Ten thousand, five hundred athletes. Three hundred and two events in twenty eight sports, twenty one thousand eight hundred and eighty one torchbearers; All moving towards the same dream of making their country proud at the world’s largest sporting event: the Olympics. This year, TIMES NOW has introduced several initiatives to capture the spirit of the 29th Olympiad.
One of the key initiatives taken by TIMES NOW is to launch a focused show hosted by Charu Sharma on the 2008 Olympics – ‘GoldFest’. Expressing his enthusiasm, Charu Sharma said, “The Olympics is the mecca of all sport, and as a sports buff I couldn’t have asked for anything more. TIMES NOW’s initiative for comprehensive coverage of the Olympics ensures that Beijing Games receive the attention and prominence they deserve. Along with that, the analysis by our experts help in giving an all round perspective.”
The show reflects the nail biting excitement that surrounds the sporting event with reports from the venue,analysis by guests like former athletics star Ashwani Nachappa and world renowned shooter Morad Ali Khan, interviews with the Indian contingents, Olympics trivia, moments of the day and lots more. The show also offers the viewers a chance to exhibit their enthusiasm by participating in various quizzes and contest related to the current and past Olympiad Games. ‘Goldfest’ kicks off on August 7 and will be aired every night at 10:30 pm till the end of the Olympics, August 24.
Speaking on the unique initiative to provide comprehensive coverage of the Olympics, Arnab Goswami, Editor-in-Chief, TIMES NOW said, “As a channel, we have always given precedence to an event that impacts our audiences, irrespective of whether it is being held in India or elsewhere. The 2008 Olympics is a benchmark in history and with a prominent Indian presence at the games this year, TIMES NOW viewers have an opportunity to catch all the action from Beijing.”
TIMES NOW will also host an Olympics special in its comprehensive sports show ‘The Game’ with Boria Majumdar and incorporate regular updates on the Olympics as a part of their daily news bulletins to keep the viewers constantly updated about the latest happenings. Commenting on his involvement with TIMES NOW, Boria Majumdar said, “Olympics is the biggest spectacle in the world and I am really excited that it is taking place in Asia after such a long time. I truly appreciate TIMES NOW’s initiative for giving attention to a significant global event in a country that has focused entirely on cricket.”
So Tune into TIMES NOW to catch all the news, action and excitement of the 2008 Olympics.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
TIMES NOW brings the Battle in Beijing to your living rooms!!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
TIMES NOW announces the launch of 'No Full Stops'
Have you ever felt the need to relax your mind but didn’t know how? Have you ever looked for ways to stay fit but didn’t know where to start? Hold on! ‘No Full Stops’, a new wellness show by TIMES NOW is the answer to all your questions. In the fast paced world of today, every person is under pressure to perform better. At this juncture, we require simpler ways to access happiness and satisfaction in life. ‘No Full Stops!’ is the right medium which gives us solutions on how to cope with everyday stress. It helps one live life in a better way by enjoying good health through different forms like dance, games, yoga, martial arts and others.
With an energetic and refreshingly charming anchor, Teejay Sidhu doing the honours, the show couldn’t be better. The anchor, who is a graduate from the University of British Columbia doesn’t drink or smoke and gets her relaxation from meditation and praying. The show adds a new dimension to the life of an urbane viewer. This show is also for people, who want to live a positive lifestyle, by adopting health tips and insights to experience a feel good factor in them. Many feel intimidated, to go to a spa or a gym or they don’t have the time to go, this show is the right place for them.
