Johnnie Walker gives consumers an exclusive opportunity to experience the glamourous lifestyle of Formula 1

Johnnie Walker gives consumers an exclusive opportunity to experience the glamourous lifestyle of Formula 1

~ Introduces the special edition Johnnie Walker F1 Gold Pass Pack to celebrate the 2011 Formula 1 season ~

Mumbai, June 2011: Johnnie Walker, the world’s number 1 Scotch whisky brand, has launched a special edition Johnnie Walker F1 Gold Pass Pack to celebrate its association with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team. This special edition pack includes a Johnnie Walker Black Label accompanied with the Johnnie Walker Gold Pass and will be available at leading liquor stores in select markets from June onwards. 

‘The Johnnie Walker Gold Pass’ is a part of Johnnie Walker’s ‘Step Inside the Circuit’ campaign –which offers consumers exclusive access to the stylish and sophisticated world of Formula 1. The Johnnie Walker Gold Pass opens up a wealth of Step Inside the Circuit benefits including exclusive access to Formula 1 after parties, watching the races live at exciting locations, opportunities to partake in the uber chic lifestyle of Formula 1 and meet Formula 1 legends like Mika Häkkinen, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.

Commenting on the exclusive Johnnie Walker F1 Gold Pass Pack, Abanti Sankaranarayanan, Marketing & Innovation Director, Diageo India says, “Johnnie Walker is introducing the F1 Gold Pass Pack to give its consumers a chance to experience the glamourous world that is associated with the motorsport, first-hand. Johnnie Walker Gold Pass Members will get a chance to ‘Step Inside the Circuit’ with exclusive opportunities: from meeting current Vodafone McLaren Mercedes drivers to watching the Indian Grand Prix live. The Johnnie Walker F1 Gold Pass will give consumers the privilege to experience the epitome of luxury.”

The consumer needs to register as a Johnnie Walker Gold Pass Member on www.johnniewalker.in to gain access to all the special privileges. Visit the Johnnie Walker Facebook page (www.facebook.com/johnniewalkerindia) for more information.

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE

For further information please contact:

Atul Malikram

9827092823

THE DIRTY PICTURE recreates Madras in Mumbai

THE DIRTY PICTURE recreates Madras in Mumbai

Beautifully recreating the retro era has become Balaji and Milan Luthria's forte.

After magnificently transporting the audience to the 80’s Bombay in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, it's turn to recreate the 80’s Chennai in the forthcoming The Dirty Picture.

The keenly awaited multi-starrer is about the colourful, musical, and romantic journey of the 80's Tamil screen sensation, Silk Smitha, being played by Vidya Balan. Tusshar, Emraan Hashmi and Naseeruddin Shah play the men in her life.

Laughs Luthria, “ Right now we are in full Chennai mode. Wherever we look we see people dressed in lungis. Tamil posters adorn our walls, we start our day eating idlisto get into the mode. We bought books and watched Hindi and Tamil films of the 80’s, and put that all together to arrive at an authentic colour palette.”

An elaborate Chennai set has been set up in Mumbai's Film City these days where the film's cast has been shooting. “The sets have huge cut outs of Naseeruddin Shah who plays a huge south-Indian star in the film. We painted the old taxis and auto rickshaws, and even had to change all the number plates, as it was Madras then and not Chennai,” he adds.

For more details contact:

Atul  Malikram

09827092823

Sabyasachi, Rajesh Pratap Singh & Vikram Phadnis to Showcase Collections at Grey Goose Presents IIFA Rocks

Sabyasachi, Rajesh Pratap Singh & Vikram Phadnis to Showcase Collections at Grey Goose Presents IIFA Rocks

·         PERFORMANCES TO INCLUDE SHANKAR-EHSAAN-LOY, DIA MIRZA AND MALLIKA SHERAWAT

·         KARAN JOHAR & ANUSHKA SHARMA TO CO-HOST IIFA ROCKS

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) today announced designers, Sabyasachi, Rajesh Pratap Singh and Vikram Phadnis will be showcasing a collection of their respective work at IIFA Rocks presented by Grey Goose, a flagship event of the Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend. The high fashion and music event will take place on the second night of the Weekend, 24^th June, 2011. In its 12^th year, IIFA will make its North American debut in Toronto, Canada.

