Power-packed rehersals… Saga of the missing bags… Overwhelming response from fans…

Power-packed rehersals… Saga of the missing bags…  Overwhelming response from fans…

~ Catch the Bachchan’s unforgettable Experiences on ‘Idea Unforgettable Tour Diaries’ Starting 7th August, 2008 every night at 11pm only on NDTV Imagine ~

Mumbai, August 04, 2008:  11 international cities, 5 superstars, 3 special celebrity guest performers, a talented music director duo and choreographer, loads of dancers and musicians… it promises to be an Unforgettable experience. Starting 7th August for the first time ever, watch all the behind-the-scene action of the Unforgettable Tour with Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwariya Bachchan, Preity Zinta and Ritiesh Deshmukh  only on the Idea Unforgettable Tour Diaries every night  at 11.pm only on NDTV Imagine The opening capsules of the Idea Unforgettable Tour Diaries will bring together all the preparations by the big Stars staring from Aishwariya falling ill at the rehearsals or costume trials with the designers. Watch how Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Bachchan, Preity Zinta and Ritiesh Deshmukh, sweat it out and perfect their dance moves with Shaimak’s troupe just before they leave for the biggest world tour. Catch the excitement of the musical duo Vishal & Shekhar as Big B raps to his favourite number “Rang Barse” during the rehearsals to surprise his global fans. Tune in to watch how the Bachchan family has a truly “Unforgettable” experience as their 18 bags get misplaced by British Airways once they reach Toronto. Not just this, tour Diaries will bring forth all the anxiety from the green room and back stage before and after the show. For the first time ever watch the magic of India’s Biggest superstars on the world’s Biggest Tour only on Idea Unforgettable Tour Diaries starting 7th august everyday at 11.pm only on NDTV Imagine. It’s once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all bollywood fans to experience the stars up close and personal!

A Cry for Peace

A Cry for Peace

~ Lux Junoon Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka leads India in paying homage to the blast victims this Saturday at 8.30pm only on NDTV Imagine~

Mumbai, July 31, 2008… In the wake of terror attacks with the recent serial blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad, this week’s episode of Lux Junoon… Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka commences with a unified expression and support of solidarity by all contestants. The episode is dedicated to the victims of the tragedy who have lost their lives and lost their loved ones. Don’t miss this special episode on Saturday, 2nd Aug at 8.30 pm only on NDTV Imagine! The contestants begin their performance by getting together to pay homage to the victims of these horrific events with a joint performance of ‘Ishwar Ya Allah’ from the film Pukar. The choked audience joins them raising lit candles to lend their support. Sufi ke Sultan mentor Rahat Fateh Ali Khan also joined in the spirit with his poignant performance. This week’s theme is “Youth” and the gharanas will be singing to some foot tapping music that sets yuva janta asking for more … from Antra’s “Pappu Cant Dance Sala” to Abhaas’ “Tashan”. So don’t miss this special episode dedicated to the victims of the Ahmedabad & Bangalore blasts only on Lux Junoon… Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka’ this Saturday, 2nd Aug at 8.30 pm only on NDTV Imagine!

Masti Ki Patshala…only on NDTV Imagine!

Masti Ki Patshala…only on NDTV Imagine!

~ Go back to college with VIVEL SHAMPOOS PRESENTS MASTI HIGH at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, August 3rd ~

Mumbai, July 23, 2008: NDTV Imagine is all set to take you back to your college with its new musical event based show “VIVEL SHAMPOOS PRESENTS MASTI HIGH”.  This one hour special event will present television’s leading artistes, paired together, singing and dancing to songs that are sure to take you on a trip down memory lane. VIVEL SHAMPOOS PRESENTS MASTI HIGH will air on Friday, 3rd August at 8.30 pm, only on NDTV Imagine.

Catch performances on songs like … Main Aisa Kyun Hoon …Manav Vij I Am The Best …Mouni Roy Daga Laga Booga-Jai Bhanushali Come To Me …Pulkit Samrat and Mouni Roy Masti Ki Paathshala …Jai Bhanushali and Panchi Bora

There is something for every one at Masti High!  If you are the spiked hair, cool dude of the college who falls for the girl next door, then say hi to Jay bhanushali or meet Mouni Roy aka Kareena Kapoor of K3G loaded with attitude who is upset as the whole world is on her feet excluding one man (Pulkit) who is not giving her any attention!  Let’s not forget the “always-on-time” and the disciplined Manav Vij who plays the Geek of the college and happens to be the most happening girl’s (Rucha Gujrati) love interest.

You are sure to be high on masti, as you watch these talented artists dancing to hits like Masti Ki Patshala, You Are My Soniya and it’s the Time to Disco. Right from romance, fun, friendship, love and relationships, the show covers every emotion you have felt before. All you have to do is tune in to Vivel Shampoos Presents Masti High on NDTV Imagine at 8.30 pm on 3rd August, 2008 and experience the musical magic all over again.

