Event Industry's leaders Launch WE CARE focused on women's empowerment

~An initiative towards gender equality at the workplace~

Event And Entertainment Management Association recently concluded the industry’s largest convention EEMAX Global Conclave and Awards in Mumbai. The event was graced by industry stalwarts wherein EEMA launched a structured and planned initiative that would work towards gender equality at the workplace, WE CARE.

EEMA is the Rs 15000 cr industry’s apex body and is driving change across various aspects of the sunrise industry which is the fastest growing facet of the media and entertainment business. EEMA drives government engagement and working with the various state and central governments is initiating measures for ease of doing business, single window licensing and industry-development programs.

EEMA’s leadership has envisioned the empowerment of women in the events industry by getting down to basics. The WE CARE initiative is being driven primarily with the objective to work towards changing the industry’s workplace culture, to make it more conducive for the women who comprise more than 40 per cent of the workforce.

The initiative was tabled during the Annual General Meeting, in the presence of the platinum members, heads of leading event and experiential agencies of the country. It received an overwhelming response and unanimous approval with members signing on a pledge to demonstrate their wholehearted support for it.

Sharing EEMA’s perspective, Sabbas Joseph, President-EEMA said, “The event industry is evolving. It is now a serious career option for new recruits. We need to encourage girls and women to join this industry by giving them a great workplace culture to thrive and grow without worries of their safety. And we need to sensitize agency owners and co employees to take care of them like their own.”

And added,  “While the portfolio eventually would include multiple areas of knowledge, skills and leadership development, the focus in the first leg is on empowering women at different levels. With women today becoming an integral pat of the work force and holding key leadership positions across the industry, it becomes imperative that we ensure a safe environment for them to work in. However, in a predominantly male environment, the female employee is often overshadowed by the industry's alpha characteristics”.

Poonam Lal, Vice-president-EEMA, leading on the initiative said, “The core campaign evolves from the thought of letting women know that issues that affect them, matter to the industry; that they and their well being matters, and that it is our responsibility to give them a safe, conducive environment to work in. We need to make the girls and women working here believe and know that WE CARE.“

Under the WE CARE campaign, three key issues that found resonance among the respondents collated from a survey, would be addressed and tackled.  These issues include SAFE, Security Arrangements for the Female Employees; SHH, Sexual Harassment Helpline and MOM, Mandatory Off For Moms.

SAFE proposes making it mandatory for agencies to give late night drop and early morning pick up facilities for the female employees. In fact certification of agencies on the safety standards they practice for their employees is also under consideration. 

Further, having gender specific toilet facilities with attendants at offices, workshops and warehouses is mandatory.

SHH proposes the creation of a committee with a minimum of one woman employee in it, to help resolve complaints of harassment at the workplace. Other steps include webinars and a helpline to educate, create awareness and to open lines of communication and counseling for employees and artistes.

MOM is being suggested to give working mothers the leeway to work from home once or twice in a month.

The logo design of “We Care” is a simple and straight message, using a mix of typo and graphic, to communicate our effort to reach out in empathy. WE in the logo stands for women empowerment, it stands for women entrepreneurs and employees, and it also stands for all of us combined. The soft and graceful form of the female profile is enveloped by a seamless extension flowing out of rigid form of the alphabet W signifying a soft hand of protection.

Karan Singh Grover and Bhushan Patel reunite for a thriller

Karan Singh Grover is all set to take his association with director Bhushan Patel to the next level!The talented actor who made his big debut with Bhushan Patel’s horror flick, Alone alongside Bipasha Basu, has joined hands with the filmmaker once again for another thriller, which goes on floors next month.A source says, “Bhushan and Karan share a great rapport and they had been discussing the new project while they were shooting for Alone. The film will be shot in Mumbai and Europe.”Karan, who was last seen in Hate Story 3, has wrapped up another ensemble comedy-drama, 3 Dev. 

Raakh creates History by receiving the fastest MILLION views for a short film Ever

The recently released 20 minute short film ‘Raakh’, directed by Milap Zaveri has taken the internet by storm. The film has been receiving a lot of love and support from audiences and industry critics alike. So much so that Raakh has earned the fastest million views in 24 hours for a short film! 

Team Raakh is delighted by the overwhelming response their film has received. Humbled by the amazing reviews and the historic views on the film, writer-director Milap Zaveri said, “I am grateful for the love and good wishes that have been coming our way. It makes me extremely happy and proud to know our hard work has been applauded and appreciated so much. My heartfelt thanks to fans, critics and the industry.” 

