Jhalak judges praise Omung Kumar

The national award winner Omung Kumar has been in the news lately for receiving enormous awards for his first directorial debut film ‘Mary Kom’ and his most anticipated next; ‘Sarbjit’. The talented director and well known art director is again making headlines for his exceptional art direction in the new season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded.

After giving some magnificent art direction in movies like Saawriya, Black, Ishq Vishk, Waqt and many more, Omung has created yet another work of art. Keeping the new concept of the show in mind, Omung has given a whole new ‘reloaded’ look to the JDJ sets, incorporating a lot of glamour and grandeur.

A little birdie from the sets informed that everyone was completely amazed by Omung’s work. The judges of the show Shahid Kapoor, Karan Johar, Ganesh Hegde and Lauren Gottlieb were awestruck by the beauty of the set and were all praises for Omung.

Sharing his thoughts Omung Kumar says, “Every year I design Jhalak set, but this year was different, because the judges have changed and we were looking out for some type of decor which would stand out from the clutter of other shows. This year I have designed the set like a huge opera theatre, with red and gold ornate facade and structure. The audience will sit in three layers of balcony. The set is very opulent, and now that Shahid is on board, the judge’s backdrop had to look young and hep, there is lot of cut mirror feel at the backdrop of their seats. This mirror effect will floor projections and will lead to play a major role in changing the set look with each dance number. All in all it’s a huge classy set”

Kunal Kapoor starrer took requisite permissions for "Rangabati"

“I am Kalam” director Nilamadhab Panda' next film “Kaun Kitney Paani Mein”, has been in news for using the famous sambalpuri song, Rangabati from Odisha. The director clarified that he has all the requisite permissions for using rangabati.

Rangabati was recently performed in MTV’s Coke Studio by composer Ram Sampat, and singers Sona Mahapatra and Rituraj Mohanty. These musicians have got a legal notice by the copyright holders of the original song, Lyricist Mitrabhanu Gauntia and Music director Prabhudutta Pradhan, with a demand of Rs 1 Crore compensation for copyrights infringement.

Mr. Panda has stated that he has taken written permission from the Lyricist and the music director of the song and since he belongs to the same region of Odisha he wanted to give a tribute to the land. He says “I am very proud of bringing my own soil through this song to Hindi cinema, also I kept the basic rhythm and its essence." He further added that he hopes the dispute between the singers and original composers of the song will get solved amicably soon.

Starring Kunal Kapoor, Radhika Apte, Gulshan Grover and Saurabh Shukla, the film was screened recently as closing film of Jagaran film festival, with a standing ovation, and is slated to release on the 28th of August, 2015.

Batman V Superman - Dawn Of Justice - New trailer

 The new trailer for BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE.

Sonakshi Sinha was Vipul Shah's first choice for Force 2.

The much anticipated sequel of Vipul shah's cult action film Force is all set to go on floors in September.

The sequel, being produced by Vipul Shah and directed by Abhinay Deo, has John Abraham already signed up as the lead actor.

Abiding by its legacy, Vipul Shah's action pack film will once again feature John Abraham playing the lead.

However, Sources confirm of a fresh development in the pairing, stating Vipul Shah wanted to have a fresh pairing.

To complete the fresh casting,  Sonakshi Sinha was approached and is confirmed to be playing the female lead opposite John Abraham.

This will be the first time when John and Sonakshi will be seen in a film together.

The film is slated to be released in the first half of 2016.

Jacqueline transported to medieval times for Saturday night, Bangistan

Bangistan, keeping true to its quirky style, Ritiesh Deshmukh and Pulkit Samrat are seen wooing Jacquiline Fernandes in the song. Shot with a lot of back ground dancers; the tune is upbeat and foot tapping. 

Jacquilne is looking stunning and is graceful and fluid in her dance moves.

The song is inspired by never done before European medieval theme, complete with castles and knights. Shot with the sensuous Jacquiline Fernandes, this quirky comedy takes a beautiful ride of imagination with this song. 

Cinematically, the choreography and the location are inspired by Polish traditional culture, their love for the Dark Age and all things middle ages. 

A lot of research and detailing has been done for the song with a real medieval castle as one of the locations with authentic period production design while costumes used real swords and realistic gear. 

Nikhil Advani and Simi Garewal join as jury members for Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

The festival in its fourth year announces the jury and the award nominees for 2015

For the 4th consecutive year, The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne that celebrates Indian cinema internationally is all set to take place in Melbourne this August. With the core theme of the festival being equality this time around, the festival is endorsed by Bollywood’s favorite and the lovely Vidya Balan. The festival believes in bringing forth both independent Indian films and blockbuster films to the audience of Australia thus giving Indian films a global platform.

