“Mickey Virus is close to my heart”, says Manish Paul

PRESS RELEASE

Manish Paul, making his Bollywood debut in the soon to be released comic thriller ‘Mickey Virus’ was born and brought up in New Delhi, in Malviya Nagar. So, when he heard the script of the film, which was about a computer hacker living in Malviya Nagar, he knew he wanted to do this.

Not just this, Manish’s nick name in real life is Mickey, which is his name in the film. Also, parts of the film have been shot in Nehru Place, where Manish used to stand in a line for his favorite Rajma-Chawal. In fact, one day, during the shoot, Manish was thronged and lovingly pestered for autographs by the people who had seen him through his growing years.

Manish Paul said, “It’s heartening to see the people I have grown up with, being so appreciative of my work. That is my reward. On top of that, I am working in a film where my screen name is my real-life name. The guy belongs to the same place from New Delhi I grew up in. This movie is very close to my heart and will always hold a special place in my life.”

Starring Manish Paul and Elli Avram, ‘Mickey Virus’ also features Manish Choudhary, Varun Badola and Puja Gupta in pivotal roles. Presented by DAR Motion Pictures in association with Awesome Films Pvt. Ltd. and co-produced by Trilogic Digital Media Ltd., Saurabh Verma’s ‘Mickey Virus’ releases in theatres across India on 25th October 2013.

11th Worldex China Expo

PRESS RELEASE

Most Eagerly Awaited Annual Event Since 2004 - the “11th China Products Exhibition” To Boost Manufacturing And Trading Opportunities For Indian Entrepreneurs

ñ  Chinese and Hong Kong companies from more than 40 sectors to come to Mumbai with a variety of industrial and consumer products

ñ  Style Hong Kong Pavilion will be an added attraction

Being organized since 2004, the 11th edition of “China Products (Mumbai, India) Exhibition” will take place from 26th – 28th November, 2013 at the Bombay Convention and Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (East),Mumbai, India. The longest running China Exhibition in India and also the definitive international sourcing platform for Indian business enterprises, this unique trade expo showcases more than 40 industries and verticals. The 11th China Products Exhibition will have an added attraction in the form of a Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) pavilion where companies from Hong Kong will showcase their range of stylish and contemporary products. Providing complimentary business matching services, the Exhibition assists Indian businesses in meeting their future business partners from China and Hong Kong.

The current edition is covering an extensive range of products across a wide section of industries like consumer electronics & durables, home appliances, fashion jewellery & accessories, machinery, machine tools, mechanical & electrical equipment & parts, power tillers, hydraulic equipment, grinding products, UPVC doors, wallpaper, medical equipment, traditional Chinese medicine, ceramic products, food & beverages, toys, LED products, silk, leather, fibres & yarns.

Powering Indian entrepreneurs to succeed for the 11th consecutive year, the Exhibition will help Indian enterprises source machinery and components from China – providing quality products at lower rates and logistics costs - thus bringing down manufacturing costs.  Additionally, Indian traders, importers and distributors can source an extensive range of consumer products at more affordable prices for the burgeoning retail industry.

Despite the global and local scenario, the Indian economy is growing due to strong domestic consumption. With a rising middle class population expected to reach 267 million by 2015-16, as well as the world's youngest population, the consumption pattern is expected to shift from food items to discretionary spending. The show offers an excellent opportunity for brands and companies to develop businesses in the areas of services and manufacturing along with the growing consumer market. India is also home to 48.8 million SMEs and 5 thousand large enterprises. This in itself is a huge potential market for companies to service the SME market owing to increasing need for efficiency and collaboration.

The trade show is being organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Sub-councils of Commercial Industry, Guangdong, Ningbo, Hangzhou, Sichuan, Wuhan, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation of Guangdong Province and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute. The Exhibition is supported by the All India Association of Industries (AIAI), the India-China Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ICCCI), the Indian Merchants' Chamber (IMC) and managed by Worldex India.