The show ‘No Full Stops!’ Is a 13 - part series, one- stop show on wellness for the young, busy and the bored. The show is meant for everyone, who wishes to break away from the monotony of life and indulge in pampering oneself through ‘accessible wellness, something which everyone can incorporate in the daily humdrum of existence. People would halt, sit back and feel this is a show finally, which would cater to their interest level and urge them to feel better about themselves. Arnab Goswami, Editor – in chief, TIMES NOW says,’Wellness is not just a state of mind today, but contemporary India wants to know more about it. ‘No Full Stops’ is just a step towards that. The show will arm the people with tips to achieve wellness amongst the not so good situation in todays life’ The show emphasizes and takes one through ways of de-stressing oneself, balancing ones physical, mental and spiritual needs and areas that are integral to looking after oneself. The viewer here have their choice, can identify a wellbeing issue and find a range of solutions given to it.
Every episode of the show, ‘No Full Stops!’ delves into something diverse and fresh. Episode 1 takes one through the world of dance which could do wonders to unwind and relax the mind and body. It also gives tips on how a little bit of fun could go a long way in adding spunk to ones mundane routine. The show promises to be youthful and full of energy.
The show thus gives a holistic approach to physical, mental and spiritual wellness. Every episode aims to bring a difference in people’s life. So tune into TIMES NOW, to give your life a new twist and get a weekly dose of health tips and insights to make a real difference in your life. The show will be shown on Saturdays at 7.30 PM and on Sunday at 12.30 and 6.30 PM..
Friday, May 30, 2008
Star Gold honors the 'Baadshahs of Comedy' of India Cinema
A month of non-stop fun and masti, loads of rib tickling comedy, blockbuster movies, insights on some of all time favourite stars with comic excellence, hilarious gags, favourite comic scenes and much more!. Vodafone Comedy Honors 2008 culminated with a grand finale event on Friday May 16th 2008 where Star Gold paid a tribute to comic excellence in Indian cinema and felicitated some of the finest comic talent from Bollywood. The honorees in each category were selected by a special advisory panel comprising of reputed filmmakers of the Indian film industry including Satish Kaushik, Nagesh Kukunoor and Vashu Bhagnani.
And the award goes to...
Honor for Lifetime achievement award - Rishi Kapoor
Performer with All round comic excellence - Anil Kapoor
Actor with comic excellence - Jaaved Jaaferi
Actress with comic excellence - Raveena Tandon
Director with comic excellence - Aneez Bazmee
Rising actor with comic excellence - Vinay Pathak
Hrishikesh Mukherjee Socially relevant comedy film - Krazzy 4
Speaking at the event, Mr. Prem Kamath, Vice President –Marketing and Communication, Star India Pvt Ltd., said, "Comedy genre has contributed a lot in the growth of Hindi film industry in the past decade. Understanding the pool of comic talent Bollywood has to offer, we introduced Vodafone Comedy Honors, a pioneering initiative from Star Gold to salute the stars and honor the personalities who have contributed in bringing a smile on everyone's face through their comic performances in the Indian Cinema. This season too we have paid due recognition to all the comic talent."
The Star Gold Comedy Honors 2008 grand finale was hosted by versatile and talented actor Jaaved Jaaferi interspersed with gags by Swapnil Joshi and Sunil Grover. The show kick started with a nostalgic performance by Jaaved Jaaferi performing on his chartbuster songs over the years, from Meri Jung to the recent blockbuster Dhamaal. The audiences were also entertained by svelte and suave Lara Dutta's performance on sizzling numbers including Aisa jaadoo daala, You are My love, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. That's not all; her performance become even more interesting and lively when comic icons like Munnabhai, Baburao and Circuit also shook a leg with her.
Adding to the excitement, the sultry Sameera Reddy paid a tribute to charming and versatile actress Raveena Tandon for her immense contribution to the Indian Film Industry. Sameera performed on some of Raveena's chartbusters like Yeh Raat (Aks), Kissi Disco mein Jaayen( Bade Miyan Chote Miyan), Shehar ki ladki, (Rakshak) Akhiyon se goli maare, (Dulhe Raja). Last but not the least Tushar Kapoor performed on the songs of his favourite stars from Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Jeetendra to Mithun Chakraborty!
