puts you on a very good platform.”

About Max:

Max is the leading fashion brand offering customers a one stop shop for clothing, accessories and footwear needs for the entire family.

Max, a division of Lifestyle International (P) Ltd., has pioneered the concept of ‘value fashion’ in the country, thereby offering the discerning shopper a vast choice with international fashion & quality. It offers apparel, footwear & accessories that are of the latest fashion trends at a great price, making it affordable to many. The store ambience offers an international shopping experience making shopping for the entire family an absolute delight. In India, Max has over 90 stores across 43 cities including Mumbai, Delhi/NCR, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Bhopal, Indore, Kochi, Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, Jabalpur, Jammu, Kanpur, Nagpur, Raipur, Surat, Vadodara, Gangtok, Ranchi, Siliguri, Agra, Allahabad, Amritsar, Bareilly, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Varanasi, Calicut, Coimbatore, Hubli, Kannur, Madurai, Mangalore, Mysore, Pondicherry, Thrissur, Trichy, Trivandrum, Vizag& Vijayawada. The brand plans to have a network of 120 stores by the end of the financial year.

About Elite World:

Elite World is owned by Pacific Global Management (PGM), which is a talent management company in the modelling and music industry, with a focus on luxury and live events. In addition, the Group owns Gold Typhoon, the independent China-based entertainment label, and La Perla, the premium Italian lingerie brand. Elite Model Management was founded in 1972, and is the world’s largest model agency, representing over a thousand models across five continents.

Elite is home to many of the leading faces of the day, such as Adriana Lima, Liu Wen, Sigrid Agren, Constance Jablonski, FeiFei Sun and Ming Xi. Elite is not just a network of model agencies; it is a true brand synonymous with model management, the Elite Model Look contest, and world-class licensing. To learn more, visitwww.elitemodelworld.com

About Elite Model Look:

Elite Model Look is the leading international model search. It is active in over 60 countries across the world, and attracts hundreds of thousands of entrants each year. It has discovered top models such as Cindy Crawford, Ming Xi, Sigrid Agren, Constance Jablonski, FeiFei Sun and Gisele Bündchen amongst many other household names. It is unique in providing the opportunity for young girls to enter the fashion world, and carve out successful careers. To learn more, visitwww.elitemodellook.com

Monali Thakur

Monali Thakur, the first Bollywood singer, bags the Best Actress award at the South- Asian International Film Festival in Washington

Monali Thakur, of ‘Sawaar loon’ fame, who has lately discovered her talent as an actress has won the best actress awars at the South-Asian international film festival in Waahington for her hard-hitting performance as a child prostitute in Nagesh Kukunoor’s Lakshmi. The coveted award makes her the first Bollywood singer to have won an award for acting.

 On this ecstatic note, Monali enthused, “ What can I say? It was a bolt from the blue. I thought the movie was forgotten, though the pain and suffering I went through in portraying the prostitute will remain with me forever. Now this award has strengthened my faith in my decision to pursue a double career as a singer and an actress.” She futher adds, “Yes, it has been a well deliberated decision to continue as both an actor and a singer. When I did Lakshmi, the buzz in the singing world was that I was giving up singing for acting. In fact Amit Trivedi asked about my plans. That shook me up. But now I feel I’ve the confidence to overcome people’s doubts and go ahead with both careers.”

When asked Monali, about the songs that are being offered, she says, “ I am in no hurry as a singer or an actor. I won’t accept everything that comes my way. The songs I sing have to have something to offer me. The same goes for the roles I accept.”

 Monali, who has already completed her second film, further adds, “It’s a comedy called Mango directed by Abbas Tyrewala. I’ve a completely different role from what I did in Lakshmi. I play a feisty girl who cons three men played by Rannvijay ( Singha), his brother Harman ( who makes his acting debut) and Chandan Roy Sanyal into believing she loves each one of them. After the dark gut- wrenching role in Lakshmi, I enjoyed this naughty comedy.”

She further adds, "I want to be known as a good singer who can act.”

Spotted: Pageant beauties Koyal Rana and Megan Young at Dessange Paris