IIFA and TIFF come together to showcase Raj Kapoor and the Golden Age of Indian Cinema, a tribute to Hindi cinema legend, Raj Kapoor, in Toronto

                                                                      

IIFA and TIFF come together to showcase Raj Kapoor and the Golden Age of Indian Cinema, a tribute to Hindi cinema legend, Raj Kapoor, in Toronto

Mumbai: Sharing the same passion for cinematic excellence, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) and Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) today announced their collaboration to host a tribute to the legend of Indian Cinema, Raj Kapoor, on the 26^th of June in Toronto, post the 12^th IIFA celebrations in Canada. The tribute will be followed by a retrospective film series called Raj Kapoor and the Golden Age of Indian Cinema, which will run for six weeks at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, TIFF’s permanent home. The Gala opening on June 26 will be hosted by acclaimed director Karan Johar. This year the IIFA Weekend and Awards will be held in Toronto, Ontario from 23^rd -25^th June 2011.

Several members of the first family of Indian cinema, the Kapoor family attended the media interaction to lend their support to the tribute and retrospective.  The legacy of Prithviraj Kapoor has been succeeded by three generations starting with Shammi, Shashi and Raj Kapoor. Raj’s sons Randhir, Rishi and Rajiv Kapoor enjoyed success in the industry and his grandchildren Ranbir, Kareena and Karishma Kapoor have subsequently carried on the Kapoor tradition of brilliant artistry and super stardom. The family shared sentiments regarding the retrospective and pledged to be a part of the tribute event in Canada, come June 2011.

Speaking on behalf of the family Randhir Kapoor said, “I am very touched by this gesture and would like to thank IIFA and TIFF for honouring the legacy of our father who lived for his work and who lives on through his work. He is a true legend and I believe that this retrospective is a great way to honour his memory.”

Rishi Kapoor added, “Our father was a great man both in his personal and professional life. His passion and love for cinema shines through in all his movies and he has made a place for himself in the hearts of cinema lovers all over India. I’m thrilled about this retrospective of his work and cannot wait to see it. He has always been a true inspiration for me.”

With a career spanning over five decades, Raj Kapoor achieved phenomenal success and became the youngest director of his time at age 24 when he opened his own studio, RK Films. Aptly called ‘The Showman of the Millenium’, Raj Kapoor won several awards and was nominated for the ‘Palme D’or’ at the Cannes Film Festival which is the highest honour awarded to competing films at the festival. He was also awarded the ‘Padma Bhushan’ and the ‘Dadasaheb Phalke Award’ for his contributions to Indian Cinema. It is the magnitude of his accomplishments and the impact that he’s had on the world of cinema that this tribute aims to portray.

Sabbas Joseph, Director- Wizcraft said, “Through IIFA we have strived over the years to bring Indian Cinema to its fans across the world while simultaneously giving Indian films an international platform. It is an honour to have the opportunity to pay tribute to one of the greatest luminaries of Indian Cinema. The retrospective promises to be a brilliant showcase of Raj Kapoor and the magic he brought to the cinema screen.”

TIFF’s Artistic Director, Noah Cowan addressed the press to share how honoured TIFF was to play a part in showcasing this Festival.  “We’re thrilled to be hosting a Raj Kapoor Tribute event at TIFF Bell Lightbox this June. TIFF offers a wide variety of year-round programming that allows audiences to engage with film, its history and its connection to contemporary culture. Kapoor fans are in for a treat with our retrospective film series which spans the career of this pioneer of Indian cinema.”

Cinema lovers will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to relive the magic of the legend’s films during this tribute and retrospective that will begin on the 26^th June at TIFF Bell Lightbox, a state-of-the-art complex devoted to the appreciation of cinema in Toronto. Raj Kapoor and the Golden Age of Indian Cinema will feature 15 iconic Raj Kapoor classics including Aag, Barsaat, Awara, Aah, Boot Polish, Shree 420, Jagte Raho, Jis Des Mein Ganga Behti Hai, Sangam, Mera Naam Joker, Kal Aaj Aur Kal, Bobby, Satyam Shivam Sundaram and others.

