Thursday 24 December 2015

RajyaSabha repeatedly adjourned on DDCA issue


Congress leader Kumari Selja raised the issue soon after the upper house met.
Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien, however, said an allegation against a member cannot be made in the house without prior notice.
The deputy chairman tried to make the house function, but the din continued.
After around half-an-hour, the house was adjourned till 12 noon.
As the Congress members raised slogans to demand the resignation of the finance minister when the house met for the question hour at 12 noon, Chairman M. Hamid Ansari adjourned the house for half-an-hour.
At 12.35 p.m., Ansari tried again to take up the question hour, but confusion prevailed amid the din as to which question was being taken up. The house was adjourned till 1 p.m. and then again till 2 p.m.
The proceedings in the upper house were disrupted on Monday as well after Congress members demanded Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s resignation over alleged corruption in the DDCA.


Jaitley will come out with flying colours: Modi

“Jaitley will come out with flying colours in the same manner as (BJP leader) L.K. Advani did in the hawala case,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu quoted Modi as telling a BJP parliamentary party meeting.
“The Congress is raking up manufactured allegations to defame the (BJP-led) government,” Modi added.
The prime minister’s comments came a day after Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah described Jaitley as a man of honesty, after the finance minister filed a defamation suit against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
The prime minister said the Congress did the same with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chief Ministers Vasundhara Raje of Rajasthan as well as Shivraj Chouhan of Madhya Pradesh.
BJP MP Kirti Azad, who was the first to level the corruption charges against Jaitley in the running of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), did not attend the meeting.
Azad told reporters he had “prior engagement” and clarified that he had not boycotted the meeting.
Jaitley has denied the corruption charges levelled against him by Azad as well as the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party. Jaitley headed the DDCA for 13 years till 2013.
Sushma Swaraj and Raje were targetted by the opposition over their alleged links with former IPL chairman Lalit Modi. Chauhan was blamed for what came to be known as the Vyapam scam.

Rural jobs scheme: Tripura makes it 7-in-a-row on top

Tripura1Left-ruled Tripura retained its top position for the seventh consecutive year in providing work under the rural jobs scheme – 68 days per household in fiscal 2015-16 so far against the national average of 36 days and can take this to 92 if the full central allocation is disbursed, a minister said.
“Tripura has been providing the highest average jobs for the past seven years under the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act),” Rural Development and Forest Minister NareshJamatia told IANS, quoting a report of the union rural development ministry.
“Tripura has provided 68 days of work per household so far in the ongoing financial year against the national average of 36 persondays. If we got the full central allocation of Rs.1,500crore, we would achieve 92 persondays at the end of the fiscal in March,” added Jamatia, a veteran tribal leader.
The MGNREGA was introduced in February 2006 by the then Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government.
The scheme mandates 100 days of work in a financial year to at least one member of each rural household in the states – but this has never been acheived in any state. The scheme aims to generate rural assets and create rural infrastructure like roads.
According to the report of the rural development ministry, Maharashtra came second with 47 persondays per household, followed by Tamil Nadu with 44 persondays.
According to the central government performance report on the MGNREGA, of the 250,472 panchayats across the country, around 40,000 did not provide any job to any worker.
These 40,000 panchayats are mostly in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Punjab,Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
As per the facts available with the union rural development ministry, which operates the scheme, the average days of employment provided per household in 2014-15 were only 40.17, significantly lower than in 2013-14 when the figure was 46.
Last year was the scheme’s worst performance – 40.07 days – and 2009-10 was the best performance year – 54 days – in the 10 years since the scheme was introduced.
The average days of employment provided per household has, although always low, remained above the 40-mark. The figure was 43, 42, 48, 54, 47, 43, 46 in 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 respectively.
Of the total jobs created across the country, 47.46 percent males and 52.54 percent females worked under the scheme.
Various political parties, including the Communist Party of India-Marxist, has been demanding that the persondays be increased from 100 to 150 in a year.
The Tripura minister said the central government, at a very short notice from April 1, introduced the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for the monetary chain – from the central and state governments allocating funds for payment to labourers – revoking the previous e-FMS (Electronic Fund Management System).
“Though both the systems are transparent, hassle- and error-free and paperless besides eliminating administrative delays, we support the new system too. The PFMS was introduced with less than a week’s notice, creating problems in some blocks to disburse the wage payments to the workers,” Jamatia said.
Tripura is providing wages to the MGNREGA workers at their doorstep through business correspondents engaged by various nationalised and regional rural banks, he said.
Tripura rural development department joint secretary T.K. Debnath said that besides providing rural jobs, the MGNREGA has created rural assets that include ponds, irrigation facilities, household latrines, drinking water sources, rural road connectivity, livestock promotion, pisciculture, watershed management and afforestation – thus securing livelihood activities.
“The officials of the central government, during their visits to Odisha to review the performance of MGNREGA, highly appreciated the achievements of the scheme in this state,” Debnath told IANS.


Charges against Jaitley baseless: Udit Raj


“The allegations are baseless. The entire party (BJP) is with him on the issue,” Udit Raj told reporters.
The AAP has alleged massive financial bunglings in the Delhi and District Cricket Association, which Jaitley headed for years. Jaitley has denied the charges.


Gaps in implementation of domestic violence act: CSR director

“Statistics show an alarming decline in the number of cases registered and an improper budget allocation for the implementation of the act,” she said, at an event organised by her organisation and Oxfam India to discuss 10 years of Protection of Women against Domestic Violence Act in India.
“(There is) 50 percent decrease in the number of protection in the number of protection officers for the implementation of the act in the country. These are serious problems and need to be addressed on a priority basis,” she added.
Speakers highlighted the glaring gaps in the implementation of PWDVA and to various problems surrounding it including lack of awareness amongst many others.
In 2013, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported 309,546 cases of violence against women of which 118,866 were cases of domestic violence. In 2014, NCRB for the first time published data on the act, with only 426 cases registered under the act for the entire year.
Speaking to IANS, Prof Bijayalaxmi Nanda of Miranda House said: “People generally do not report on verbal abuse. They do not report much on mental abuse as they would do on physical abuse.
I believe if there are good, progressive judgments (on domestic violence case) which can be highlighted, if women start recognizing that they have a right to dignity..then that become the first step.”
CSR and Oxfam India plan to prepare a memorandum with action points specific to each component of the act and send it to the prime minister’s office.

