CCL 3 Dubai and Ranchi matches where bollywood  had come in full house !!!

CCL 3 Dubai and Ranchi matches where bollywood  had come in full house !!!

Mugdha Godse’s Whacky Item Number In Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns

Mugdha Godse’s Whacky Item Number In Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns

Mughda Godse will be seen in an item number for the first time in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns.   The actress who has no other films in her kitty now says she was looking forward to work with Tigmanshu Dhulia for sometime now.

The item song is a satire on Indian royalty. The song, composed by Sandeep Chowta and sung by Paroma Dasgupta, exposes the dark side and hidden agendas of influential people An excited Mughda says, “I was chilling in Goa when Tigmanshu called and offered me the song. I said yes immediately as it was quite wacky and a mad number.”

The lyrics of the song have also got a quirky touch. It goes “Media se keh du kya re main khule aam re, haye ke balma bandh kamre mein rajneeti kare.”    Like the song Mughda says that the shoot in Delhi turned out to be an ordeal as they shot in extremely low temperatures. “The temperatures dipped low and it rained so much that we had to stop shooting for sometime.  It was a tough shoot but it was good fun. The track not only adds to the glamour quotient. I make everyone else dance in the song.”

When quizzed about mentioning the media in the song? Tigmanshu replies, “People will not call the police, but the media to expose dubious activities. The royal family in my film has done something wrong and is celebrating, hence the song.”

About roping in Mugdha for the song, he says, “She has never done an item song and I thought it would be interesting if she did it.”

 Mugdha adds further, “The song is the flavour of the film, more so because the story is weaved into it. I loved the original Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster and feel thrilled to be a part of the sequel. I remember shooting in freezing cold for this song in Delhi. But all the hard work was worth the experience.”

Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns, Produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures, Brandsmith Motion Pictures and Moving Pictures, releases March 8.

Ajman (UAE) Makes Strong Pitch to Indian film producers for shooting films there.

Ajman (UAE) Makes Strong Pitch to Indian Investors via Ajman Free Trade Zone

Mumbai, February 22nd – His Excellency Mahmood Al Hashemi, Director General of Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA), UAE  played host to a contingent of Indian investors at Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai today. The investors meet was followed by a press conference where H.E. Mahmood Al Hashemi along with Rishi Somaiya (Sales Director), Mohammed Salem (Sales Executive) and spokespersons from Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) addressed the media and declared a plan to initiate and build a long and lucrative means of economic collaboration between the two nations.

Says H.E. Mahmood Al Hashemi, “Ajman Free Zone is one of the fastest growing free zones in UAE. It will keep up the effort to continue this growth as the coming era will witness more concentration of services offered to investors. We are also looking forward to a continued and flourishing economic and social relationship with India.” The most important characteristics of investing in Ajman Free Zone, is the flexibility of transactions and ease with which procedures are executed with business licenses issued in 24 hours. In addition, Ajman Free Zone offers advantages such 100% foreign ownership and repatriation of capital and profits, no personal income-tax, low labour cost, the only downtown free zone in UAE, diverse range of licenses for trading, services and industrial activities, competitive lease facility and an array of facilities ranging from Smart Office, Land and Warehouse.

During the investors meet, potential Indian investors were informed about the multitude of investment options at AFZA, through which emerging and established Indian industrialists and entrepreneurs targeting emerging markets can set up operations there. AFZA currently has over 7000 companies with investments from Indian investors exceeding over 40%. To further accelerate Indian investments, AFZA has thrown open their gates to Indian citizens by offering all the necessary facilities and preparations to make sure that the investors will be furnished with the best services and products. Thus Indian investors can avail of premium investment privileges and opportunities in the Emirate of Ajman.

Rishi Somaiya, Sales Director of Ajman Free Zone added, "With some many free zones operating in the regions, AFZA is the first to offer flexible payment facilities to its clients of up to twelve installments. This will promote entrepreneurship as the entry level cost of doing business is reduced giving an opportunity to young entrepreneurs and supporting mid level operating businesses".