Bollywood Ke Sultan ya Maati Ke Baadshah

Bollywood Ke Sultan ya Maati Ke Baadshah

Mumbai, July 22, 2008… There is always room for action, fun and excitement on Lux Junoon… Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka! This Friday is no exception, as we see the talented Junoon contestants turn the tables in an engaging episode, which sees the Junoon participants exchange teams only to add more jalwa to the Junoon. To add to the magic of this week, Anand Raj Anand has a surprise in store this week… It’s time for the Wild Card Entry!! To know more don’t miss the attention-grabbing episode this Friday from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm only on NDTV Imagine! The out of the ordinary package has the Sufi Ke Sultan, Maati Ke Lal and Bollywood Ke Baadshah contestants switching genres. Not just this, they have changed their entire avatar to set the mood right. So do not be surprised if you hear Harshdeep Kaur stricking a chord with Bollywood hits or Lakhwinder getting all philosophical with a Sufi spell. It’s a neck to neck competition this week between the Maati Ke Lal’s and the Sufi Sultans. But the competition gets even tougher as Baadshah’s of Bollywood reveal their trump card!! There is more in the kitty as contestants talk about their dreams and aspirations. So don’t miss the fun with all the confusion only on Lux Junoon… Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka’ this Friday, July 26 at 8.30 pm only on NDTV Imagine!

The Magic of ‘The Unforgettable Tour’ only on NDTV Imagine

The Magic of ‘The Unforgettable Tour’ only on NDTV Imagine

~Catch the magic of Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Bachchan, Preity Zinta and Ritiesh Deshmukh as they journey across the globe ~

Mumbai, July 16, 2008:  11 international cities, 5 superstars, 3 special celebrity guest performers, a power-packed music director duo and choreographer, loads of dancers and musicians… it promises to be an Unforgettable experience. NDTV Imagine, the country’s favourite entertainment destination announced its association with the Unforgettable Tour featuring the brightest stars from Indian cinema.  As official Global Broadcast Partners of the tour, NDTV Imagine has lined up an exciting variety of programming that promises to capture the magic of the tour and present it to viewers across India. The Unforgettable tour brings together the greatest icons of Indian Cinema – Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Bachchan, Preity Zinta and Ritiesh Deshmukh, on one common global platform. The first leg of the tour kicks off in Toronto on July 18th and then travels to other exotic destinations including Trinidad, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Atlantic City, Chicago, New York, Vancouver, London and Amsterdam.   Adding to the star-power, each show will feature celebrity guest performers such as heartthrob action man Akshay Kumar, the evergreen dancing queen Madhuri Dixit and the vivacious Shilpa Shetty. NDTV Imagine will capture the best of the action, both on and off the stage for each show and will present it through an exciting line up of programming: The Unforgettable Tour Diaries – Daily update capsules that will capture all the behind the scenes action from the minute they land in each city, their experiences from shopping to sight-seeing, interactions with fans and leading up to each concert.   The Tour Diaries will also present special features which capture interesting trivia about the stars and their memories of various performances and tours. Curtain raiser – An exciting sneak-peak into the all the concerts including the rehearsals and other events… leading into the main gala show. The Grand Finale – A spectacular, unforgettable night presenting power-packed performances by all the stars.  Detailing the association with the Unforgettable Tour, Sameer Nair, CEO, NDTV Imagine, said, “A once-in-a-lifetime, never before seen concert with all Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan performing alongside a galaxy of stars, promises to be nothing less than Unforgettable.  As Global Broadcast Partners to the tour, NDTV Imagine is taking the audience on a round-the-world tour, giving them the opportunity to witness these spectacular concerts in all their glory. In addition, we have plans for many exciting and innovative properties that will revolve around the whole tour, bringing alive the entire experience for our audience.”

NDTV Imagine presents ‘Mahima Shani Dev Ki’

NDTV Imagine presents ‘Mahima Shani Dev Ki’

~ A new serial that dispels the negative myth of Lord Shani ~
~ Mahima Shani Dev Ki will air every Saturday, starting 26th July 2008 8:00 p.m. ~

Mumbai, July 15, 2008:  Starting this July, NDTV Imagine presents Mahima Shani Dev Ki… a mythological series that traces the story of Lord Shani, the planet God of the Hindu’s. Produced by Sagar Arts, this mega show aims to bring to light the greatness of Lord Shani, tackling the myths that surround this deity and the powerful effects of his planet. The character of Lord Shani will be essayed by Daya Shankar Pandey. Mahima Shani Dev Ki will launch with a special one-hour episode on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. only on NDTV Imagine.  From the following week, the show will air every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 p.m. Lord Shani is depicted dark in color, clothed in black, holding a sword, arrows and two daggers and mounted on a black vulture or a raven.  This God who presides over ‘Shani-war’ or Saturday is the son of the Sun-God Surya and Chhaya. It is said that when Lord Shani opened his eyes as a child for the very first time, the sun went into an eclipse, which clearly denotes the impact of Shani on astrological charts. This may be the reason why he occupies a place of fear in the minds of the common man. This mega serial will highlight planet Shani’s contribution to lift man to great heights of humility, patience and nobility and portray him as the greatest teacher and the greatest destroyer of ego and pride. NDTV Imagine’s Mahima Shani Dev Ki will present a series of short stories that will seek to demystify this god and also highlight the importance of the planet. The stories will be from mythology right from the birth of Maha Shani – mingled with stories of lessons taught to the Great Emperor Vikramaditya! Announcing the launch of the show, Shailja Kejriwal, EVP- Content, NDTV Imagine said, “Mahima Shani Dev Ki presents a new approach to storytelling.  The show has a collection of interesting stories which open your eyes to new thoughts and learning’s.  A key aspect of this show is that it seeks to remove the tag of negativity and superstition attached to this god.  It also looks to highlight an important yet often misunderstood facet about Lord Shani, which is to follow the path of righteousness, for he rewards those who follow this path and severely punishes only those who do wrong.” In Hindu mythology, God himself has been incarnated in the form of planets, which are responsible for the existence of this whole universe and who deliver us the results of our own actions.  Lord Shani is the signifier of our actions which include our present as well as the past.  He is the chief Justice and punishes or rewards the human beings according to their misdeeds or good deeds. A favorable Shani bestows wealth and fame but at the same time, an unfavorable Shani gives endless miseries. Lord Shani punishes only those who are involved in ill deeds. However, he becomes happy and favorable to people performing good deeds and rewards them with lots of progress in their life. He forces people to be disciplined, and to understand that one needs to be humble, focused, patient, and hardworking to achieve success. Since most Hindus fear Lord Shani, they prefer not to approach him alone directly; rather they turn to God, in his various forms, for relief. Tune-in to Mahima Shani Dev Ki launches every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 p.m. only on NDTV Imagine.

The mighty Kumbhkaran awakens on …

The mighty Kumbhkaran awakens on …

Kumbhkaran is the demonic brother of Ravan. In Indian mythology, he was a giant of about 420,000 metres tall with a massive appetite. Despite of his monstrous size and great hunger, he was considered good hearted a true Shiv Bhakt and held immense respect for Lord Ram. Even today, Kumbhkaran is associated with slumber. Anyone who likes to sleep for long hours and enjoys uninterrupted sleep is jokingly referred to as ‘Kumbhkaran’. He is the receiver of the divine boon granted by Brahma Dev by which he remains awake for six months and asleep for six months. In the battle with Ram, Kumbhkaran is forced to fight Ram as the brother of Ravan.

~ Tune in to the Ramayan on Monday, July 15th at 9: 30 pm and catch the mighty Kumbhkaran as he awakens from his slumber ~ Mumbai, 14 July, 2008… Starting July 15th, the epic Ramayan presents another noteworthy episode with the awakening of the gigantic Kumbhkaran!  The brother of the demon king of Lanka – Ravan, Kumbhkaran, is a demon with a kind heart; a sense of justice and is also a true Shiv bhakt.  The story unfolds on NDTV Imagine’s Ramayan, starting July 15th at 9:30 p.m.! The character of Kumbhkaran is essayed by Rakesh Deewana.   When Kumbhkaran asked for a blessing by Brahma Dev, goddess Saraswati held his tongue. So instead of asking for “Indraasan” (seat of Indra), he asked for “Neendrasan” (bed for sleeping). Hence, Kumbhkaran remained awake for six months and asleep for the rest. He was very fond of eating and could consume enormous amount of food and if necessary even humans to satisfy this hunger. When Ravan lost in the battle to Ram and Lakshman, he felt humiliated and was desperate to get his revenge and therefore enlisted the help of his monstrous brother, Kumbhkaran.  But awaking him from his deep sleep was no easy task. Ravan’s loyal servants took aid of elephant trumpets, drums and everything noisy to wake this mammoth.  Kumbhkaran, unlike hi brother Ravan, held great respect for Ram and was aware of the fact that his brother had abducted Sita.  He was of the opinion that the wife of Prince Ram be honorably returned safely to her home and husband.  But in the mighty battle that took place, he is forced to fight against Ram.  Even as he goes to the battle, Kumbhkaran is secretly happy because he knows there can be no better end to his life than by the hands of Lord Ram.  Don’t miss the heroic battle in the epic Ramayan starting Tuesday, July 15th, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. only on NDTV IMAGINE.