Don’t neglect, marginalise mental health patients: President

“It is also an important priority to address the stigma experienced by persons who are mentally ill. They should not continue to be subjected to neglect and marginalisation,” he said at an event at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurological Sciences (NIMHANS) to dedicate it as an institute of national importance.
Mukherjee lauded the objective of the National Mental Health Policy to speedily integrate mental health care services into general health care as part of non-communicable diseases, highlighting that India got its first comprehensive mental health policy only as recently as October.
“I am glad to note that it (the policy) covers several aspects of mental health – including the rights of the mentally ill, the need to provide support to care givers, decriminalisation of suicide – and other progressive policy initiatives,” he said, stressing the need to ensure priority to develop mental healthcare professionals and innovative methods to deliver care.
Mukherjee called upon medical institutions to adopt IT to invigorate healthcare delivery.
“The use of IT to invigorate health care delivery also helps in reducing costs, optimising resource management and minimising paper work. The e-hospital and e-project programmes taken up by NIMHANS are, therefore, excellent initiatives, worthy of emulation by other institutions,” he said.
Appreciating NIMHANS’ initiatives like brain bank, free legal aid clinic in its outpatient block, centre for well being, centre for public health and centre for addiction medicine, he said: “I have no doubt that NIMHANS will continue to inspire and support the development of the mental health sector at state, national and even international levels.”

Wednesday 23 December 2015

Akhilesh reviews Ayodhya developments

According to sources, the chief minister told officials that law and order, peace and communal harmony should not be allowed to be disturbed.
He also directed police and district officials to step up vigil, expressing fear that some mischief makers could use the sensitive issue of the Ram temple to foment trouble in some parts of the state.
At the meeting, attended by chief secretary Alok Ranjan, director general of police Jagmohan Yadav and other police, home department and intelligence officials, it was also decided that district officials be given absolute powers to book anti-social elements.
Yadav said full execution and implementation of the orders of the courts with regard to the Sri Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Mosque premises would be ensured.
He also said no one would be allowed to disturb law and order in the state as this matter is sub-judice before the Supreme Court and status quo has to be maintained.

Nitish Kumar approves Patna Metro Rail project

He approved the proposal for the metro rail project at a meeting called to review the performance of the state urban development department here.
Bihar Urban Development Minister Maheshwar Hazari said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Patna Metro Rail project would be presented to the state cabinet for approval soon.
“The Metro project is our priority. The state government is keen to speed up the process to begin construction as soon as possible,” he said.
The Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) last year submitted the DPR on the project to the Bihar government, reducing the project estimates to Rs.14,000 crore from Rs.17,000 crore earlier.
An urban development department official said the Bihar government would now work to declare Patna a metropolis, as it would help speed up the Metro project, which initially would have two routes.
A corporation on the lines of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation would be formed for monitoring the construction of the project in Patna, he added.

Very optimistic of Russia visit outcome: Modi

“Today I will commence my visit to Russia, my first bilateral visit after we formed the Government. I am very optimistic about the outcome of this visit,” Modi said in a Facebook post.
On Wednesday, Modi leaves for Moscow where he will attend the 16th India-Russia annual summit meeting during which a number of bilateral agreements are expected to be signed, with trade being a major focus area.
“My visit will deepen the cooperation between India and Russia in the economic, energy and security spheres. We also want to increase cooperation in science and technology, mining among other sectors. Trade ties between India and Russia can increase even further, to benefit not only our two nations but also the world,” the post said.
This will be the first meeting between Modi and Putin since their formal interaction at the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit in Ufa in July, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said on Tuesday.
There will be an interaction between Modi and Russian businesspersons to invite them to invest in India. He will also attend a ‘Friends of India’ programme.

Nanomeds, combating dengue, 3D printing trended in IndiaC

Nanomed1India became the world’s third country with the prowess to manufacture raw materials for nanomedicines, addressed a growing public health concern by approving a new drug for hepatitis C and made strides in 3D printing in healthcare as 2015 ended on a cliff-hanger with the launch of the world’s first anti-dengue vaccine in Mexico giving hope to the South Asian country.
India was hit hard by dengue cases this year while the Mexican government gave the green signal to the world’s first anti-dengue vaccine, called Dengvaxia, developed by France-based Sanofi Pasteur. It may however be quite a while before Indians have access to it.
“The vaccine is currently in the third phase of clinical study. At present, only the Mexican government has approved it. This vaccine has still not been approved globally but if it passes the third phase it will get the required approval,” Rajesh Kumar, senior consultant (internal medicine), Paras Hospital, Gurgaon, told IANS on the phone.
The total number of dengue cases in Delhi reached over 12,000 in October. The city recorded the highest number of patients of the viral disease in 19 years.
Climate change was one of the reasons attributed to by researchers for this surge and continuance of the disease into the winter months.
While the wait is on for India to give its nod for the vaccine, the nation gave a breather to patients of chronic hepatitis C with the Drug Controller General of India okaying the launch of generic hepatitis-C drug Harvoni by two Indian drug makers.
It is estimated that 12-18 million patients are infected with hepatitis C in India.
Looking back, the country also made good on its attempts to harness the power of the small: nanotechnology.
It entered the select league of nations (the US and Ireland) which have the technology to manufacture raw material for generating nano-crystal based medicines.
The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, designed and licensed the technology for producing nano-crystal based medicines that could bring down costs.
Drugs in the form of these nanoparticles with crystalline characters, act faster and are more efficient than conventional ones. Dubbed NanoCrySP, the solid dispersions are water soluble and, therefore, easily absorbed.
NIPER has already got an Indian patent for the technology and has now applied for the US and European patents.
Apart from nanotechnology, examples of use of 3D printing of prosthetics, implants and surgical aids signalled the next wave of innovation in India.
In 3D printing, successive layers of material are laid down under computer control. Thanks to a Mumbai-based company, a 3D printed heart model aided experts in the surgery of a two-month old baby with a difficult form of heart disease earlier this year.
Led by the NarendraModi government’s Make in India campaign, the US-based Stratasys, the world’s largest 3D printing company, set up its India operations to tap into the growing manufacturing activity.
India’s potential in this sector has been vouched for by Dutch orthopaedic bio-engineering expert NicoVerdonschot, a foreign faculty member for India’s Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) programme, who said the country’s technical capabilities could augment the 3D printing sector for profitably manufacturing implants.
Another area where researchers and doctors were active is the application of light-based technologies and photonics in cancer screening and diagnosis.
While the US and countries in Europe, such as Germany, have already made a mark in this field, India is waking up to it, given the increasing incidences of cancer, according to Nirmalya Ghosh, who heads IISER-Kolkata’s Bio Optics and Nano Photonics (BioNaP) group, one of the few teams in the country to work on such techniques.
(The premier Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research are spread across seven locations in the country.)
Incidentally, 2015 which happened to be the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies, also saw researchers in India and the US testing a handy solar-powered device for early detection of oral cancer which could be integrated with mobile technology, enabling faster and accurate diagnostics in rural areas.
In its race to the top, India’s department of biotechnology announced it plans to scale up start-ups in the biotechnology sector to at least 1,500 in the next two to three years to boost technological interventions in the health and agriculture sectors.
A US report earlier this year also brought cheers to people who had been avoiding high-cholesterol foods such as eggs or butter in the fear of hurting their heart health. A top nutrition advisory committee said that people, except those with certain health problems such as diabetes, no longer have to be worried about eating foods that are high in cholesterol.
The committee’s report will help shape the next version of the US Dietary Guidelines, set to be released later this year.
The year just ending was also remarkable as for the first time in 30 years researchers discovered a new antibiotic named teixobactin. The new compound, which is expected to be available for use within five years, could play a major role in the fight against bacterial infections such as tuberculosis (TB). It could also lead to antibiotics that are likely to avoid development of resistance.
This discovery could have major implications for India, as according to a report published earlier this year in The BMJ, each year, India has 2.2 million new cases, more than 300,000 deaths, and economic losses of $23 bn from TB, making it India’s biggest health crisis.

