Hotel Sahara Star introduces CINETHEQUE – Preview Theatre Mumbai’s first preview theatre within a 5-star Deluxe Hotel

Mumbai, November 2016: Hotel Sahara Star, the flagship hotel of Sahara India Pariwar, today presents “CINETHEQUE”- a private 40 seater preview theatre with state of the art audio video facilities. Mr. Vivek Kumar, CEO Aamby Valley City & Hotel Sahara Star and Ms. Saapna Mukerji, Sr. VP Business Development, Aamby Valley City & Hotel Sahara Star welcome you to Cinetheque, which will now be available for special movie previews and screenings. 

Hotel Sahara Star is the first 5-star deluxe property in Mumbai to bring in the concept of an in-house preview theatre. On this occasion, renowned director and producer, Mr. Rakesh Roshan showcased the trailer of Kaabil – the latest upcoming movie produced by FlimKRAFT Productions (India) Pvt. Ltd with the all new sound. Also, the event was graced by eminent personalities of film fraternity like Shri. Rakesh Roshan | Shri. Jitendra Kapoor| Shri. Pahlaj Nahlani I Shri. Ketan Desai I Shri. Ramesh Sippy I Shri. Kishen Kumar from T Series I Shri. Ramesh Taurani from Tips |Shri. Hitendra Ghosh.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Vivek Kumar, CEO Aamby Valley City & Hotel Sahara Star said, “With a dearth of special preview theater in the city, CINETHEQUE is a well thought of concept for movie screenings. Hotel Sahar Star is the first 5-star property to introduce a preview theatre with facilities that give you a cinematic experience. The venue is ideal for special previews & movie screenings.”

Ms. Saapna Mukerji, Sr. VP Business Development added, “I would like to thank the prominent personalities from the film fraternity who were a part of the grand opening of Cinetheque. With the preview theatre opening its door, our esteemed guests can enjoy the experience of a cinema in an amazing ambience with state of the art audio visual facilities.”

CINETHEQUE has a seating capacity of 40 comfortable electronic recliner seats. The property boasts of 7.1 Dolby Atmos Digital Surround sound with JBL Professional Cinema series loudspeaker. With a 7000 mm x 3000 mm wide screen, CINETHEQUE is also equipped with AMX – Touch Panel Control System and RGB Color Changing mood lighting.  The preview theatre also offers a superior service and special food & beverage offerings making it perfect to special movie previews. In addition to movie screenings, CINETHEQUE is also a perfect place for corporate meetings and presentation with well-equipped Meeting and Presentation system and sound reinforcement via additional Ceiling speaker.

A treat to the eyes like no other, Taj Balloon Festival leaves onlookers and shutterbugs longing for more

​~15 incredibly colorful balloons dance around the Taj every morning~

Agra, November 28, 2016: The ongoing Taj Balloon Festival, witnessed an overwhelming response to its second edition as the residents and tourists woke up every morning to colorful balloons peppering the dotted skyline. SkyWaltz is conducting Taj Balloon Festival 2016 in association with The Uttar Pradesh Government, to packed audiences till 30th November, 2016. Hot Air Balloons of different hues and shapes, has the rapt attention of viewers, as they gently float over historical forts. The Taj Mahal is the only sureal wonder of the world that lets one take flight on a hot air balloon next to it. 

Already in its 4th day, it was mesmerizing to experience an awe-inspiring display of colors with 15 balloons taking to the skies from the PAC Ground, following the sunrise. The Taj Balloon Festival saw enumerable excited passengers enjoying the cool morning air and a lovely scenery from above. Flyers also caught a glimpse of the Taj Mahal minutes after takeoff. With a far-reaching view extending across the beautiful city and countryside, the ride became all the more spellbinding. The balloons take off in the morning and land in and around the city.

Amongst the pilots, 2 female pilots from Malaysia and Poland are also flying the balloons. Enthusiastic villagers had a fantastic time mingling with the foreign pilots and taking pictures of their special shaped balloons. The city of Agra was ecstatic with thousands standing on their roof tops waving across, trying to a catch the attention of all. The enchanting Hot air balloon ride in the morning and a night glow show where hot air balloons give a stunning light display, choreographed to music continues to enthrall the city to its core.

The line-up comprises 15 balloons from different countries including India, the USA, UK, Canada, Spain, UAE, Netherland, Turkey, Switzerland, Belgium, Poland, and Malaysia. These include three “special shape” balloons featuring iconic characters Happy Egg, Bob the Lobster & Smurf, an exciting new addition to last year’s festival. Like the previous edition, the core objective of this special initiative is to boost leisure, adventure tourism and aviation based entertainment in the state as per the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh. 

