InCred launches operations to lend to the mass segment

Offers Consumer, Education, Housing and SME loans

Minimum documentation, speedy online processing key features

Mumbai, 5th April, 2017: InCred the new age financial services company, has gone live with its transactional platform, www.InCred.com.The products  - Consumer Loans, Education Loans, Housing Loans and SME Lending - are available to customers through InCred’s mobile and internet platforms, with real time approvals using e-docs, e-signatures and Aadhaar e-KYC service, making the loan process simple, fast and efficient.

Bhupinder Singh, the Founder & CEO of InCred is the former Head of Investment Banking, Deutsche Bank (Asia-Pacific). InCred’s advisory board is chaired by Anshu Jain (former Co-CEO of Deutsche Bank) and includes MD Mallya (former Chairman and Managing Director of Bank of Baroda).

“Given the Government’s thrust on Digital India, we at InCred believe that India will be at the forefront in adopting technology for its financial needs. InCred has significant management bandwidth to successfully execute its innovative strategy. We have created a technology framework to give our customers a seamless transactional experience.  InCred aims to target those sections of the population that are under-penetrated by traditional lenders” saidBhupinder Singh, Founder & CEO, InCred.

InCred is adequately capitalised having attracted strategic funding from Anshu Jain, Ranjan Pai of the Manipal Group, Gaurav Dalmia of Landmark Holdings, IDFC Private Equity, Alpha Capital and most recently Paragon Partners. InCred aims to grow its lending book to Rs1,500 crores by March 2018, and Rs3,000 crores by March 2019.

InCred offers loans in 4 categories:

SME Loans: InCred aims to help budding entrepreneurs and small businesses in realizing their growth potential by providing credit for working capital, growth capital, and bespoke financing solutions.

Consumer Loans: InCred targets to provide fairly priced and easy-to-process unsecured loans to its customers. InCred’s consumer loans will be the perfect solution to financing many of life’s needs such as, medical procedures, weddings, honeymoons, holidays, home renovation, auto repair, debt re-financing etc.

Home Loans: InCred believes that every Indian has the right to own his or her home. InCred focuses on the affordable housing segment (loans of Rs10-30 lakhs) to enable the average, hard working Indian family to buy their home.

Education Loans: Financing is often the biggest hurdle to a student’s aspiration of pursuing higher education. InCred’s education loans are designed to bridge the gap between personal potential and financial feasibility for students seeking education beyond K-12, both in India as well as overseas.

For more on InCred, please visit - www.incredfinance.com

FICCI welcomes the Government’s decision to introduce a new category of visa for Foreign film makers

Mumbai, 5 April 2017:  FICCI welcomes the Government of India’s decision to introduce a new category of visa for film makers to shoot films in India.  While welcoming the decisionMr. Uday Shankar, Chairman of FICCI’s Media and Entertainment Committee said, “This is a right step taken at the right time as it will simplify the visa process and ease the entry of artists and technicians into India.  I’m also happy to note that the Film Visa and the Film Facilitation Offices (FFOs) are going to be set up to handle such applications.” 

“This initiative will bring in multiple benefits as our young artists and technicians will get opportunities to be part of international projects and M&E verticals like studios and animation will get much needed exposure.  More importantly, when these movies are released internationally, it will put India as a great tourist destination and thus promote India’s tourism potential”, Mr. Uday Shankar added.

Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore has said that the new category of visa to foreign film makers is a step taken by the Government of India to ease issues related to their entry into the country for film making and shoots. The step is a positive move to promote India as an attractive filming destination to the world. 

Events, Advertising, and Experiential Marketing professional, Farhad Katgara to lead Horror Film Festival

Mumbai, 4th April 2017: Events, Advertising, and Experiential Marketing professional, Farhad Katgara to spearhead the first ever edition of the Sixth Sense Horror Film Festival. Stepping into his new role as the Co-founder & Festival Director, Farhad will be responsible for the entire Planning, Marketing and Execution of the festival.

