• To know about HIV - learn about AIDS - listen to Radio Mirchi

    Submitted by ITV Production on Aug 03, 2007

    MUMBAI: Radio Mirchi, Chennai‘s most popular radio channel, in association with Heroes Project, the largest nongovernmental public service campaign in India and the Satyam Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility Arm of Satyam Computer Services Ltd launched a one-of-a-kind month long initiative called ‘HIV Pathi Therinjikko - AIDS Pathi Purinjikko‘ Spearheaded by Heroes Project, the campaign was conceived to dispel myths and misconceptions that prevail in the minds of people even 20 years into the epidemic. The purpose of this unique initiative is to address some of these issues directly and provide the right answers to questions.

    This campaign witnesses the coming together of the corporate and NGO world with the Tamil film industry on an entertaining platform like radio. All elements thus combine to strengthen the cause of HIV/ AIDS awareness.

    Using the strengths of radio as a medium, the campaign will roll out in two main segments. To enable wider connect with the listeners, ‘Radio Mirchi‘ style messages will be disseminated throughout the day addressing issues from care and support to stigma and discrimination.

    The key highlight of the campaign is the celebrity quiz. For two weeks, every day, starting August 6, 2007, a new question will be asked by a different celebrity on HIV/AIDS, thereby addressing myths and misconceptions related to the issue. Answers will be invited through SMS and prizes for the winners will include T-Shirts with HIV/AIDS messaging personally autographed by the respective celebrity. The initiative will involve a number of celebrities from the Tamil film industry like Kamal Hassan, Sharath Kumar, Radhika, Kushboo, Madhavan, Gouthami, Revathi and Vivek among others. In addition to the messages given, a helpline number (044 2534 5555) will be provided so listeners can call for further information. The helpline, manned by PSI Saadhan, provides HIV/AIDS/STI information, counselling and referral services.

    Speaking on the initiative, Vinita Sidhartha, State Director Heroes Project said, "HIV as an issue continues to be surrounded by misconceptions. In Chennai especially, although awareness of HIV is high, misconception-free understanding is still not widely prevalent. By mainstreaming the issue and providing an entertaining platform, together, with proactive involvement from the top celebrities, Radio Mirchi, Satyam Foundation and PSI Saadhan, this program expects to address these myths head on." Satyam Foundation has partnered with the Heroes Project to sponsor this campaign. The Red Ribbon Clubs formed by them fronts their activities related to HIV/AIDS. As the campaign pans out, a Radio Mirchi SJ (Satellite Jockey) will be interacting with people at Satyam to understand their efforts on the issue. A spokesperson from Satyam Foundation remarked, "Satyam is perhaps the first Indian IT company to formulate a workplace policy on HIV/AIDS. It has done away with HIV testing for candidates selected for jobs in its various software development centers and maintains complete confidentiality in case of those who are positive."

    Radio Mirchi‘s Station Director, Mr. Mahesh Shetty overwhelmed by the response from the celebrities said, "We are really touched to see the spontaneity with which all these celebrities came forward to support a cause like this. Being one of the leading radio channels we thought it our responsibility to spread the message across and address issues of importance to the public. We are indeed happy to be partnering in the Heroes Project for this initiative".

  • 'Zoom' Barabar 'Zoom' with Lara Dutta only on Let's Talk

    Submitted by ITV Production on Aug 03, 2007

    MUMBAI: After her widely popular and sizzling performances in Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and Partner, watch the glamorous and debonair Miss Universe 2000, Lara Dutta in a heart-to-heart talk with the host Tarana Raja Kapoor on the celebrity chat show Let‘s Talk on August 8th 2007, Wednesday, 8 pm only on Zoom, India‘s premier glamour and entertainment news channel.

    Talking about her booming career graph, Lara speaks about her first experience of working with Salman Khan in Partner and the fun she had during the shooting of Bhagam Bhag. On the sets of Bhagam Bhag she was the only girl in the male dominated cast and enjoyed her thrilling experience while doing the stunt scene at the climax after which Akshay rechristened her as ‘LARA Paji‘. Lara speaks extensively about how frustrated she was when the media only associated her as a glam diva and did not give her enough credibility for her acting. But now it‘s changing and everyone is noticing her as a beauty with acting skills.

