Sakshi Tanwar to play Aamir's wife in Dangal.

After auditioning over 70 actresses, Aamir Khan and the makers of Dangal have zeroed in on Sakshi Tanwar to play Aamir’s on-screen wife.

Sakshi Tanwar is best known for playing the role of Parvati in the hit TV show, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii.

Sakshi’s part is interesting as well as challenging.

Over 70 actresses were auditioned for the same role. Around 52 of them were from small towns across states like Haryana and Punjab.

A few actresses had television experience. But none of the auditioned actresses were known faces from Bollywood because the makers wanted an organic chemistry between Aamir and his on-screen wife.

“Aamir also enacted scenes with all the 70 actresses when they auditioned for the part. Generally, no big star would do that, but Aamir did it, since the idea was to gauge their body language, comfort level and look. After a lot of discussions and brainstorming sessions, the actor and the makers collectively took the call to cast Sakshi,” said an insider.


Dangal will mark Sakshi’s big-ticket foray into Bollywood and  it will require the actress to undergo a lot of training.

Sakshi has to undergo intense training sessions to get the diction (Haryanvi), and body language right before she starts shooting for the film.

She will also take cues from real-life Haryanvi couples, since the makers want a certain kind of comfort level between Aamir and her.

They play the role of an aged couple.


Aamir Khan’s Dangal will hit the big screen on Christmas 2016.

Winners of The 11th Gemfields and Nazraana Retail Jeweller India Awards 2015

                                                                                           

The 11th Gemfields and Nazraana Retail Jeweller India Awards 2015 (RJIA) were held onAugust 8, 2015 at The Grand Hyatt, Santacruz. The glamorous awards night witnessed the presence of celebrated personalities from the Bollywood fraternity like Raveena Tandon, Yami Gautam, Evelyn Sharma, Tisca Chopra, Zoya Afroz, Shraddha Das and few others. The night was hosted by Rochelle Maria Rao and Neha Sareen.

 Sr No.    Category             Winner

MUMBAI                           

1             Social media marketing campaign of the year        TBZ Ltd.

2             360 degree marketing campaign of the year          TBZ Ltd.

3             Lifetime Achievement - Manufacturing     Laljibhai T Patel, Chairman, Dharmanandan Diamonds

4             Colour Gemstone of the Year       Anmol Jewellers

5             Diamond Jewellery of the Year    Entice

6             Platinum Jewellery of the Year     ORRA

7             Couture Jewellery of the Year      Shobha Asar

8             Gold Vivaha Jewellery of the Year              Rare Heritage

9             Diamond Vivaha Jewellery of the Year      Dwarkadas Chandumal Jewellers

10           Amazon's Shoppers’ Choice Award            Ghanasingh Be True

11           ACE Evara - Achievement in customer service excellence Awards   "Sujata Bhave, Orra

"

12           ACE Evara - Achievement in customer service excellence Awards   "Vijay Soni, Nikita Jewellers

"

Sr No.    Category             Winner

PUNE                   

1             Radio campaign of the Year          Ranka Jewellers

2             Retail Promotion of the year        P N Gadgil Jewellers

Sr No.    Category             Winner

NAGPUR                            

1             New Showroom of the year          Dass Jewellers

Sr No.    Category             Winner

NASHIK               

1             Innovative Jewellery of the Year Adgaonkar Saraf

Sr No.    Category             Winner

DELHI                  

1             Colour Gemstone Vivaha Jewellery of The Year     Hazoorilal Legacy

2             Jewellery Designer of the Year     Mira Gulati, Mirari

3             ACE Evara - Achievement in customer service excellence Awards   Mangal Rawat, Orra

4             Best Accessory of the Year            Hazoorilal Legacy

Sr No.    Category             Winner

AGRA                   

1             Innovative Jewellery of the Year Abhushan Jewellers

Sr No.    Category             Winner

KANPUR                             

1             Heritage Jewellery of the Year     Kays Jewels

Sr No.    Category             Winner

HYDERABAD                     

1             Heritage Jewellery of the Year     Tibarumal Jewellers

Sr No.    Category             Winner

BENGALURU                     

1             Print campaign of the year            Abaran

2             Gold Jewellery of the year             C Krishniah Chetty & Sons

3             ACE Evara - Achievement in customer service excellence Awards   "K. Ramakrishna, Abaran

"