Smart Warehousing is another innovative initiative from Ajman Free Zone and the first to be offered in the UAE where the storage units start at a 100 sq.m. "This is one-of-a kind proposition in the UAE and the region. Smart Warehouses have been designed in a flexible, modular and scalable manner. Clients requiring small spaces have the option of renting units starting from a 100 sq.m and companies that need bigger spaces can combine multiple units. Instead of investing in large warehouse space in the initial stages of a business, investors now have an option to take small spaces and expand it in a modular manner according to their business growth. Smart Warehouses launched in October of 2012 has seen an overwhelming response with all the units booked. We are now in the process of launching phase two to accommodate the growing demand”, added Somaiya

About Ajman Free Zone Authority:

Ajman Free Zone (AFZ), established in 1988, was granted autonomous status under the decree no. 3 of 1966 issued by H.H. Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman. Ajman Free Zone Authority has been named as the sole regulatory agency for Free Zone in the Emirate. Situated at the foot of the Arabian Gulf, the Ajman Free Zone is widely regarded as the ideal depot for the supply of goods and services for both domestic and regional markets around UAE. The inexpensive energy and the absence of bureaucratic complications, coupled with the availability of numerous infrastructure facilities, have attracted many investors to base their operations in Ajman.

With Ajman Free Zone celebrating 25 years of business excellence, encouraging industries and entrepreneurs, it looks forward to further strengthening ties with India and the business community.

for more details:

Ms Hansotia 9820148302 farzin@value360india.com; durgesh@value360india.com; Mr Chavan 9004056574 tushar @value360india.com

Value 360 Communications - An Affiliate of Huntsworth
402-B, Kotia Nirman,
Near Fun Republic Cinema,
Andheri Link Road, Andheri West,
Mumbai 400053

LandLine: 022 42376700

Shah Rukh Khan and Rahul Dravid inaugurate match of the Toyota University Cricket Championship

Kent RO Northern Stars Jamia Milia Islamia were declared winners of the inaugural match of the
Toyota University Cricket Championship

·         Guests of Honour Shah Rukh Khan and Rahul Dravid support the initiative

·         Actor Rahul Bose, Isa Guha, former England cricketer and former Indian player Atul Wassan were present to support the initiative

·         Shankar and Ehsaan perform during the evening

·         Jamia won by 5 wickets

Mumbai, February 23^rd, 2013:

A grand opening ceremony officially marked the start of the Toyota University Cricket Championship (TUCC), setting the stage for 16 days of a high-voltage cricketing contest. Guests of Honour, Shah Rukh Khan and Rahul Dravid assured their full support towards encouragement of sports in India. Drama, dance performances, drummers and fireworks lit up the sky as the 8 captains were introduced to the country by Shah Rukh Khan and Rahul Dravid.

Also enthralling the crowd with performances during the evening were, Shankar and Ehsaan who also belted out the catchy finger snapping TUCC theme song ‘Ab Hamari Baari Hai’ composed by the trio and penned by famous lyricist Prasoon Joshi, which was launched earlier this month by renowned international cricketer Wasim Akram.

Joining the enthusiastic crowd at the inauguration were Guests of Honour Shah Rukh Khan and Rahul Dravid, Dr. Gurdeep Singh, Under Secretary (Sports), Association of Indian Universities, Mr. Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, Managing Director & CEO, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Mr. Sandeep Singh, Dy. Managing Director & COO, Toyota Kirloskar Motor; from NDTV Dr Prannoy Roy, Executive Co-Chairperson, Mr KVL Narayan Rao, Executive Vice Chairperson and Mr Vikram Chandra, CEO & Executive Director; actor Rahul Bose; former India player Atul Wassan; former England Cricketer, Isa Guha among others.

Promising to be the next best thing, the grand opening ceremony was followed by the Inaugural Match of the Championship which saw Kent RO Northern Stars from Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia take on Mumbai University's Western Wolves in an interesting and engaging combat. Kent RO Northern Stars won the toss and decided to field. Finally Jamali of Delhi's Jamia Millia clinched the win beating Mumbai University by 5 wickets in a nail biting down to the last ball finish.  The mood was upbeat and the spirit infectious as Mumbaikars turned out to support and back their team. The exciting match saw some superb batting with sixes and boundaries, great catches and bowling from both teams.

Praveen Singh Yadav of the winning team, Jamia was declared the Man of The Match.