Judging great films like these are an esteemed panel of jury members including Nikhil Advani- producer, director and screenwriter who is best known for his movies like Kal Ho Na Ho and D Day, popular Indian film critique Rajeev Masand and widely known yesteryear actress and TV Anchor Simi Garewal. While on the global front, the jury also includes popular Australian director of The Water Diviner- Andrew Anastasios and Jill Billock who is an award winning Australian film editor. With a unique jury as such, the selection process is based on a much wider and versatile perspective.

 Quote from Nikhil Advani,  I am delighted to be a part of the International Jury for the second edition of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Awards.. I have been a supporter of this festival right from its inception days.. I love this years theme of Equality . The fact that they have – ‘supported and advocated to embrace the diversity than defines us all makes it even more special to me.. i look forward to celebrating our cinema in Melbourne next month”

These very jury members have had the most difficult task to shortlist nomines for this years awards ceremony. After much speculation, here is the list of the final shortlisted nominees across categories:

* Best Actor 

Nawazzuddin in Haraamkhor

Shahid Kapur in Haider 

Irrfan Khan in Piku

Suraj Sharma in Umrika

* Best Actress 

Deepika in Piku 

Anushka in NH 10

Kalki in Margarita with a Straw

Kangana for Tanu weds Manu returns

Bhumi for Dum lagake Haisha

* Best Indie film 

Kakka Muthai ( Crow’s Eggs )

Dhanak

Umrika

Sunrise

Court

* Best Director 

Raju Hirani for PK

Vishal Bharadwaj for Haider

Sharat Katariya for Dum Lagake Haisha 

Chaitanya Tamhane for Court

Shonali Bose for MWAS

* Best Film 

P.K

Piku

Dum Lagake Haisha

Margarita with a straw

Haider

With an aim of acknowledging these talented people and their contribution to the Indian film industry, The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne has and always will remain a joyous event celebrating Indian talent overseas.

Drishyam Motion Poster

ओळख...टीमचा सिंबॉयसिसच्या विद्यार्थ्यांशी सवांद...

मुंबई- जगविख्यात सिंबॉयसिस विद्यापीठाच्या पुणे येथील सिंबॉयसिस महाविद्यालयाच्या विद्यार्थ्यांसोबत ओळख माय आयडेंटिटी या मराठी चित्रपटाच्या टीमने नुकताच सवांद साधला.

जमील खान दिग्दर्शित आणि भूषण पाटील, खुशबु तावडे, अलका कुबल-आठल्ये, अरुण नलावडे अभिनित ओळख माय आयडेंटिटी हा मराठी चित्रपट येत्या ३१ जुलै रोजी संपूर्ण महाराष्ट्रात प्रदर्शित होत असून, चित्रपटाच्या प्रमोशनसाठी ओळख...टीम या महाविद्यालयात दाखल झाली होती. बिजनेस मैनेजमेंट आणि फिल्म मेकिंगच्या विद्यार्थ्यांना ओळख टीमने चित्रपटाविषयी आणि आपल्या भूमिकेबबत माहिती दिली. तर विद्यार्थ्यांनी, निर्माते आणि दिग्दर्शकांकडून चित्रपटाच्या तांत्रिक बाबीवर आणि निर्मीतीव्यवस्थेवर खोलवर चर्चा केली. यावेळी निर्माते हर्षादीप सासन आणि सह निर्मात्या शीतल राजवीर देखील उपस्थित होत्या.

Salman Khan's official merchandise now available

Salman Khan’s first production is all set to raise the bar as far as merchandising and interactivity with consumers is concerned.

For the first time, makers of a Salman Khan film, Bajrangi Bhaijaan have decided to officially release merchandise of the film. Salman Khan not only has launched his first production company with Bajrangi Bhaijan, he has also set new benchmarks with the kind of activities that he has planned for the film.

Merchandise

In each of his films, Salman Khan creates a style that his fans pick up. In Bajrangi Bhaijaan, it is the pendant which is a prominent part of Salman Khan's character that his fans seem to have picked up. Salman has been seen wearing the pendant in all his promotion events as well. The locket that Salman Khan wears in Bhajrangi Bhaijan has become a huge rage among his fans and will be available wit a personal message from Salman online as well as stores.


Taking a leaf from Hollywood event films, Bajrangi Bhaijaan will also be converted into a children’s book that will take the same plot, as Pavan and Munni make their way across the country, along the way learning about the uniqueness of several cities and towns. 