Keep away politicians from sports bodies: Kejriwal


“There should be no politician in any sports body,” the Aam Aadmi Party leader tweeted. “Let sports be handled by professionals.”
Kejriwal’s appeal comes amid a row between the Delhi government and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who has been accused of corruption in the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) which he once headed.

HAM to desert NDA in Bihar?

HAM state president Brishen Patel on Wednesday told the media here that the HAM was holding discussions within over the issue.
“It is not viable and feasible for HAM to be part of the NDA because our party failed to get the support of Muslims in the assembly polls,” he said.
Patel said Muslims were not with the NDA and will never support it. “We strongly feel that support of the Muslims matters in elections.”
There was no comment on Patel’s remarks from HAM president Jitan Ram Manjhi, a former chief minister.
The BharatiyaJanata Party has three allies in Bihar – HAM, the Lok Janshakti Party of union minister Ram Vilas Paswan and the RLSP of union minister Upender Kushwaha.
In last month’s assembly election, the BJP won 53 of the 243 assembly seats, the LJP and RLSP got two seats each and the HAM won only one seat.

Pakistan proposes foreign secretary-level talks with India

“Pakistan is now waiting for India’s response to the proposed dates,” Dwan online quoted Aziz as saying.
The foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries will be held in Islamabad, Aziz said.
In the meeting held between Sharif and the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the sidelines of the ‘Heart of Asia’ conference here earlier this month, Swaraj said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Pakistan during 2016.
Both the countries have agreed to reinitiate a comprehensive dialogue process, Swaraj had said during a joint press conference later.
The foreign secretaries’ dialogue will include matters related to peace and security, Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, Wullar Barrage, Tulbul Navigation Project, economic and commercial cooperation, counter-terrorism, narcotics control, humanitarian issues, people-to-people exchanges and religious tourism.
The national security advisers of Pakistan and India had a brief and unannounced meeting in Bangkok, which followed an informal and short meeting between the prime ministers of both the countries in Paris at the World Climate Summit.

Kerala CM says no to probe into minister’s letter

“Please show me the letter, if anyone of you have it. And if you show it, then we will decide on what needs to be done,” Chandy said when asked about Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala’s alleged letter to the party high command.
In the alleged letter, an urgent overhaul in the state Congress was sought after the ruling United Democratic Front’s defeat in last month’s civic polls.
“What letter are you talking about? He (Chennithala) has already denied ever writing such a letter. So where’s the question of a probe?” Chandy said.
When it was pointed out that all TV channels had shown the alleged letter, the chief minister said: “I rarely watch TV. Do you think and believe all what comes on it (TV news channels) is true?”
As for state Congress president V.M. Sudheeran’s demand for a probe, Chandy said, “I am not going to jump into a probe on a thing that I have not seen.”
The Congress high command in Delhi denied receiving any such letter.

IBN7 brings Year End Special Programming

IBN1With 2016 right round the corner, IBN7 lines-up a special Year End Programming for its viewers that’s sure to end 2015 with a bang! Commencing from 20th December 2015, the series titled ‘Saal Kamaal 2015’ features an array of shows that will take the viewers on a roller-coaster journey through all the news and views that made 2015 what it was.
The series – an eleven day viewing bonanza – will range from jaw-dropping controversies, serious takes on climate change, shocking crime stories and even the spectacular rise and fall of the inimitable Radhey Maa. Viewers will also get a glimpse of some of the gala wedding events of the year gone by. Horror devotees will be treated to a spine-tingling segment on the supernatural.
And what year-ender would be complete without some charcha on politics as ‘special’ shows will focus on the performances and plans of nine key ministers from the Modi government. For viewers who also want a window into 2016, a tarot, numerology and astrology show will air on the final 3 days of the telecast.


IBN7 brings Year End Special Programming


IBN1With 2016 right round the corner, IBN7 lines-up a special Year End Programming for its viewers that’s sure to end 2015 with a bang! Commencing from 20th December 2015, the series titled ‘Saal Kamaal 2015’ features an array of shows that will take the viewers on a roller-coaster journey through all the news and views that made 2015 what it was.
The series – an eleven day viewing bonanza – will range from jaw-dropping controversies, serious takes on climate change, shocking crime stories and even the spectacular rise and fall of the inimitable Radhey Maa. Viewers will also get a glimpse of some of the gala wedding events of the year gone by. Horror devotees will be treated to a spine-tingling segment on the supernatural.
And what year-ender would be complete without some charcha on politics as ‘special’ shows will focus on the performances and plans of nine key ministers from the Modi government. For viewers who also want a window into 2016, a tarot, numerology and astrology show will air on the final 3 days of the telecast.