Farhad Katgara comes with over 16 years of rich experience in the space of - Live Concerts, Corporate Events, Awards and Brand Activations. Farhad has also been associated with Leo Burnett Worldwide as the National Head Operations for a major stint of his career.

Farhad is also the current Vice President of Resources Go Beyond, a result based Integrated Marketing Solutions provider. The company is associated with some of the leading brands like Imagica, Castrol, HPCL, etc.

Shaunak Sirrole, Content Head for Sixth Sense Entertainment and Co-director of Sixth Sense Horror Film Festival, is responsible for Content Creation, Film Curation, Program Arrangement, Seminar & Workshop handling and Co-coordinating with film makers.

The Sixth Sense Horror Film Festival will be scheduled from 18th to 20th May 2017 at YB Chauhan theatre and Ravindra Natya Mandir. The three day film festival is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the legacy of short horror films. The festival will showcase 50 Global and Indian short horror films, each spanning not more than 15 minutes, from reputed National and International film makers as well as film making students. The festival will also felicitate the Best Films, Directors, Writers, Actors, VFX, Cinematographers, etc.

Anne Hathaway lied about her pregnancy while shooting for Colossal!

The Oscar winning actress, Anne Hathaway who welcomed a baby boy in March last year was pregnant on the sets of Colossal. She chose to be untruthful about her pregnancy as a way of shielding her child-to-be.

Opening up about her first pregnancy and motherhood in an interview,  Hathaway confesses that she lied about her pregnancy while shooting for Colossal, despite the fact that she’s usually a "very, very bad liar. I get very flushed when I lie, so I am very bad at keeping secrets. People can always tell what's up. The only secret that I kept, and I will tell you I got really good at lying, was when I was pregnant." She adds, "I lied about everything having to do with it."

The 33- year old actress says that filming the movie while pregnant wasn’t much different than how it would be otherwise, aside from having to be a little more mindful. She also admits that being pregnant during Colossal definitely had its benefits too, “If anything, it was great because through the emotional scenes, I was just there,” she says.

Gear up for this interesting sci-fi comedy coming to a theatres near you this April 7, 2017!

HINDUJA VENTURES LIMITED (‘HVL’)

MUMBAI, MARCH 31, 2017

Completion of Rights Issue of 36,953,438 Equity Shares of IndusInd Media & Communications Limited

IndusInd Media & Communications Limited, a subsidiary of HVL (“IMCL”) has completed the rights issue of 36,953,438 equity shares of face value of Rs. 10/- each for cash at a premium of Rs. 195/- per share aggregating to Rs. 7,57,54,54,790/- in the proportion of 1:2 and has received an amount of  Rs. 757.55 Crores from the existing shareholders/ renouncees in whose favour the shares were renounced.

The infusion of the funds has resulted in IMCL being able to redeem the entire Redeemable Preference Shares of Rs. 270.36 Crores, repay its ICDs of Rs. 370 Crores and have a balance of over Rs. 120 Crores to fund its expansion in Phases III and IV of digitization programme of the Government of India. 

About Hinduja Ventures Limited (www.hindujaventures.com):

Hinduja Ventures Limited (HVL), operates across three segments: media and communication, real estate, and investment and treasury. Hinduja Ventures Limited (‘HVL’) is the Holding Company of one of India’s largest integrated media companies i.e. IndusInd Media & Communications Limited (IMCL) and of Grant Investrade Limited (GIL) who has launched the HITs digital platform under brand name NXT DIGITAL.

Grant Investrade Limited (‘GIL’)-(Head End In The Sky) HITS Project:

Having successfully seeded the Phase III markets, GIL is now focusing on the expansion in Phase IV markets. These markets being widely dispersed will best be serviced through the state of art HITS technology of the Company as compared to the traditional fibre based distribution platform adopted by all the other companies operating in the Cable TV business.

Indusind Media & Communications Limited (IMCL):

IMCL’s expansion in the Phase III markets and the proposed expansion in the Phase IV markets are on the HITS platform offered by its associate Grant Investrade Limited. This ensures rationalizing on capex investments and also economic cost of operations. Close to 90% of IMCL’s subscriber base is today operating on a prepaid basis improving collections and bringing in collection efficiencies. IMCL is focused on moving to 100% digitized payment modes from its clients.