Interactivity:

Game: A unique game which has been inspired from the film's story is being launched across all platforms. Designed in a unique manner, it will appeal to all age groups. A delight for game lovers across the globe, the addictive game allows the gamer to step into the shoes of Salman Khan, to take the small girl safely back home in Pakistan 

Salman Khan will also have a special chat with all his female fans on Facebook.


Amar Butata, COO Salman Khan Films added "‎We at SKF are continuously exploring ways to reach out to Salman's fans. The locket which has become an icon and rage comes with a personal message from Salman Khan - this is the beginning of several other endeavors for a very special film"

Yami Gautam overwhelmed to earn a new follower.

Yami Gautam has been smiling from cheek to cheek lately.

Reason? Her family has come to Visit her in Mumbai from Chandigarh.

Not only did Yami reunite with her family which includes her parents and younger sister but also with her pet dog Polo.

Yami was extremely happy to meet her younger sister, as they share a great camaraderie.

Yami was teary eyed when her sister shared to take Yami as her inspiration.

Yami's sister looks upto her and is proud of Yami to has made it in the Entertainment Industry all by herself says a source close to the family.

Yami has survived in the extremely competitive industry with her talent solely, her family takes deep pride in what she has achieved and wish for her success. 

A Hollywood Remake for Baahubali?

Telugu director SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus has generated a lot of interest worldwide due to its elaborate scale. There are rumours that the film might be remade in English by a Hollywood studio. “The period war drama is said to be the most expensive film ever made in India, and will release in Tamil and Hindi at the same time. Now, an American studio has shown interest in buying the rights of the movie to make its Hollywood remake,” says an industry source.

The insider further reveals that while Rajamouli is pleased with the offer, nothing is official yet. “It was a pleasant surprise for Rajamouli when he got this offer, but the makers are yet to seal the deal. The studio and the makers are in talks, and want all specifications in place before they sign on the dotted line,” adds the source. 

Not one or two, Umesh Kulkarni’s Highway has 30 leads!

The acclaimed director of several National Award winning Marathi films, Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni is not new to the concept of multi-starrers or ensemble cast. However, with his upcoming film Highway, the noted filmmaker seems to be setting a record of sorts with casting as many as 30 actors, all in lead roles. Kulkarni shares that there is no one protagonist in Highway and that each of the characters tell a unique story of their own. “The film is a journey of each character, so there’re not any one or two particular protagonists as such. All share equal space and are multi-dimensional, like any one of us. It was also a great learning experience as well as a humbling one for us, since all these established actors had so much faith in me and Girish (actor-writer Girish Kulkarni) who has written them and done full justice to all. Even for the actors, the length just didn’t matter and that kind of faith definitely boosts my confidence as a storyteller.”

The starcast includes Huma Qureshi, Tisca Chopra, Renuka Shahane, Girish Kulkarni, Mukta Barve, Sunil Barve and Nagraj Manjule amongst others. Highway is slated to release on 24th July 2015.

Fiji gets a Bollywood connection!

Noted producer-distributor Shyam Shroff has been appointed as the Consulate General of Fiji by the Fiji Government for their new consulate in Mumbai. The new role, says Shroff, is a great honour and also comes with a lot of responsibility. “I am happy and honoured that I was chosen for this job. I definitely hope that we can help put Fiji high on the wish-list of tourism as well as for investors here,” says the senior filmmaker, adding, “It’s an island nation of 330 islands and among several of them each island is a resort. In fact many celebrities own resorts there.” Shroff also hopes that the beautiful country will gradually become a hotspot for the Indian filmmakers too. “As for Indian filmmakers, we get as much as 30 per cent rebate when shooting there, but we hope that they make some more dynamic policies that will make it more accessible technically.  A few films have been shot there, but largely it is still unexplored in Bollywood. So, that will be something I am looking forward to working on. I hope to streamline the process and help guide them with the right methods so that there is a good working relationship that can be built between us. It will work for Fiji as well as our filmmakers in a big way,” adds the filmmaker, who had also produced the National award winning film Filmistaan.

Society Magazine Cover Launch

PUNJAB GETS ITS OWN CRICKET LEAGUE

The Punjabi spirit has permeated every sphere of our lives – from movies to music and from food to the inimitable Punjabi joie de vivre. Truly, Punjabiyaan di shaan vakhri!

We now give you Box Cricket League – Punjab: a league that’s poised to change the face of Punjabi Entertainment! Bringing together the biggest Punjabi celebrities, movie & music stars from across India, UK, USA and Canada.

Box Cricket League launched last year brought together 150 of the biggest television celebrities in a potent mix of drama, cricket & celebrities. This year we’re adding ‘Punjabi’ tadka to that mix and taking the concept to a completely new level.