Zee Cinema to premiere NH10 on Christmas

NH101What can go wrong when you are on your way to a perfect romantic gateway cruising through the national highway – NH10? Tune into Zee Cinema, the world’s largest movie theatre for Hindi movies as it brings the Television Premiere of Anushka Sharma’s most talked about action thriller NH10 on Friday, 25th December at 8 PM.
Talking about her experience Producer and actor, Anushka Sharma said, “As a viewer I really want to watch author backed stories and there is something amazing about thrillers, the way it captivates your imagination hence it was an incredible opportunity when we decided to produce the film. It was an interesting experience and completely unexplored territory for me.”
Directed by Navdeep Singh, NH10 is a gritty and gutsy portrayal of a woman, when provoked, decides to take matters in her own hands and finishes what the perpetrators had started. A road trip gone awry, the film revolves around a young cosmopolitan couple Meera (Anushka Sharma) and Arjun (Neil Bhoopalam) living in Gurgaon who set off on a romantic weekend on Meera’s birthday. Along their way on NH 10, they encounter a young couple who are supposedly running away, but are caught in the act. Will Meera and Arjun get out of this situation or will they sink deeper and deeper?


AXN treats its fans with back-to-back seasons of Sherlock

AXN1Being home to the most iconic characters and shows, AXN knows just what to treat their fans with, this Christmas season. Sherlock, a global phenomenon, is back with all three seasons, exclusively on AXN. So, get ready to celebrate Christmas with AXN’s ‘Sherlock Thrillathon’ and say Merry Cumberbatch for three days long. AXN, the Home to Sherlock, will air all three seasons of Sherlock one after the other from December 25th to 27th, 12 noon to 6 pm. One thrilling season for each day!
Sherlock is the most watched crime drama series and has an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10 on IMDB. The star duo Sherlock and Dr. Watson played by the renowned Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman have also won prestigious accolades such as the Primetime Emmys, Bafta Awards, Critic’s Choice Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards among many others for their one of a kind performances. With Sherlock’s new Special Episode (The Abominable Bride) around the corner, the leading English entertainment channel is geared up to take fans on the nostalgic ride with back-to-back episodes of Sherlock Seasons 1, 2 and 3.
In an attempt to make the viewers’ special holidays even more special, AXN programs the most iconic shows back-to-back in its Thrillathon property. Continuing the trend into New Year, the channel will air back-to-back episodes of Sex and The City starting New Year midnight. What’s more, on 1st January, the channel will air back-to-back episodes of Bradley Cooper-starrer Limitless the entire day. This is going to be one thrilling ride into an exhilarating 2016, brought to you exclusively by AXN!


&pictures to showcase Kangana’s Tanu Weds Manu Returns

The much acclaimed sequel directed by Anand Rai and stars the chameleon of Bollywood, Kangana Ranaut in her first ever double role. It went on to gross a whopping 150 crores at the box-office. The film also stars R. Madhavan, Jimmy Shergill and Deepak Dobriyal in pivotal roles.
Replete with witty dialogues and power-packed performances by every actor, Tanu Weds Manu Returns breaks every stereotype associated with the complexities of relationships.  Kangana Ranaut’s standout portrayal of two different characters as sassy Tanu and headstrong Datto was the biggest highpoint of the film.
Ruchir Tiwari, Business Head – Hindi Movie Channels, ZEEL said, “Tanu Weds Manu Returns is truly a non-stop entertainer which can be watched with the entire family and surely, the best way to enjoy the Christmas holidays.”
Speaking about the World Television Premiere of his movie, Deepak Dobriyal said, “’Tanu Weds Manu’ franchise has been an important part of my career and a wider audience has appreciated my work. My true recognition comes from the fact that audiences recognize me as Pappiji. Also, I feel television is a great medium to reach out to wider audiences to showcase your work and I would like to thank &pictures for showcasing Tanu Weds Manu Returns on the channel and help me entertain millions in their homes.”


Sony PIX presents Indian Television Premiere of ‘American Hustle’


AMericAN1Sony PIX, India’s leading English movie channel is all set to premiere the black comedy crime movie ‘American Hustle’. Inspired by the real life tale of the FBI ABSCAM operation of the late 1970s, Golden Globe award winning and Academy Award nominated movie ‘American Hustle’, will telecast for the first time on Indian Television on Saturday, 26th December, at 9.00 PM only on SONY PIX.
Starring celebrated actors like, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro along with the ultimate, Christian Bale known for his impeccable method acting, American Hustle is another world class film by David O Russell. Known for his stellar work like Three Kings (1999), The Fighter (2010) and Silver Linings Playbook (2012), David has charmed his audience once again with this award winning cinematic masterpiece.
A fictional film set in the alluring world of one of the most extraordinary scandals of the 1970s, ‘American Hustle’ tells the story of a brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive partner, Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent, Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper).  DiMaso pushes them into the world of the Jersey powerbrokers and the mafia that is as dangerous as it is enchanting.  Jeremy Renner plays Carmine Polito, the passionate, volatile, New Jersey political operator caught between the con-artists and the Feds. Irving’s unpredictable wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence), could be identified as the one to bring the entire world crashing down like a delicate pack of cards. Like David O. Russell’s earlier two films, American Hustle defies the genre to actually tell a story of love, reinvention and survival.
Being one of the most critically acclaimed movies of 2013, American Hustle is the winner of three Golden Globe Awards and was nominated for 10 Academy Awards.  It was also honored with the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Performance by a Cast, and the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Screenplay, and was cited on over 230 top critics’ lists. Moreover, it managed an overall Box Office business worth $251.1 Million with a rating on 7.3 out of 10 on IMDB. Being a rare combination of blockbuster stars, commendable mix of multiple award nominations and rare critical acclaim, American Hustle defines the values of a successful drama film.
In addition to the acclamation, the lead cast of the movie Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper and Amy Adams hold high ground towards making American Hustle a worldwide success. Former macho Batman, Christian Bale went on to gain over 40 pounds to portray Irvin, marking an uncanny resemblance to the real life con man. Amy Adams and Bradley Cooper too went on to change their personality significantly to bring alive their roles of Sydney and Richie.


Viacom18 Adopts Daughters Of Mother India

Viacom18 Adopts Daughters Of Mother India, The Award Winning Documentary On Gender Violence In India, to be aired on Sunday, 27th December, 2015 on the below channels and timing as per the channels:
5pm on COLORS INFINITY & COLORS INFINITY HD
4pm on Vh1
10pm on MTV
In a first of its kind initiative for a National Network like Viacom18, they have adopted the documentary Daughters of Mother India. Most recently the film was awarded the National Film Award for Best Film on Social Issues by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.
The documentary talks about how society and law enforcement need to join hands and work collectively to build a safer society for women in the country. This is a documentary that aims to keep the discussion around gender violence alive and bring awareness to the masses.