    Lara is a linguistic at heart and is fluent in French and Spanish to name just a few. While she was shooting for Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, she had requested all the crew members and individuals present at the set to speak in a proper French accent, so that she could pick it up faster.

    Not many know that Lara had created a record of sorts by scoring 9.99 in the final question round that opened way for her to win the Miss Universe title in 2000. She is the youngest goodwill ambassador of UN in South Asian region and is incessantly working for the youth welfare in India.

    She is not a party animal and prefers watching movies in the multiplexes where she enjoys the whole experience of eating popcorn like any other cinema goer. Lara loves meeting people and never hides her identity in public places. She is looking forward to writing scripts for films and after acting, includes direction as one of her big future plans.

    So, zoom in and watch Tarana Kapoor in a t?te-?-t?te with your favourite Bollywood actor Lara Dutta sharing her experiences on the celebrity chat show Let‘s Talk on 8 August 2007, Wednesday, 8 pm only on Zoom. Isko Dekho!

  • National Geographic Channel premieres 'Combating Terror' on 11 September


    Submitted by ITV Production on Aug 03, 2007

    NEW DELHI: This September, the National Geographic Channel explores some of the radical new anti-terrorist designs and technologies that help keep terror attacks at bay .

    From bomb-sniffing buses to futuristic smart guns to HiEnergy car bomb finder; technology is the key to outsmarting terror. Nat Geo‘s ‘Combating Terror‘ premieres on Tuesday, September 11 at 10:00 pm (weeknights, till 21 September); it showcases the technologies being developed internationally to combat future terrorist attacks.

    Terrorism in the 21st century is changing. The targets, techniques and technology are evolving. Terrorists are bigger, broader, dangerous and more sophisticated. Using dramatic documentary reconstruction, extensive research, interviews with experts, archival footage and Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) the series presents the latest cutting-edge technologies that are allowing us to push the limits while fighting the war against terror.

    "India is one of the worst terror-effected regions in the world and Combating Terror discusses this topic in a unique manner. From safer transport to highly sophisticated intelligence systems, the need of the hour is to develop technologies that can stop terrorists before they attack. Through ‘Outsmarting Terror‘, we showcase what pre-emptive measures are being taken the world-over to outsmart terror using research and technological advancements. The other episodes in the series showcase tragic terror attacks that could have been avoided ; these episodes give us insight s into the minds of the terrorists, which therefore could help us combat terrorism", said Rajesh Sheshadri, Vice President ? Marketing, National Geographic Channel, India .

    Combating Terror provides an in-depth look at global terrorism today through its nine featured episodes. The series premieres on September 11 with ‘Outsmarting Terror‘ which looks at the unique technological innovations being used by various countries to fight terrorism. The other episodes include Bus 174, Iranian Embassy Siege, African Hijack, Pentagon 9-11, Munich Olympic Massacre, Terror in the Skies, Hijacked and Air Hijack.

    Combating Terror
    Episode Title
    Date Day Time
    Outsmarting Terror September 11 Tuesday 10 pm
    Bus 174 September 12 Wednesday 10 pm
    Iranian Embassy Siege September 13 Thursday 10 pm
    Munich Olympic Massacre September 14 Friday 10 pm
    African Hijack September 17 Monday 10 pm
    Pentagon 9-11 September 18 Tuesday 10 pm
    Hijacked September 19 Wednesday 10 pm
    Air Hijack September 21 Thursday 10 pm
    Terror in the Skies September 22 Friday 10 pm