Several pieces of memorabilia from Raj Kapoor films like costumes, cut-outs and props used during the films will be displayed in the TIFF Bell Lightbox atrium beginning early June. A series of paintings inspired by Raj Kapoor films by acclaimed Goa-based artist Seema Sardesai will also be showcased in the building.

The Toronto International Film Festival was initiated in 1976 and was known as the “Festival of Festivals". With a mandate to bring together the best films from around the world and showcase them to eager audiences in Toronto, TIFF has grown over the last 35 years into a year-round charitable cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world through film. An international leader in film culture, TIFF projects include the annual Toronto International Film Festival in September; TIFF Bell Lightbox, which features five cinemas, major exhibitions, and learning and entertainment facilities; and innovative national distribution program Film Circuit. For more information, visit TIFF.net.

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) which has become the most awaited award ceremony in the industry over the last twelve years is dedicated to taking Indian Cinema to greater and more glorious heights by promoting it on a global scale. The IIFA celebrations held in different global cities, annually,  inculcate a symbiotic relationship between India and the host countries in terms of trade, tourism and cinema engagements.

For more information:

Atul Malikram

9827092823

                                                                                   

America's Best brings 3 Palms hotels to India

America's Best brings 3 Palms hotels to India

1st brand to create a 5-star luxury resort chain targeting the Non-metro market in India

Plans 15 luxury properties across India in the first phase

Atlanta-based America’s Best Franchising (ABF), a company with more than 300 properties in North and South America, China and Africa brings its luxury resorts brand – 3 Palms Hotels and resorts to India with its unique approach and offerings for the Indian market. SRM Spa and Resorts Pvt. Ltd., based in Mumbai is the master franchise licensor for 3 Palms Hotels and Resorts in India and plans to open  5 stay Luxury Resorts PAN India with 15 properties in  next 5 years across Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala,  Gujrat,Tamil Nadu and Delhi-NCR region In its first phase

"India is growing dramatically every year as a destination for both leisure and business travel — and each of our country’s regions charms travelers with distinctive culture, heritage, and language," explains Saumya M. Sharma, chief development officer of 3 Palms Hotels and Resorts, India Operations.  "Each 3 Palms location will capture and celebrate this rich diversity in its own special and unique way."

According to Ms. Sharma, 3 Palms focus is unique among hotels and resorts in India. It is a 5 Star luxury concept targeting India’s non-metro regions. These are destination properties in high traffic tourist areas. It is intended to offer its guests a full-service, 5-star experience with the most modern amenities including Spa and conference facilities.

 “Putting the 3 Palms name on properties in India will give travelers the confidence of knowing they have chosen a hotel that provides the most modern amenities in an ultra comfortable setting yet at an attractive price,” says Doug Collins, Chairman and CEO of America’s Best Franchising.  “And it will give owners the opportunity to improve their bottom line.”

3 Palms Hotels and Resorts is seeking tie ups with local independent developers, existing hoteliers and investors in setting up its luxury properties in India. 3 Palms actively seeks Greenfield and brownfield projects in getaway tourist locations, adds Saumya.

3 Palms Hotels and resorts offer high degree of value to its guests. The brand’s focus is unique among hotels and resorts in India. It is a luxury concept for India’s non-metro regions. These are destination properties in high traffic tourist areas and getaway locations. 3 Palms offers its guests a full-service, 5-star experience with the most modern amenities in an ultra comfortable setting, yet at an attractive pricing. Each of the 3 Palms locations will capture and celebrate the rich diversity of the country in its own special, unique way by being true to the essence of India. Rooms and amenities designed for larger

Indian families include cottage, bungalow, kitchenette and interconnect rooms among others. With special emphasis on environment and sustainable development, 3 Palms seeks to create a renewed relationship with nature for the guests, providing each one of them at 3 Palms, the confidence of choosing the best.

3 Palms Hotels and resorts provides a special Indian Product. 3 Palms hotels and resorts is a 5 Star luxury concept for non-metro regions.  The brand offers services in India which will be unique in its chain; spa and MICE facilities.

The spa experience is provided by the Indian master franchisee, SRM Spa & Resorts with its expertise in Ayurvedic wellness spa concepts.

