NILADRI KUMAR CURATES STAY UPROOTED NATIONAL TOUR IN ODE OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE GIRL CHILD

NILADRI KUMAR TO PLAY ON HIS 100 YEAR OLD SITAR FOR ONE LAST TIME BEFORE IT’S AUCTIONED FOR A CAUSE

MUMBAI FIRST PIT STOP, BENGALURU, PUNE, CHENNAI, NAGALAND,  TO FOLLOW

An internationally acclaimed and world-renowned global icon to reckon with, 41 year old music maverick, Niladri Kumar who is additionally celebrated as the inventor of the Zitar (Electric Sitar) has announced his 2015-2016 National Tour. The tour is being promoted by Mangal Entertainment in association with MiH Creation. The debut showcase will be held in Mumbai at Shanmukhanda Hall on 30th October 2015 at 7:30 p.m. followed by the other metros in 2016. Joining the Sitar/Zitar maestro on stage for the Mumbai edition will be ace percussionist Taufiq Qureshi, Padma Shri Vijay Ghate on tabla, playback singer and virtuoso guitarist Rashid Ali along with bassist Sheldon DSilva and Prince Mulla on keys.  

'Stay UPRooted' in its Mumbai edition celebrates the International Year Of The Girl Child.  Niladri Kumar in association with the NGO Vision Rescue (through its Social Group ‘ExploreYou’) and music director Arjun Nair have taken up a 30 day challenge to musically empower a group of 12 girls who have showcased aptitude for music, from the Vasai Orphanage in Mumbai. In their one month challenge they shall train the children and these select talents shall perform and share the stage with the maestros. In each city ExploreYou and team will train such talented kids and funds are being raised to support their musical journey. One child from the Nagaland Training has already shown prodigious talent and after learning in Chennai is now being funded for higher education at ICOM Malaysia. The concept of 'Stay UPRooted' stems from the need of the hour, where one finds a way to carve a bold balance between the modern trends still keeping solid the traditional roots. 

Niladri Kumar states, “At present these children have an idenity of being orphans. Music holds such importance that it can transform this identity. The one’s who are blessed with it gain a new identity of now being called a kalakar. Music has the capapcity of being a true and genuine friend and it gives me great joy to see these kids find this friend and enjoy a different outlook that allows them to explore another dimension of their own.“ 

Earlier this month, Niladri Kumar released “Head To The Heart", a first of its kind edgy instrumental number that featured Rashid Ali on the acoustic guitar.The single marked the debut showcase of the seamless integration of an acoustic instrument with an electric one giving fans a sense of exhilaration. The video was shot at Niladri Kumar’s brand new upcoming all day diner ‘Zitar’ at Oshiwara Andheri, which is slated to open towards year-end.

On the 30^th Of October, Stay UPRooted brings to you a unique first of its kind music journey where “tradition meets innovation”. For the FIRST TIME Niladri Kumar will be seen essaying his expedition on all three insruments - The most traditional Surbahar,  followed by the Sitar and then the Zitar. The audience can expect something in store for all age groups and it is surely an evening where one can lose and find themselves, through the music. 

The legendary player will be auctioning his FIRST ADULT SITAR approximately 100 years old, which is of a Makhanlal make, one of the oldest Sitar makers before the Hiren Roy era. His soundscape & direction into the field kickstarted with this Sitar, marking his musical expedition. Starting from age 8 to age 14 Niladri Kumar used this Sitar before he moved onto his next. A specially curated auction to raise funds for the cause shall be announced soon.

Niladri Kumar adds, “This is my first adult Sitar so I have a very emotional connect with it. It has been musically tuned to my requisite and on 30th I shall be playing one last piece on it, before I part ways with her. This Sitar has been my everything. It's the closest part of me and my journey on this Sitar is what earmarked my path till today. The Sitar is simple, clean, like the Vilayat Khan style of Sitar and the sound it produces is phenomenal.  As we take up this cause today, of teaching music to the underprivileged who show an aptitude & excellence in the field who we can  groom forward, my journey of music started with this Sitar & I hope their journey starts with it too.”