    Outsmarting Terror: Tuesday, 11 September, 10pm

    Terrorism has become the scourge of the 21st century. And in the post-9/11 world, we live in a state of heightened paranoia: will the next attack be today? Can it be stopped? Nat Geo investigates the latest cutting-edge technologies that are pushing the limits on the war on terror. The film investigates new ‘bomb-sniffing‘ buses that can potentially stop suicide bombers in their tracks, look at buildings that can actually brace for impact and see the development of ‘smart‘ guns that can shoot around corners. It uses dramatic reconstruction and CGI to understand the anatomy of some of the world‘s most notorious terrorist strikes and demonstrate how high-tech weaponry and defense systems could have lessened the attacks or prevented them altogether. In the wake of the terrorist bombings in London and Madrid, scientists are probing other modes of transportation for vulnerabilities. Is there a way to stop bombers before they get anywhere near their crowded targets and can we detect car bombs before they are detonated? Nat Geo investigates the latest in perimeter security - devices like the HiEnergy CarBomb Finder - that can sweep a vehicle for chemical signatures of explosives and the Siegma 3E3, a particle accelerator that fits in an aluminum suitcase and can check suspicious objects via remote control.

    Bus 174: Wednesday, 12 September, 10pm

    On June 12th, 2000, a bus filled with passengers was hijacked in Rio de Janeiro in broad daylight. The kidnapper, Sandro do Nascimento, terrorized his victims for four and a half hours as the whole country watched the drama broadcast live on Brazilian TV. Based on an extensive research of stock footage, interviews and official documents, BUS 174 is the careful investigation of the hijacking - focusing on Sandro do Nascimento, his childhood, and how unavoidably he was doomed to become a bandit.

    Iranian Embassy Siege: Thursday, 13 September, 10pm

    On 30th April 1980, six armed terrorists stormed the Iranian Embassy in London, holding 26 people hostage. Despite intense police negotiation, the siege lasted for six days. On the sixth day the Special Air Service (SAS) was given authority to move in and rescue the captives while the whole world watched on live television. By using dramatic documentary reconstruction, archival footage, graphics and key interviews with those involved, we bring to life this dramatic rescue.

    Munich Olympic Massacre: Friday, 14 September, 10pm

    The 1972 Munich Olympics holds significant promise, offering a chance to showcase a new Germany to a post-World War II world. However, this hopeful beginning meets a tragic end on September 5 at just after 4:00 AM when Palestinian terrorists kill two Israeli athletes and capture 9 others. As police struggle to handle the crisis, the terrorists anticipate their every move. By 1:30 AM on 6 September, the fighting finally stops, and all of the athletes, five terrorists and one German police officer are dead. With the circumstances behind the police‘s actions shrouded in mystery, one athlete‘s wife vows to uncover the truth.

    African Hijack: Monday, 17 September, 10pm

    On November 23, 1996, an Ethiopian Airlines B-767 aircraft en route from Addis Ababa to Nairobi, Kenya, was hijacked. The aircraft carried 163 passengers and 12 crew members. Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, three Ethiopian men approached the cockpit from the rear of the aircraft and forced their way into the cockpit. The hijackers ordered the pilot to fly to Australia at an altitude of 39,000 feet, saying they knew that the aircraft could reach that destination since it could fly 11 hours. The pilot tried to convince them that the plane didn‘t have enough fuel, but without success. So he decided to trick them. Instead of flying east across the Indian Ocean, he flew south along the coast of Africa and even got Kenyan air traffic control to play along with the deception. The events that unfolded brought about the deadliest hijacking ever.

    Pentagon 9-11: Tuesday, 18 September, 10pm

    On September 11, 2001, American Airlines flight 77 is hijacked by terrorists some 30 minutes after taking off from Dulles airport in Virginia. Less than an hour later, it slams directly into the Pentagon‘s West Wall at nearly 530 mph, destroying 30 structural columns and killing 184 innocent people and the 5 terrorists. Pentagon 9/11 deconstructs second-by-second one of the tragic events that led to the worst day of terrorist attacks on American soil.

    Hijacked: Wednesday, 19 September, 10pm

    In Algiers on Christmas Eve in 1994, an Air France Airbus carrying 239 people was hijacked by four Algerian terrorists just before take off. They demanded the release from prison of Muslim leaders held by the Algerian authorities. 63 passengers were released, but the Algerian politicians refused to meet the hijackers‘ demands. In retaliation, the hijackers killed a passenger and dumped the body. The Algerians leadership was unmoved. A second passenger was killed and then a third. As a result of pressure exerted by the French government, the plane took off for Marseilles. Once in Marseilles, the French authorities conducted a cat-and-mouse game with the terrorists to keep them on the ground. French intelligence had learned that the hijackers intended to go on to Paris from Marseilles and explode the plane over the city. 54 hours after the hijack G.I.G.N. (France‘s counter-terrorism unit) launched one of the most daring and successful special forces operations ever seen - the G.I.G.N. stormed the plane, killing the terrorists and freeing all 173 passengers and crew onboard.