Sabyasachi, known for his neo-traditional designs has found favour with a host of Indian celebrities including Vidya Balan and Rani Mukherjee. Walking his exquisite creation down the ramp will be Bengali beauty, Bipasha Basu. Delhi based designer, Rajesh Pratap Singh is famous for his clean, sharp designs that combine the global and the traditional to create international designs that retain an unambiguous element of India, a tribute to the Grey Goose world. Kunal Kapoor and Rahul Khanna are set to be showstoppers for Rajesh’s collection.

The Gitanjali Group, will also present a fashion segment, “Gitanjali Jewels presents Nizam by Vikram Phadnis”, inspired by the rich traditions of Indian royalty and evoking the opulence of a bygone era. Gitanjali Lifestyle is the Associate Sponsor of the Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend. A fourth segment of designs will be showcased by The Bay, a chain of 90 department stores across Canada, with actress, Neha Dupia as the showstopper.  Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will perform music produced by them as the designers and their models take to the ramp. The trio will cover all four segments of IIFA Rocks.

Longtime IIFA supporter, Indian Cinema super star, Anil Kapoor said, “I consider myself a Friend of IIFA and have had many great memories from the different countries we have visited over the last few years. Being in Toronto with IIFA recently reinforced the reason why we take our cinema to the world – the pure love from our fans and the acceptance of our onscreen magic. IIFA is truly a unifying force for the film industry, bringing all our friends and colleagues together.”

Sabbas Joseph, Director - Wizcraft International, said, “As is typical of a land so culturally prosperous, India has a rich reservoir of traditional as well as contemporary fashion derived from some of the most gifted fashion sensibilities in the country. IIFA Rocks presented by Grey Goose is proud to provide an international platform for such talented individuals as, Sabyasachi, Rajesh Pratap Singh and Vikram Phadnis.”

All the designers will showcase a collection of their designs at IIFA Rocks where music and fashion will take centre stage. Having been on the IIFA Advisory board for the past six years, Karan Johar is a very important member of the IIFA family and will co-host the IIFA Rocks event along with the exuberant Anushka Sharma. Karan also hosted the fashion extravaganza in 2008 at IIFA in Bangkok, while Anushka has had her debut stage performance at IIFA in Macau, in 2009.

IIFA Rocks presented by Grey Goose raises funds for the IIFA Foundation, which has been set up by the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) to support families of the film industry workers who have been adversely affected during the production of films. This year, IIFA Rocks will also announce the 12^th Floriana IIFA Technical Award winners and feature musical performances by top stars and international music artists, including Dia Mirza who last performed at IIFA Bangkok. Double Dhamaal starrer, Mallika Sherawat will also perform on the Grey Goose IIFA Rocks stage.

This year, IIFA will showcase the first look of many upcoming films to the world media. One of films being showcased include Love Breakup Zindagi starring Dia Mirza and Zayed Khan, written and directed by Sahil Sangha. The cast and crew were present in Delhi to announce the same.

Resul Pookutty was also in attendance, announcing the winners of the IIFA-Resul Pookutty Foundation Scholarship. Three students, Nitin Lukose (Sound), Amit Malhotra (Editing) and Sonal George (Sound) have been chosen to receive the scholarship at the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune for 2010. The IIFA-Resul Pookutty Foundation Scholarship was introduced two years ago to mark the success of Resul Pookutty as the first Indian sound engineer to win an Oscar.

“The institution of the scholarship is a great honour for me. Its the best reward and tribute for bringing Asia its first technical Oscar ever. IIFA and WIZCRAFT truly stands to honour talent, whether they are budding or accomplished. I came from a humble background and studied at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) on a Rs 800 scholarship, and through lots of hardship. Today, this endeavour to support, groom and nurture young talent is a milestone landmark for any film awards in India. Talent needs to be encouraged and rewarded from the beginning of their career, and I am proud of being a catalyst and hope this recognition and support brings some of the brightest talent to the Cinema industry”, said Resul Pookutty

Mr. Saurabh Dhoot, Director - Videocon Group says “We take pride in associating with IIFA for the last 3 Years. IIFA has been a pioneer in taking Indian Cinema globally.  This is in keeping with the pioneering status of Videocon d2h in the Indian DTH market through continuous product innovations and use of latest technology to make television viewing a better experience.  We have always been setting new precedents in the DTH market. The 3D innovation in DTH space by Videocon d2h has set a new benchmark in the industry. We believe our association with IIFA will be mutually rewarding.”