Tickets are available on www.bookmyshow.com. Prices start Rs. 200/- onwards and go upto Rs. 3,000/-

ABOUT NILADRI KUMAR

Kumar’s musical catalogue besides honing a body of work of more than 10 independent albums, also extends beyond his vast knowledge in Indian classical music, with his magical fingers making a mark in Bollywood as well, with his resplendent preludes and interludes in popular tracks like Crazy Kiya Re, Sun Raha Hai, Aashique 2, Baahubali, Bunty Aur Babli, Desi Boyz, Chup Chup Ke and so on. 

Kumar has received much acclaim over the years. Along with receiving various awards, most significantly, he won the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for ‘Hindustani Instrumental Music’ in 2007. It is the highest accolade for any practicing artist.  Coming from a long lineage of great sitar masters, Kumar will continue producing some electrifying music. His fusion style appeals to all generations, young and old as he calls it “The Age Un-Gap” His genius sounds will inevitably take Indian music to heights that his predecessors could never have imagined.

Love Is Complicated.. But it's worth it... Girish Kumar & Navneet Dhillon's Contemporary Romance in ‘Loveshhuda’

As urban, contemporary romances go, Girish Kumar & Navneet Dhillon’s forthcoming film ‘Loveshhuda’ promises to be an entertaining watch!

In today’s times, when distance, career & everyday challenges redefine love, ‘Loveshhuda’ focuses on the relationship between two young people at three different points of their life. What’s more, they also meet in different and beautiful places- London, Mauritius & Shimla. Girish Kumar, whose debut film ‘Ramaiya Vastavaiya’ was very well received, will be seen in an urbane character this time.

Intriguing & entertaining, ‘Loveshhuda’ is directed by Vaibhav Misra, and produced by Vijay Galani. Describing the chemistry of his leading pair, Vaibhav said, “It’s a romantic & drama rolled into one & both Girish & Navneet lend themselves perfectly to their contemporary roles.” Producer Vijay Galani adds, “With ‘Loveshhuda’, we have focused on telling a love story that suits present times & the chances that today’s generation takes. With Tips Music backing us, ‘Loveshhuda’s music is bound to work wonders.”

Mithoon has composed Mar Jaayen the 1st track from the film’s soundtrack, which releases today, Sayeed Quadri has penned the lyrics for this romantic song & sung by Atif Aslam, known for his soulful romantic songs.


‘Loveshhuda’ will release on 15 January 2016. The first track of the film, Mar Jaayen sung by Atif Aslam is out now.

Friday Cine Entertainment Pvt. Ltd‘s “Ishq Forever” to release on 15th January 2016!!

Friday Cine Entertainment Pvt. Ltd‘s romantic comedy “Ishq Forever” starring an ensemble cast of renowned acting talents as well as fresh new faces is all set to release on 15th January 2016.

Produced by Ajay Shah, Himanshu Gandhi & Shabeer Boxwala, Ishq Forever is directed by Sameer Sippy, introducing Krishna and stars Ruhi Singh, Lisa Ray , Zakir Hussain , Chetan Pandit, Sonal Jha, Arif Zakaria , Gurpreet Singh, Kuljeet Kaur , Sachin Parikh, Denzil Smith , Mahesh Balrajand Javed Jafferi, backed by special appearances by Raza Murad and Sharat Saxena. Written by Shabeer Boxwala, Ishq Forever has music by Nadeem Saifi and Lyrics by Sameer.

‘Ishq Forever’ is a breezy rom-com in the traditions of ‘It Happened One Night’& ‘Dil Hai ki Manta Nahi’ etc. It revolves around a duo who meet in un-common circumstances, are bundled together by a nudge of destiny & are forced to undertake a journey that not only challenges their idea of themselves but in the process bringing them face to face with the force of nature called ‘Love’. 

Shot in the stunning back drop of South Africa,the story moves from the Scenic city of Hermanus through the breath taking Garden Route to the thriving buzzing city of Cape Town to culminate in a fresh new landscape where the climax unfolds.

The romantic comedy will showcase stunning visuals, where the two largest oceans of the world meet, never seen on Indian screens before providing the film a colorful & vibrant climax!!

‘Ishq forever’ is a true-blue Rom-com that will induce fuzzy eyed laughter along with gently tickling romance. 