Sr No.    Category             Winner

CHENNAI                           

1             TV Campaign of the year               NAC Jewellers

2             360 degree marketing campaign of the year          Prince Jewellery

3             ACE Evara - Achievement in customer service excellence Awards   Arunachalam, GRT Jewellers

4             ACE Evara - Achievement in customer service excellence Awards   "Raghuvaran, NAC Jewellers

"

Sr No.    Category             Winner

KERALA               

1             Lifetime Achievement - Retail      T S Kalyanaraman, Chairman and Managing Director, Kalyan Jewellers

Sr No.    Category             Winner

VADODARA                       

1             ACE Evara - Achievement in customer service excellence Awards   "Bhakti Patel, C H Jewellers

"

Sr No.    Category             Winner

SURAT                 

1             ACE Evara - Achievement in customer service excellence Awards   "Kapil, D Khushalbhai Jewellers

"

Sr No.    Category             Winner

SALEM                 

1             ACE Evara - Achievement in customer service excellence Awards   "S. Rangarajan, ANS Jewelry

"

Sr No.    Category             Winner

KOLKATA                           

1             ACE Evara - Achievement in customer service excellence Awards   Vivek Biyala, Indian Gem & Jewellery Creation

Sr No.    Category             Winner

DUBAI                 

1             Global Indian Jeweller of the Year              L N Dhamani, Chairman, Dhamani Jewels

                             

                              

The 11th Gemfields and Nazraana Retail Jeweller India Awards 2015 (Jewellery categories):

1. Diamond Jewellery of the Year
2. Diamond Vivah Jewellery of the Year
3. Gold Jewellery of the Year
4. Gold Vivah Jewellery of the Year
5. Couture Jewellery of the Year
6. Colored Gemstone Jewellery of the Year
7. Innovative Jewellery of the Year
8. Heritage Jewellery of the Year
9. Platinum Jewellery of the Year
10. Jewellery Designer of the Year
11. Best Accessory of the Year
12. Colored Gemstone Vivah Jewellery of the Year
13. Shopper’s Choice Awards

Retail & Marketing Categories:

1. Print Campaign of the Year
2. 360 Marketing campaign of the Year
3. TV Campaign of the Year
4. Radio Campaign of the Year
5. Retail Promotion of the Year
6. Social marketing campaign of the Year
7. New Showroom or Retail Transformation of the Year

Selection Process:
The winners were chosen after a meticulous selection process, The 11th Gemfields and Nazraana Retail Jeweller India Awards 2015 had a specialized physical judging round of the nominated creations to make the entire judging process more comprehensive. Following the initial selection process, the physical jury round allowed a thorough evaluation of the designs on quality, overall commercial and creative appeal. “With a fiercely independent judging process involving some of the most respected professionals in the field of fashion, art, corporate, entertainment, jewellery and marketing, The Retail Jeweller India Awards has already established itself as India’s most premier business awards for the Retail Jewellery industry,” reaffirms Bhatta. Out of 1165 pan-India entries competing for the top slot only 214 entries got an opportunity to impress the grand jury. These designs are screened through a rigorous 3-tier selection process that includes initial screening by IMRB followed by a physical judging round by the jury. The final round of judging saw a critical daylong evaluation of these 214 designs at the Sahara Star, Mumbai by the esteemed jury panel.
About Retail Jeweller India Awards: Retail Jeweller India Awards was established in 2005 with the mission to take the US $30 billion Retail Jewellery industry forward by creating a platform for recognizing the best work of the industry in fields of design, retail and marketing.
Also known as India’s Oscars for the Retail jewellery industry and the only business awards specifically for retail jewellers in the country of 3 lakh retail jewellers.
With reputable jury, IMRB as the process auditors and NDTV Good Times as Television partner, the awards are the country’s premier and most authoritative national competition.
It is an initiative of the Retail Jeweller Magazine which is a specialized bi-monthly business magazine read by top jewellery retailers across 415 cities of India. Completely focused on the subject of jewellery retailing, the magazine enjoys highest readership amongst progressive jewellery retailers in the country. Delivering focused communication for 48,000 HNI readers it has emerged as a dependable and reliable source for industry happenings and developments.
Social Media:

• Retail Jeweller India Awards Website: http://www.retailjewellerindiaawards.com/
• Retail Jeweller India Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RetailJewellerIndiaAwards
• Retail Jeweller India YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/TheRetailJeweller

INORBIT MALL PROMOTES ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN WOMEN

~Hosted Pink Power contest where the most promising ideas were felicitated by Inorbit & actress Pooja Chopra~

Mumbai, 13^th August 2015 – Inorbit Malls concluded their unique “Pink Power” initiative today at their Malad Mall with Former Miss India winner and actress Pooja Chopra as guest of honour. Launched on Women’s Day this year, the Pink Power contest had called in participation of Inorbit’s female customers to share details of their entrepreneurial business ventures. The winners selected by Inorbit were awarded retail space for a period of 6 months in the Vashi and Malad malls to showcase their products to help them pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

The initiative was a massive success for Inorbit as Pink Power saw 748 entries in 3 weeks from their Malad and Vashi Mall. Out of these entries 6 winners were selected on basis of innovation, scalability and future potential and were awarded by the gorgeous actress Pooja Chopra. In addition to retail space, Inorbit will also help them connect with national and international brands to expand their business.

One of the winners, Megha Gupta, an urbanologist with interest in social planning, urban development who launched “DharaviMarket.com” with an aim to provide quality products at affordable prices and help the enterprising Dharavi residents with business expansion via the web. Another winner Nasreen Ansari, an MBA graduate with over 8 years of experience in the corporate world launched handcrafted soaps made from exotic ingredients called “Puriso” meaning purity.

Other winners Sayeeda Goriwalam a civil engineer started a venture to create striking yet affordable art for the masses; Hawra Murtaza Dhanerawala, a Hotel Management graduate built “WestCoast Aquatics” to design and build customizes aquarium and water features for exotic species for personal and corporate offices. Laxmi Prajakta, a computer engineer who also studied ceramics & glass design was also recognized for her “Glass Home Décor” venture that has created 51 customized products such as trays, candle stands, murals etc. Last but not the least Subhangi Vaidyanath, an interior designing professional with over two decades of experience launched “Furnicheer” with an aim to offer exquisite accessories and soft furnishings to enhance interiors.

Speaking about the initiative, Rajneesh Mahajan, Executive Director Inorbit Malls Pvt Ltd, said, “We at Inorbit are incredibly proud of Pink Power, each of the participants and the winners. We are overwhelmed by the response of our shoppers and are glad that we could help give flight to their brilliance and innovation. We hope to be able to take this to a bigger level, see many more ideas and we will strive to bridge the gap between their ideas and opportunities further next year.”

Puneet Varma, AVP Corporate Communications & Marketing Inorbit Mall said, “We at Inorbit Malls are very passionate about the cause of women empowerment and it is easy to see the amount of talent in this country. We wanted to bridge the gap between this talent and the opportunities to showcase it and that’s how the idea of Pink Power came up. This initiative is very significant to us and we hope to repeat its success in the coming years.”

Adding on, actress and guest of honour Pooja Chopra said, “It is very inspiring to see women of such calibre being awarded by Inorbit today and it gives me great pleasure to be here to support each of them”

About Inorbit Malls:

Inorbit Malls, a group company of the K. Raheja Corp, was initiated with an objective to not just create physical structures but also to influence lifestyles. Inorbit Malls, committed to setting benchmarks in retailing in India, provides an excellent walk through experience for customers. Inorbit Malls combine the knowledge of the Indian Consumer and a changing Indian market scenario in locating, designing, planning and managing retail environments.

Inorbit Malls began their journey by opening its first mall at Malad to the public in early 2004, in Mumbai. Since then, Inorbit has repeated its success with world class malls in Vashi - Navi Mumbai, Cyberabad - Hyderabad, Viman Nagar – Pune, Whitefield – Bangalore & Gorwa Road - Vadodara. The malls have universal class and appeal and seek to provide a one-stop destination for fashion, lifestyle, food, and entertainment leading to an international experience

SPECTRE VLog - "The Ladies of Bond" is here

SPECTRE (also in IMAX)

Languages:       English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu

Date:                 6-Nov-15

Genre:               Action   

Director:           Sam Mendes 

Cast:                  Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Rory Kinnear, Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Monica Bellucci, David Bautista and Andrew Scott

A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal.  Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE.

Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre for National Security, questions Bond’s actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis Mr White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of SPECTRE. As the daughter of an assassin, she understands Bond in a way most others cannot.

As Bond ventures towards the heart of SPECTRE, he learns of a chilling connection between himself and the enemy he seeks, played by Christoph Waltz.

NEVER-ENDING CALLS DRIVE VIR DAS CRAZY AS HE PARTNERS WITH REBTEL FOR VIRAL VIDEO SERIES

Actor taking lead role in hilarious 8 episode series that will have you in splits

New York, NY (August 12^th, 2015): It hasn’t been long since the launch of Rebtel’s Unlimited Calling Plan to India (http://www.rebtel.com/en/landing/Welcome/unlimited/). But to actor and stand-up comic, Vir Das, who is best known for his work in Delhi Belly and Goa Go gone, it seems like an eternity. What with Indian relatives and friends bombarding him with calls on trivial issues and refusing to hang up. Well, who the heck can blame them? With Rebtel offering Unlimited Calling to India for just $8 a month and the first month free, who wouldn’t want to talk for hours? But once a comic, always a comic.Vir is working with Rebtel to pave the way for comedy to meet reality by turning each of those annoying calls into a pricelessly fun (pun intended) video and is now fueling a potential wildfire  after sharing them with the world on Twitter. In fact, Vir’s 2^nd video just went up today. Who wants to hear about what Grandpa thinks of Game of Thrones or their uncle’s strip club experience? Well now Vir has to, and Rebtel isn’t sorry about it.

“Working with Vir Das was a no-brainer. He is a very popular Indian actor and stand-up comic whose personality, movies, gigs, and large following are very much in sync with Rebtel’s identity as a fun, spirited, and rebellious brand,” states US Marketing Manager, Varun Atrey. “Vir also has a phenomenal Twitter presence and his witty, relatable videos are definitely going to strike a chord with our target audience, the unique rebels of the world. Thanks to Vir’s enthusiasm, we now have what I would call a well-rounded social media campaign”.

Vir will be putting a surprising spin on different themes surrounding international calling in 6 more comical videos over the coming weeks. So far he’s spoken to his grandfather, who allegedly has “all the time in the world” to learn the ins and outs of Game of Thrones. See the uproarious video at (https://www.facebook.com/Rebtel/videos/vb.14657950530/10155914512270531/?type=2&theater). This week Vir gets a call from Harvard University and in the coming weeks you won’t believe what happens. He’ll receive calls from his niece to gossip about boys from her class, speak with his cousin who suddenly decides to get in touch with his Indian roots, and even get awkwardly personal questions from Grandma. Vir is even giving fans the opportunity to interact with him over Twitter on September 18^th from 12 to-3pm. Fans can tweet at @TheVirDas explaining what their most awkward conversation topics/questions have been while on the phone with their parents. Vir will pick the best ones and provide amusing text replies telling individuals how they should respond during such tricky encounters.

To get all the scoop on Rebtel’s Unlimited calling plan to India, to learn more about VirDas’ collaboration with Rebtel, or connect for media purposes, email eosborn@beautifulplanning.com or call 1.877.841.7244. To download the app visit: http://www.rebtel.com/en/Get-Rebtel/.

ABOUT REBTEL

From its beginnings as a plucky start-up intent on disrupting the telecom industry to its present day status as one of the most successful digital international calling companies in the world, Rebtel has always remained true to its vision of providing user friendly, cheap, and high quality communication to immigrant communities across the globe. Rebtel was founded in 2006 and is a profitable company with a turnover of $95 million in 2014. Rebtel is headquartered in Stockholm with team members across the globe.

Vin Diesel's upcoming action thriller - The Last Witch Hunter, releasing...

"ok mein dhokhe" Hindi movie Trailer

Nirvana Realty & Disha Direct launch India’s first music-inspired township, City of Music!

Mumbai, 2015: It is said that music is the soul of life. Inspired by this, Nirvana Realty, a respected name that’s renowned for its contemporary design and development in association with Disha Direct, India’s leading real estate marketing brand, launched India’s first music-inspired township ‘City of Music’. The prestigious project was unveiled on Wednesday, 12 th August by celebrated singers Shaan and Sunidhi along with Santosh Naik, MD, Disha Direct & Punit Agarwal, CEO, Nirvana Realty.  It was an afternoon when India’s real estate story wrote a brand new chapter that will be remembered for years to come.

