Vivek Krishnani named MD of Sony Pictures India

Vivek Krishnani has been appointed Managing Director of Sony Pictures India (also known as SPE Films India). His appointment will be effective November 1, 2015.

Under his leadership Sony Pictures India will handle all theatrical distribution for Sony Pictures Entertainment’s films. Sony Pictures Entertainment produces, acquires, and distributes its films under its various film labels: Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Screen Gems, Sony Pictures Animation, Sony Pictures Classics, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions and Sony Pictures International Productions.

Vivek was most recently Senior Vice President – Revenue and Marketing at MSM Motion Pictures. MSM Motion Pictures is the film production arm of Multi Screen Media Pvt. Ltd which is a part of Sony Pictures Entertainment Television Network. Sony Pictures Television’s media networks are available in 178 countries on 81 unique channels in 29 different languages. Sony’s network of television and digital channels has over 1.3 billion subscribers worldwide. Sony’s television assets in India have over 650M subscribers worldwide across its portfolio of channels. Sony is also the exclusive linear TV broadcaster of Indian Premier League (“IPL”). Sony’s MSM Motion Pictures co-produced the Hindi film Piku earlier in the year to major box office success.

Previous to his tenure at MSM Motion Pictures, Mr. Krishnani spent six years at 21^st Century Fox, Fox Star Studios heading distribution, marketing and syndication where he worked on Hollywood titles such as Avatar, Slumdog Millionaire, the Ice Age franchise, Life of Pi, the X-Men franchise and Indian films including My Name is Khan, Bol Bachchan, Raaz 3, Force, Jolly LLB, Jannat 2 among others.

Commenting upon his new role Vivek said, “I have had a great experience being part of the Sony family and I am now looking forward to a new role with Sony Pictures India. With a legacy of over 80 years since the first Columbia Pictures office opened here, Sony Pictures has over the decades continued to entertain Indian and global audiences. We are committed to further strengthening our distribution network in India and overseas and also looking to scale up our local acquisitions as well. We have a great line-up ahead and I’m excited to hit the ground running.”

Brett D. Hogg, Senior Vice President, International Distribution - Asia commented on the new appointment saying, “I’m very pleased to welcome Vivek to Sony Pictures India. He’s a media veteran with very valuable experience in the unique and dynamic Indian market, in both Hollywood and Local Language productions. Under his leadership, we look forward to taking Sony Pictures India to even greater heights.”

Prior to Fox Star Studios, Vivek was the Executive Director Marketing Asia Pacific at Turner Entertainment Networks based out of Hong Kong, responsible for Marketing and Interactive strategy for the entertainment channels for Turner Entertainment (Cartoon Network, POGO, Boomerang and TCM). He joined Turner from Radio City where he was part of the start-up team and before that he was with Star Plus responsible for strategic planning and marketing. He began his career with Lowe Lintas (previously Ammirati Puris Lintas). He holds a Masters degree in Management Studies, Marketing from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies.

About Sony Pictures

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation.  SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies.  For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

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!