So catch the cast in theaters on 15th January, 2016 on this romantic Journey that tugs at your heartstrings making you want to fall in love…… all over again!

STAR WARS LIGHTSABER CHALLENGE KICKSTARTS IN MUMBAI, TO BE FOLLOWED BY OTHER CITIES ACROSS INDIA!!

There are few, if any, movies in history that can claim to have an iconic status similar to that of Star Wars. With the movie - Star Wars: The Force Awakens all set to hit cinemas this Christmas on 25th December 2015 in India, the makers of the film are leaving no stone unturned to make the film the biggest Hollywood franchise ever!

A most special event - Star Wars Lightsaber Challenge took place in Mumbai with fans to mark the launch of Lightsabers, the most iconic symbols of the Star Wars saga in the country. The Star Wars Lightsaber Challenge gave Star Wars admirers with an experience like never before as they participate and master the Jedi moves themselves. Fans were in for a treat as Darth Vader, one of the most popular villains to ever haunt an audience's dreams and Stormtroopers, the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire made an appearance before Indian fans for the very first time as a part of the Challenge!

This was the first time that Indian fans were able to experience being a part of the Star Wars saga and this experience will be extended to more fans across the country as the Lightsaber Challenge travels to other major cities including Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune. 

Amrita Pandey, VP and Head of Marketing and Distribution, Studios, Disney India said,  “Star Wars is one of the most loved franchises and Lightsabers are an iconic symbol of the film. It is truly an epic moment for us to have this mega launch for the Star Wars Lightsabers. For the first time in India, the Star Wars franchise icons Darth Vader and Stormtroopers are making an appearance. What’s even more exciting is that the launch will be followed by the Star Wars Light Saber Challenge, which is another fun and immersive activation around the film. We will be taking this epic event to some of the key cities in the country in order to whet the appetite of ardent movie lovers to experience the aura of Star Wars!,” says Amrita Pandey, VP and Head of Marketing and Distribution, Studios, Disney India. “To bring alive the Star Wars universe with the vast galaxy of memorable experiences and epic storylines, we've also brought in the Star Wars: Battle Pod in the country. The Pod immerses players in the excitement of epic Star Wars battles and puts that level of fun and control in the hands of the fans”, she added.

And there is more – the much talked about Star Wars: Battle Pod will be present at the venue to provide Star Wars enthusiasts with a high-speed arcade game experience set in the Star Wars galaxy. The Star Wars: Battle Pod features arcade-exclusive gameplay on a unique dome screen enveloping your entire area of sight. The game includes five stages that recreate the fiercest battle scenes from the original Star Wars trilogy. Loaded with features and unique gameplay elements, players can experience the impact of the explosions and destruction that will leave them with a sense of actually piloting and taking part in action-packed scenes from the films. Enabling the player to be surrounded by gameplay images and experiences on the dome screen, players will truly take command of the vehicles that appear in the films such as X-wings, snow-speeders, speeder bikes, the Millennium Falcon and TIE Advanced. Star Wars: Battle Pod offers a real sense of flight combat action and delivers an authentic flying experience as if players are actually sitting in the cockpit of a battle pod in the Star Wars universe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bob41EQ9ifM

Disney India is giving all Star Wars fans a chance of a lifetime- a fully paid trip to the Premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, come December! Fans have to simply log on to the Star Wars Lightsaber Challenge app that's hosted on the Star Wars page on Facebook, and upload a video performing cool Jedi moves. The video with maximum likes will win a trip to the Premiere and 25 others will win Lightsabers, the ultimate ally of a Jedi! All participants will also get a Jedi Certificate which they can share on their pages and impress their friends! Fans all over India can indulge their inner Jedi and fight the dark side through this app.

Be there to feel the Force!

Eros International partners Bagpiper Soda for Marathi movie ‘Guru’

         A unique partnership across film’s content, promotions and performance,

          while delivering the message of inspiring positive change in the society

Eros International Media Limited (Eros International), a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment space today announced its one of a kind content partnership with United Spirits’ Bagpiper Soda, for the upcoming Marathi film ‘Guru’.