Aaj Tak reaches to over 100 Million Viewers for 4 weeks in a row

Aajtak1The Nation’s undisputed News leader since inception, Aaj Tak has broken all records by being the first and only News channel to reach over 100 Million HSM viewers for 4 weeks in a row (Source: BARC Rating System, Mkt – HSM (U+R), TG – 4+ Yrs, NCCS All, Wk -46 -49’ 15, Avg Weekly Coverage). With this remarkable feat, Aaj Tak has increased the gap between the other trailing news channels making it the viewer’s clear choice. The leadership of Aaj Tak as India’s No.1 News Channel is clear from the fact that Aaj Tak is 5.5 times of the English News genre in terms of coverage and 24 times in terms of viewership (Source: BARC Rating System, 5 English News Channels; 4+ Yrs, All India U+R, Wk 46-49’15).
Mr. Ashish Bagga, Group CEO – India Today Group commented on the ratings saying, “As the undisputed leader, Aaj Tak is not just the torchbearer of society but also of the News industry in India. The channel has always reached great heights and paved the way with its thought leadership initiatives and journalistic excellence. I congratulate the entire team at Aaj Tak for this milestone”.
In addition to Aaj Tak crossing the 100 Million mark, the channel also held the distinction of being the clear No. 1 channel across all important TGs during this period (Source: BARC Rating System, Mkt – HSM (U+R), Period: Wk 46 – 49’ 15, Share %). The channel has been a pioneer by leading with innovativeness and continuously setting new benchmarks, something that is yet to be replicated in the fiercely competitive Hindi News genre.
Apart from BARC rating system Aaj Tak has also been rated high in IRS 2014 and TGI 2014 Wave 2 (alternative survey reports on media consumption ). As per IRS 2014, Individuals, C&S Viewers, Aaj Tak is not just the No. 1 News Channel but is also the 6th most watched channel across genres. As per the report, Aaj Tak is over two times of the next news channels and has a reach of 55.6 Million.
The trend for Aaj Tak is similar as per TGI India 2014, Wave 2 (SEC – AB viewers) which has ranked Aaj Tak as 72 % ahead of next two news channels put together. The finding further goes to place Aaj Tak as more than 6 times of the English News Genre.
The consistency in coverage of Aaj Tak through all key news events has ensured that the channel continues to be the preferred choice for viewers looking for balanced News. Leading with groundbreaking industry firsts and a promise of trust with constant innovation, Aaj Tak continues to reign supreme as the nation’s No. 1 News channel.


Thursday 17 December 2015

&pictures to premiere science fiction adventure thriller ‘2012’

20121&pictures, India’s premium mass Hindi movie channel, is all set to telecast the ultimate science fiction adventure thriller ‘2012’ on Friday, 4th December at 8 PM! The film with the strongest connect to India, depicts the earth shattering catastrophe that brings an end to the world and conveys the heroic struggle of the survivors. Directed by Roland Emmerich (known for Independence Day & Godzilla), ‘2012’ is packed with electrifying action sequences and groundbreaking special effects.
American geologist Adrian Helmsley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) visits astrophysicist Satnam Tsurutani in India and learns that the temperature of the Earth’s core is rapidly increasing. To ensure humanity’s survival, world leaders begin secret preparations by building nine enormous arks, capable of carrying 100,000 people each. When the global disaster finally occurs, failed writer Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) tries to lead his family to safety as the world starts falling apart. Will he be successful?


Most Trusted Brands ranks Mastiii Music as India’s most trusted music channel

The survey was conducted on a nationwide level amongst 10,000+ respondents. In the music genre where there are 16 players looking to compete for the eyeballs including ETC, B4U, Sony Mix, 9XJalwa, B Play, etc. Mastiii has emerged as an unchallenged number 1 and has been declared as the most preferred music destination.
India’s Most Trusted Brand Awards is a distinctive recognition for a brand recognized as, “Most Trusted” in its industry category based on current year marketing standing. Its quantitative qualified consumer survey, expert analysis and attributes based qualitative brand research suggested that Mastiii has been dominating the music genre for over a year now with channel’s unique programming being the differentiating factor.
The channel alone has a relative share of 18.22% with a GRP of 24.34. In a 16 player category Mastiii has established its dominance all over India and continues to set a new benchmark at every stage.
Speaking on this achievement, Manav Dhanda –Group CEO says, “It is a proud moment for us. We have always strived to push the boundaries and be innovators in every endeavor that we set forth. With the bouquet of content that has earned Masti Music channel the laurel of being honored by the “Most Trusted Brands” in the Music Channel Category, we envision more such achievements with every step that SAB Group takes towards the growth of the brand’.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Hemant Kaushik, Founder of India’s Most Trusted Brand Awards said “India’s Most Trusted Brand Awards 2015 salutes all the selected Top 100 Brands of India and has proved to be the most radiant platform which showcased most distinguished personalities and brands of India. We are proud to see SAB group’s channel Mastiii as the leading brand in music. Every business leader wants to grow his brand and India’s Most Trusted Brand Awards 2015 is that platform which is a new dimension in the way they want to grow.”


TrulyMadly now lets you plan a real life date

TrulyMadly1India’s most loved dating app, TrulyMadly today announced the launch of a new feature that allows the app’s users to plan a real life date better. TrulyMadly’s Datelicious is designed to solve the ‘where should we meet’ and ‘what should we order’ questions for couples who have matched and interacted on TrulyMadly app and are planning to meet in real life. The app has tied up with several cafes and restaurants in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune, and is offering specially curated lunch, dinner or coffee date offers at different locations and price points.
Datelicious is currently available on an external website Рhttp://Datelicious.in and will be integrated within the app soon. On the website, TrulyMadly users can browse through restaurants and caf̩s and pick a venue best suited for them. The user can reserve a table for two directly from the website and can avail the offer at the venue by simply flashing the TrulyMadly app to the caf̩ or restaurant staff. All Datelicious offers are for couples only. TrulyMadly is aiming to bring Datelicious to users in other major cities across India.
Hitesh Dhingra, co-founder at TrulyMadly said, “We love it when our users find and match with interesting people on our app and are ready to meet them in real life. Datelicious is a feature directly borne out of our users’ demand, who told us that planning a great first date is often a time consuming and exhausting affair. Through our curated offers at different venues and price points, we want our matched couples to spend great time with each other rather than losing their mind over where to meet and what to order.”
TrulyMadly’s internal research among its users found that nearly half of women in 26-35 years age-group and more than 36% women in the 18-25 years age-group have met at least one match in real life.
TrulyMadly is the first dating app to promote safer online dating through 100% verified profiles.