Triple Treat of Music and Entertainment from Art And Artistes this weekend

PRESS RELEASE

If daily soaps and saas-bahu sagas are not your thing and you have been yearning to witness something mesmerizing, then Art and Artistes, the pioneering music and entertainment programming company has something just for you. The company has geared up for a Triple Treat this weekend, with back to back events on October 24^th, 25^th and 26^th 2013.

‘Golden Voice Golden Years’ at the felicitation of Pandit Jasraj receiving the Pt Bhimsen Joshi Award from the Govt. of Maharashtra, Bhajan Karaoke Album Launch in association with INT – Aditya Birla Group and Saregama, and Indian Music Academy (IMA) – Marathi Music Awards to be telecast on Star Pravah, the leading Marathi GEC.

‘Golden Voice Golden Years’ conceived by Durga Jasraj, is a unique Concept - the first ever self narrated Musical Journey of a living Legend in the world. It will leave the audiences with a lifelong impression with its audio-visual and live interaction elements, woven together seamlessly. A truly honest narration by one of India’s National treasures – Pandit Jasraj, is inspirational and motivating simply presented through carefully selected anecdotes and learnings. 

Venue: Shanmukhananda Hall, Sion, Mumbai

Thursday, the 24^th of October, 2013

Music lovers, especially those of the Spiritual music genre will be enthralled with the second offering from Art And Artistes – the first ever Bhajan Karaoke album – ‘Divya Jyoti’, conceived by Smt. Rajashree Birla and produced by Art And Artistes.

The Album offers a variety of Bhajans, Mantras and Shlokas, presented in an interactive form, using the contemporary entertainment form of Karaoke. A grand Bhajan Karaoke Competition amongst selected contestants will see them competing for cash prizes, and the opportunity of being judged by the Bhajan Samrat, Anup Jalota. Chief Guest, Sonu Nigam will also be present to witness this momentous occassion and launch the Album. With a stupendous response across 6 cities to this during the recently concluded Ganesh Chathurti, Durga Puja and Navratri festivals, the innovative idea of Smt Birla has indeed been effectively translated into reality. Divya Jyoti is a set of 4 DVDs priced at Rs.400/- and comprises 50 tracks, with music rendered by many artistes.

Venue: Sophia College Auditorium, Breach Candy, Mumbai

Friday, the 25^th of October, 2013

Hold on to your seats for Art And Artistes’ final offering this weekend in partnership with GSEAMS – the Indian Music Academy (IMA) - Marathi Music Awards. The most credible Music Industry body, IMA (which is a CSR initiative of Art And Artistes), is going regional for the first time with these Awards for Marathi Music, to celebrate and recognize deserving talent. The richness of Marathi Music deserves special recognition and this endeavors to bring attention to the variety of Marathi Music talent. It will be broadcast on Star Pravah, the leading Marathi GEC.

Durga Jasraj, Founder and Director, Art And Artistes said, “Handling these kinds of diverse projects over three days across various mediums like Live, Television, Digital, DVD, etc. is a unique challenge. It is a matter of pride for us to be reaching out to diverse audiences united by a common characteristic of being music lovers. Our programming is in line with our promise of keeping our cultural heritage alive along with entertainment with an assortment of shows, handpicked to ensure relevance and meeting the predilection of viewers and esteemed partners.” 

Venue: Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi, Mumbai

Saturday, the 26^th of October, 2013              

About Art And Artistes (I) Pvt. Ltd.

Durga Jasraj founded Art And Artistes’ in 1999. Since the last 5 years, along with Neeraj Jaitly, the company has expanded its operational scope. It uses contemporary entertainment formats across diverse Mediums to produce world class IP. Notable IPs created by the company include - , and others.

Over 300 Concerts across 30 countries, more than 70 CD/DVDs, 30 Television productions across 165 countries, a million mobile VAS content, In-Flight programming across 15 International Airlines, FM Radio programming, and a vibrant Social Media platform on Facebook and YouTube growing exponentially – all combined reached more than 500 million audiences... and growing…

Goa: Entrepreneurs Notepad

PRESS NOTE

GCCI’s SPED is the state’s premiere entrepreneurs development mentoring and strategy incubation group led by CA Gautam Verlekar and a select team of hand picked entrepreneurs between the age group 25-50 clearly are focused in this direction.