For more detailed information about the Taj Balloon Festival 2016 one can visit the official website www.tajballoonfestival.com​

Black is Back! After demonetization the color of money in Real Estate is still BLACK

Magicbricks NOW, a part of the TIMES NETWORKconducted a shocking investigation called ‘Black In Demand’. Aimed at examining the ground reality of black money  in the real estate sector post the government’s move of  demonetisation. The channel's team of reporters visited a number of projects, posing as home buyers and met with several builders from the industry. The findings of this investigation were startling and posed a lot of questions on the impact of demonetisation  in the Real Estate sector that was still accepting cash payments, both new and old notes. Developers across the city were more than willing to accept the defunct old notes at a premium if the payment was made in the next few days. The old 500 and 1000 notes are being accepted at a daily spot trading rate that decides the premium on these notes. These revelations were aired live on the channel from 5pm onwards on November 28th,2016. Commenting on this sting operation, Faye Dsouza, Editor, Magicbricks NOW said, “The demonetization decision which was aimed at cleaning up the real estate sector has led to the creation of a parallel black market for black money.  Our investigation reveals that while some developers are conducting business completely in white, several builders who were under financial stress before demonetisation are using this economic change as an opportunity to offload inventory to the community that suddenly finds itself stuck with cash.” Aarti Sathe, Spokesperson BJP, said, “We'll take strict action against such builders who are accepting defunct notes. As a part of the government we would leave the entire matter to investigative agencies to carry forward their process as per the framework of law. ” Kishori Pednekar, Shiv Sena’s  Senior Corporator, said,“Demonetization has not brought any substantial change in the country. We are shocked to see these developments in the real estate sector and I would like to urge the government to impose 100% penalty on the culprits.” Abha Singh, Lawyer & Activist, said, “The common man who is standing in the line, is dying. It is very debatable whether demonetization has helped or not. The whole scheme has come out as a huge failure.” Avadhut Wagh, Spokesperson Maharashtra BJP, said, “Real Estate has collapsed by 30%. The war against corruption & #BlackMoney is not a one-day match or T20 match. It's a 5 day test cricket match! The results of this match can only be seen at the end of March 31st ,2017. For this demonetization drive to be successful all phases need to be in place.” Ramesh Nair, COO & International Director - JLL India, Board Member, said, “Like every market, real estate market has it's good apples and bad apples. India saves around $ 160 billion every year in real estate compared to 5 bn in stocks & mutual funds. Clean-up in not going to happen in 2 months’ time.” Sanjay Jha, National Spokesperson, INC Party, said, “Demonetization has been a monumental disaster. The real estate sector is galloping with #BlackMoney. Most of the people don't have bank accounts in the country even today. Big builders are selling the property at inflated prices & taking the money in cash. The fact is if you're targeting only 6% of#BlackMoney, it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack. All the politicians should come under RTI and disclose the source of funds” BJP leader Sudesh Verma, said, “Investigation will take place. The legal proceedings will take place.” Congress leader Anand Sharma, said “ There is a huge market of money laundering which has been created. It is corrupting the country, forcing the people to resort to illegal means.” Could this  loophole that is being exploited by builders be curbed or closed ? Where would this revelation leave the demonetization drive? Only time will tell the future of the sector.

AMITABH BACHCHAN’S NEW ANIMATED SUPERHERO SERIES, “ASTRA FORCE”

                                                         

Premieres on Disney Channel on the 28^th of November, Monday at 3: 30 p.m

Mumbai, 26^th November, 2016: A special screening of  the much-awaited superhero animated series - “Astra Force” with legendary icon, Amitabh Bachchan was hosted today at Sunny Super Studio, Juhu which was attended by celebrity artists like Faisal Khan, Sadhil Kapoor, Arush Rana & Ashnoor Kaur. The kids were thrilled to watch Mr.Bachchan’s new avatar and expressed their immense excitement at the premier. A shout out to all superhero lovers as a must watch series.

A funny and fast-paced, action-adventure series, filled with laughs and thrills, “Astra Force” tells the story of a mythical hero from a distant world, who was stranded on Earth millions of years ago, after an epic space battle. When 8-year old brother and sister twins accidentally awaken the mythical superhero from his long hibernation, they must teach him about the modern world and join Astra to save the universe from a new wave of giant monsters and intergalactic threats. Together they will fight for Truth, for Justice and for Ice cream!   

Astra Force features the voice of Mr. Bachchan as the powerful new superhero, "Astra" in his first animated kids television series. The 52 part, series will be aired every week from Monday to Thursday at 3:30 p.m.         

The new Indian superhero was created by Mr. Bachchan and Sharad Devarajan, Co-Founder and CEO of Graphic India who are producing the series in partnership with Disney Channel. 