India is approaching personal assistant app ‘Helpchat’ to plan their wedding this season

Helpchat1As India gets hang of personal concierge services apps, they are rightly utilising them this wedding season. Helpchat, the chat-based personal assistant app that helps you get more things done is receiving an overwhelming response this ‘Wedding Season’. Over 10,000 queries daily are being received regarding wedding planning and related areas. Of all the queries related to wedding, 32% queries are on wedding planners, 26% on venue options and 22% on pre-bridal packages.
Ankur Singla Founder and CEO, Helpchat said, “Assistance is always welcomed and when it comes handy while planning a wedding then nothing like it. We are extremely elated that our platform is receiving great response during wedding season as well. Consumer queries are very diverse and our assistance team is at their disposal.”
About 47% of the request on Helpchat have come from Tier 1 geographies like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. More than 68% of the users belong to the age bracket of 25-35 years of age and almost 55% of them are female. Besides venue and bridal packages queries, the other areas that witnessed queries from included Bridal Make-up artists, Catering and Decoration, Mehendi Artists, Places to get Bridal Jewellery on rent and others like Band Group, Ghodiwala, queries related to wedding outfits etc.


The renowned mobster series ‘Lilyhammer’ hits TV screens on FX and FX HD

Lilyhammer1FX, India’s edgy English entertainment channel is all geared up to bring its audiences to the edge of their seats with the premiere of first episode of much-awaited series Lilyhammer! The series, which originated in Norway, marked Netflix’s first foray into original programming, revolves around Frank, a New York mobster (played by Steven Van Zandt) trying to start a new life in isolated Lillehammer, Norway as part of the Witness Protection Program after testifying against his former mafia associates. For most mob stories that is where the show or movie ends, with someone ratting out the entire Mafia, and the end credits roll with them being placed in Witness Protection. This series takes off where most end.
Frank Tagliano (Van Zandt), a former underboss of the American Mafia, is placed in the Federal Witness Protection Program after testifying in a trial against Aldo Delucci (Thomas Grube), the new Mafia head who had ordered a hit on him after succeeding his recently deceased brother, Sally Boy Delucci. Frank requests that he be relocated to Lillehammer, where he believes no one will look for him. His new identity is Norwegian-American immigrant Giovanni “Johnny” Henriksen. On a train journey from Oslo to Lillehammer, Johnny impresses teacher Sigrid Haugli (Marian Saastad Ottesen), her son Jonas (Mikael Aksnes-Pehrson), and a man who later turns out to be a civil supervisor. However, soon he starts to feel lost in Lillehammer.
Will Frank turn back to his old ‘mobster’ ways or turn over a new leaf in Lillehammer?


Tech Start-up launches an app that helps users report dropped calls in 5 seconds

As it is done currently, reporting a problem like a dropped call or a data connectivity issue involves the time consuming method of calling the customer care centre of the operator and describing the problem. The customer care executives then ask you some details about when and where you faced the problem as well as details about what device and service you were using. Sometimes they send network engineers over to try and diagnose the problem as well. Needless to say, the success rate of solving network problems this way is quite low; and the time it takes for the problem to be solved can be anywhere from a week to 6 months.
RedMango Analytics recognized these issues and have launched an app (Experience.Me) to help users report problems such as call drops within 5 seconds without having to call customer care.
The app is available on both the Google and iOS app stores. Once it is installed, the app works in the background measuring the quality of experience provided to the user throughout the day. If it feels that the user is likely to have experienced a problem, a smart popup appears asking the user to confirm and report the problem.
Apart from reporting a problem, the app also allows the user to measure their experience using a series of automated tests.
Once a user reports the problem, the app automatically collects information about the problem such as time, location & network tower details and sends it immediately to the RedMango servers.
RedMango immediately forwards all problems to the respective operators without revealing your identity. Operators now also have a head start on resolving these issues without bothering users for details. To further help users select the best service provider in the city, RedMango Analytics has also launched a consumer portal (www.mobileindia.me) that has details about mobile experiences captured across over 20 cities across India.
Elaborating on the launch of its services, Umang Shah, Co-Founder & Head-Innovation and Marketing commented, “We want to make it easy for users to report problems with their service so that they do not have to suffer silently. At the same time, we want to help mobile operators resolve these problems so that the consumer experience can be improved. Our Experience.Me platform is designed to do just that.”


HBO lines up the year’s best movies on ‘REWIND 2015’

HBO1With the aim of giving viewers the best of 2015’s Hollywood blockbusters, HBO is showcasing ‘Rewind 2015’ which is a line-up of this year’s best star-studded, action-packed and blockbuster movies.
Catch 2015’s best Hollywood blockbusters on HBO from December 7 to December 31   on Mondays to Thursdays at 9pm
HBO fans can tune-in during the Rewind 2015 campaign to watch larger than life flicks like ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ , ‘ Transformers: Age of Extinction’, ‘Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams’, ‘Ghost Rider’ ‘Riddick’ , ‘Noah’ and the sci-fi blockbuster ‘Interstellar’ to name a few.
This campaign is being promoted on all HBO social media platforms via fun facts, trivia and contests.


It’s a season of wins at Genesis Burson-Marsteller! A leading public relations and public