As a part of their various support initiatives their annual event Entrepreneurs Notepad is one of the Goa’s most sort after conclaves for entrepreneurs. This year the Entrepreneurs Notepad brings to you a focus on the Franchise led retail revolution of India. Mr. Anjan Chatterjee founder of India’s most successful restaurant chain “Mainland China” and Dr Apoorva Shah of “RICHFEEL-Hair care” India’s fastest growing Hair care transplant/care brand will address the Entrepreneurs Notepad. The Entrepreneurs Notepad will bring together some of the Goa’s most successful businessmen, top industrialists, investors, students and Academicians. It is a huge opportunity for Goa’s young and old to understand and deliberate on how India’s billion dollar retail revolution shall influence businesses and lives. The event is scheduled on 26^th October, 2013 at 4.30pm at the Taj Vivanta at nominal entry charge.

CANAPE, Goa’s own gourmet restaurant Giant is the proud brand partner at this event.

CANAPE GOA also aspires to be an international and pan India chain and thus is the brand partner of this unique think fest.

GCCI’s SPED has thus continuously worked to make Goan brands break through national and International waters.

GAUTAM VERLEKAR

Chairman, SPED Committee, GCCI

Gujaratis under debt for the next seven generations?

PRESS RELEASE

Open the newspaper, and there will be some news every other day with Mr. Narendra Modi tom-tomming about how great a state Gujarat is. The truth is something else, entirely. Gujarat is in debt. And who is expected to pay the debt? Gujaratis. Gujarat is touted to be the most progressive state in India, but what really is the fact? Is Gujarat really on its way to development, or is it just an eyewash, and the state’s overactive PR machinery in action? Every act of Mr. Modi seems like a Publicity stunt. One fails to understand why would one worship modern weapons in Shastra Puja (in news recently), when it is an age old tradition for ancient weapons. And then, he never misses to tweet about every ‘good’ act of his.

Two years back, there was an article in a reputed newspaper which stated how Gujarat’s debt had tripled in the decade gone by. With a massive portion of the state’s revenues going towards clearing the debt, wonder what is the state spending on development and progress. Recently, it became public knowledge that the Narendra Modi government spent Rs 45 crore of the tax-payers' money to block his appointment as Lokayukta. The government not only funded its own legal expenses, but expenses of NGOs who became co-petitioners in Supreme Court. When there is so much debt to pay off, ideally the government should use those fund to get rid of the debt, and not indulge in frivolous expenditure.

If Gujarat claims to have a lot of money in its kitty, the money should be spent on the areas where the state lags far behind, socially, such as education, health, development of Schedule caste and scheduled tribe. There is a huge gap between the money allocated and the money actually used, under many heads – constructing offices, computer education and special courts. The government has showed mismanagement of funds at various steps, such as lesser returns on investments made compared to the interest paid by the state government and also, a larger loan taken to adjust the value of monetary deficit. Not just this, Gujarat has not even submitted a certificate for the utilization of funds to the tune of over 9000 crores.

With the massive debt that the state is in, the people are getting increasingly worried if they will be burdened with tax to make up for the government’s mismanagement. They pray that the farce will come to an end, and someone will take Gujaratis out of the doldrums. Till that happens, hope is all there is. And after the Gujarat Riots, the hope is bleak.

Imran & Kareena dance to Chingam Chabake - New Song from Gori Tere Pyar Mein

PRESS RELEASE

One of the most -awaited songs from Dharma Productions' 'Gori Tere Pyaar Mein’ titled 'Chingam Chabake’ has been released. Ever since the launch of the movie trailer, fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of this song. And it's finally out.

Set against the backdrop of a village, ‘Chingam Chabake' features the lead pair-  Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor- flaunting their desi moves. With vocals by Shankar Mahadevan & Shalmali Kholgade, the music of the film has been composed by Vishal – Shekhar. Directed by Punit Malhotra, ‘Gori Tere Pyaar Mein’ stars Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor. Produced by Karan Johar, the film is scheduled to release on the 22nd of November.