Speaking on the occasion Guest of Honour Shah Rukh said, "I am very happy to be associated with University Cricket Championship. Initiatives like UCC promise a brighter future for the young and aspiring sportsmen of our country. I hope that more initiatives like this are taken to broaden the scope of sports in India. I wish lots of luck to the eight teams participating in UCC.”

Leading organisations, along with the Association of Indian Universities and the Ministry of Human Resource Development have joined hands to support this effort to promote University cricket talent. 

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has always believed in promoting sports among the youth and supporting this Championship was yet another step towards this endeavour. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At the outset, I would like to congratulate all the eight teams who have made it this far in this journey. Toyota is very glad to be associated with University Cricket as we have always believed in promoting sports among the youth. TUCC is a very good initiative to promote cricket at the university level and we are glad to contribute to this revolutionary concept of promoting young talent. We look forward to a very exciting series and wish all the participants the very best.”

Also speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sandeep Singh, DMD and COO, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “We are very happy to be a part of TUCC as it encourages and promotes young cricketing talent in India. It is our endeavor to connect with the youth of today and what better way than the most popular form of sports in India to connect with the youth. On behalf of Toyota I wish all the players the best of luck and let’s enjoy an exciting and thrilling season of cricket.”

MRF, through its Pace Academy, has a rich history of promoting talent at all levels in cricket and they are backing TUCC to unearth fresh talent. Mr Koshy Varghese, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Sales, MRF said on their association with TUCC, “For many years now MRF has been nurturing talent at our PACE academy and probably we are one of the first corporates to invest in promoting new talent in a big way when it comes to the cricketing world. Many great cricketers like Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir etc. have been associated with our initiatives. Also world cup winning bowlers like Sreesanth, Zaheer Khan and Munaf Patel etc. have been involved with our PACE academy which is currently being headed by Glen McGrath, the Australian legend. Therefore, we find this initiative a natural fit with our company’s passion towards promoting world-class talent.”

Coca-Cola, known for its association with grass root sports as a long standing partner of Olympics globally and U16 cricket and football in India is the Associate Sponsor and also beverage partner of the Championship. Deepak Jolly, VP Public Affairs and Communication Coca-Cola India and South West Asia added, “Coca-Cola believes in supporting active sports as part of sustaining a healthy active lifestyle. That is why we support and promote active sports at U16 level and are happy to be part of this effort to re-invigorate University cricket. Congratulations to the winning team today and on behalf of Coca-Cola, wish all the teams playing a great championship.”

Eleven matches will be played in the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore; Jamia Millia Islamia Sports Complex, Delhi; Capt Roop Singh Stadium, Gwalior and the Brabourne Stadium, CCI, Mumbai between 24 February and 6 March from 7:30pm leading to the Semi Finals in Gwalior on 7 March and Mumbai on 8 March at 7:30pm. The Final Match and Trophy presentation will be on Sunday 10 March at the Brabourne Stadium, CCI in Mumbai.

AATMA director to turn Zombie for Go Goa Gone Writer-director Suparn Verma who is ready with his next directorial Aatma starring Bipasha Basu and Nawazuddin Siddique, Produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak’s , is now all set to turn actor. He will play a zombie in Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK’s Go Goa Gone with Saif Ali Khan in the lead. Verma, Nidimoru and DK are close friends in real life, and share a common interest in the 'horror' genre. They are thick buddies and have a passion for filmmaking. They love horror films and psychological thrillers. When Verma came to know Nidimoru and DK are making a zombie film, he insisted on doing a cameo in it. “The three of us know each other since the 90s. If they are making a zombie film, I have to be in it”, Suparn Verma says. We will also see Verma also playing a role in his own film Aatma.

AATMA director to turn Zombie for Go Goa 

Gone

Writer-director Suparn Verma who is ready with his next directorial Aatma starring Bipasha Basu and Nawazuddin Siddique, Produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak’s , is now all set to turn actor. He will play a zombie in Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK’s Go Goa Gone with Saif Ali Khan in the lead.

Verma, Nidimoru and DK are close friends in real life, and share a common interest in the 'horror' genre. They are thick buddies and have a passion for filmmaking. They love horror films and psychological thrillers. When Verma came to know Nidimoru and DK are making a zombie film, he insisted on doing a cameo in it. “The three of us know each other since the 90s. If they are making a zombie film, I have to be in it”, Suparn Verma says. We will also see Verma also playing a role in his own film Aatma. 