Kenstar appoints Mr. Rajiv Kenue as the new COO

Kenstar today announced the appointment of Mr. Rajiv Kenue as its Chief Operating Officer with immediate effect. In his new role, Mr. Kenue will be responsible for contributing to Kenstar’s strategy for establishing it as one of the most preferred premium brands in India. The brand is offering its patrons an extensive portfolio of products ranging from Air Coolers, Water Heaters, Microwave, Mixer Grinders & host of other kitchen appliances. In his role here, he will supervise brand building, product development and distribution expansion for Kenstar.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Rajiv Kenue stated “I feel honored to be a part of Kenstar, a company which has a great heritage and goodwill across the country and offers consumers’ an international quality product. I believe there is an incredible scope for expansion of all product category in Kenstar and our focus would be to drive secondary sales by widening our distribution network and further strengthening the brand’s image.”

With over 26 years of experience Mr. Rajiv has worked in various consumer sector organizations such as HCL Infosystems Ltd, Moser Baer, Samsung India Elect, LG Electronics, Videocon & Indian Express. Mr. Rajiv comes with rich experience and skills of working with some of the renowned companies in various capacities such as business head, Sales & Marketing head, worked extensively on brand building, product development and have in-depth knowledge of FMCD distribution. Prior to joining Kenstar he has served as vice president in HCL Infosystem Limited.

Mr. Rajiv brings in profound understanding and knowledge about the industry on board and will be responsible for the smooth functioning of operations and planning. Having an extensive background, he holds an MBA degree from IMT Ghaziabad and Bachelor of Science degree from Kashmir University.

Watch your favourite Hollywood actors – Matthew McConaughey, Scarlett Johansson, Reese Witherspoon, Taron Egerton, Seth MacFarlane and other “SING” this holiday season

The stars talk about their animated characters in upcoming film ‘SING,’ set to release in India this December

Scarlett Johansson records original soundtrack “Set it all Free” for the film

Matthew McConaughey performs Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe”

Reese Witherspoon does her own singing in the film, including renditions of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” Katy Perry’s “Firework”

Set in a world like ours but entirely inhabited by animals, SING stars Buster Moon (McConaughey), a dapper koala who presides over a once-grand theater that has fallen on hard times.  Buster is an eternal—some might even say delusional—optimist who loves his theater above all and will do anything to preserve it.  Now faced with the crumbling of his life’s ambition, he has one final chance to restore his fading jewel to its former glory by producing the world’s greatest singing competition.

Five lead contestants emerge: Mike (MacFarlane), a mouse who croons as smoothly as he cons; Meena (Kelly), a timid teenage elephant with an enormous case of stage fright; Rosita (Witherspoon), an overtaxed mother run ragged tending a litter of 25 piglets; Johnny (Egerton), a young gangster gorilla looking to break free of his family’s felonies; and Ash (Johansson), a punk-rock porcupine struggling to shed her arrogant boyfriend and go solo.

Each arrives under Buster’s marquee believing that this is their shot to change the course of their life.  And as Buster coaches each of his contestants closer and closer to the grand finale, he starts to learn that maybe the theater isn’t the only thing that is in need of saving.

Featuring more than 65 hit songs, Sing is produced by Meledandri and his longtime collaborator Janet Healy. Together, they have produced all of Illumination’s films since the studio’s inception.

MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY AND BUSTER MOON

For the first time ever, Academy Award^® winner MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY appears with his character, Buster Moon, from Illumination Entertainment’s Sing.

Buster Moon is an eternal—some might even say delusional—optimist who still believes in the wonder and magic of his once-grand theater and will do anything to preserve it.

Like all the stars of Sing, McConaughey does his own singing in the film, with a memorable rendition of Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.”

MCCONAUGHEY QUOTE:

“I’ve always regarded Buster as the ultimate creator…a showman who refuses to accept defeat and a guy who will accomplish the impossible through sheer force of will.  Others may see his theater collapsing around him, but not Buster.  Through his eyes, you’ll begin to imagine the crown jewel of this incredible town…a place where people can truly transform.”

The shot was created by the animation artists of Illumination Entertainment and photographer Norman Jean Roy in a unique collaboration.

Credit: Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures

SCARLETT JOHANSSON AND ASH

For the first time ever, SCARLETT JOHANSSON appears with her character, Ash, from Illumination Entertainment’s Sing.

Ash is a betrayed teenager who will mend her broken heart through the power of rock-and-roll.

Like all the stars of Sing, Johansson does her own singing in the film, including renditions of Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” and an all-new original song, “Set It All Free.”