RELIANCE ENTERTAINMENT AND AMBLIN PARTNERS’ FILM “ADOG’S PURPOSE” CROSSES US$ 175 MILLION (RS. 1,100 CRORE) AT GLOBAL BOX OFFICE RELEASES IN INDIATODAY

FILM MADE AT A MODEST BUDGET OF US$ 22 MILLION (RS. 140 CRORE)

Mumbai, 31st March 2017: Anil D. Ambani led studio Reliance Entertainment, and Steven Spielberg’s partnership venture, Amblin Partners’ film “A Dog’sPurpose”, is set to release in India today.

The movie is an American comedy-drama film directed by Lasse Hallström, based on the best selling 2010 novel of the same name by W. Bruce Cameron.

The film is about a dog that looks to discover his purpose in life over the course of several lifetimes and owners. It turns out that human beings are not the only ones that have existential thoughts such as the meaning of life. Man’s best friend is also looking for purpose, hence the title A Dog’s Purpose. The caveat here is that these beloved canines are able to reincarnate into new bodies, sometimes switching breeds and genders.

A Dog’s Purpose, which released earlier this year in the US and China, has been a runaway success globally. The film has already crossed US$ 175 million (Rs. 1,100 crore) at the global box office, with China alone already contributing over US$ 75 million (Rs. 500 crore).

The movie is yet to release in several major international markets, such as UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Australia, Japan, Russia, etc.

Speaking about the film, Dennis Quaid, the actor, said, “Its such a fantastic story; I just had to do it. For me, it reminded of my first pet, Gertrude — that classic boy-dog experience," he shared, his voice breaking a bit. "I'm getting welled up again."

A Dog’s Purpose, besides being the first Hollywood film to release in India at the start of the summer, is a film for families and all ages, and will be enjoyed by parents and children alike.

WARNER BROS. PICTURES GOES ALL IN AT CINEMACON

The Studio’s 2017 Big Picture Presentation Featured

The Stars and Filmmakers Behind Its Upcoming Slate

BURBANK, CA, March, 29, 2017 – Warner Bros. Pictures had a full house of talent at this year’s CinemaCon presentation in Las Vegas, showcasing the broad diversity of its upcoming slate.  Generating excitement throughout the Caesars Palace Colosseum, the Studio’s 2017 Big Picture presentation was highlighted by footage from each movie—some never-before-seen—and appearances from some of the stars and filmmakers behind the films.

The show launched with a reel highlighting Warner Bros. Pictures’ legacy of entertaining the world for more than 90 years.  Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, came to the stage to welcome the exhibitors and thank them for their great support in delivering the Studio’s films to a global audience.  

Remarking on the Warner Bros. event, Kroll said, “In today’s dynamic marketplace, one thing holds true: the strength of our partnership with the exhibition community.  It is always great to come to CinemaCon to share our slate with the people who connect our films with moviegoers the world over.  We are grateful to all the actors and filmmakers who came in to support their films and the Studio, and who added so much fun, excitement and star power to the day.”

Show host Maria Menounos then took the stage, and kicked off the film presentation by introducing one of today’s most acclaimed and successful filmmakers: Christopher Nolan, the director/writer/producer of “Dunkirk.”  After sharing some insights about the much-anticipated epic action thriller, Nolan presented the film’s stunning prologue, which was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause.

Then, as darkness enveloped the stage, Menounos set the mood for a dual reel previewing two upcoming horror thrillers from New Line Cinema: “Annabelle: Creation,” marking the return of the demonically possessed doll from “The Conjuring”; and “It,” bringing Stephen King’s bestseller—and infamous villain Pennywise—to the big screen for the first time.  The terrifying footage sent several jolts through the auditorium, producing screams and making some noticeably jump in their seats.

The scares continued with a chilling new trailer from the suspense thriller “Unforgettable,” which was introduced by first-time director Denise Di Novi, joined onstage by the stars of the film, Rosario Dawson and Katherine Heigl.