Partnering with IIFA for the first time, Sanjay Jain, Chairman, Floriana Group said, “It is a great privilege for us to present the Floriana IIFA Awards in Toronto this year. IIFA has taken a long journey around the world since 2000 and the Atlantic shores are a perfect place for the 12^th Floriana IIFA Awards. Floriana group has a rich tradition of heritage and quality and have always believed in partnering with like-minded brands. We believe brand IIFA offers us a phenomenal opportunity to deliver relevant messages to our consumers and international partners.”

Speaking on the occasion, Arvind Krishnan, Director-Marketing, Bacardi India, “GREY GOOSE, identified amongst top luxury icons in the world, has been celebrating world class cinema, be it at The Bafta’s, The Academy Awards or The Cannes Film Festival. Our continued association with the IIFA over the past 4 years has been an endeavor to strengthen this association, and take the brand’s quintessential luxury experience to discerning audiences across the globe.  For IIFA Rocks this year, we are very glad to collaborate with the talented Rajesh Pratap Singh whose distinctive design aesthetic, which is modern and understated, is a seamless fit with the brand.”

In 2011, Videocon d2h will present the IIFA Weekend, while Floriana will sponsor the IIFA Awards for the first time. Grey Goose is the title sponsor of IIFA Rocks. The Gitanjali Group is the Associate Sponsor of the Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend. Rotomac Pens and Lotus Herbal are the Associate Sponsors of the Videocon D2H IIFA Weekend and Air India will partner with IIFA as the Official Airlines Partner.

For more information, please contact:

Atul Malikram

9827092823

Brooke Bond Taaza’s ‘Taaza Pehchaan Manch’: a roaring success in Varanasi Unique skill and talent event for women

Brooke Bond Taaza’s ‘Taaza Pehchaan Manch’: a roaring success in Varanasi

Unique skill and talent event for women

Varanasi:  The second ‘Taaza Pehchaan Manch’ an initiative by Brooke Bond Taaza tea held at Sanskritik Sankul  on Sunday, 19^th June 2011 was certainly an event to be remembered in Varanasi. Beyond the myriad of activities celebrating the talents of women and surrounding the community, Taaza Pehchaan Manch would also be remembered for its focus on providing women a platform to showcase their talent.

The event kicked off in the morning after inauguration by the chief guest Mrs. Pankaj Bhadouria, winner of Master Chef India 2010. The crowd cheered the participants and it was a visual delight to see so many different talents coming together under one platform. The judges too were surprised to see the level of creativity in them. Later, the audience was invited by Mrs Pankaj to try their hand at some cooking.

 In order to create a robust setting where women converse, connect, showcase and get inspired, NGOs like Manav Sewa Samiti, Women India Trust & Udyogini came forward to help these women take their talent ‘hunur’ to the next level.

Overall more than 2750 women attended the event with over 17 artifacts on display.

Taaza Pehchaan Manch is a special initiative by Brooke Bond Taaza ( a unique and refreshing tea that helps a woman connect to her inner self and aspirations) to recognize and empower women across India. Experts from various fields inspire and guide these women to thorough professionalism. Through this event, the residents of Varanasi got a flavour of what empowered women can achieve both as individuals and as a group.

“We are overwhelmed with the amazing response we have received from Varanasi for Taaza Pehchaan Manch.  We feel elated to see the great talents these women possess and are sure this will help them take it to a higher level. This initiative has perfectly stood up to the Taaza brand credo of empowering and rediscovering your inner self, and has provided a new direction to women here. Varanasi was the second stop for this campaign after Etawah which would subsequently reach many other destinations in U.P” said Mr. Arun Srinivas, Category Head, Beverages, Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

The first event in Etawah was also a stupendous success with over 3000 women participants displaying over 5000 artifacts. Various women organizations across U.P have committed to participate and support this innovative event for women going forward as well.

For Further information please contact -

Atul Malikram 
9827092823 

Delhi Belli Stars Imran Khan, Vir Das & Kunal Roy Kapur with Aman Verma on Lo Kallo Baat ,Monday to Thurday, at 8.30 pm only on BIG MAGIC

Delhi Belli Stars Imran Khan, Vir Das & Kunal Roy Kapur with Aman Verma on

Lo Kallo Baat ,Monday to Thurday, at 8.30 pm only on BIG MAGIC

Imran Khan tells Aman Verma that Delhi Belly is not a sex comedy but it can’t be watched by the kids on Lo Kallo Baat.