JOHANSSON QUOTE:

“Once Ash understands that all of the attention, effort and energy she’s been giving her worthless boyfriend has been standing in the way of her own musical gifts, she transforms into a badass.  Ash eschews outdated expectations that she should deliver a pop-princess act on the stage and just rocks it out with original music.  I adore her.”

The shot was created by the animation artists of Illumination Entertainment and photographer Norman Jean Roy in a unique collaboration.

Credit: Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures

REESE WITHERSPOON AND ROSITA

For the first time ever, Academy Award^® winner REESE WITHERSPOON appears with her character, Rosita, from Illumination Entertainment’s Sing.

Rosita is an overtaxed mother run ragged tending a litter of 25 children but who keeps the flicker of a secret dream inside.

Like all the stars of Sing, Witherspoon does her own singing in the film, including renditions of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” Katy Perry’s “Firework” and Bananarama’s “Venus.”

WITHERSPOON QUOTE:

“Ever since she was a girl, Rosita has held on to this tiny part of herself she’s been hesitant to share with the world.  But once she genuinely owns who she is, this shy mom and wife realizes that it would be criminal not to unleash her talents.  In fact, it’s the love and passion Rosita’s given and received that pours out of her when she embraces her inner diva and lets loose.”

The shot was created by the animation artists of Illumination Entertainment and photographer Norman Jean Roy in a unique collaboration.

Credit: Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures

SETH MACFARLANE AND MIKE

For the first time ever, SETH MACFARLANE appears with his character, Mike, from Illumination Entertainment’s Sing.

Mike is a con man who croons as smoothly as he swindles.

Like all the stars of Sing, MacFarlane does his own singing in the film, including renditions of standards including Irving Berlin’s “Let’s Face the Music and Dance,” “Pennies From Heaven,” made famous by Bing Crosby, and “My Way,” which is synonymous with Frank Sinatra.

MACFARLANE QUOTE:

“What I like about this character is that he has zero concept of just how small he is.  Mike is a whirlwind mix of bravado, swagger and showmanship, and he genuinely believes he has nothing to prove.  He needs the contest money because he’s made some very poor decisions, and he’s certain that his larger-than-life personality and stage persona hold the ticket to winning.”

The shot was created by the animation artists of Illumination Entertainment and photographer Norman Jean Roy in a unique collaboration.

Credit: Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures

TARON EGERTON AND JOHNNY

For the first time ever, TARON EGERTON appears with his character, Johnny, from Illumination Entertainment’s Sing.

Johnny is a reluctant part of his dad’s bank-robbing crew, as well as an aspiring singer who longs to step out and show who he really is.

Like all the stars of Sing, Egerton does his own singing in the film, including renditions of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me,” John Legend’s “All of Me” and Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing.”

EGERTON QUOTE:

“I think that one of the biggest fears we all have is that we will disappoint our parents.  All you want is their acceptance, but as you come into your own, you begin to realize that your dreams don’t always intersect with theirs.  Johnny’s relationship with his father epitomizes this.  He only needs Big Daddy to listen, to actually hear him, just once.  If that happens, Johnny believes he can become his own man and really soar.”

Credit: Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures 

The shot was created by the animation artists of Illumination Entertainment and photographer Norman Jean Roy in a unique collaboration.

TORI KELLY AND MEENA

For the first time ever, TORI KELLY appears with her character, Meena, from Illumination Entertainment’s Sing.

Meena is a timid teen with an enormous case of stage fright who keeps a powerhouse voice trapped inside.

Like all the stars of Sing, Kelly does her own singing in the film, including renditions of Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” The Beatles’ beloved classic.

KELLY QUOTE:

“I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have a bit of Meena inside.  She’s that timid kid who desperately wants to share her gifts with the world, but is always second guessing herself.  As an artist, I went to that place of insecurity inside teenage Tori to find my inner Meena.  Then you take a deep breath, shake off the nerves and just let the music take over.”

Credit: Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures

NICK KROLL AND GUNTER

For the first time ever, NICK KROLL appears with his character, Gunter, from Illumination Entertainment’s Sing.

Gunter is the Spandexed show-stopper whose sheer enthusiasm overcomes his lack of actual talent.

Like all the stars of Sing, Kroll does his own singing in the film, including renditions of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and Bananarama’s “Venus.”

KROLL QUOTE:

“Gunter knows what we all should: Everything is better in a gold track suit.  He is the yin to Rosita’s yang.  If she’s hesitant, insecure and brilliantly talented…then Gunter is the one who’s first to hit the stage and shake his piggy patootie; he’s a legend in his own mind.  When I first experienced Reese and myself as Rosita and Gunter on the screen, I honestly couldn’t stop grinning.”

The shot was created by the animation artists of Illumination Entertainment and photographer Norman Jean Roy in a unique collaboration.

Credit: Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures