Producer Lalit Paikray is on a new high! The first shooting schedule of his much-ambitious upcoming Viral Village webseries movie directed by Narayan Shi and co-produced by Sunil Jain and Hiru Bihari Kandhari has been successfully completed in Mumbai without any hitch or hassle.
“Our movie Viral Village is on course,” says Paikray with a note of utter satisfaction.
The movie which has veteran Anupam Kher in the lead character revolves around the con story of an uncle and a niece with villagers.
Apart from Anupam, the movie has also Tridha Choudhary, Satish Kaushik, Takesh Sharma, Aditya Narayan, Akanksha Puri and beautiful Anchalananda Agarwal.
“We all are happy that the movie has now taken proper shape and it’ll be completed on time,” confirm Sunil and Hiru in unison.
“I can’t forget Anupam ji’s support to us and trust on our project. Aditya is a good friend and the versatile Satish Kaushik is very sportive ” tells Paikray.
Paikray says that he’s very happy the way the movies released on OTT platforms are doing at this moment. “It’s the content and the characters that are doing wonders for webseries movies,” Paikray says adding that he sees a brighter future for these movies.
“We have worked hard on Viral Village project and the making of the movie is goingon smoothly,” say both Paikray and Jain.
Best wishes to the producers trio..!
Ramakant Munde Mumbai Representative

 

The Viral Village Set To Go Viral

Real talent is infinite, beyond time and space. What started as a creative passion for Shital Keshari, the woman with beauty, grace and amazing talent, soon turned out to be an intense affair only six months before. Today she has around 25 classy paintings to her credit and still doing more paintings, too. No, Shital’s  paintings are not for sale, but only for public viewing like her recent super-hit painting exhibition at the Nehru Centre, Worli.
Ironically, Shital’s 11-years old prodigious daughter Prakriti followed in her steps and has also started doing paintings which are stunningly beautiful. Both mother and daughter are encouraged to the hilt by Shital’s multifaceted senior bureaucrat husband Ajai Keshari who himself is a superb poet as well as an outstanding ghazal writer.
Shital Keshari who shifted  to paintings few years later after doing her fashion-designing course says, “I never wanted to be a painter since my childhood. I did my fashion designing course and could have easily become a stylist. But my destiny had written something else for me.”
So, how has been the journey so far?
“The eventful journey has been  fantastic. I work on variety of themes and not one in particular,” tells Shital  as a matter-of-fact.
Regarding her participation in the recent painting exhibition at Worli, Shital  says that since she had so many paintings she wanted to showcase them systematically. “And yes, the response to my paintings in Worli exhibition was overwhelming!,” says a grateful Shital.
In this fast-paced digital world, is there a lack of interest/enthusiasm among people for paintings?
“I don’t think so. Creativity is not forced. It’s natural. Look, how I started painting only this year, six months to be precise!,” replies Shital.
Ask her about the paintings scenario, Shital elaborates, “It’s good everywhere, in India and abroad. In India, I think, the passion for paintings is more apparent in Mumbai.”
About her daughter Prakriti who’s also into painting, Shital tells as a proud mother, “Prakriti is naturally talented. She’s very good in her studies also and doing wonderful paintings just going by her intuitions.”
“You can pursue your creative passion at any age. But do the best, no half-hearted effort. Honesty and dedication are a must, to put it mildly,” tells Shital a matter fact.
Points noted Shital. All the best for your painted road ahead!

———-Ramakant Munde Mumbai Representative

 

Painter Shital Keshari Paints A Beautiful World

“A film festival needs to be ethical and impartial, and that is exactly what Bollywood International Film Festival strives to be,” said Bollywood International Film Festival (BIFF) founder-chairperson Pratibha Sharma and actor-director Yashpal Sharma at the media meet of the film festival.

Of the 200 plus entries received by the Bollywood International Film Festival, the best were chosen by an eminent team of international filmmakers. The select films from the chosen ones will be on view for audiences at Carnival Cinemas Mumbai from December 17-18.

The festival will also showcase a special screening of Yashpal Sharma’s Dada Lakhmi, the Haryanvi film that has won more than 68 awards globally and has been running to packed houses for over six weeks.

While the eminent jury comprises of Ashok Rane, Amit Rai, Sandeep Sharma, French actress Marine Borbo and Tauqeer Ahmed from Bangladesh, the BIFF members Monika Davar, Minaxi Singh, Dalbir Singh, Sameer Chowdhary, Tabassum Jahan, Alpana Suhasini, Sunil Bainiwal, Vishal Sharma and Tapan Patani were present along with Dr Anusha Srinivasan Iyer.

“Our aim is to introduce people to quality cinema, whether it be feature film, short film, mobile film or a documentary.” Films from the US, Afghanistan, Iran and many European countries will be a part of this festival that also boasts of masterclasses for industry aspirants.

Yashpal Sharma-Pratibha Sharma Launch Third Bollywood International Film Festival (BIFF) With Presscon At Carnival Cinemas

 

The power of digital education is coming to 1100 schools in Mumbai, thanks to a partnership between the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai and Ashraya, a digital learning initiative founded by Satish Jha.

Synopsis of the Story

The Municipal Corporation of Mumbai has partnered with Ashraya to bring a revolutionary Digital Learning Ecosystem to 1100 schools, providing access to personalized learning opportunities for thousands of students. The initiative has seen the transformative power of a comprehensive digital learning ecosystem in improving learning outcomes. This partnership is a crucial step in equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in the digital age.

By Rusen Kumar

MUMBAI: The Municipal Corporation of Mumbai (BMC) partnered with Ashraya, a digital learning initiative founded by Satish Jha, to deploy a comprehensive Digital Learning Ecosystem in 1100 schools across the city. This marks the first initiative of its kind in the region at this scale, and will provide access to transformative learning opportunities for over 500,000 students in Mumbai.

“We are thrilled to be working with the BMC to bring our Digital Learning Ecosystem to so many students in Mumbai,” said Satish Jha, founder of Ashraya. “Based on our experience with 9000 students across 27 schools in 7 states, we have seen the incredible impact that a comprehensive digital learning ecosystem can have on learning outcomes. We are confident that this partnership will help to improve educational opportunities for students in Mumbai.”

The Digital Learning Ecosystem developed by Ashraya incorporates a range of tools and technologies, including personalized learning platforms, data analytics, and adaptive assessments, to provide students with a personalized learning experience that is tailored to their individual needs and goals.

“Investing in a comprehensive digital learning ecosystem is crucial for the future of education,” said Satish Jha. “At a time when technology is transforming every aspect of our lives, it is essential that we provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital age. We are grateful to Ashraya for their partnership and support in helping us to achieve this goal.”

So far, Satish Jha and his family have fully funded Ashraya’s program in the 27 schools in which it has been implemented. The 1100 schools awarded by BMC will require significantly more support in order to fully realize the potential of the Digital Learning Ecosystem. Ashraya will be working closely with BMC and other partners to secure the necessary funding through various benefactors, avenues, and CSR programs.

“This partnership is an exciting opportunity for us to work together to improve educational outcomes for students in Mumbai,” further added Satish Jha. “We are confident that the Digital Learning Ecosystem developed by Ashraya will have a profound impact on the learning experiences of students in our schools, and we look forward to working with Ashraya to make this a reality.”

With a proven track record of improving learning outcomes, the Digital Learning Ecosystem is set to revolutionize education in Mumbai.

Conclusion

Ashraya, a digital learning initiative, has discovered the true cost of transforming learning outcomes: a mere Rs 75000 per child over 5 years. This investment in a comprehensive digital learning ecosystem has been proven to show tangible results, and Ashraya is excited to bring this opportunity to students in Mumbai through its partnership with the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai. People can join in supporting the future of education and the power of digital learning so that it can be replicated.

  

Mumbai Schools To Benefit From Digital Learning Ecosystem

Courtsey – www.indiacsr.in/

At a grand event held in Bhavnagar in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 551 girls who had lost their fathers tied the knot. The event was choreographed by ace wedding choreographer Sumit Khetan, whose troupe of dancers stole the show with their stellar performances and acts.

‘Papa Ni Pari’ was a unique mass wedding ceremony planned and executed by Dinesh Lakhani and Suresh Lakhani, founders of Maruti Impex, a leading diamond crafting company in Bhavnagar. Sumit Khetan was responsible for the entire wedding’s choreography, which included multiple dance performances, shows, and cultural showcases.

“It was a privilege for me and my entire team to design and conceptualise the unprecedented mass wedding ceremony in Bhavnagar when 551 girls who had lost their fathers married in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” said choreographer Sumit Khetan. “Aside from the performances and acts, a Royal Bow was handed over to our PM for inauguration of the event thereby blessing the couples. A one-of-a-kind cultural performance was also given at the time of PM Modi’s arrival at the venue.”

According to Khetan, there is a huge contribution to the success of the mass wedding event from the core team members including Akshay Gupta, Prerna Vij, Swapniel Desai, Priyanka Kumwat, Imran Sayyed, Navin Rajjaya, Amit Singh, Nitin Rathore, Aalok Chaudhary, Jitendra Chaudhary, and Kanhaiya Kumar. *This entire event was managed by Mr Anil Kumar – Founder KYC Events,  *

The voice over was done by Abhay Harpale, while the sound mixing was performed by Shailesh Ssuvarna, Hiren Shukla from Srocks, and every moment at the wedding ceremony including the presence of PM Modi was captured in the cameras by Shade and Light Photography.

Sumit Khetan is a prominent name in the wedding choreography industry. He is famous for choreographing intimate and grand wedding ceremonies and has choreographed hundreds of weddings globally.

 

Ace Wedding Choreographer Sumit Khetan Stole The Show At The Mass Wedding Ceremony Of 551 Girls Attended By PM Narendra Modi In Bhavnagar

Just like a Trojan horse it has a catalogue of real and electrifying contents which will be unveiled giving its viewers an unbelievable experience… 

Mumbai (Maharashtra) India: This wonderful phrase…’the more, the merrier…’ ‘sounds quite true…. 

“Mask TV”, an arguably and distinctive new OTT platform  is set to ramp up with daring entertainment from this Friday, December 9, 2022. Just like a Trojan horse it has a catalogue of real and electrifying contents which will be unveiled giving its viewers an unbelievable experience. 

Confirming the same, Sanjay Bhatt, the Mentor of Mask TV said, “Yes, it is all coming together and will be available from December 9. As per the title, we also wanted to live up with it. So, as a team we bounced off with several ideas and zeroed down concepts which were real, bold and adventurous. Finally, we are ready to unmask many untold stories from every nook and corner of our country. This apart,  we will be the first one to have an unique title track for the platform – ‘Raaz tumhare…’ penned by my wife Anju Bhatt, who is also one of the promoters of Mask TV along with my son Chiranjeevi and daughter Mansie.”

Chiranjeevi Bhatt, the C.E.O. of Mask TV says, “After the pandemic ridden last couple of years, the Indian streaming market is growing in it’s second phase too. It is price-sensitve and at the same time have value conscious consumers. It is the kind of content that keeps the audience hooked. So,  there is a lot to learn for new players like us and recalibrate their offering on content and technology.”

Mansie Bhatt, the director of Mask TV adds,  “OTT platform is a place for anyone who wants to tell a good story, no matter where he or she comes from and at the same time also connect with wider audience all over the world. The viewers want content from our culture but keeping at par with the international standards. We at Mask TV are similarly moving towards stories that are different in textures, more rooted to our culture and shot in small towns.” 

The innovative themes undoubtedly make the journey special at Mask TV. Their original shows will empower, innovate and unlock an entirely new level of entertainment.

Seeking a well rounded approach, for her web originals “Project Angel”, Mansie Bhatt who has also conceived, scripted and directed the show shares,  “It is all about transgenders who has not had it easy and have been neglected by the society including their near and dear ones… The first season is a 6-episode series with duration of 35-minutes each. Unbelievably,  all the performers are transgenders and first timers facing the arc lights.  They are given a platform sharing their awe-inspiring journey  – eat,  play games and how gracefully they carry themselves  in a beauty contest, etc.  Once again, it will be the first of its kind in the lot. It is said, such kind of shows have been appreciated abroad like Germany, U.S.A., and many other countries.” 

Sanjay Bhatt further informs, “To begin with we have around 30 – 35 shows on our catalogue that promises a rollercoaster ride of entertainment, dramas, comedy and unexpected twists. It contains  originals like “Mission 70” which will be releasing on December 9 with the launch of our platform ‘Mask TV’. Closely to follow “Mussoorie House” on December 13; “Bhookh- Kahani Ek Jaanwar Ki” on December 15;  “Double Shades” on December 18 and last but not the least “Project Angels” on December 20 amongst many others. We also have all our old favourite shows made for Doordarshan in the 90s being re-aired on our OTT platform, including the new versions of  “Hunsgulle – Season 2”, “Manzilen – Season 3” and 26- episodes of  “Haal Kaisa Hai Janab Ka?”; while on the other hand investments in new content production will continue. We are an Indian based OTT platform following a hybrid business model and come in an easy package for the subscribers.”

Mask TV aims at providing its audience with unique and high-quality entertainers for people all over the globe. The platform comes with a user-friendly app that can be downloaded from Google Play, Apple and Jio. 

Google

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.masktv.app

Apple

https://aapps.apple.com/in/app/mask-tv/id6443824063

https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClonaDEIyM2/

 

New OTT Platform MASK TV To Revolutionize And Captivate The World Of Entertainment From Dec 9

 Celebrating the 10th-year of the global campaign, Monica Dogra, Amy Aela and Mountaineer Prakriti Varshney join Veganuary as Ambassadors.

India, December 7, 2022: Veganuary – the global campaign to try vegan for January and beyond – is all set to reinforce India’s love for plants and the planet. It is using humour, hummus, and hope to inspire positive change for health and the environment. Backed by celeb supporters and huge popularity among Indians in its previous avatar (2022), a large number of people are expected to sign up to try vegan for January as registrations open today.

On the occasion of its 10^th global anniversary, 10 popular Indian vegans are supporting the campaign, including Soundarya Sharma– actor and BigBoss contestant; Arvind Krishna– actor and pro 3×3 basketballer; Monica Dogra– musician and actor; Amy Aela– actor; Prakriti Varshney– mountaineer, Mt. Everest; Kuntal Joisher– mountaineer Mt. Everest; Vishwajeet Sangle– pro tennis player; Anushka Manchanda-singer; Sadaa Syed– actor and Sneha Ullal– actor.

Soundarya Sharma has shown that you can be vegan and thrive in any situation. She has shared her encouragement to everyone trying vegan this January. Arvind Krishna said “I’m vegan for the environment, the animals, for my health and wellbeing. I’m elated to be joining Veganuary as an ambassador and I hope my active lifestyle inspires many to try vegan”.

The theme for this January is ‘hope’ and the campaign has a desi twist to engage more Indians. In addition to the free resources and 31-day coaching emails, this year’s resources Include a new Indian starter kit answering all questions on veganism, more Indian recipes, a one-pot meal plan to help make meals cheaper and quicker, as well as an updated celebrity e-cookbook featuring recipes from Indian and global celebs including Venus Williams and Dr Jane Goodall, and a new podcast series which launches on 1st January.

Reflecting on her decision to be an ambassador for the campaign, Monica Dogra said, “I turned vegan after watching a documentary about the way that eggs are produced, and also hearing information on the environmental impact of factory farmed dairy. I had already been vegetarian for years for similar reasons. I recognize it’s a process, but it is one that is easier than ever today, and one that should surely be considered by the privileged to help lower impact on the planet and promote compassionate and mindful lifestyle.” 

Market research indicates a rising popularity of veganism in India. A YouGov survey in December 2021 revealed that 65 per cent of Indians planned to eat more plant-based/vegan foods in 2022. In January 2022, India had the third highest number of people signing up to try vegan, next only to the UK and USA.

Along with climate, social and health benefits, veganism has huge economic implications as well. The Indian plant-based meat market, which is currently worth $30–40 million, is anticipated to grow to $500 million in the next two years. Plant-based dairy sales in India are expected to increase from their current level of $21 million to $63.9 million by 2024, with a CAGR of 20.7% per cent. As a result of the rising demand, meat and dairy substitutes are competitively priced and readily available on par with their equivalents sourced from animals.

Amy Aela shared her sentiment, by saying: “Choosing to be plant based is not about a diet, it’s about choosing a lifestyle which is morally sound. As humans, we have the ability for moral and rational thought – unlike other animals. So, if we can have happy and healthy lives without hurting someone else, why wouldn’t we?”

Prakriti Varshney, the first vegan woman to scale Mt. Everest recorded a motivational video for Veganuary participants and observed “If you can live a happy, strong and healthy life without harming animals and nature, then, why wouldn’t you?”

To help people track their progress while encouraging them to stay on a vegan diet, Veganuary has also collaborated with vegan bakehouse Maloney’s Delights and introduced special edition Veganuary calendars.

Veganuary’s India Head Prashanth Vishwanath said: “This is the time for hope, change, and action. Whatever your plans for 2023 are, trying vegan is a great place to start, for health, the planet and the animals. Veganuary understands the science of behaviour change and brings world-class support and resources for you to have a great vegan experience. You can do this while enjoying most of your favourite Indian recipes, engaging with celeb vegans and being part of a community that is trying vegan at the same time as you”

If you’re in Delhi or Bengaluru, don’t forget to catch Veganuary on the many cabs plying the streets. You can even use the QR code on the cab to sign up!

Notes to Editor 

Veganuary is free to join, and people can sign-up at veganuary.com to receive our Celebrity eCookbook, the new Official Veganuary Starter Kit, and 31 daily emails packed with nutritional info, delicious Indian recipes, meal plans and helpful advice. 