Awards1It’s a season of wins at Genesis Burson-Marsteller! A leading public relations and public affairs consultancy that delivers integrated communication services to some of the best global and Indian companies, Genesis BM has gathered 14 industry awards this year, recognizing the consultancy’s drive for creative excellence and achievement in measurable results for client campaigns.
A look at the awards tally reveals that Genesis BM has received a total of six Gold awards, two silver and bronze awards each along with three certificates of excellence besides being recognized for individual excellence. Nikhil Dey, President, Genesis Burson-Marsteller, said “This is turning out to be a fantastic year for us. These wins are extremely gratifying because of the range of work we have been recognised for—from technology to corporate, consumer to not-for-profit as well as for our talent. It gives us the satisfaction that our teams across the board are doing really good work and getting recognition for it. This is a testimony to our teams’ focus on strategic thinking, creativity as well as a truly integrated approach.”
List of awards include:
1.       Gold for GE India at 2015 SABRE Awards South Asia in Industrial/ Manufacturing Category – Communications took the initiative in creating platforms to support GE’s advocacy efforts as an industry thought leader championing ‘Make in India’ initiative by the Indian Government
2.       Gold for Ashoka University at 2015 SABRE Awards South Asia in Marketing to Consumers (New Product) Category – The public relations campaign highlighted the importance and relevance of liberal arts in today’s corporate world and built Ashoka’s credibility to establish it as India’s first liberal arts University that was at par with the Ivy League. Using public relations alone, Ashoka drove home the liberal arts message in an impactful way. It was also a Finalist for Platinum SABRE award in Best in Show Category
3.       Gold for Ashoka University at 2015 SABRE Awards Asia Pacific in Marketing to Consumers (New Product) Category, for the same campaign mentioned above
4.       Gold again for Ashoka University & recognized as the World’s Best Public Relations Consumer Campaign at ICCO Global Awards, for the same campaign mentioned above
5.       Gold for L’Oreal Paris India at IPRCC Awards 2015 in Continuous Campaign Category – Genesis BM supported L’Oréal Paris by using public relations to build Cannes as an activation platform for the brand
6.       Gold for SAP India at IPRCC Awards 2015 in Technology Category – The agency helped amplify SAP’s expertise and experience in enabling small and medium sized businesses achieve their technology vision and grow their business
7.       Silver for Education New Zealand at 2015 PRWeek Awards Asia in the Public Affairs Campaign of the Year category – The integrated campaign developed with ENZ’s partners created new ways of engaging with Indian students to study in the country’s institutions. Education New Zealand used a combination of public affairs, public relations, advertising, consumer promotions and digital amplification, to highlight its offerings to the Indian student market.
8.       Silver for Genesis Foundation at IPRCC Awards 2015 in the CSR & Not-For-Profit Category – Music for a Cause is an integrated communication campaign managed by Genesis BM, which includes a series of unique, participative musical events where the high net worth individuals indulge their love for music, while contributing to a cause.
9.       Bronze for Education New Zealand at 2015 PRWeek Awards Asia in the Public Sector Campaign of the Year category, for the same campaign mentioned above
10.   Bronze for GE India at IPRCC Awards 2015 in the Best Use of PR by a Corporate Category –
11.   Certificate of Excellence at 2015 SABRE Awards South Asia for SAP India in the Technology Category
12.   Certificate of Excellence at 2015 SABRE Awards South Asia for Genesis Foundation in the CSR Category
13.   Certificate of Excellence at 2015 SABRE Awards South Asia for Pizza Hut in the Food & Beverage Category
14.   Young Public Relations Professional of the Year – Henna Punjabi, a senior Campaign Manager at Genesis Burson-Marsteller

Thrilling Sunday with ‘Anaconda 3: Offspring’

Anaconda1Keeping up with its endeavor of providing its viewers with fresh and clutter-breaking content, &pictures, India’s premium mass Hindi movie channel will air the spine chilling and adventures Hollywood flick Anaconda 3: Offspring as part of Hollywood Sundays. Premiering for the first time on &pictures, the audience will get a chance to view the horror flick in Hindi on Sunday, December 13th at 12 noon.
Directed by Don E. FauntLeRoy, the third installment of the adventure thriller series – Anacondas 3 : offspring stars John Rhys-Davies, Crystal Allen and David Hasselhoff. It is a film that showcases a hunt for two massive snakes, who escaped from a research facility where their longevity was being studied.
Terminally ill, tycoon Peter Murdoch (John Rhys-Davies)’s secret lab has developed a blood orchid extract cure for the deadly disease and human longevity. To examine its optimum effectiveness, they breed a pair of genetically modified anacondas. The terror begins when both male and female anacondas break free from the lab leaving a bloody trail behind.  Hammett (Hasselhoff) and team are hired to find the snakes and control the damage.
Will the hunters succeed in capturing the pair of lethal snakes?


Mindshare Asia Pacific wins campaign agency of the year

Mindshare1APAC – Mindshare, the global media agency network that is part of WPP, took home the top honors at the annual Campaign Agency of the Year awards last night, after winning 15 agency and 11 people awards over the course of the three ceremonies. This is a coup for the massive media network as they took home gold in Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia and South Asia regions as well as honors in 11 countries including gold in China, Indonesia, India, Singapore and Rest of South Asia for their Bangladesh office.
Commenting on the win Ashutosh Srivastava, Chairman Asia / CEO Emerging Markets Group at Mindshare said, “I am incredibly proud of the team and the excellent work that we have done right across the region.  Winning the top honor is always incredibly exciting, but having the breadth of wins stretching across 11 of the 17 country / country groups that Campaign evaluates is simply remarkable and a testament to the power of our unique network.”
They also took home silver in Thailand and Vietnam, as well as Japan for both media and digital agency. In addition, they won bronzes in Malaysia and Philippines for media, as well as digital agency of the year for Rest of South Asia thanks to their Sri Lanka office.
The agency attributes their ability to both win and retain clients to their doubling down on training strategists, moving to an adaptive planning process, and making massive investments in real time marketing hubs and dashboards in nearly all of their markets.
Having taken home over 300 awards in 2015, these awards represent the highlight in what has been an outstanding year for Mindshare.


Gaurav Mehta, CMO, OLX South Asia honored with“Marketer of the Year Award”

Indian Marketing Awards recognize how marketing is critical for organic growth of a business and plays a central role in creating, communicating, capturing and sustaining value for an organization. This award acknowledges Gaurav’s leadership and commitment which has led the company to achieve various milestones in its journey in India.  It is under his deep experience and understanding of the Indian market that has led the brand to witness a healthy growth over the years.
Accepting this award Gaurav said, “It is an absolute honor to be recognized by one of the reputed names in the Indian marketing industry. I am extremely thankful to all our trade partners & customers who are associated with us as well as my entire team as without their support and commitment; it wouldn’t have been possible to receive this award. I consider this accomplishment a team effort and dedicate this award to each one of them. It is certainly reassuring that we as a company are progressing on the right path and this milestone will further strengthen the faith our customers have in us.”
Gaurav was one of the first few employees to have joined OLX and led marketing initiatives on its way to becoming India’s largest marketplace for used goods. Through his experience and vision he made the audience believe in the brand’s message making OLX synonymous with selling in India. Apart from India, he is also spearheading the company’s marketing initiatives in other emerging markets of South Asia.  It is under his leadership that OLX emerged as India’s only online classifieds to be on the top ten searched terms by Google Zeitgeist 2013 & 2014.