Non-metro regions in India truly need an international level conference and meeting facilities. Through parent company ABF, 3 Palms has extensive international business hotel expertise. Its Indian resorts will have various MICE options.

For owners, these two facilities will be very strong secondary revenue streams as international quality spa and MICE facilities have very strong demand but low supply in non-metro areas.

Ms.Sharma adds, “With 22 locations worldwide, 3 Palms Hotels & Resort is known as an owner-friendly franchise. Higher returns on investment, simplified, small term contracts and low capital costs have earned the brand a solid reputation. 3 Palms Hotels & Resort owners finds a unique partner with our brand as we provide them the immediate benefits of affiliating with an exciting brand and a proven support system, along with  a proven model for increased  profitability. Our Franchisee still maintains the flexibility to do business based on what the customer demands rather than what the franchiser mandates. This is the Pride of Ownership approach in which 3 Palms Hotels & Resorts firmly believes in.”

For further detail, please coordinate:

Atul Malikram

9827092823

The Videocon IIFA Weekend lineup of exciting events and business forums announced along with the Micromax IIFA Awards nominations

The Videocon IIFA Weekend lineup of exciting events and business forums announced along with the Micromax IIFA Awards nominations

~ Ontario welcomes IIFA and Indian Cinema to Toronto for their annual celebrations~

Mumbai: The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) will celebrate the 12^th Videocon IIFA Weekend and the Micromax IIFA Awards in Toronto, Ontario, Canada this year. The three day Weekend will be held from June 23^rd-25^th, 2011.

The Videocon IIFA Weekend, Toronto will be a selection of mega events that spotlights global attention on Indian cinema. The Weekend includes the high-profile IIFA World Premiere, the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum, IIFA Rocks, the first look of a number of Indian films, the IIFA Film Workshop and the spectacular Micromax IIFA Awards. The Videocon IIFA Weekend is the largest South Asian celebration event and the Micromax IIFA Awards is among the most-watched global events, annually.

Supporting the Weekend and Awards at the conference today were Friends of IIFA, Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor, Boman Irani and Dia Mirza. Longtime IIFA supporter, Indian Cinema super star, Hrithik Roshan addressed the media saying, “As always it is a great honour for me to come to IIFA and join in the revelry with the rest of the fraternity. Having witnessed so many IIFA’s, I see IIFA Toronto as a landmark for the Wizcraft team and our fraternity, confirming the reach of Indian Cinema, and I could not be more thrilled to represent this great industry and meet the fans in Canada. Let the celebrations begin.”

Known for its cultural, entertainment and metropolitan scene, Toronto is an ideal choice for IIFA 2011.  As Canada's economic capital, Toronto is the most populous city in the country and is known for its large Indian diaspora. "Ontario will be putting its best foot forward during the IIFA Awards and Weekend. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Toronto. We're very proud to be the first place in North America to host this truly global event and we look forward to providing visitors with an unforgettable experience,” – Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario

After the success of the Micromax IIFA Awards in Colombo, Riteish Deshmukh and Boman Irani will once again play hosts at the Awards in Toronto. This will be Boman’s fifth time at the Awards, while good friend and fellow-actor Riteish will co-host for the fourth time. Talking of the 12^th Awards and his hosting stint, Boman Irani said, “I am honoured to host the Awards for the fifth time this year. It is always wonderful to be a part of this larger than life event and hosting is an assignment that I look forward to each year.”

The IIFA 2011 nominations were announced today with film favourites, Dabaang, Rajneeti, My Name is Khan, Band Baajaa Baraat and Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai being nominated in the Best Film category. The Leading Role Male category include Salman Khan (Dabangg), Hrithik Roshan (Guzaarish), Ranbir Kapoor (Rajneeti), Ajay Devgn (Once upon a time in Mumbaai) and Shah Rukh Khan (My name is Khan), while leading ladies, Aishwariya Rai Bachchan (Guzaarish), Katrina Kaif (Rajneeti), Anushka Sharma (Band Baajaa Baraat), Vidya Balan (Ishquiya) and Kareena Kapoor (Golmaal 3) are up for the Lead Female Role honour.