Leading to the on-air telecast of Vodafone Comedy Honors 2008 Grand Finale, Star Gold continues to give its viewers a dose of round the clock comedy with Salaam-e-Comedy every Monday–Friday at 8.30 pm. Beginning June 1 - June 7, viewers can also look forward to Hasee ka Hafta– round the clock hungama of blockbuster comic movies throughout the day along with compilation of 101 greatest comic scenes from Indian cinema.
So get ready for a fun filled ride of laughter and entertainment as STAR Gold presents the Vodafone Comedy Honors 2008!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Naye Parivaar Ki Nayi Lehar STAR Parivaar Awards
It's that time of the year again when avid Star Plus viewers vote for their favourite characters. The Star Parivaar Awards is much more than just a television event. It's a platform for our viewers to let us know which television characters influence their lives and who they watch without fail.
Established in 2002, the STAR Parivaar Awards has grown from strength to strength in the last five years and has been consistently appreciated for its novel, fun-filled and entertaining acts. The STAR bahus, pitas, betas, bhais, bhabhis et al perform under one roof at the most prestigious event of the year.
This unique awards spectacle, only for the popular characters on Star Plus, was instituted to recognise the appreciation of the TV viewers by providing them a platform to choose their most loved characters on small screen. Each year, the response to this event has been nothing short of astounding and appreciative.
Living up to the audiences' expectations, this years' STAR Parivaar Awards promises to be grander than ever before with innovative performances as the old Parivaar characters make way for the new characters.
Viewers will get to see power packed performances by their favourite characters from Baa Bahu Aur Baby, Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Bidaai, Grahasti, Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil, Sachin-Supriya; Hussain-Tina; Aamir-Sanjeeda, the three winning Nach Baliye Jodis among many other more. The Star Parivaar Awards is loaded with fun and laughter and shows why and how these characters are so popular and everybody's favourite.
To vote for their favorite STAR Parivaar stars, viewers need to
Sms SPA to 57827
Reliance mobile users dial 51234 and say "Star Parivaar"
Landline users dial 1 862 888 3333 followed by the favorite nominee voting ID
STAR Parivaar Nominations (with voting IDs)
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Favourite Buzurg - (only open for SMS voting and not for landline )
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Favourite Saas
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Favourite Naya Sadasya (Female)
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Favourite Naya Sadasya (Male)
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Favorite Jodi
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Favorite Yogya Jodi
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Favourite Beta
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Favourite Beti
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Favourite Pati
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Favourite Patni
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Favourite Khalnayak
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Favorite Bahu
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Start voting for your favourite nominees to make them the winners of STAR Parivaar Awards this year¦
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
A Recap of 2007 Television
Even a decade ago, no one could have thought of writing an annual sum-up article on the television industry, which was limited to a Doordarshan and the odd Zee TV and Star World. Not only was acting in television industry considered to be the last resort of a wannabe star, but also like an old-age home for ageing, almost-retired stars.
Today not only are reams of newsprint used to let everyone know about the goings-on in the industry, you even have television production companies listed on the bourses. The year 2007 only contributed to making the position of the television industry stronger in India. New channels were launched, senior executives were poached from competitor channels and innumerable makeovers and transformations happened.
Here's a recap of what happened in the big world of the small screen.
The Return of Reality Shows:
That is what Sa Re Ga Ma Pa managed to do in 2007. So much was the interest generated in this reality show that the audience preferred watching it over Kyun Ki…a serial that has been on top of the TRP charts for the last six years! But what was different in this year's shows that helped it overcome 'epics' like Kyun Ki? Nothing - except the fact that there was an overdose of them. If Zee had Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Star came up with Voice of India, not to forget Indian Idol from Sony, which meant, even if you wanted to watch something else, you had little option but to lend your attention to these shows. Plus, there is also no denying the fact that the quality of singing improved amongst the contestants, thereby leading to more interest.