Starring multi-talented actor Ankush Chaudhary and the very popular television and Marathi film actress Urmila Kanetkar, ‘Guru’ will be directed by Sanjay Jadhav, based on a script by Ashish Parte. A film that dares to break the mould and take certain issues head on, ‘Guru’, is expected to go on floors by November 2015.

The Film along with its entertainment quotient aims to project a message of inspiring positive change in the society – the very purpose that Bagpiper Soda stands for. Through a unique association with Eros International, Bagpiper Soda will be an integrated partner across the film’s content, promotions and performance. Mindshare, India’s largest full service media agency, a part of GroupM, that handles the media mandate for United Spirits Limited conceptualized this association for Bagpiper Soda.

The association will see Bagpiper Soda promoting the film through a specially created TVC ad campaign with the lead actors and aligned with the basic plot of the film. The TVC will be on-air on regional Marathi channels through the production and promotion phase of the film. The movie will also include a song that resonates the film’s theme and Bagpiper Soda’s iconic message.

Commenting on Bagpiper Soda’s new venture, Debashish Shyam, Sr. VP – Marketing, United Spirits said, “Bagpiper Soda has its soul entrenched in culture and there is no bigger medium that reflects popular ethos than Indian cinema. By becoming an integral part of a film like ‘Guru’ we will be able to spread Bagpiper Soda’s message of positive change to a much wider audience and also take our long-standing relationship with cinema to the next level. We are very happy to have excellent partners in Eros and Sanjay Jadhav for this venture.”

Commenting on the association, Sameer Gogate, Chief Development Officer, Eros International Media Ltd said, “We are keen on partnering and promoting the best talent from the Marathi film industry. The association with Bagpiper Soda for ‘Guru’ will help drive the underlying message of the film which is to bring a radical change in society. ‘Guru’ promises to be an interesting journey and we are looking forward to supporting and nurturing such strong content driven films”.

Prasanth Kumar, CEO Mindshare South Asia added, “We are very excited to have conceptualized and executed this ambitious and never done before initiative of co-creating a film with an iconic marque. Our strategic partnership with Bagpiper Soda and Eros International will change the game from content revolution to a new era of content evolution.”

ABOUT BAGPIPER SODA

Bagpiper Soda is an iconic product by United Spirits Ltd., which has over the past three decades established itself as one of the pioneers in creating communication that synergizes popular culture with Indian cinema. Bagpiper Soda has a long-standing lineage of being associated with some of India’s biggest celebrities like – Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgan, Sunny Deol, Shatrugan Sinha among others. Bagpiper Soda has also partnered major Bollywood movies like Satyagraha, Dabangg and Son of Sardar.

ABOUT UNITED SPIRITS LIMITED

United Spirits Limited (USL) is a subsidiary of Diageo plc which is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. In 2013-14, Diageo plc acquired a 54.8% shareholding in United Spirits making India one of its largest markets.

Founded in 1826, USL is the largest Indian spirits company, selling around 120 m cases annually, involved in the manufacture, sale and distribution of beverage alcohol. USL produces and sells Scotch whisky, IMFL whisky, brandy, rum, vodka, gin and wine. Its portfolio includes much-loved brands such as McDowell's No.1, Royal Challenge, Signature, and Antiquity. USL now also imports, manufactures and sells Diageo’s iconic brands such as Johnnie Walker, VAT 69, Black & White, Smirnoff and Ciroc in India.

The company is listed on the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) and NSE (National Stock Exchange). For more information about United Spirits Limited, our people, vision, brands, and performance visit us at www.unitedspirits.in.

ABOUT EROS INTERNATIONAL MEDIA LTD

Eros International Media Ltd. (BSE Script Code: 533261; NSE Script Code: EROSMEDIA) is a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry that acquires, co-produces and distributes Indian films across all available formats such as cinema, television and digital new media. Eros International is part of Eros International Plc, which became the first Indian media Company to raise capital and be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Eros International has experience of over three decades in establishing a global platform for Indian cinema. The company has a competitive advantage through its extensive and growing movie library comprising of over 2,000 films, which include Hindi, Tamil, and other regional language films for home entertainment distribution. Eros International has built a dynamic business model by combining the release of new films every year with the exploitation of its film library. For further information please visit: www.erosintl.com