Switching gears, comedy took over as actor Ed Helms and director Lawrence Sher, who lensed the “Hangover” films, reminded the audience of the duo’s shared connection to Caesars Palace and then presented an early look at their new comedy “Bastards” (from Alcon Entertainment), in which Helms stars with Owen Wilson.  Also apropos to the CinemaCon site, the casino-set comedy “The House” (from New Line Cinema and Village Roadshow Pictures) was hilariously set up on tape by stars Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler.  Both pieces generated raucous laughter.

Menounos also introduced footage from the romantic drama “Everything, Everything” (from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures), based on the hugely popular YA bestseller of the same name; as well as a new trailer for the suspenseful action thriller “Geostorm,” starring Gerard Butler.

CinemaCon’s Male Star of the Year, Charlie Hunnam, was greeted by loud applause when he took the stage to reveal an action-packed new trailer from Guy Ritchie’s epic reimagining of the Excalibur story, “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” (from Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow).  Hunnam stars in the action adventure’s title role, opposite Jude Law.

The presentation of “Blade Runner 2049,” the long-awaited sequel to the seminal science fiction classic “Blade Runner,” wowed the entire audience.  Director Denis Villeneuve, and two of the film’s stars, Jared Leto and Ana de Armas, showed a special reel featuring footage from the film interwoven with B-roll, along with interviews with the filmmakers and cast—including Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford—talking about the lasting impact of Ridley Scott’s original 1982 feature and offering hints of where the new film (from Alcon, distributed domestically by Warner Bros.) will take today’s audiences.

Warner Bros. Pictures has built a globally successful animation franchise in the LEGO® universe, beginning with “The LEGO Movie,” followed most recently by “The LEGO Batman Movie.”  A look at the latest film assembled by Warner Bros. and LEGO System A/S, “The LEGO NINJAGO® Movie,” delighted the audience.  Immediately following, two of the film’s voice stars, Dave Franco and Justin Theroux, kept everyone laughing with a funny exchange about making the fun-filled action adventure.

The event’s thrilling finale showcased three hugely anticipated films from the DC cinematic franchise, which is a cornerstone of Warner Bros.’ slate.  Diving in, Jason Momoa, who stars in the title role of “Aquaman,” took center stage to share a glimpse of what’s in store in the undersea Super Hero’s first standalone feature, starting production later this spring under the direction of James Wan.

A taped greeting from Wonder Woman herself, Gal Gadot, introduced director Patty Jenkins and actor Chris Pine, who stars opposite Gadot in the film.  The two introduced extended sequences from “Wonder Woman,” which brings the iconic Super Hero to the screen in her first standalone film.  The never-before-seen footage included several breathtaking action scenes, which generated tremendous buzz and left the attendees wanting more.

And they got it.  Following a preview of the epic Super Hero ensemble action adventure “Justice League,” director Zack Snyder was joined onstage by Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller and Ray Fisher, who star, respectively, as Batman, Superman, Aquaman, The Flash and Cyborg.  

Snyder and cast then closed the successful show, wishing everyone a great rest of the convention.

Bollywoo curates Baahubali 2, The Conclusion inspired collection in association with India’s finest designers

Six designers to design clothing, apparel and accessories inspired by blockbuster     Baahubali: The Conclusion!

Mumbai, 29^th March, 2017:  BollyWoo is all set to launch the new collection inspired by the most awaited film Baahubali 2, The Conclusion. 1800 products inspired by films like Shivaay and Tum Bin 2, Roy, Main Tera Hero and many more, have already paved their way into movie lovers’ homes in past one year. Now as a giant leap, with a team of six artistically talented designers, BollyWoo has now ventured into the southern cinema, to launch the apparel and accessories of mega blockbuster Baahubali 2: The Conclusion!

The grand showcase of the collection will be revealed through an interesting fashion show, with the lead star cast of the movie Baahubali 2, the Conclusion, Tammanah and Rana Daggubati will be walking the ramp on April 7^th, 2017.