Last, but definitely not the least, the cell phone companies and other sponsors also let loose their purse strings to ensure enough publicity and media hype over the contestants. With the Chhote Ustaads also in play now, very soon you will see parents wanting their kids to become singers akin to the craze of becoming cricketers today!
The unnatural death of serials:
Take Kulvadhu for instance. Launched amidst a lot of hype and hoopla and armed with biggies like Milind Gunanji, Kitu Gidwani, Kulvadhu was Anuj Saxena's (Maverik Productions) first television venture. But it died an unnatural death due to low TRPs. Same was the story for Rishton Ki Dor, Kabhi To Nazar Milao, Durgesh Nandini, Aisa Desh Hain Mera, Resham Dankh, Twinkle Beauty Parlour, Jeete Hain Jiske Liye – all of them launched with an army of promotional salvos, but failed when it came to standing the test of time. A weak script was the culprit in most of the cases. The Indian television audience, it seems, is tired of the run-of-the-mill family dramas and want something different.
Guess it's time television producers, like their Bollywood counterparts, need to get more creative and think out better storylines. They need to look at a Naya Office Office or Baa, Bahoo Aur Baby to hit the bulls eye.
New channels on the block:
The year 2007 saw channels like 9x, Bindaas, Zee Next and NDTV Imagine as the big ticket launches. While the general entertainment channel 9X (promoted by ex-STAR head honcho Peter Mukherjea's wife Indrani Mukherjea) is the latest kid to hit the block, all the others are specialized channels with a niche market. With so many channels aiming at various niche markets, one wonders whether the consolidation movement going on in the other industries (airlines, pharma etc) will start raising its head here as well. The year also saw many head honchos of television channels changing sides for greener prospects. Balaji creative whizkid Sandeep Sickand left Ekta Kapoor to join Sony, only to quit after few months. Sameer Nair, COO of Star TV India put in his papers to move on to greener pastures. Ditto for Peter Mukherjea, the man responsible for the stupendous success of Star channels in the subcontinent.
Mega Makevers:
If this was not enough, Balaji also replaced Cezanne Khan (as Anurag Basu) in its prime time serial Kasauti Zindagi Ki with Balaji loyal and Kyun Ki star Hiten Tejwani. With Hiten's popularity as Karan skyrocketing every day, acceptance in his new role was much smoother than Gautami Gadgil's. Kasauti also saw another replacement in the form of Vikas Sethi, replacing Manoj Bohra, who shot to fame with his role of Prem in the same serial.
But why suddenly so many changes in the cast? And why are people like Smriti Irani and Manoj Bohra who were comfortable in their roles and have cemented their positions opt to move ahead? Reasons vary from fights with producers to the quest for making it bigger. While Irani quit Kyunki due to a combination of both factors, Bohra quit purely because of a tiff with the producer. Ditto for Cezzanne Khan, who had infamous on and off set fights with Shweta Tiwari (Prerna).
Shows which are doing well in recent times are Chhoona Hai Aasmaan, Dill Mil Gayye, Mere Apne and ofcourse the reality shows. So what are we looking forward to in the year to come? More competition to Balaji, definitely, now that Smriti Irani's production house is providing serials to the newly-launched 9X. Also, with NDTV's foray into the entertainment world, Star and Times would be facing more competition. But whatever happens, the winner in all cases is the viewer!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Actors Sandeep Bhansali and Shweta Shinde tie the knot!
It's now time to add on to this list, as actors Sandeep Bhansali and Shweta Shinde tied the knot recently in Pune. The duo who had intended to keep their love-life under wraps for a while, had talked about their wedding plans only recently. The marriage was just a family affair attended by close friends and family. The duo will be seen together early next year in a Marathi film, 'Mohini'. As of now, Sandeep is busy with Woh Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki, Raavan, while Shweta is in Parivaar and a Marathi serial..