The nominations were released as a result of the industry voting for the Micromax IIFA Awards at the IIFA Voting Weekend 2011 held in March. Results of the industry voting were audited by PriceWaterhouse Coopers, the auditing firm for the IIFA’s and the Oscars. The online voting for the Awards will go live on the 15th of April, 2011 and will be open to audiences of Indian Cinema, across the world on www.iifa.com/toronto2011

“IIFA is pleased to celebrate its 12^th year in Toronto and feels it is Indian Cinema’s gateway to North America. This year’s celebrations will have over 800 delegates from India, including the creme de la creme of Indian cinema and the international media. A third of the expatriate population in Toronto comprises South Asians and we intend to bring a taste of home and cinematic magic to them.” said Wiz Sabbas Joseph, Director - Wizcraft International Entertainment.

Mr. Sunil Bandhu, COO, Videocon Mobile Services, Mumbai Circle spoke on Videocon’s association saying, “It is a great honour for us to present the IIFA Weekend for the third year in a row.  We are delighted with our association with IIFA as it is one of the grandest celebrations of Indian Cinema on a global platform and it presents us with the perfect opportunity to communicate the vivacity of brand Videocon. We look forward to presenting yet another enthralling Videocon IIFA Weekend this year in Canada and we are positive that the platform will bring together the film fraternity and fans in one big celebration of the Indian diaspora.”

As a platform that reaches out to millions of global television viewers, IIFA offers a phenomenal opportunity to deliver relevant messages to audiences. The event will be broadcast globally on STAR PLUS, India’s No. 1 entertainment channel, reaching viewers across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America.

Commenting on STAR Plus's seven year association with IIFA, Sanjay Gupta, COO, STAR India said, “IIFA is a magnificent celebration of Indian Cinema and over the years has become a landmark annual event for the Indian Film Industry to celebrate its success. Star Plus, the exclusive global broadcast partner of IIFA for the last seven years, enables its viewers to catch the most exciting Indian Film awards extravaganza of the year. Through Star Plus, the 2011 IIFA Awards will reach out to more than 345 million viewers spread over 65 countries across the globe. Our viewers can experience the prestigious IIFA journey through multiple programmes that cover various events and interactions in Toronto – Canada.”

Taking the Greening of the IIFAs forward in IIFA’s twelfth year, Panasonic announced the continuation of its association with IIFA.  Speaking on its alliance with IIFA, Mr. Manish Sharma, Director - Marketing, Panasonic India said, "It is an honor for us to carry forward for the third successive year the association with an international cinema platform like IIFA which recognizes excellence. Our association as the Greening the IIFA’s sponsor provides us the platform to communicate our philosophy of ‘Eco Ideas' that champions the cause of a greener environment. The endorsement of the film community which influences public perception towards a greener environment is a significant contribution towards the cause. Panasonic's relationship with IIFA will facilitate its vision to become the No. 1 Green Innovation Company in the Electronics Industry to gain a celebrity tone insuring the message reaches the entire nation.”

"Air India celebrates its association with Indian Cinema. Our film industry actors are our cultural ambassadors and we, the national carrier, do take genuine pride in flying them to Toronto for the International Indian Film Academy Weekend and Awards," says Mr. Arvind Jadhav, Chairman & Managing Director, Air India Ltd.

"Air India is proud to be associated as the official travel partner of IIFA, the Oscars of Bollywood," Mr Jadhav added. Air India was the first travel associate of IIFA in 2000. Air India is proud to be the only airline which links India to Toronto by a direct non-stop, state-of-the-art technology Boeing 777 aircraft, giving the passengers the best in terms of class, comfort and convenience.

Videocon will sponsor the IIFA Weekend, while Micromax will sponsor the IIFA Awards for the second time. Rotomac Pens is the Associate Sponsor of the IIFA Weekend 2011, while Air India will partner with IIFA as the Official Airlines Partner.

For more details, please contact:

Atul Malikram

9827092823

MAX brings the DLF IPL mania back! 10 teams..........74 matches..........51 days From 8th April 2011 Live and Exclusive only on MAX

MAX brings the DLF IPL mania back!