This collaboration will showcase the work of six creative designers – quirky Mrinalini Gupta, original Yogesh Chaudhary, flamboyant Anupama Dayal, Saurabh Kant Shrivastav, graceful Sailex and for footwear the ever creative Aparijita Toor. Each designer with their creative minds will weave a diverse palette of the audiences, with each designer’s creations revolving around one emotion like romance, heroism among others.

BollyWoo aims at bringing connect between reel and real life. The ensemble will be priced at an affordable range, with the upper limit of cost of the items available is four thousand and will be available on their website from the 9^th of April, 2017 and at Pernia’s pop up online portal.

Kyoorius Creative Awards – Advertising Jury Unveiled

The 4^th edition of the prestigious Kyoorius Creative Awards is here, celebrating creative communication excellence in the fields of Advertising, Digital and Media. The jury panel for the Advertising category has been unveiled. The category will be assessed by two jury panels, each of which will judge a number of sub-categories.

The Advertising Jury 1 will judge the Press Advertising, Outdoor Advertising, Writing for Advertising, Art Direction for Advertising and Radio Advertising categories. 

Prasoon Joshi, Chairman of McCann World Group (Asia Pacific) will take on the role of foreman for the Advertising Jury 1 panel. Joshi is an award winning lyricist, screenwriter and the creative mind behind the award-winning Coca-Cola campaign, ‘Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola’. He is one of the few ad-men who have been a recipient of the Padma Shree Award.

The panel also includes creative geniuses like Sonal Dabral (Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra), Santosh Padhi (Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder, Taproot Dentsu), Ashish Chakravarty (Chief Creative Officer, Contract India), KV Sridhar (Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Hyper Collective), Sajan Raj Kurup (Founder and Creative Chairman, Creativeland Asia) and Swati Bhattacharya (Chief Creative Officer, FCB Ulka).

The Advertising Jury 2 will judge the categories Film Advertising, Film Advertising Craft, Craft for Advertising, Branded Content and Entertainment, Direct Marketing and Activation and Colors Awards for Social Impact. 

The role of jury foreman for this panel will be carried by Gerry Human, Global Executive Creative Director, Ogilvy & Mather. Not only is he the driving force behind campaigns like Philips’ ‘Breathless Choir’ and Dove’s ‘Camera Shy’, but he also held the position of O&M London’s Executive Creative Director, during the most awarded period in the agency’s 65-year history.

This panel will also comprise Amer Jaleel (Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Mullen Lintas), Josy Paul (Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, BBDO), Gigi Lee (Chief Creative Officer, TBWA), Senthil Kumar (Chief Creative Officer, J. Walter Thompson South Asia), Raj Deepak Das (Chief Creative Officer, Leo Burnett India, South Asia) and Raj Kamble (Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Famous Innovations).

Rajesh Kejriwal, Founder and CEO of Kyoorius, said, “Both Prasoon and Gerry have won multiple awards in their career and have worked on some of the world’s most famous brands. Both bring unique perspectives to the jury panel and their insights will ensure that the best ideas rise to the top. It’s an honour to have such highly regarded authorities as Prasoon and Gerry guiding the judging procedure to ensure that all the work is evaluated fairly. Our selected jurors represent the best talent in the industry, across a range of creative disciplines, and they will be tasked with determining the future path of creative communications.”

The Open Jury Sessions will be held between May 11^th and 13^th, 2017 at the Ecole Intuit Lab, Mumbai. Kyoorius is happy to invite people from the industry and media to attend the jury sessions, to learn and benefit from the discussions and the entries displayed. 

The Kyoorius Creative Awards ceremony will be held on Friday, June 2^nd 2017 at the DOME, NSCI in Mumbai.