    Air Hijack: Thursday, 20 September, 10pm

    On Christmas Eve 1999, Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 takes off from Kathmandu, Nepal on its way to New Delhi, India. En route the flight is hijacked by five masked men who have managed to smuggle onboard guns, knives and grenades. The 189 passengers and crew on board are held at gunpoint as the hijackers force the pilots to fly to Lahore, Pakistan. As the drama unfolds we follow IC814 through its journey as it travels for hundreds of kilometers. First Amritsar, India, then Lahore, Pakistan, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and finally Kandahar, Afghanistan, then under the Taliban regime. Along the way this haphazard journey claims an innocent life... and the terrified passengers wait, locked inside the airplane. The hijackers are demanding the release of terrorists imprisoned in Indian jails, as well as 200 million in ransom money. The Indian government, which does not recognize the Taliban regime, takes days to send in a team of negotiators. Can the negotiators influence these implacable terrorists? What will happen to the passengers as the hours stretch into days? What will be the final outcome? And what will be the repercussions of the final decision?

    Terror In The Skies: Friday, 21 September, 10pm

    On November 23, 1985, Egypt Air Flight 648 departs from Athens, Greece. Twenty minutes into the flight, Mohammed Ali Rezaq, a member of the terrorist organization, Egypt‘s Revolution, and two accomplices hijack the plane with handguns and grenades. In the cabin, an Egyptian air marshal engages the terrorists in a high-altitude gun fight. He is killed but manages to fatally wound one of the terrorists. Quickly running out of fuel and losing pressure in the cabin, the pilot has to land in Malta. When Maltese authorities refuse to give in to his demands for fuel, Rezaq starts shooting passengers point-blank in the head. In a nearby hangar, Egyptian Commandos plan a rescue operation. In the aftermath of the operation, many passengers and another terrorist are dead. Rezaq, the only surviving terrorist, is tried in Malta and sentenced to 25 years in prison. But the nightmare continues when he is released 7 years later. Follow the FBI and Interpol as they track this brutal killer from Malta to Ghana, then to Nigeria where he is at last placed under U.S. custody and brought to justice.

     
  • BIG Music releases Jagjit Singh's first Gujarati ghazal album

    Submitted by ITV Production on Aug 02, 2007

    MUMBAI: Even before its release, the album ‘Jeevan Marann Chhe Ek‘ has become first of sorts.

    It is the first-ever album of Gujarati ghazals by maestro Jagjit Singh. And this is also the first non-film music album by BIG Music.

    BIG Music & Home Entertainment - the Reliance ADAG Venture has signed a three album deal with the king of ghazals. And with the launch of Gujarati ghazals, it has created a new dimension in the non-film language genre.

    But isn‘t a ghazal album in Gujarati unheard of. Says Jagjit Singh, "Poetry and music are not constrained by any language. Instead, each language and region adds its own charm to both. I am happy that BIG Music has made an attempt highlighting the depth and range of Gujarati poetry. I am looking forward to many such interesting concepts with BIG Music".

    Kulmeet Makkar, Chief Executive Officer - BIG Music & Home Entertainment is, as expected, very happy with the launch. "We are thrilled at our association with Jagjit Singh. We were looking at doing something different in the music album market. And a Gujarati ghazal album looked exactly like the challenge we wanted. Jagjit ji‘s presence just made our decision easier. This album is also special as this is the first in series of the albums we will be releasing with Jagjit Singh."

    Few people know that Jagjit Singh got his first break with a Gujarati Bhajan in ‘Bahuroopi‘ movie, way back in 1966. And with ‘Jeevan Marann Chhe Ek‘ he is completing a full circle of sorts. There are 8 melodious tracks in the album. The tone is relaxing and the underlying theme is of love and peace.The lyrics of the album are by the eminent Gujarati poet, Abbas Vasi "Mareez". The ghazals are composed and sung by Jagjit Singh. It is the first-ever album of Gujarati ghazals by maestro Jagjit Singh. And this is also the first non-film music album by BIG Music.