                     

The project is designed by legendary  architect Mr. Hafeez Contractor and located at Khopoli - Pali Road, one of the most sought after investment destination close to Mumbai and Pune. The city is being developed over 22 acres of green expanse, between scenic farms and the River Amba. Centered completely around the theme of music, City Of Music is an integrated township of luxury weekend homes, villas and theme resort and offers world class amenities and recreation facilities for you and your family.

Music inspires harmony in this serene township. The gushing of the river, the whistling of the breeze and the chirping of the birds, all add melodies to its calming and peaceful aura. What differentiates City Of Music from other projects is its unique musical features. Outside, the township has an open air concert area, musical gardens, swimming pool with underwater speakers, rhythmic fountains, zones dedicated to music and a landscape embedded with hidden speakers. Inside the resort, you will find a recording studio with an instrument zone, a library, a wall of music, themed restaurants, music academy, museum, spa. Every home here has special preinstalled speakers. Apart from the music, the property meets with every requirement of a modern day luxury township. Residents get to avail of its concierge services, 24*7 security, a choice of fine dining restaurants, sprawling barbaque lawns, banquet hall and everything else that one could ever need to lead a lavish lifestyle. 

The event started with an high voltage performance by Sukanya Ghosh. Sukanya is a Mirchi Music Award winner from Kolkata, who made her debut in Bollywood, in the film Heartless. She's versatile, and passionate about music across the globe. She is also a pianist and music producer. Her performance was uniquely styled and super high on energy and interaction.

Mr. Santosh Naik, MD, Disha Direct, said at the launch, “We’ve always focused on creating unique properties that add value to the lives of the residents. We are very proud to present City Of Music. These aren’t just homes but one of the best investments for its buyers. With its innovative concept and world class designs and amenities, City Of Music is poised to become the most sought after destination for everyone who loves music and seeks exotic surroundings.”

Mr. Punit Agarwal, CEO, Nirvana Realty said as they announced the project, “Over the years, we have built our brand as a name that can be trusted for quality. With City of Music, we have pioneered a concept that Indian homebuyers will definitely be very thrilled about. Not only is the township serene and musical, it has a wide choice of dwellings to choose from – Weekend Homes (1/2/3/ BHK), Villas and a Themed Resort for short stays. It’s convenient location is sure to lure those pursuing a quality life!”

Singer Shaan, visibly excited, said, "We often underestimate the power of music in our lives. It’s not just recreation, its a way to live life. Keeping music at the centre of a township is unique and welcome. At City of Music every sound is the Music. Its haven for music lovers, Where, your passion for music meets our passion for providing the best lifestyle for you. City of Music will truly enable its residents to discover life in music and music in life," 

Popular vocalist Sunidhi Chauhan was thrilled that someone thought of something so novel. She said, “I firmly believe that the world was born to music. It is there in the rustle of the wind, the gush of water and the lilting melody of the birds. In our busy lives, we have forgotten to even notice it. I am so happy that City of Music will recreate this magic with the comforts of the modern world, making it the perfect place to live in. I am proud to associate with this project and I wish them all the best.”

The reception to the concept and project was enthusiastic. With such reliable names behind it, City of Music is bound to be a success. If you’ve been wondering where you can find a spot of serenity in the madness of today’s lives, your search could well end here! City of Music is here to change the way we lead our lives. It’s time you grabbed this opportunity and took the leap.

For more information on this project visit www.cityofmusic.in or contact on

Trailer Launch of Bhaag Johnny

Kunal Khemmu is on the run. The actor who will be next seen in the thriller drama 'Bhaag Johnny' along with the entire cast and crew launched the trailer of the film.

The trailer was launced at a suburban theater. Present at the event were Kunal Khemmu,  Zoa Morani,  Mandana Karimi, director Shivam Nair, Mansi scott and Aseem Merchant.

Kunal for the first time will be seen playing two shaded of characters in a single film. Bhaag Johnny will also mark the debut of Zoa Morani.

The intriguing trailer was greeted with a huge applause at the event.