The ‘Badshah of Bhangra’ sets the stage on fire

The ‘Badshah of Bhangra’ sets the stage on fire

~Catch the electrifying Daler Mehndi on Junoon this Saturday at 8.30 pm ~

Mumbai, July 10, 2008… The excitement never ends on Lux Junoon… Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka! Audiences are in for a surprise as a very special guest makes his presence felt on the show with his unmatched voice and songs.  This week Daler Mehndi entertains the mentors, participants and audience alike with an electrifying  performance across on all 3 gengres. Tune in to a tadakedar episode this Saturday from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm only on NDTV Imagine! The King of Bolo Tara Ra … Daler stimulates the contestant and together they set the stage ablaze with some power packed performances, back to back.  With all the action taking place on stage, Daler persuades mentors Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ila Arun and Anand Raj Anand to join in this celebration of music. In a moment that captures the respect that the seasoned musicians have for each other, Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan requests Daler to sing his favourite ‘Bolo Tara Ra’ while Daler also makes a request – for Ustad Rahat to sing ‘Mann ki lagan’. Both performances are a treat to watch. The highlight of the show is when Maati Ke Lal contestant, Malini Awasthi and Daler, who have been coincidently trained under the same Guru – Rahat Ali sing a bandish together, which they have learnt from him. Nevertheless, all this fun will end with an elimination. On Junoon, the elimination is completely based on the performances. With the voting lines opening this weekend, viewers can vote for their favorite performer. Once the votes are tallied over week, the weakest genre will be identified. The mentor from that particular genre then has to make the difficult decision to eliminate one of the contestants from his/her team. Don’t miss this dhamaal episode with guest Daler Mehndi only on ‘Lux Junoon… Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka’ this Saturday, July12th  at 8.30 pm only on NDTV Imagine!

NDTV Imagine now available on DishTV

Ndtv Imagine now available on DishTV

 

Mumbai, July 07, 2008: NDTV Imagine, the popular Hindi general entertainment channel which was launched in January 2008, will now be available on dishtv, India’s largest direct-to-home service and part of the biggest media conglomerate, Zee Group. Announcing the inclusion of the channel on the dishtv platform, Mr. Harsh Rohatgi, EVP, Revenue Management and New Ventures, NDTV Imagine said, “This is an important milestone for us at NDTV Imagine.  The channel, which has been winning over new audiences everyday, will now reach a larger audience through the dishtv Network, providing them with access to fresh and compelling programming such as Ramayan, Jasuben Jayantilaal Joshi Ki Joint Family, Main Teri Parchhain Hoon, Lux Junoon Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka and Nachle Ve with Saroj Khan amongst others.” Mr. Vinay Agarwal, CEO, dishtv said, “As India’s largest direct-to-home service provider, dishtv has always been leading from the front and providing the best in entertainment to its subscribers. With the addition of NDTV Imagine, dishtv has further enhanced its general entertainment channel offering. All major channels, be it of national importance, regional bent, news, sports, music, children etc are available to the dishtv subscriber base, which currently stands at 3.4 million and growing at a fast pace. With NDTV Imagine now available on dishtv, we reestablish our promise of wholesome entertainment to our discerning subscribers.” NDTV Imagine will be available on LCN No. 104 on dishtv. NDTV Imagine currently reaches out to over 94 million viewers across the country. The channel continues its successful run as the No.3 channel in the core prime-time band (Mon-Fri) in the basket of 9 GEC channels.

Hans Raj Hans and The Wadali Brothers create Musical Magic!

Hans Raj Hans and The Wadali Brothers create Musical Magic!

~Airs this Friday and Saturday at 8.30 pm only on NDTV Imagine ~

Mumbai, July 02, 2008 … This week on NDTV Imagine, the mentors take centre stage with the Guru Purnima special.  The contestant from each genre pays tribute by performing songs of their respective mentors.  Touched by this special gesture, the mentors share their favorite memories about their own gurus which include the late great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.  Catch Anand Raj Anand’s unusual story of his ‘mentor’, which is none other than popular Bollywood songs.  Catch all the excitement on Lux Junoon… Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka this Friday and Saturday at 8:30 pm only on NDTV Imagine! This week Lakhwinder Wadali has some very special moments this week as he is joined by his uncles, the popular Wadali duo who are also Padmashree award winners.  The Wadali gharana features five generations of successful musicians in the family and Lakhwinder has made the family proud with his strong effort on Junoon. The Wadali brothers give the audience a special performance of their famous song Tu Maane Ya Na Mane. Hans Raj Hans is another special guest this week on Junoon, who has come on the show in support of the Sufi Ke Sultan and their mentor Raahat Fateh Ali Khan.  His performance of two of his most popular songs –  Dil Chori Sadda Ho Gaya and Dil Totte Totte Ho Gaya has coincidentally been composed by Anand Raj Anand!!! Tune in an exciting episode of ‘Lux Junoon Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka’ this Friday and Saturday at 8.30 pm, only on NDTV Imagine!