Arjun Rampal Launches his Official Facebook Page

PRESS RELEASE

Arjun Rampal has extended his digital presence by launching his official Facebook page. The actor who is active on Twitter has over 1.3 million followers on the digital platform. Arjun certainly understands the importance of being present in this space, which also explains the detailing of his new Facebook timeline.

The Facebook timeline dates back to 1996, sharing all the highlights of Arjun’s career, as well as personal life till date. The page aims to be a one-stop platform, for all his fans on Facebook with all the information and updates about their favorite actor. 

Talking about extending his digital presence, the actor states, “I have never been on Facebook before. I am really looking forward to interact with my audience here. The page has many interesting things about me that people might not have known before!” The new page promises to provide exclusive information for Arjun’s huge fan base of over 2.3 million Facebook fans.

Shreyas Talpade unveils Sanjyot Hardikar’s book

PRESS RELEASE

Known to take his friendship seriously, Shreyas Talpade was present and unveiled the book of his long time friend Sanjyot Hardikar. The books flavour shifts between light hearted to jovial to reflective. It is an honest narrative of day to day experiences. Shreyas Talpade and Sanjyot Hardikar’s friendship dates back to 2000, where Sanjyot was part of Shreya’s first Marathi serial “Aabhalmaya”. Since then both of them have never looked back and their bond became stronger as years passed. 

Busy shuffling between producing and shoots, as soon as Shreyas came to know about her book launch, the actor made time and was present at the launch and even unveiled the book. Talking about the same, Shreyas says, “Am very happy to be part of Sanjyot’s launch and she has always had a special place in my life as she was part of my first serial.”

Screening in 1212 UFO digital theatres, Boss joins the UFO Millennium Club

PRESS RELEASE

Mumbai, October 18, 2013: Akshay Kumar, Mithun Chakraborty, starer ‘Boss’ joins the UFO Millennium Club of films as it screens in 1212 UFO digital theatres today. Along with this, ‘Shahid’ also releases in 109 UFO digital theatres today.

‘War Chhod Nah Yaar’ which released last week screens in 110 UFO digital theatres. ‘Besharam’ in its third week, screens in 66 UFO digital theaters. ‘Grand Masti’ screens in 56 UFO digital theatres in its sixth week.

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK (HINDI)
Movie Name	Release Date	Week	No of UFO Theatres
Boss	16-Oct-13	1	1212
War Chhod Nah Yaar	11-Oct-13	2	110
Shahid	18-Oct-13	1	109
Besharam	2-Oct-13	3	66
Grand Masti	13-Sep-13	6	56

Among the non-hindi films, Telugu film ‘Doosukeltha’ debuts in 116 UFO digital theatres.

‘Ramayya Vasthavayya’ in its second week screens in 243 UFO digital theatres. Telugu film ‘Atthaarintiki Daaredi’ is in 180 UFO digital theatres in its fourth week. Bengali film ‘Khiladi’ screens in 85 UFO digital theatres in its second week. Tamil movie ‘Naiyaandi’ also in its second week screens in 76 UFO digital theatres.

Kannada film ’Brundaavana’ releases in 68 UFO digital theatres.

The UFO Millennium Club comprises films which have screened in over a 1,000 UFO digital theatres (including Scrabble screens). Other UFO Millennium Club includes films such as ‘Chennai Express’, ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’, ‘Zanjeer,’ ‘Dabangg 2’, ‘Khiladi 786’, ‘Ek Tha Tiger’, ‘Agneepath’, ‘The Dirty Picture’, ‘Don 2’, ‘Ra-One’, ‘Bodyguard’ and ‘Singham.

About UFO Moviez India Ltd. 

UFO Moviez, the world’s largest satellite delivered Digital Cinema network, has revolutionized the way films are distributed and exhibited throughout India. Presently, UFO has a base of 3,308 digital screens (including more than 108 3D Screens), spread in over 1,300 cities in 28 states and 5 union territories of India. UFO has so far released 6440 films in 33 languages and has conducted over 16.6 million shows till date. 

Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman appointed as the brand ambassador for Micromax

PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, October 17 2013: Building on the promise of ‘nothing like anything’ experience, India’s leading mobile phone company, Micromax has signed one of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, the Hollywood superstar, Hugh Jackman as its brand ambassador. In a first of its kind association for the brand, the celebrated actor will be seen endorsing the Canvas series of smartphones for Micromax. The association would start with the new Micromax smartphone – Canvas Turbo, to be launched soon in the Indian market.

Talking about the association with Micromax, Hugh Jackman said, “I am extremely thrilled and honored to be part of the Micromax family. I am a huge lover of India as it is one of the most exciting countries in the world and we also share our love for cricket. Phones are genuinely time saving devices that can help you live a better life while juggling around with different situations. The new Canvas phone from Micromax is a leap in innovation with great sense of fun and amazing features that helps me balance my work with all the different roles that I play in my everyday life.”

Speaking on the association, Mr. Shubhodip Pal, Chief Marketing Officer, Micromax said, “We are very excited to welcome Hugh Jackman in the Micromax family as he truly embodies the aspirational, reinventing and fearless persona of the brand Micromax. As we look to expand our footprint across the globe in various international markets, the association with the Hugh Jackman is an ideal partnership for us to connect with audiences as he is the leading name in the entertainment industry in the world. 

He further added, “At Micromax, we have always believed in offering products and services that empower our consumers with the latest technologies and innovations. This is a strategic partnership and we look forward to a creating a strong 360 degrees campaign with Canvas Turbo to bring alive this new experience for our audiences across print, TV and online platforms.”

Reinventing the story of empowerment, Micromax has always urged consumers to explore new boundaries. The brand enjoys high salience in the Indian market through an engaging platform of experiencing technology like never before. With the launch of Canvas Turbo, Micromax is all set to revolutionize the smartphone experience for the users reinforcing its promise of democratizing technologies for the masses.

1000-plus differently-enabled youth to be felicitated by NGO Blind Dreams on Children's Day (14th Nov)

Tuesday 15th October 2013; Mumbai: Over a thousand differently-enabled, autistic, and disabled youngsters and adults between the age of 10 to 40 from all over India will be felicitated in a touching, heart-rending and soul-stirring event, on 14th November - Children's Day in Mumbai by the NGO Blind Dreams in association with Newz66.com. The NGO and Newz66.com are in the process of raising about Rs Ten lakh in donations and sponsorship from the corporate sector to support and finance the career goals of these thousand plus youngsters.

Announcing this project on the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra, blind celebrity healer and chairman of Blind Dreams, Dr Samir Mansuri said, "On 24th August this year, more than 300 blind and differently-enabled youth from all over Maharashtra participated in the western zone round of auditions for the Blind Dreams’ Talent Hunt for the disabled or differently enabled. The auditions were held at the Kamla Mehta School for the Blind at Dadar in Central Mumbai. Most participants came from far off towns and villages in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Over the last 45 days auditions were held in various cities in India and we have short-listed about 1000 talented youth who will be specially felicitated and given sponsorship and donations to help them pursue their career goals including those from the performing arts, software and financial services sector."

"The over whelming response to the Blind Dreams’ Talent Hunt for the differently enabled and visually impaired is an indication that differently enabled youth are otherwise as talented as their colleagues and sometimes even more talented in certain fields like music, singing, acting, etc. All differently enabled should come together in a show of strength to demand their rightful place in society and in the day-to-day working of organizations and corporates," Mansuri said. He spoke about the lack of support and empathy from various sectors including the police and civic agencies. He demanded that all public places, railway stations, airports, government offices, etc., should be enabled to provide the differently enabled a level playing field.

Blind Dreams and Newz66.com have formed a panel of eminent persons including bollywood photographer Raju Asrani, TV actress Sheila David, actress and model Nisha Sharma, TV actors Rashmi Ghosh and husband Siddharth, HR professional Mamta Namdeo (herself blind who works with SBI as an HR manager) and several others to monitor and co-ordinate the event and help in the fund-raising activity for this ambitious project.