HUMA KURESHI UNVEILS THE NEW COLLECTION OF The Forevermark Encordia™

HUMA KURESHI UNVEILS THE NEW COLLECTION OF 

The Forevermark Encordia™

Whether it’s the memory of love, love that has stood the test of time, or the rush of young love, Valentine’s Day reminds us to celebrate love. To help you express your love and those tender feelings, Forevermark, the diamond brand from the De Beers group of companies is delighted to introduce The Forevermark Encordia™ Collection.  This unique collection is comprised of exquisite rings, bracelets, pendants and earrings, designed to symbolize the unique and emotional bond between two people.

The Forevermark Encordia™ Collection is inspired by the ancient Greek knot of Herakles, often referred to over the centuries as the ‘love knot’. This knot symbolizes the strongest of bonds. 

An elegant knot crafted in a sleek and smooth loop of gold or platinum, represents the enduring bond between people which is sealed by a beautiful Forevermark diamond that holds the knot in place, keeping it always secure.

Whether a bond of love, loyalty or friendship yours will always be a bond that is personal and unique, just as each Forevermark diamond is unique. Each carefully selected Forevermark diamond is inscribed with an individual identification number which identifies it to be yours forever.

The Forevermark Encordia™ Collection is available at authorized Forevermark Jewellers. 

FOREVERMARK, the DIAMOND BRAND FROM THE De BEERS GROUP  OF COMPANIES is pleaseD to partner with A.S Motiwala JEWELLERS in MUMBAI

February 22^nd, 2013- Forevermark, the diamond brand from the De Beers Group of Companies has partnered with A.S Motiwala in Mumbai to offer its patrons exquisite range of diamond jewellery and elegant masterpieces.

At the event, actor Huma Qureshi unveiled Forevermark Encordia collection and jewellery with exceptional Forevermark diamonds. Also present on the occasion were Stephen Lussier, CEO , Forevermark, Sachin Jain, Managing Director, Forevermark - India along with Ashraf Motiwala, Joint Managing Director, A.S Motiwala Jewellers. Comprised of exquisite jewellery pieces, The Forevermark Encordia™ Collection is designed to symbolize the unique and emotional bond between two people. It is available in a range of exquisite contemporary designs including rings, bracelets, pendants and earrings.

Also on display was a Victorian inspired, beautiful three line necklace crafted with Forevermark diamonds by Tashe and a rare Forevermark 10 carat fancy cushion shaped yellow diamond set in a stunning neckline.

Forevermark only partners with authorised Forevermark jewellers such as A.S Motiwala Jewellers, who are selected not only as leaders in their field, but also as those who meet the brands particularly stringent requirements of business, social and environmental integrity.

Speaking on the occasion, Stephen Lussier, CEO, Forevermark said, “India is an extremely important and growing market for Forevermark and extends significant sales opportunity for us. Forevermark is committed to worldwide expansion and extending the promise of beauty, rarity and responsible sourcing to all our customers is an integral part of that vision. Forevermark is honoured to introduce this promise to the clients of A.S. Motiwala. We aim to provide each customer with a unique and warm experience and exceed the expectations of our customers with our knowledge of fine diamonds and exquisite designs.”

Sachin Jain, Managing Director of Forevermark, India states, “A.S. Motiwala is a fine Jewellery brand for people who have an eye for priceless jewelry with exceptional quality. Their diamond jewellery is exquisite in terms of design, clarity and cut. We are glad to associate with A.S Motiwala Jewellers in Mumbai as they also practice highest levels of quality control to ensure that the customer gets nothing less than a perfect product.”

Sharing his views about the association Ashraf Motiwala, Joint Managing Director, A.S Motiwala Jewellers states, “We are pleased to partner with Forevermark as it offers an unparalleled assortment of solitaires and diamonds, thus making this association extremely valuable. Forevermark jewellery is crafted to perfection and is designed to suit the contemporary Indian sensibilities. With this association, we will be able enhance our customer’s experience and offer them the best in diamond jewellery.”