Bhaag Johnny is a story about a man’s journey where he gets two choices that will lead to their respective destinies. The film is slated to release on 25th September 2015

Bhaag Johnny:

·         Cast – Kunal Khemu, Zoa Morani, Mandana Karimi, Mansi Scott

·         Director – Shivamm Nair

·         Banner – T-Series

·         Synopsis - Bhaag Johnny is a story about a man’s journey where he gets two choices that will lead to their respective destinies.

Janardhan Arora(Johnny) is a young ordinary Indian man who works as an accountant in Bangkok. Although he earns a successful living, he is not content and wants more from life.  Johnny has a strong desire to live his life to the fullest. So he gets involved in a security fraud not realizing the dangers that he will encounter. 

Johnny now is caught in a catch-22 situation where he must make a decision which will change his life forever.  He has to either kill Tanya or save her. But life gives him an opportunity to lead two lives for 72 hours. It is in this critical situation, black and white shades of Johnny breaks out. He starts living two parallel lives.

In one life, Johnny kills Tanya for his own survival.  In the other he protects Tanya despite knowing the risks. Both the journeys are fraught with difficulties. The course of events leads to their individual destination and it determines what he becomes. He realizes that destiny is a result of the choices we make.

The trailer of Meeruthiya Gangsters launched with the cast who are “Heroes bhi, Villain bhi”

August 12, Mumbai, Meeruthiya Gangsters, presented by Prateek Group and Anurag Kashyap, unveiled their highly-anticipated trailer today at the Carnival Cinemas, Goregaon in the presence of the media and industry colleagues. The film’s digital motion poster with its quirky tagline, “Hero bhi, Villain bhi” had been very well-received when it was released a few days earlier.

Present at the event were producers Prashant Tiwari, Priyanka Bassi, Shoeb Ahmed along with writer-director Zeishan Quadri. The 'Dabang Laundon ki Gang' consisting of actors Jaideep Ahlawat, Aakash Dahiya, Vansh Bhardwaj, Chandra Choor Rai, Jatin Sarna along with  Mukul Dev, Sanjay Mishra, Nushrat Bharucha, Saundarya Sharma, Brijendra Kala and Malkhan Singh who made a bhasad entry that had everyone asking for more!

“Meeruthiya Gangsters has been a labour of love for us at the Prateek Group and we had been waiting to share the trailer with the audience and media. We were confident that this trailer will be well-received by the media and the youth especially, and we are naturally elated with the terrific response. So, fingers crossed, Meeruthiya Gangsters will redefine ‘gangsters’ in Bollywood,” said producer Shoeb Ahmed. Director and script-writer Zeishan added, “This being my debut as a director, I had been waiting with nail-biting excitement to see the reaction to the trailer. The trailer is the first real window into the film and the wonderful response to the trailer has given me a lot of confidence”.
Meeruthiya Gangsters is a film with dark humour based on real incidents provided by media proof! A story of six friends from Meerut, their adventures and misadventures in the world of crime.

Set for a September 18 release, Meeruthiya Gangsters is being presented by Prateek Group and Anurag Kashyap and is a production of Prateek Entertainments and Friday to Friday Entertainers & Media Pvt Ltd Production. Produced by Prashant Tiwari, Prateek Tiwari, Shoeb Ahmed and Priyanka Bassi, and written-directed by Zeishan Quadri, the film features Jaideep Ahlawat, Mukul Dev, Aakash Dahiya, Sanjay Mishra, Vansh Bhardwaj, Chandra Choor Rai, Jatin Sarna, Shadab Kamal, Nushrat Bharucha, Saundarya Sharma, Ishita Sharma, Brijendra Kala and Malkhan Singh.

Johnson & Johnson India enlists popular actresses

Johnson & Johnson India enlists popular actresses & new age mothers Sonali Kulkarni and Devayani to tell Indian mums that breastfeeding is so much more  

India, August 2015 : Did you know that the first hour of a baby’s life is not only the most magical but it is also the most fragile? This is when the baby is at the greatest risk of developing complications and breathing difficulties, and, it’s also when they’re in danger of not getting what they need the most: The first breast milk.