Aman aur uski toli, la rahe hain hassi ki goli…This week, June 20 to 23, Mon- day to Thursday at 8.30pm, in  Lo Kallo Baat, Aman’s  toli of the oomph girl  Miss Tana Tan and Chotelal  welcomes the three main characters of Delhi Belli—Imran, Vir Das & Kunal Roy Kapur, who made it to the set of Lo Kallo Baat to chat up with funny man & host Aman Verma. The interview in true Lo Kallo Baat fun manner had Imran khan saying that while his film was not a sex comedy, kids couldn’t watch it. 

The viewers of BIG MAGIC will simply enjoy more of such tit-bits of the film, what can easily be called the best moments from the film with the lead actors of Delhi Belly themselves taking the viewers in a roller coaster ride. Imran Khan speaks about his amazing character, the experience on location, his special looks, his favorite song, composer, and most of all, play the video of the songs Chudail & Switty Switty…exclusively on Lo Kallo Baat.

There’s more to the film…Imran speaks about mamu Aamir Khan who is the producer & also about Reena (Aamir’s ex-wife) who is the song director of the film. While part of Delhi Belly can easily be called a family affair, there’s caution: IT IS ONLY FOR ADULTS!

Delhi Belli is about Tashi (Imran Khan),   Nitin (Kunal Roy Kapur) & Arup (Vir Das), three bachelors staying in Delhi. Tashi owns a 100 crore business and is the envy of Jaggannath, whose only objective is to split Tashi’s family & destroy him. What follows is a romantic thriller where Tashi makes all efforts to reunite with his family.

Lo Kallo Baat, has further strengthened the  leadership of BIG MAGIC, the already no. 1 channel amongst regional channels like Mahuaa TV, Dhamaal, Dabangg, Sahara Samay, Zee News UP etc in the Hindi Heartland.

For further Information, please contact: 
Atul Malikram 
9827092823 

Brooke Bond Taaza’s ‘Taaza Pehchaan Manch’ arrives in Varanasi

Brooke Bond Taaza’s ‘Taaza Pehchaan Manch’ arrives in Varanasi

To promote unique skill and talent opportunities for women in Varanasi and neighboring districts

The second leg of Taaza Pehchaan Manch promoting women skills and talent  is scheduled to be organized in Varanasi on Sunday 19^th June 2011.  After the stupendous success of the first Brooke Bond Taaza’s “Taaza Pehchaan Manch” in Etawah, the event is all set to be held at Sanskritik Sankul, Maqbool Alam Road, Chowka Ghat, Varanasi, 10.00 AM onwards. Mrs. Pankaj Bhadouria, winner of Master Chef India 1 will be the Chief Guest.

The first event in Etawah in March 2011 received phenomenal response with over 3000 women participants. Over 5000 (an average of 2 per participant) handmade artifacts were on display. As part of the supporting the women to connect with her inner self and aspirations, and showing them way of taking the first steps, Mrs. Pankaj Bhadouria, winner of Master Chef India 1, has been the guiding role model for large number of women through Taaza Pehchaan Manch.

Taaza Pehchaan Manch is a special initiative launched by Brooke Bond Taaza, (Taaza is a unique and refreshing blend of tea that's sprinkled with fresh green tea leaves) to recognize the latent talents of women, thus empowering them. They are also given an opportunity to showcase their skills to a larger audience where experts from various fields can recognize them. The event in Varanasi is supported by reputed NGOs like Udyogini, Women in India Trust & Manav Sewa Samiti.

The event will comprise of various activities for women like pickle making/ cooking/ papad making, crochet/knitting/stitching/embroidery, pottery/ Art & Craft/ handicrafts and much more. Preparations for the event are in full flow and is expected to draw large crowd and women groups along with their families. Taaza Pehchaan Manch through this release invites and encourages all the women above the age of 18 in Varanasi to participate in this unique endeavor.

 “We are very excited and geared up for our second Taaza Pehchaan Manch event in Varanasi. The thought behind this initiative complements perfectly with the Taaza brand credo of empowering and rediscovering woman’s inner self, and thus providing a new direction to her life. Overwhelmed by the response from our first event in Etawah, we are sure the event will create waves in Varanasi too” said Mr. Arun Srinivas, Category Head, Beverages, Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

Various women organizations across U.P have committed to participate and support this innovative event for women.

For Media Enquiries:

Atul Malikram

9827092823