HOTEL SAHARA STAR OBSERVES EARTH HOUR ON 25TH MARCH 2017

~ An initiative to encourage people to conserve energy as responsible citizens~

Mumbai, March 2017: The entire team of Hotel Sahara Star and its guests came together to celebrate the Earth Hour on 25^th March 2016 between 8:30pm to 9:30pm. Addressing the mitigating climatic change and spreading the awareness of protecting the environment, the hotel participated in the Earth Hour, a global World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) initiative. The hotel turned off the lights in most of the back-of-the-house areas and dimmed the lights in public areas and restaurants including neon signage. Resident guests too participated by turning off the lights in the guest rooms. Even the restaurants had dim lighting. The guests present at the restaurants enjoyed candle light dinner during this hour.

There are several cities and villages that are deprived of electricity and as responsible citizens it is our duty to conserve energy so that these cities and villages can be lit up. Hotel Sahara Star estimated that turning off the light for an hour can save up to 1000 units of electricity which is equivalent to providing lighting energy requirement for 100 city residents for 24 hours. The team members of the hotel spread the word by educating the guests about the cause and informed them to switch off the lights and air conditions of their room before stepping in to the restaurants. The restaurants offered organic menu to the guests along with green cocktails. Guests enjoyed the different experience of enjoying a dim lit ambience with a guitarist playing soulful music.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Rajesh Mohan, General Manager of Hotel Sahara Star and Aamby Valley City said, “Hotel Sahara Star is always ready to support such initiatives. As responsible citizens of the society, we need to take care of the environment for a better tomorrow. Extending support to such an event gives a good feeling as it gives light to other cities or villages who are deprived of the energy. We also encourage other green programmes like building greener hotels, using 100% ecofriendly machines.”

The Earth Hour participation is a small part of Sahar Star’s efforts towards building a happy and safe environment. In addition to this, Sahara Star has identified and implemented ways to reduce wastage, eliminate practices that are hazardous to environment. The Hotel follows best practices like energy-saving light bulbs and biodegradable cleansing materials, water restrictors and sewage treatment facilities for preventing water pollution.

It is important that younger generation takes such initiatives and spreads awareness in the society.

Two Decades of HARDtalking: BBC’S flagship interview programme celebrates 20th anniversary Special interview with Sir Ian McKellen

Mumbai, Wednesday March 27^th 2017: BBC World News’ legendary interview show HARDtalk will be marking 20 years of asking the questions that matter with a raft of dedicated content, it was announced today.  

The cornerstone of a week of programming will be a special edition of the half hour programme, as presenter Stephen Sackur interviews legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen, in front of an audience in the BBC’s historic Radio Theatre in London (recording Monday April 3^rd for broadcast on Tuesday 4^th April).

HARDtalk launched on BBC World News on March 31^st 1997, with award-winning journalist Tim Sebastian at the helm. The first ever guest was the acclaimed British actor and film director, Richard Attenborough. The late writer and theorist Edward Said, journalist Irma Kurtz, yachtsman Pete Goss and the late raconteur Quentin Crisp rounded out HARDtalk's first week.

Since then there have been more than 4500 guests willing to sit in the HARDtalk hot seat, from international political leaders to entertainers; from corporate decision-makers to ordinary individuals facing huge challenges or finding themselves on the news agenda.

With up to four shows a week, the team, based in the BBC’s New Broadcasting House in London, strive to find interesting voices as well as holding those in power to account. And the list of past guests is both impressive and extensive, covering all corners of the globe. Nelson Mandela, Donald Trump, Nina Simone, Angelina Jolie, Benazir Bhutto and Robert Mugabe have all appeared.

The main presenter of HARDtalk is Stephen Sackur, one of the BBC's most respected journalists. Before joining the programme in 2006, he worked as a BBC correspondent in the Middle East, America and Brussels. Other presenters include renowned presenters Zeinab Badawi and Sarah Montague.

Commenting on the secret of HARDtalk’s longevity and popularity Editor Carey Clark said:

“We always have our viewers in mind. They expect us to ask the difficult questions and we don’t shy away from that. In a world that is increasingly coloured by misinformation and conjecture this is a show that holds those in power to account and gets to the heart of the matter.”