Forevermark diamonds are the world’s most carefully selected diamonds.  Each Forevermark diamond bears a unique inscription at its heart.  This inscription is a promise that the diamond has been carefully selected to

meet Forevermark’s standards of quality and integrity.  Less than one percent of the world’s diamonds are eligible to become a Forevermark diamond. 

Notes to Editors:

About Forevermark – The Inscription

Less than one percent of the world’s diamonds are eligible to become a Forevermark diamond and be inscribed with the Forevermark icon and a unique identification number. Highly advanced, proprietary technology is used to inscribe the icon and unique identification number on the table facet of a Forevermark diamond.  Invisible to the naked eye, the actual size of the inscription found on Forevermark diamonds is only 1/20th of a micron deep and can only be seen using a special Forevermark viewer which can be found in Authorised Forevermark Jewellers. It is confirmed by leading gemological institutes that the Forevermark inscription does not affect the internal quality of a diamond in any way.

About The Forevermark Diamond Grading Report

Authorised Forevermark Jewellers are able to provide a Forevermark Diamond Grading Report. It is an accurate blueprint of the qualities (Cut, Colour, Clarity and Caratage) that make each and every Forevermark diamond one of a kind. The Forevermark Diamond Grading Report also features the unique identification number inscribed on the diamond and a specifically designed security hologram, providing reassurance that the Forevermark Diamond Grading Report is valid and genuine

About Forevermark – The Brand

Forevermark is a diamond brand which comes from the De Beers family of companies. Forevermark diamonds are carefully selected and come from sources committed to the highest standards; are beautifully crafted by a select group of diamantaires; and are exclusively available in select jewellers. 

About Forevermark – The Company

Forevermark is a separately managed division within the De Beers family of companies.  The division’s main mission is to build and develop the Forevermark diamond brand.  Forevermark also holds responsibility within the De Beers family of companies for driving diamond demand in key markets and maintaining consumer confidence in diamonds.

About A.S Motiwala – The Company

The A S Motiwala, Fine Jewellery legacy dates back to the late 19th century when the first generation of the Motiwala lineage established itself to become one of the most sought after Basra Pearl dealers in the world. A place where ‘Luxury meets Legacy’, A.S Motiwala, Fine Jewellery is a signature store launched by the 5th Generation of the Motiwala family. The Company started off with diamonds and various other precious stones to become one of the most reputed jewel smiths in India. 

CCL 3 Match in Dubai Gets Bigger 

Kapoors and Khans Head To Dubai 

The Kapoor family including Boney Kapoor, brothers Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor alongwith Sridevi and Maheep Kapoor will be flying to Dubai to attend the Celebrity Cricekt League Matches to be held there tomorrow 23^rd February, 2013. Likewise the entire Khan Family including Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Arbaaz Khan and Arpita Khan will also be there together to cheer their teams.

Two matches of two teams will be held from 4.30 to 8.30 p.m.  Kerala Strikers will play against Bengal Tigers and from 8.30 to 0.30 Chennai Rhinos will play against Mumbai Heroes.

Actresses Kangna Ranaut, Chitrangada Singh and Nargis Fakhri who are also the brand ambassadors of their  CCL teams  will be joining the two families later  to add  support and cheer their teams.

'Zila Ghaziabad' - Red Carpet - Premiere Pictures which was held at Cinemax, Versova in Mumbai

  'Zila Ghaziabad' - Red Carpet - Premiere Pictures which was held at Cinemax, Versova in Mumbai 

 'Zila Ghaziabad' - Red Carpet - Premiere Pictures which was held at Cinemax, Versova in Mumbai 

A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND MEGA-SERIES ON TELEVISION TO PROMOTE EKTA KAPOOR’s MOVIE “EK THI DAAYAN”

A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND MEGA-SERIES ON TELEVISION TO PROMOTE EKTA KAPOOR’s MOVIE “EK THI DAAYAN”

In a unique mother of all promotional tie-ups for its keenly awaited supernatural thriller ‘Ek Thi Daayan’ (co-produced by Vishal Bhardwaj), Balaji Motion Pictures is creating a mega-series titled ‘Ek Thi Naayika’, which will feature the television industry’s top most actresses, coming together for the first time, in a thrilling and spooky series based on the ‘daayan’ characters in the forthcoming film.

The series will commence from March 9 and air every Saturday and Sunday at 11pm on Life OK channel.