On the occasion of International breastfeeding week which was celebrated from August 1- 7, leader in baby care Johnson & Johnson initiated ‘I Pledge to Breastfeed’ campaign to to spread awareness on the benefits of breastfeeding and to encourage Indian moms to pledge to breastfeed their babies. To talk about the benefits of breastfeeding, renowned actresses and celebrity mothers Sonali Kulkarni and Devayani joined leading lactation experts and well-known Pediatricians to support Johnson & Johnson to educate mothers on the power of touch and its impact on the overall development of the child.

In a series of seminars conducted in various cities, the moms and experts spoke about the power of an emotional bond created from the first physical touch between the mother and the baby and the benefits in the mental, physical and cognitive development of a child.

Highlights Sonali Kulkarni, “As women, we are blessed with the experience of motherhood. It is the most beautiful thing to be a mother. Breastfeeding is one of the most amazing acts of motherhood. It is more than just breastfeeding. It is a great start to enhancing mother baby bonding. And as conscious caregivers, am glad that Johnson and Johnson has taken up this cause of educating mothers on the Power of touch as breastfeeding is the first physical contact between a mother and her baby. I am sure it will encourage others to start breastfeeding from the starting”

“Getting ready for the birth of your baby is an exciting and busy time. Deciding to breastfeed can give your baby the best possible start in life. It is one of the most amazing acts of motherhood and benefits you and your baby in many ways. But it is more than just providing nutrition. It is a great start to enhancing mother baby bonding. More health, more eye contact, more time together and more falling in love," explained Dr S.S. Kamath, a leading authority on lactation in India.

According to a UNICEF Report, only 34 per cent of Indian mothers breastfeed in the first hour. In a land where 1.5 million children under the age of five die every year, only 46 per cent of infants below six months are exclusively breastfed. The report further elaborates how children who are breastfed in the first month are 14 times more likely to survive over those who are given nourishment in the form of formula or any other milk.

Celebrity Mom Devayani emphasized on the importance of mother’s milk and also spoke about how breastfeeding allows maternal involvement in feeding and maternal confidence; facilitates mother-infant interaction, bonding and attachment pivotal for socio-emotional development of the infant. “Like many other new mothers I was apprehensive about breastfeeding my little one. It was only when my pediatrician recommended that I began breastfeeding regularly. And I have to say it is truly one of the miracles of motherhood. Breastfeeding at periodic intervals ensures that my baby remains blanketed in the Power of Mother’s touch. The cuddling and warmth   from breast feeding in addition to the nutrition   that the child gets from breast feeding helps the child grow stronger emotionally, mentally and physically, and intellectually later in life. And isn’t this a wonderful beginning for your baby!” added the happy mom.

As a part of this campaign, Johnson & Johnson India will be supporting  over 600 healthy baby camps in hospitals and nursing homes across multiple cities in the month of August to educate mothers about the benefits breastfeeding offers and how it can help develop the bond with your baby.

“We are privileged to partner again this year with prestigious health care associations such as Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI) to spread awareness on this topic and urge every new mom to take a pledge to breastfeed her baby.” said Ganesh Bangalore, General Manager - Marketing, Consumer Business, at Johnson & Johnson India.

“Powerful touch makes for powerful beginnings. It’s time for mothers to unite and pledge to breastfeed. We urge mothers to join Johnson & Johnson Johnson’s ‘I Pledge to Breastfeed’ movement to create a nation where the children are powered by love, care and So Much More.  Because every child deserves a healthy start as there is no better way than a mother’s milk.” Said celebrity mums and medical experts in union.

Just like them, it’s time for mothers to unite and pledge to breastfeed. This Breastfeeding Week, join Johnson & Johnson to create a nation where the children are powered by love, care and So Much More. Because every child deserves a healthy start as there is no better way than a mother’s milk.

About Johnson & Johnson:

Johnson & Johnson spread its root into India 67 years ago. Since then, the Company has brought many innovative ideas, products and services to improve the health and well-being of people in India.

Generations of mothers in India have placed their trust in Johnson’s® Baby to provide them with safe, clinically proven mild and gentle products for their babies.

Johnson’s® is the undisputed leader in baby care with its Clinically Proven Mild products recommended by doctors for more than 100 years. This heritage of trust is built upon a deep understanding of what it takes to keep the baby’s delicate skin healthy, making Johnsons® Baby one of the most beloved brands amongst mothers in India.