10 teams..........74 matches..........51 days

From 8^th April 2011 Live and Exclusive only on MAX

Mumbai: MAX, India’s Premium Hindi Movies, Special Events channel and the official broadcaster of the DLF IPL is all set to bring the excitement back with DLF IPL 2011.

With 10 teams competing for the trophy, 74 matches and the entire nation cheering for their favourite teams, it will only get bigger and better than ever before.

MAX has also brought exciting changes to its flagship show extraaa innings T20.  This show needs no introduction to the Indian masses as it is the first and only cricket wrap-around show which has revolutionized the way audiences consume cricket.  MAX is all set to bring to your homes, the excitement, glamour and LIVE analysis of the 4^th season of the world’s biggest cricket extravaganza, the DLF IPL.

Along with our seasoned anchors Gaurav Kapur and Samir Kochhar,  MAX extraaa innings T 20 will also be hosted by three vivacious personalities, including two female anchors, who are not only accomplished presenters, but also enthusiastic cricket fans. Yudhistar Urs, VJ and actor, Archana Vijaya, talented model, VJ and a cricket presenter and Shibani Dandekar, actor, singer, model. The hosts of this season will take the audience through the hits and misses of the game without missing on any of the facts, analysis and trivia associated with forthcoming DLF IPL extravaganza.

The extraaa innings T20 theme song ‘Dham Dhadaka’ has been composed by the Dabangg duo Sajid-Wajid. A peppy fast paced track constructed around the now synonymous with the IPL, bugle sound encapsulates the true spirit of the DLF IPL.

Commenting on the upcoming season on DLF IPL, Sneha Rajani, Senior Executive Vice President & Business Head, “DLF IPL has proved to be the biggest spectacle and a national obsession on Indian television which will only get bigger and better this year with 2 new teams, new formed loyalties and 74 matches. We hope to deliver the best of entertainment to the millions of cricket lovers in the country who are looking forward to this mega entertainment treat”

That’s not all! MAX will also bring the viewers in-depth analysis and comments from cricketers, fans and celebrities from the studio and the stadium. The expert panel for the extraaa innings show will comprise cricket stalwarts like Navjot Singh Sidhu with his inimitable Siddhuisms, Sanath Jayasuriya, young faces like Rohan Gavaskar, as well as regulars of extraaa innings like Arun Lal, Anjum Chopra, Ayaz Memon, & Saba Karim.  At the staduim will be an incredible line-up of cricket commentators Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, Harsha Bhogle, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, Danny Morrison, Michael Kasprowicz, Mike Haysman, Robin Jackman and Simon Doull. This year’s edition will also see additional programming initiatives in the form of an in-studio band, cheerleaders, and a smarter format.

For further information please contact:- 

Atul Malikram

9827092823

pr@atulmalikram.in

SANDHYA VANDAN Every Monday To Friday at 7.15 p.m on Sahara One

SANDHYA VANDAN

Every Monday To Friday at 7.15 p.m on Sahara One

“Sandhya” (Evening Prayer) is the time when the sun is about to set and night is getting ready to cast its dark shadow. This is the time to reflect and introspect on the day that has passed and to contemplate one’s good and bad actions. A time to thank and send a prayer to God and show gratitude to the Supreme Lord for his infinite love, protection, and blessings. During Sandhya, listening to devotional songs, bhajans, mantras is believed to lead to internal peace and equilibrium.

On the onset of ‘Chaitra Navratri’ from Monday, April 4, Sahara One is pleased to present its offering to its viewers – “Sandhya Vandan” with the best of devotional songs and bhajans shot in the background of holy places. Hosted by Jayshree Soni aka NIYATI of Sahara One’s prime-time show ‘Rishton Ke Bhanwar Mein Uljhi…NIYAT’,“Sandhya Vandan” promises to create a devout atmosphere to transport the viewer to a divine and holy space.