Box Cricket League – Punjab, is a unisex indoor cricket league that will see participation of 5 special teams of Punjabi celebrities and will have team owners like Esha Deol, Geeta Basra and other iconic Punjabis.

Xamm Telemedia Works Pvt Ltd (a division of LeoStride Entertainment Pvt Ltd) has licensed the franchise of BCL for Punjab, from Balaji Telefilms & Marinating Films.

The Box Cricket League – Punjab is being launched on 9^th July along with various high profile celebrities in attendance

Says Mr. Sumit Dutt, (League Owner BCL-Punjab), ‘The Punjab BCL with its unique combination of cricket, drama and presence of popular Punjabi celebs from across the globe is perfect for the passionate, fun loving Punjabis”

Looks like Punjabis across the globe will have something new to cheer  - Burrraahhhh!!!

Sajid Nadiadwala now calls Salman with his nickname.

Sajid Nadiadwala is one of the few people whose opinion matters to Salman Khan.

Salman often turns to Sajid to acquire creative advice.

Sajid was one of the people to whom Salman had shown the trailer of Bajrangi Bhaijaan before viraling it in the digital space.

Sajid and Salman's camaraderie dates back to 1996, where the duo had worked on a film together.

They returned the following year with Judwa which brought immense appreciation to the duo.

Sajid and Salman's bond has strengthened over time since.

Recently, Salman held a special screening of his upcoming film Bajrangi Bhaijaan for Sajid.

Sajid thoroughly enjoyed the film and was mesmerized by the latter's performance in the film.

Sajid told Salman that he could instantly connect to Salman's "Bajrangi" character in the film.

Sajid, who earlier called the actor by his name, now addresses Salman with his nickname "Bhaijaan" ever since watching the film.

VLCC announces JV with Korean company ‘Caregen’ to introduce age defying technology

Partners for brands like Dermaheal, RENOKIN and DR.CYJ

Caregen to share technical resources and provide support for clinical trials

Mumbai, 9^th July, 2015: Premium wellness brand VLCC Health Care Ltd. and Korea’s leading biotechnology and R&D company, Caregen Co.,Ltd. today announced a joint venture for selling Caregen’s range of cosmeceutical brands such as Dermaheal, RENOKIN, and DR.CYJ that provide cutting-edge anti-ageing solutions in 25 countries in Asia, North Africa and East Africa*. The business will be run under a JV Company named VLCC Caregen Pvt. Ltd with 50:50 stake, which also has exclusive rights in India and few other countries.

Caregen will also work with VLCC’s R&D team to conduct studies on various new products and innovations while also providing technical support for clinical trials, if required. Under the agreement, VLCC and Caregen will also share technological resources should they decide to use VLCC’s manufacturing facilities.  In that case, VLCC will manufacture the products to sell them at competitive prices in the respective countries.

Through this partnership, VLCC and Caregen will deliver to the beauty and wellness industry in India, highly innovative and efficacious solutions that are gaining popularity globally.

“Korean people demand perfection, especially when it comes to skincare products, driving innovation in the industry.  With our tie-up with Caregen, we are bringing the best of Korean technology to our customers” said Mr. Mukesh Luthra, Chairman, VLCC Group. “Caregen’s products and solutions will complement and enhance our existing portfolio, which comprises of products from India, Malaysia, Singapore and Switzerland.” 

Korean skincare products are fast-rising in popularity globally owing to their consistent investments in R&D. Deep-rooted in skincare treatment rituals; Korea provides high-end technology at highly competitive prices. “Every marketer who is looking at expanding their portfolio of high-performance products, will sooner or later turn to Korea”, Mr. Luthra added.

“We are very proud to be partnering with VLCC. The company is a respected multinational with 25 years of experience in the industry and this collaboration will open up a whole new market for us,” said Mr. Yongji Chung, CEO, Caregen Co., Ltd.

Caregen’s Dermaheal brand makes high quality cosmeceutical products which contain its state-of-the-art growth factors and biomimetic peptides. Dermaheal products take care of anti-ageing, anti-pigmentation, anti-hair loss and hair regrowth, anti-inflammation and other skin troubles with homecare and professional care lines.

Caregen’s top selling products which VLCC will be introducing in the Indian market include: Dermaheal Eye Filler Mask, a high concentration of active ingredients which hydrates and soothes the sensitive skin around the eyes while helping it look younger, RENOKIN Hair Revitalizing Program, a scientific haircare program proven by the sophisticated mechanism of active ingredients and human clinical tests. Its ten active ingredients include the world’s strongest and safest hair re-growth activators, CG-Nokkin, CG-Keramin2 and CG-WINT, and DR. CYJ Hair exCell Serum, a professional and specialized peptide complex for hair re-growth and scalp reconstruction treatment with guaranteed results.