The high profile 16-episode series will also feature characters from ‘Ek Thi Daayan’, including an appearance by Emraan Hashmi.

All of Ekta Kapoor’s favourite leading ladies from her top-rated television series will be seen in this new and innovative television property, promising to offer television fans countrywide a huge never-seen-before treat. The big names include Smriti Malhotra Irani, Sakshi Tanwar, Aamna Sharief, Mauli Ganguly, Shweta Tiwari, Kritika Kaamra, Pooja Gaur and Ankita Lokhande.

Smriti Malhotra Irani shot to fame with ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ and became a household name with her screen character Tulsi Virani.  Smriti plays a Gujarati woman in the series and recently shot for the promo of the show, despite being unwell.

Sakshi Tanwar known for charming smile  in the character of  Parvati in ‘Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki’ and for being the lovable Priya in ‘Bade Acche Lagte Hain’ will be seen as a Rajasthani woman.

Mauli Ganguly became popular as Shaina in ‘Kaahin Kissii Roz’. The doe-eyed beauty will play a Bengali character in ‘Ek Thi Naayika’.

Kritika Kaamra got her break as Arohi Sharma in ‘Kitani Mohabbat Hai’ and will play a Punjabi ‘kudi’ from Chandigarh. 

Aamna Sharief appeared as the main protagonist in ‘Kahiin To Hoga’ will be seen with her same soft disposition as a Muslim protagonist from the U.P. 

Shweta Tiwari was the most talked about actress in ‘Kasauti Zindagi Kay’.  With her stern gaze and limpid eyes she went on to appear in many more television shows in addition to featuring in Bhojpuri movies.  She also won the Big Boss Season 5.  She will appear as a U.P. girl in ‘Ek Thi Naayika’.

Ankita Lokhande with her soft demeanor won the heart of millions as Archana in ‘Pavitra Rishta’. She will now be seen in the Daayan series as a Maharashtrian girl.

The demure and beautiful Pooja Gaur also known for ‘Kitni Mohabbat Hai’ will play a Delhi girl. Her serial ‘Pratigya’ was also instrumental in catapulting her to fame.

Balaji has successfully secured her eight favorite ‘mahanaayikas’ under one roof in ‘Ek Thi Naayika’, to promote ‘Ek Thi Daayan’, starring Emraan Hashmi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kalki Koechlin and Huma Quereshi, and releases worldwide on April 8.

Said Ekta Kapoor, “This is the first time ever that the biggest household names of television have come together to participate in a high-concept fictional series oriented at promoting a forthcoming film. This is creative marketing at its best!”

EK THI NAAYIKA AIRS ON LIFE OK FROM 9^TH MARCH EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AT 11:00PM

SUNNY, SALLU TO LOCK HORNS ON EID

SUNNY, SALLU TO LOCK HORNS ON EID

Usually, Eid has somehow become identical with Salman Khan at the box office. But come this Eid (which is likely to fall on August 8), and Sallu could have some stiff competition. Sunny Deol’s next ‘Singh Sahab the Great’ directed by Anil Sharma is all set to hit the screens on the same date.

Sources from the sets say, “Sunny is happy with the way the film has been shaping up. The drama and the action have brought so much confidence into the characters and Sunny feels Eid would be just the right date for the release.” Says Sunny, “The film is based on a common man’s life and Eid is one of those holidays when the aam aadmi is in a much happier space. Since the significance of this festival is also interpreted as a good time to bring people together in harmony and gratitude, we are aiming for an Eid release.” Is he scared of tough competition on the festive date? The actor shoots back, “The cinema business has changed. Since there are so many cinema halls, two big films can release at the same time. I am sure no one wants to take over anyone’s business.”

Entering its 10th magnificent year, Fair & Lovely Foundation commences shortlisting in Mumbai

Entering its 10^th magnificent year, Fair & Lovely Foundation

commences shortlisting in Mumbai

Mumbai, Thursday, February 14th, 2013:Fair & Lovely Foundation since inception in 2003 has played an integral rolein changing the lives of more than 1300 girls; given them wings to achieve their dreams by empowering them through education and career development. Continuing their passion and determination in the 10^th year, Fair & Lovely Foundation commenced the country-wide scholarship programme shortlisting starting with Mumbaitoday. These interviews will be held in four other locations across the country as well. Through this scholarship initiative, the Fair and Lovely Foundation strives to empower the women and give them the opportunity to pursue higher education.