Raakh starring Vir Das, Shaad Randhawa and Richa Chadha in pivotal roles, looks intense, dark and gritty, but is not just about revenge. The spine chilling scenes also have an emotional quotient attached to it. Breaking away from his image as a maker of comedies, Milap has shown us a completely different side to his film making. 

Shattering all preconceived notions, the entire cast has delivered some stellar performances. Be it ace comedian Vir Das portraying a serious, dark and emotional character or Shaad Randhawa, who has pleasantly surprised all with his negative yet parallel lead role. Richa’s presence has added value and raised the dramatic impact of the film.

Not only with numbers, but Raakh has also earned a lot of praise from Industry stalwarts on social media. From Karan Johar, Jacqueline, Genelia, congratulating the new Milap on his creative departure to Shaad Randhawa and Vir Das being recognized for their power packed performances by many.

Here’s congratulating team Raakh on 1 million views and counting!

In association with T-series and Milap Zaveri (Write Direction FILMS), the short film is produced by Sandeep Kewlani (S.K. Productions), Vardhaman Choksi (Empire Films) and Prachi Thadhani (Waterlilly Films).

Raakh is presented by Officer's Choice Blue and released on the Tseries Youtube channel.

63rd Macao Grand Prix to take over the streets of Macao

Macao has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday. Travel to Macao is easy as visa is on arrival, making it a convenient destination for travelers, especially those who love taking short spontaneous trips. Macao has the perfect combination of rich culture and festivities to soak in, which makes this country an ideal destination for adventure seekers. This year Macao has some truly unique and enthralling experiences to offer with the Macau Grand Prix being held this November17-20, 2016. 

Recognized as the most internationally prestigious event on the local calendar, the legendary Macao Grand Prix is a motor-racing event held annually in Macao. It is known for being the only street circuit racing event, in which both car and motorcycle races are held. The event now edging into its sixth decade places the best motorcycles, WTCC and Formula 3 racers in the world head to head for a punching ride. 

The high-pitched whine of racing engines, the roar of the crowd, and the adrenalin-charged atmosphere make for four colorful days of non-stop, head-turning excitement. The Macao Grand Prix is famously known as one of the most demanding circuits in the world. Built in 1954 the Guia circuit was originally made as a route for treasure hunts around the streets of the city. However, along the narrow, twisting Guia street circuit of Macao City, it was suggested that the track could host an amateur racing event for local motor enthusiasts. Ever since then the track has become a venue for both motorcycle and car racing events! 

The legendary Guia street circuit will be a visual spectacle with some of the best racers in the world pitting against each other for the cup.

Working with NSD faculty was a privilege says Sandeep Anand

Talented television actor Sandeep Anand, who is best known for his portrayal of Sajan on Life OK sitcom May I Come in Madam? is rising high with immense popularity in audience’s heart. The hardworking actor who started his acting journey at the age of 7years is known to be in the list of those young achievers who have successfully attained fame with a sheer zeal for acting.

 A lot of information would be known to the world about this fine actor but not many are aware that Sandeep who is a household name now

shares a pivotal connection with super star Shahrukh Khan and outstanding actor Manoj Bajpayee. A source gives an inside detail of Sandeep's initial journey when he had applied at the prestigious National School of Drama in New Delhi and was rejected not once but twice! After getting rejected Sandeep started working as a freelancer with faculty of NSD, the school which has delivered some of the most famous and talented actors of Bollywood like Irrfan Khan, Om Puri, Nasseruddin Shah etc.Incidentally  Shahrukh Khan and Manoj Bajapyee had the same fate and rest is the history on how they become a superstars.

Sandeep who had the passion to act and has always been taking challenging roles in his career accepts that NSD faculty was a big influence in his life.  That’s not all! The multi-talented actor doesn’t restrict from learning new skills. A source close to him reveals that Sandeep has learnt a many art forms, he has erudite ‘Chau’ a dance from Puruliya Odissa, were got trained by the national award winning dancer Shashidhar Aacharya. The actor has mastered the art of playing ‘Pakhawaj’ (a musical instrument) again by the national award winner Pt. Ramnaryan Shasthri.

Sharing few more details, actor Sandeep Anand said, “At a very young age I had decided that I wanted to become an actor and I knew that my journey was not going to be an easy one. Working with NSD faculty was a privilege and i got to learn a lot of things from them which has made me a better performer today. I feel NSD faculty had a big influence in my life. The eagerness of learning new skills has always been my priority and would continue doing so.”