     

  • The History Channel showcases World War II theatre at its strategic best in 'Warcraft: The Art Of War'

    Submitted by ITV Production on Aug 02, 2007

    MUMBAI: This August, the action shifts to the battlefields of the Second World War, the most widespread war humanity has ever experienced.

    The History Channel brings to your living rooms warfare as it has never been captured before in Warcraft: The Art of War, starting 13 August, 2007. The series consists of an interesting blend of stunning recreations of battles which changed the course of World War II in Lost Evidence, using state of the art CGI mapping of the battle terrain. Extensive computer animation brings alive aerial battles in Dogfights and larger than life drama in Jumbo Movies.

    Using classified military footage painstakingly collected over the years, Lost Evidence (every Monday to Thursday at 10pm) recounts the moments of key battles in the European and Pacific theaters. Battlefields are reconstructed in CGI with the help of high-resolution aerial photographs taken before and during the battles. Viewers can track the action yard by yard, and individual stories of heroism can be placed in the exact spot where they occurred. It‘s World War II presented in a totally new, totally gripping way.

    Get into the cockpit and experience the Dogfights. This is a series that recreates famous battles using state of the art computer graphics. With up to 25 percent of the program consisting of animation, viewers will feel like they‘re in the battle, facing the enemy. While first-hand accounts drives the story, rare archival footage and original shooting supplements the remarkable computer graphics. Catch Dogfights every weeknight from Monday to Friday at 8 pm throughout the month of August!

    It‘s not over yet! Get set to view some of the most entertaining and enigmatic war movies of all times. The History Channel presents a fantastic collection of movies in the month of August in Jumbo Movies to be shown every Saturday & Sunday at 8 pm beginning 11 August 2007. The channel features larger than life air battles and recreation of the French scenario during World War II in the movie ‘Fall from Grace‘. Jumbo Movie ‘From Here to Eternity‘ illustrates the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, as seen through the eyes of two soldiers caught up in army politics and doomed romances. Experience the claustrophobic existence of the men on a German U Boat in ‘Das Boot‘.

    Starting 13 August, tune-in to witness world defining moments that changed the course of history in Warcraft: The Art of War only on The History Channel.

     
  • Cricket talk on CNN-IBN gets sharper with Javagal Srinath

    Submitted by ITV Production on Aug 02, 2007

    MUMBAI: Cricket talk on CNN-IBN just got bigger and better! Javagal Srinath - inarguably one of the fastest Indian bowlers - will be joining CNN-IBN‘s panel of Cricket experts to provide his insights and opinions on shows like the channel‘s flagship Cricket opinion and analysis programme, Love of Cricket (LoC). In joining former Cricket legend Krish Srikkanth on the sets of LoC, the duo will set the show ablaze with their expertise and no-nonsense approach to a sport they both know only too well! The Srikkanth-Srinath combination is insurmountable - with the sizzle of one‘s swing and the sting of the other‘s pace, is there any other place you‘d rather go for your daily dose of Cricket information?

    Popularly known to be the fastest pace bowler to ever grace the Indian Cricket team, Javagal Srinath, having retired after the 2003 World Cup, is currently an ICC appointed match referee for many international Tests and ODIs. Already a proficient source of all your Cricket news and analysis with Krish Srikkanth, CNN-IBN‘s authority on the sport just got more robust with Srinath bringing with him his experience of 11 years of International cricket and his sharp insight and understanding of the nuances of the sport. LoC will bring the viewers highlights and reviews of the all the action from everydays play on India‘s tour of England as deliberated by the Srikkanth-Srinath duo leaving little room for doubt.

    "With Javagal Srinath coming on board as a Cricket expert on CNN-IBN, his years of experience coupled with that of Srikkanth‘s will undoubtedly make us a more credible source of information and analyses on the sport. Our viewers can look forward to great Cricket legends discuss their opinions on the day‘s play." Said, Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, CNN-IBN and IBN 7

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