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.

Nisha Sharma photo shoot for designer Randell Gomes - Sari and Anarkali Collection