Nearly 2.5 million people, coming from almost every country in the world, have officially taken part since our pledge launched in January 2014. With campaign hubs now in Germany, USA, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, India and the UK, Veganuary has truly become a global phenomenon.

Veganuary 2023 To Reinforce India’s Love For Plants And The Planet

Dilip Patel, A brave and very passionate man. As a creative young man and a hardcore believer, he has always inclined himself in learning new things. He is not only a production manager and Bollywood filmmaker but also a worldwide record holder of numerous national and international achievements for his bike riding and mountaineering summits.

Dilip Patel Sirohi recently visited to one of the village in Maharashtra with the help of Motohom Caravans it was really nice to connect with locals and acknowledged their problem ; As Motohom Caravans not only provides its services to its customer and fellow tourist but also provide a business platform to many rural &  tribal places and their people.

These Caravan comes with various amenities It has everything from a living room, a small bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a ‘terrace’ space on the roof of the vehicle. Guess what, you can also choose to post some live updates as the caravan comes equipped with WiFi too. They also provide a driver & cleaner.

Where Dilip Patel Sirohi learned that These Type of Tie-ups gives a Major Boost in Tourism Exposure to these unexplored places and help the people by giving them an audience to showcase their rich culture, different cuisine through which they can generate some livelihood.

This shows that he is not just a common guy on a mission but he is a perfect example of a hardworking, relentless, and true Indian.

His accomplishments doesn’t end here, he has also become the brand promoter of the very renowned hill station in Mount Abu and brand Ambassador Sirohi located in Rajasthan.

In a bid to boost tourism in the state, Motohom Caravans is Bridging the Difference between

Providing a Platform for the People and Offering its unique services available in Maharashtra and Gujarat and soon Dilip Patel Sirohi in  associate with Motohom Caravans  are planning to launch this in Rajasthan hill station i.e. Mount abu & Rajasthan leopard conservation area Jawai.

Bridging The Tourism Industry Connecting Urban Facility To Rural Community DILIP PATEL SIROHI Plays A Vital Role

Noida: It is a historical day as once again we have been able to create another First ever Irish Film Festival of India along with the opening of 115^th Batch of Asian Academy of Film and Television. This new IFFI in New Delhi has already created super vibes in the creative circle,” said Sandeep Marwah President of Marwah Studios at the opening of Irish Film Festival at Noida Film City. 

“I am thankful to Sandeep Marwah ICMEI and Indo Ireland Film and Cultural Forum for organizing first ever Irish Film Festival of India. The new chapter has begun in the friendship of India and Ireland. This must continue and we would like to make it an annual event now onwards,” said H.E. Brendan Ward Ambassador of Ireland to India in the capacity of Chief Guest of this glamorous show. 

What an excellent idea to have festival of Irish Films. We had teachers from Ireland in our schools and colleges, including in churches years back. The two countries had a similar fight against a common adversary and there were many ties between the respective independence movements in the two countries. Many of the provisions of the constitution of India were drawn from their Irish counterpart, the constitution of Ireland. Cinema brings very strong cultural ties,” said Stuti Kacker former Secretary Government of India and Now Chancellor of University.   

Overwhelmed with the huge turnover and house full audience Siraj Zaidi Actor Producer specially flown from Dublin said,” Dream Come Ture- I have been planning to have festival of Irish Films from last twelve years, since I started festival of Indian Films in Dublin, Ireland. I am indebted to Marwah Studios to take up this event. Best of four films are here to bring two countries together through art and culture,”.  

The first IFFI festival (Irish Film Festival of India) in Noida is unexpectedly very vibrant and energetic. The films are marvelous. I have been to Ireland few times, we are very close to the culture of Ireland. We have a very long relationship with the people of Ireland,” added Atul Tiwari renowned Script writer and actor from Mumbai. 

I had the pleasure to be in Ireland two three times and I have always been impressed by the films and culture of Ireland. Now this festival has opened many gates of relationships with Ireland,” expressed Nilesh Malhotra Producer, Director, actor from Mumbai.  

A scholarship of AAFT Asian Academy of Film and Television was presented to Irish Ambassador H.E. Brendan Ward on this occasion. Sandeep Marwah also presented Life Membership of International Film and Television Club to the dignities. An exhibition of paintings by Tanisha Bakshi was another attraction. The event was supported by Indo Ireland Film and Cultural Forum, International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry and World Peace Development and Research Foundation. 

 

First Irish Film Festival of India Saw The Light of the Day at AAFT