These will be incorporated in VLCC’s beauty therapies and will also be distributed through the company’s wellness centres.

*Asia (India, Bangladesh & Nepal), Israel, North Africa (Algeria, Libya, Sudan, Tunisia, Western Sahara) and East Africa (Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mayotte (France), Mozambique, Reunion (France), Rwanda, Seychelles, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria).

About Caregen Co., Ltd.

www.caregen.com/www.dermaheal.com/www.renokin.com/www.drcyj.com/www.revofil.com

Caregen Co., Ltd., is a global leader of research and marketing of Biomimetic peptides and Growth Factors.  Caregen is not only the world’s first company to register many Growth Factors in the PCPC (Personal Care Products Council, formerly CTFA), but also possesses various Biomimetic Peptide patents around the world.  Also, Caregen’s double-layered capsulation technology improves penetration of active ingredients into skin and continues with Skin Stem Cell research.  Caregen has research and business collaborations with well-known global brands like Revlon, la prairie and P&G, amongst others.

Caregen Co. provides complete skin care solutions through dermatologists, plastic surgeons, medi-spas, and other skin care professionals in the United States and in over 130 countries worldwide under the Dermaheal, RENOKIN, REVOFIL and DR. CYJ brands and under private brands. Also, Caregen Co. is expanding business through JVs in Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, India and United States to provide customised solutions to each country.

Caregen Co. has successfully prepared the requisite documents for completing our IPO.  We are pleased to soon be listed as a valuable member of the Korean Stock market in September 2015. 

About VLCC Group

www.vlccwellness.com

Founded by Mrs Vandana Luthra in 1989, VLCC is widely recognized in India and abroad for its holistic, scientific and natural weight-management practices and therapeutic beauty solutions addressing the mind and body. Today, operations spanning over 300 locations in 143 cities and direct company managed operations in 14 countries, VLCC: 

§  Manages one of the largest chains of Wellness (Slimming, Beauty & Fitness) Centres across Asia

§  Runs possibly Asia’s largest network of vocational education academies, VLCC Institute of Beauty & Nutrition

§  Manufactures in Switzerland and the company’s plants in India and Singapore over 300 skincare, haircare and bodycare products under the VLCC Natural Sciences™, SkinMTX™, BelleWave™ and Enavose™ brands, which are not only used as consumables in treatments and therapies at all VLCC Wellness Centres globally but is also retailed through over 80,000 outlets in 33 countries across South Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and South East Asia

§  Employs over 4,000 professionals, including medical doctors, nutritionists, physiotherapists and cosmetologists from over 39 nationalities

§  Has direct, company managed operations in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Kenya. 

The LaMo Song feat. Sharukh Emiway launched by Culture Machine on Being India channel. The song takes a funny dig on Lalit Modi!

Yeh Char THE VOICE ke deewane gaate rahete hai!!!

THE VOICE COACHES DEMAND ALL WORK & MORE MUSIC ALL DAY 

Mumbai, July 2015: How does one kill time on the set? The fitness conscious work out with their dumbbells, the tech savvy keep busy on phones, iPads and others resort to reading books. But the Coaches on the set of the newest singing reality show The Voice India produced by Endemol Shine India are deewanas of gaana bajana all day long!!!

Wooing the next musical talents from India is just not enough for Sunidhi Chauhan, Himesh Reshammiya, Shaan & Mika Singh. Between contestant performances the Coaches use this platform to create their own musical compositions and impromptu antakshari challenges.

The comradery on the set amongst the coaches is fun and tuneful, proof of that is the song dished out with full dhun and sur is ‘Chale hai 4 deewane masti me dhundne hai awaaz surili basti mein, this is The Voice you better make your choice.’ Complete with unique styles of all four power house talents, the anthem composed is now being hummed by all on the set!!

On THE VOICE, these past weeks the contestants have managed to up the tempo with their brilliant performances and received not just compliments but very unique bribes from the Coaches.

The show will now move from its Blind Auditions round to the Battle Rounds, for which the four coaches have chosen 14 singers, representing each one of them. In the ‘Battle Rounds,’ each coach pairs two of his or her team members to perform together, then chooses one to advance in the competition.

To watch some more such wonderful musical moments tune-in into The Voice India on &TV everySaturday & Sunday at 9 pm.

PIXELS music video “Game On” by rapper Waka Flocka Flame (feat. Good Charlotte).