For a spiritual end to a tiring day and before you settle in for the evening’s prime time entertainment on Sahara One, participate in Sandhya Vandan,

Starting Monday, April 4,

Every Monday to Friday at 7.15 pm on Sahara One

For further information please contact:
Atul Malikram
9827092823

A new one for every one Peoples pravakta

A new one for every one
Peoples pravakta
Peoples Pravakta, a monthly, Hindi & English magazine, is not a new name among the magazines available in the market. It has created, it’s own place and readers are seen, eagerly awaiting it’s next edition.
Recently a person on Bhopal Railway station was seen, with February 2011 edition of Peoples Pravakta. Incidentally, Shri Rajesh Sharma, the editor of magazine, who had been there to receive a friend, saw the person and without revealing his association with magazine, asked the person to have a look on it. Mr. Zakir Ali, the reader politely requested him to wait for a while, until he finishes, the editorial page. Immediately after reading the said page, Zakir Ali reacted “Subhan Allah, Kyaa Kamaal Likhata hai ye Rajesh Sharma”, and asked Rajesh to go through the same page.
Rajesh with smile on his face, humbly informed him that he is the only person, whose article is liked by him. Zakir Ali immediately embraced him and advised him to write bravely in future also.
Above quoted scene is the real incidence. Rajesh Sharma says “I am extremely over whelmed to receive healthy reactions of our valuable readers, through fan mails, emails & websites. It is not so that every time we are receiving positive reactions, we also receive adverse notes, to which, we take in right spirit and try to overcome the cited errors”.
Peoples Pravakta is a publication of Pravakta Group.
About Pravakta Group:
Pravakta Group was founded by Shri S. Sharma, in the year 2010. Since right from the beginning, he was interested in Journalism; hence, he had no problems in collecting events of National Level and to include them in a magazine. Peoples Pravakta has been acclaimed by people, within a year of publication and its demand in growing, rapidly. At present Peoples Pravakta has network in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar states but they are doing efforts to spread network in remaining states of country also.
Media Contact:
Atul Malikram
9827092823
pr@atulmalikram.in

An eighteen years generation leap in Sahara One’s MATA KI CHOWKI!

An eighteen years generation leap in Sahara One’s
MATA KI CHOWKI!
The battle of good versus evil continues into a new generation.

Since its inception, SaharaOne’s ‘MATA KI CHOWKI’, has embarked on a journey for the restitution of goodwill. The story revolves around Vaishnavi, an orphan girl, an ardent devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi. Actively involved in preaching about Mata, singing Jagratas, and motivating people to follow the preachings of Mata, rescuing people from pain and misery, are all seen as miracles by the masses. Vaishanvi’s faith in Mata sees her sailing through every possible hurdle that life throws at her, while at the same time her good deeds towards enlightening the masses raises her divine personality amongst them. Vaishnavi’s daughter Sakshi also follows her mother’s chosen path as she battles the evil Sheel Kumar. With Sakshi giving birth to two daughters, the battle of good versus evil continues into a new generation.

In the story till now, Sheel’s gameplan has succeeded. Sakshi has given birth to an evil baby girl who is taken away by Sheel immediately after birth. However, all is not lost as Durga had split the evil in the womb and created a divine child to balance the evil child! Just as Sakshi is not aware that an evil child has been born from her womb, Sheel is also not aware of the birth of the divine child. Narad and Nriti pose as Durga’s parents and take Durga away as her task on earth is over with the evil posing no threat to her devotee Sakshi for now. At the same time, Sheel is waiting for the evil baby girl, Nisha to turn 18, so that he can tap her evil powers and become even more powerful.

Starting Monday, March 28, the story of “Mata Ki Chowki” takes a leap of eighteen years. The girls grow up. The divine child Asha is with her mother Sakshi and the evil child, Nisha with Sheel. As Nisha turns 18, Sheel wants to use her evil powers but finds out that Sakshi had also given birth to a divine child with Durga’s intervention. He realizes that the evil powers would be of no use, until the divine child, Asha, is killed.

In the Tekriwal house, life for Sakshi and Asha is an ordeal with Bali in prison and the torment of Manorama. Meanwhile Sheel returns with Nisha to the Tekriwal house with an evil motive as Nisha also starts staying with Saakshi and Asha.

The battle of good versus evil continues!


Watch the battle of good versus evil between Sakshi’s divine child Asha and her evil child Nisha raised by Sheel Kumar in

“MATA KI CHOWKI”
Every Monday to Friday at 10.30 p.m only on Sahara One


For further information please contact:
Atul Malikram
9827092823