Presenter Stephen Sackur added: “HARDtalk is a unique interview show and I think people see taking part as a badge of honour. Where else do you get half an hour of one-on-one serious, in-depth Q and A to make your case? And it’s not about sound bites or political posturing, nor is it a platform for celebs to plug their latest book. It’s intelligent talk. Most guests know and understand that, and it’s when guests are up for it that HARDtalk works well.”

Alongside the Sir Ian McKellen edition, BBC World News and BBC.com is showcasing a raft of content from April 3^rd.  It will include two special programmes asking current and former presenters what HARDtalk has meant to them, looking back at the highs and lows, and asking what the changing media landscape means for news media in the future. Plus in the coming months the HARDtalk team will delve into the programme’s extensive archive and showcase the best interviews from the past two decades, as well as content on BBC.com and social media.

HARDtalk is broadcast on BBC World News, the BBC’s commercial international TV news channel, weekdays at 9 am, 2 pm and 8 pm IST and also on BBC World Service Radio. For more on HARDtalk and to see clips of previous guests visit bbc.com/hardtalk

Stephen and Carey are available for interview.

A fashionable end to the Max Design Awards 2016-17

Mumbai turned into a fashion Mecca with 15 budding shortlisted designers putting forward the most magnificent show at the Max Design Awards 2016-17 Grand Finale that took place at Sophia College. The finale event, which was judged by esteemed panel of jury members including Fashion Designers Ms. Priyadarshini Rao, Mr. Varun Bahl and Mr. Nachiket Barve along with Executive Director - Max Fashion Mr. Vasanth Kumar, Vice President Design - Max Fashion Ms. Kamakshi Kaul and Project Head Mr. Marc Robinson, was a fitting ending to the contest, celebrating some of the best and the brightest talents in the country's Fashion and Design Ecosystem.

MAX gave students with a passion for fashion design, the opportunity to showcase their skills, meet fashion industry stalwarts, and network with each other. The program that started in January 2017, witnessed over 350 entries from Pre-Final and Final Year Fashion Design students across selected and/or accredited fashion designing institutes of India. Students were asked to submit their designs based on theme ‘The Dark Side.’

The 15 shortlisted participants out of the 350 plus entries, were given a budget and timeframe of a month to produce garments as per their sketches, for the grand finale. The show was a visual delight and the participants made it even more delightful with their unique array of looks representing ‘The Dark Side’ through western, fusion and Indian lines. The grand finale of Max Design Awards 2016-17 was nothing short of a celebration and it was lively and impactful to witness the creations and imaginations of the budding talents.

Final Winners are –

ANKIT KAJLA (NIFT, Bangalore), RISHIKA GUPTA (Pearl, Delhi) and TUSHAR JHA (NIFT, Mumbai).

Award for Best Ramp Appeal went to NAYANIKA BHARADWAJ (NIFT, Mumbai)

The Gratification for top 3 contestants includes internship with renowned designers of the Jury Panel, Cash prize of Rs. 50,000/- each and Photo Shoot with a renowned photographer which will be featured in the leading fashion magazine ELLE India. One winner will get a chance to be a part of Max Spring Summer’18 collection.

Speaking on the occasion VASANTH KUMAR, Executive Director, Max Fashion said, “It has been such a fantastic experience for MAX to host the Max Design Awards, this being the 3rd year. Our aim is to democratize fashion and give an opportunity to the young budding talents to showcase their work. Industry linked projects give these participants a platform to showcase and develop their work and spring board their career in the fashion industry. Such live projects- a ramp show, are vital in equipping participants with the experience needed to thrive in the Fashion industry.

About Max Fashion

Max is the leading fashion brand offering customers a one stop shop for clothing, accessories and footwear needs for the entire family. Max, a fashion brand of Landmark Group has pioneered the concept of ‘Latest fashion at great prices’ in the country, thereby offering the discerning shopper a vast choice with international fashion & quality. It offers apparel, footwear & accessories that are of the latest fashion trends. The store ambience offers an international shopping experience making shopping for the entire family an absolute delight. Globally Max has over 350 stores across 16 countries and in India, Max has more than 165 stores across 60 cities.

For more information on the event log on – www.maxdesignawards.com