Fair & Lovely Scholarships are awarded to women with aptitude, drive and the ambition who wish to carve a place of pride for themselves in the society, but do not have the financial strength to realize their dreams. Scholarships of up to Rs. 1,00,000 is awarded to these deserving young girls from across the country, to pursue any graduate, post-graduate and doctorate courses within India.

Talking about the Fair & Lovely Foundation Scholarship program Mr.ArunSrinivas, Vice President – Skincare & Make-up,Hindustan Unilever Ltd. says, “As we enter the 10^th year of Fair & Lovely Foundation, we promise to encourage every Indian girl to make her dreams come true. Fair & Lovely Scholarship programme aims to reach out to girls who have the zeal and determination to make it big, but are hindered due to lack of financial support. In the past years, we have enriched lives of over 1300 girls and we hope to continue with our endeavour with vigour in empowering the young girls of India”.

ARZOO GOVITRIKAR

MANDIRA BEDI

MANDIRA BEDI,HARSHINI KANHELKAR & PREETI KANHELKAR

MANDIRA BEDI

The shortlisting interviews of the Fair & Lovely Scholarships programme witnessed an encouraging participation of girls from across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

The esteemed panel consisting of Ms.MandiraBedi(Actress), Ms.LeenaMogre(Fitness Expert), Dr. Rashmi Shetty(Dermatologist), Ms.HarshiniKanherkar(India’s 1^st fire-fighter), Ms.ArzooGovitrikar (Actress & Model), Mrs.Meenal Bendre (Superintendent, Central Excise), Dr.SnehaPalnitkar(Dir. Regional Centre of Urban & Environmental Studies), Dr.KalpaniSarangi(Chief Cosmetologist, Nanavati Hospital), Mr.MangeshKulkarni(Exe. Dir. Axis Capital), Ms.MadhuraNadgauda(Advocate - HighCourt&Lead Legal Advisor, CIDCO), Dr. Rahul Chaudhary (Ophthalmologist), Dr.SwapnaChaudhary (OBGYN), Dr.LalitSankhe(Prof & HOD, Preventive & Social             Medicineat JJ Hospital), Ms. Mira Gandhi (Centre for Study of Social Change), Ms.PreetiKanhekar(Fashion Designer) amongst others were moved by some of the heart wrenching stories of these ambitious girls, who are determined to make their mark. While for some it was hope against hope, as their parents who had the will to educate their child, were not economically powerful to afford the fee. For others, it was not the fee that mattered but the cost of reaching their college or buying the required books for study that proved a daunting threat to their goals of empowerment through education.

DR.SWAPNA CHOUDHARY,MRS.SNEHA PALNITKAR & DR.RASHMI SHAETTY

MRS.MEENAL BENDRE & MR. MANGESH KULKARIN

MS.ARZOO GOVITRIKAR,ADVOCATE MADHURA NADGOUDA  &  MRS.MEENAL BENDRE

Commenting on the initiative, Hon. Ms.MandiraBedi said, “It is a humbling experience to meet these girls, who have the grit and determination to make an indelible mark in their own way. The Fair & Lovely Foundation is giving a unique platform, which is indeed very encouraging for these young girls who come from small towns.”

With the first of these interviews commencing in Mumbai, Fair & Lovely Foundation will conduct the intensive process of short listing, with similar interviews scheduled across India in Chennai, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

About Fair & Lovely Foundation:                

Fair & Lovely Foundation isan HUL initiative that aims to empower the women of India through education and career development. The foundation identifies academically exceptional girls from financially challenged backgrounds and offers scholarships up to Rs. 1, 00,000/- per candidate. To maintain integrity and fairness the selection is done by a panel of eminent personalities from diverse fields. As the foundation enters its 10^th year of inception Fair & Lovely intends to take forward the spirit of this endeavor.

About Hindustan Unilever Limited

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is India's largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods company touching the lives of two out of three Indians. HUL works to create a better future every day. We help people feel good, look good and get more out of life with brands and services that are good for them and goo for others.