Win to watch your favorite WWE Superstars LIVE in Delhi

live1Not everyone gets an opportunity to watch their WWE Superstars Live… But Zee Cinema is making it possible for some of its lucky viewers! The world’s largest movie theatre for Hindi movies that is known for its clutter breaking programming is all set to give its loyal audience an opportunity of a lifetime. Recognizing the adulation and fan-following for WWE, the channel hosts a weekly edition of ‘Action Mania’ every Sunday at 6.30 PM and will run a special ‘WWE Live India Contest’ during the Action Mania episodes airing on December 20th and December 27th 2015 on Zee Cinema.
WWE Live India Event Contest is an on-air contest which will give the audience a chance to witness the WWE Live India held on January 15 & 16, 2016 in Delhi. All they have to do is watch Action Mania on Sunday, 20th and 27th December and answer 2 simple questions that feature in each episode correctly. To bring the masti and magic alive for its patrons, the channel will fulfil the dream of 15 lucky winners and give them a chance to catch all the adrenaline pumping action in the presence of their favorite superstars.
Speaking about the exciting contest, Ruchir Tiwari, Business Head, Hindi Movie Channels, ZEEL says, “Zee Cinema aims at providing cutting-edge content and adhering to our brand promise of Masti.Movies.Magic, we have introduced one of our top rated properties Action Mania this year. With the new-year kicking in, we are thrilled to give audiences a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With the high level of enthusiasm for WWE, we are expecting good participation from audiences.”
 

The November Man premieres on HBO

Five years into his retirement, CIA veteran Peter Devereaux is pulled back into service to help retrieve a Russian agent — also his former lover — who has incriminating evidence on Federov, a corrupt Russian leader. When a different CIA team, led by Devereaux’s former protege  shows up, the mission goes south and Devereaux’s ex-lover is killed. Now a rogue agent, Devereaux drags a relief worker  along on his mission to settle the score.
“The November Man’’ starring Pierce Brosnan and  Olga Kurvlenko is directed by Roger Donaldson.
This campaign is being promoted on all HBO social media platforms via fun facts, trivia and contests.


Pogo channels launches its new series ‘Wabbit’ – A Looney Toons Production

Wabbit1The hilarious, heroic and mischievous Bugs Bunny you love is back. POGO Channel announces the launch of its new series ‘Wabbit’ starring your favourite Bugs Bunny in the lead. The Looney Toons Production will showcase the carrot loving rabbit’s hilarious doings, along with his classic buddies, Yosemite Sam and Wile E. Coyote. Starting 19th December 2015 at 10:00AM only on POGO is all set on an adventure ride.
This is not it! The series introduces fun-filled new characters, Big Foot and Squeaks the Squirrel to name a few; new foes in the form of barbarians, ninjas and terminators to excite this spin-off. The 10-episode series is a drama packed structure launched to highlight the Bugs Bunny craze that exists not only within the children, but young adults in the country too.
Each episode of Wabbit will lead to a promising story, character build up and stomach tickles for the audience. Bugs Bunny and his friends are all set to star back on POGO Channel this December onwards. Stay tuned for his wits, tricks and carrots. That’s all folks!


&picture premieres Main Tera Hero

Terahero1&pictures, India’s premium mass Hindi movie channel, as a part of its brand campaign ‘Naye India Ka blockbuster movie channel’ is all set to telecast ‘Main Tera Hero’ starring dashing Varun Dhawan along with two beautiful ladies of Bollywood  Ileana D’Cruz and Nargis Fakhri on Saturday, 19th December at 8 PM.
Known to keep the laughter alive, David Dhawan directed Main Tera Hero is a remake of the 2011, Telugu film Kandireega. With vibrant foot-tapping dance and party numbers like Beshrami Ki Height and Phalat Tera Hero Idhar Hai, ‘Main Tera Hero’ is a refreshing fun movie.
The story revolves around Sreenath Prasad aka Seenu (Varun Dhawan), a notorious boy from Ooty. When he moves to TIFT, a college in Bangalore to pursue his higher education, he falls in love with the pretty girl next door Sunayna (Ileana D’Cruz). Sunayna however, has been bullied and manipulated in agreeing to marry Angad Negi (Arunoday Singh) a powerful police officer with sever anger issues.  The perfect blend of being cool, energetic and a great dancer, Seenu finally woos her in his filmi style and Sunayna too develops feelings for him but is silent due to Angad.
All hell breaks loose when Sunayna is kidnapped by a gangster named Vikrant (Anupam Kher) and taken to Bangkok. In a shocking revelation, Angad tells Seenu that the gangster is Ayesha’s (Nargis Fakhri) father, a girl he once rescued from some goons. Convinced that Seenu is her Prince charming, Ayesha tells her father about him. Vikrant kidnaps Sunayna to get Seenu to marry Ayesha and Seenu agrees breaking Sunayna’s heart.
What happens next is a series of rib-tickling comic situations coupled with emotional moments that will keep you thoroughly entertained!


Win to watch your favorite WWE Superstars LIVE in Delhi

live1Not everyone gets an opportunity to watch their WWE Superstars Live… But Zee Cinema is making it possible for some of its lucky viewers! The world’s largest movie theatre for Hindi movies that is known for its clutter breaking programming is all set to give its loyal audience an opportunity of a lifetime. Recognizing the adulation and fan-following for WWE, the channel hosts a weekly edition of ‘Action Mania’ every Sunday at 6.30 PM and will run a special ‘WWE Live India Contest’ during the Action Mania episodes airing on December 20th and December 27th 2015 on Zee Cinema.
WWE Live India Event Contest is an on-air contest which will give the audience a chance to witness the WWE Live India held on January 15 & 16, 2016 in Delhi. All they have to do is watch Action Mania on Sunday, 20th and 27th December and answer 2 simple questions that feature in each episode correctly. To bring the masti and magic alive for its patrons, the channel will fulfil the dream of 15 lucky winners and give them a chance to catch all the adrenaline pumping action in the presence of their favorite superstars.
Speaking about the exciting contest, Ruchir Tiwari, Business Head, Hindi Movie Channels, ZEEL says, “Zee Cinema aims at providing cutting-edge content and adhering to our brand promise of Masti.Movies.Magic, we have introduced one of our top rated properties Action Mania this year. With the new-year kicking in, we are thrilled to give audiences a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With the high level of enthusiasm for WWE, we are expecting good participation from audiences.”