Wishing the newly-wed couple a fabulous life ahead!!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The weepy bahu
Kirti Guckwad is happy to be back. The actress. who took a sabbatical after Saat Phere (where she played the lead actor's evil wife) is now in Sahara One's Solah Singarn Gaekwad would like to experiment with various genres."I've done episodies like Siddhanth and Hotel Kingston. They were fun. But in a longdrawn soap, I guess I have to be the weepy bahu," she says.
Delnaazz is a serious person
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| Delnaazz (TOI Photo) |
“As a child I always wanted to wear sarees, wear heels, put on makeup. Kids like to overdress. And now I have got that chance,” she says. Delnaazz is referring to her role in Mere Apne on 9X where she plays a character, who is very filmi. “She watches a particular person and wants to copy him or her. Even something very serious she tends to take very lightly and equate it with some film character,” says Delnaazz, who has herself put together the look for her character.
She’s happy with the final outcome. “Even though my character’s look is supposed to be loud, I’ve taken care that it’s not garish. We’ve taken utmost care about every little thing from earrings to bindis. There’s also this little flower that I wear on the side to complete the look for this flowery character,” she says.
The actress in the past has been aversive to daily soaps and always preferred weekly shows. “But in this case it’s absolutely fine. Even though it’s a daily, it’s not so hectic. There’s a bank of episodes. It’s well organised,” she says.
Acting with Vinod Khanna in the show has been a pleasure. “I’ve always adored his looks and personality. He’s very sweet, down-to earth and jovial.”Delnaazz has always played comic characters in TV shows and films. But, the fact is in real life she’s quite a serious person.“Based on my onscreen roles, people feel I may be quite frivolous in real life. But that’s not the case. I’m very intense and quite serious. I look at situations seriously.”Doesn’t she miss playing a serious character? “On screen because I have the flair for comedy, I’ve always been offered comedy roles. But I’d love to do serious roles as well. Why not? As an actor one should experience everything.”
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Star Gold announces Sabse Favorite Kaun
For the past four years, Star Gold has given the opportunity to the viewers for selecting their favorites in the Bollywood industry. It is the biggest and only opinion poll to choose the bollywood stars. Idea Sabse Favourite Kaun is “Pure Fan Power” and is all set to rock the Bollywood Industry this November. Acting or dancing skills does not account here, but what matters is how popular the star is among the public. It’s once again time to choose your favorites. Star Gold has now announced its 5th edition of “Sabse Favourite Kaun” with a brand new look, winning attitude and hosts who will strike for the first time on Indian Television. And the nominations are:
Adding to the excitement, Idea Sabsey Favourite Kaun 2008 captures the emotions of the audiences not only in India, but also across the globe as Bollywood fanatics from Middle East, South East Asia, US, UK, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia and New Zealand too can vote for their favourite superstar. With the scale of the exercise this year being unprecedented, a special Sabsey Favourite Fan Van will campaign across the country in a bid to choose their favourite stars.
SFK not only rewards the bollywood stars, but also the fans. The fan who votes the maximum gets the opportunity to rub shoulder with their favourite stars in the grand finale. And to get this treat, all you need to do is start voting for your favourite stars looking at the nominations.
Sabsey Favourite Hero Sabsey Favourite Heroine Sabsey Favourite Naya Hero Sabsey Favourite Naya Heroine Sabsey Favourite Comic Hero Sabsey Favourite Film 
All the fans can vote through the following five options:
SMS ‘SFK’ to 57827
Mobile users can dial -------------- and record their vote
BSNL mobile users can dial and record their vote
BSNL/MTNL landline users can dial 1904 424 3333 followed by their favourite star’s code as shown on Star Gold
Log on to www.indya.com and keep the poll meter ticking
Watch out for Idea Sabsey Favourite Kaun this year as it whips up frenzy amongst the Bollywood fans who will become a part of the One and Only Mega Opinion Poll and determine the popularity of Bollywood Stars!