• Times Now presents special programming on Sunita Williams

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 11, 2007

    MUMBAI: Less than 24 hours after having started big story programming on the damage to the Atlantis Space Shuttle, TIMES NOW says that it has got an unprecedented viewer feedback from across the country to its reportage.

    TIMES NOW started the special coverage late last night, when news came in that there was damage to the thermal blanket around the shuttle that is to bring Sunita Williams back after a six month sojourn in space. Though NASA is working towards repairing the shuttle soon, there has been great concern about the possible danger to the shuttle during its return to Earth.

    Commenting on the viewer response to the story, Arnab Goswami, Editor-in-chief, TIMES NOW said, "We have already got more than a thousand messages in a few hours since we opened our lines and asked our viewers to send Sunita their best wishes. It only shows that our viewers look at Sunita as one of their own, someone they take pride in and inspiration from."

    The channel has already spoken to Sunita Williams parents in the United States and relatives in India, and has been reporting live from New York and the NASA headquarters in Houston, as it builds up to a special show on Sunday before the re-entry of Atlantis into the Earth‘s atmosphere. Interestingly, no other English news channel has covered the story in such detail, so TIMES NOW is clearly enhancing its competitive advantage with the "Come Back, Sunita" campaign.

  • NGC premieres a brand new season of 'Most Amazing Moments' starting 18 June at 10 pm

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 11, 2007

    MUMBAI: This summer, National Geographic Channel promises to take you on a roller coaster ride of extreme danger and thrill with a brand new season of Most Amazing Moments, premiering on Monday, 18 June (Monday to Friday) at 10 pm. The ten-part series is a collection of the most shocking, exhilarating, and awe-inspiring events captured on film.

    Most Amazing Moments takes you to every corner of the globe with startling new footage, breathtaking scenes and rarely seen events. From feasting predators to remarkable rescues and dramatic displays of nature‘s wrath - these are the scenes that take our breath away, the shots that keep us spellbound. So strap yourself in for a wild ride!

    Speaking about the series, Rajesh Sheshadri, Vice President - Marketing, National Geographic Channel, India said, "For decades, National Geographic has captured the imagination of the world with spectacular imagery and through this series we present some of the most astounding footage ever captured on film. With a truly phenomenal line up, we are looking at promoting this series innovatively not only on-air but also through various off-air activities thus giving it a 360 degree approach".

    Most Amazing Moments includes the following action-packed episodes:

    Most Daring Moments, Monday, 18 June: Get ready for some of the most daring moments ever captured on tape - from death defying rescues on land, air and sea, to predators unexpectedly becoming prey. Meet people who take incredible risks and live to tell the tale. We‘ll put you face to face with animals who surprise even the experts - and bring you astounding rituals that stretch the phrase ‘no pain no gain‘ to the limit.

    Most Astounding Moments - Tuesday, 19 June: From surviving disaster on land, air and sea, to filming a volcano‘s bubbling lake at exactly the right moment - these are the most astounding moments. From animals that were saved in the nick of time, to rites and rituals that push endurance to the extreme.

    Most Astonishing Moments - Wednesday, 20 June: You‘re about to see some of the most incredible moments ever filmed - from people and animals teetering on the brink of disaster to the daring filmmakers who risk their lives to take pictures. Witness the surprising hunting techniques of some wild animals and meet everyday people who just love to tempt fate. And see the chilling moments when people come face to face with the great white shark.

    Most Amazing Moments - Thursday, 21 June (Part 1); Friday, 22 June (Part 2): Amazing Moments is a dazzling countdown of the most shocking, exhilarating, and awe-inspiring events ever captured on film. From killer frogs to a hurricane in the house, from a mile-high freefall to the jaws of an angry shark, it takes viewers on a heart-pounding adventure, where surprises lurk around every corner and a brush with death is worth the thrill of feeling alive.

    Most Amazing Close Encounters - Monday, 25 June: Get ready for close encounters of the amazing kind - surprising moments when predator meets prey - man meets animal and people look death in the face - in some of the most incredible scenes ever captured on film. Meet people who get up close and personal with rats - giant squid - and swarms of stinging bees.

    Most Dangerous Moments - Tuesday, June 26: They‘re the scenes that take our breath away - the shots that keep you spellbound - real moments of extraordinary danger - amazingly, captured on film. Welcome to Danger! - A heart-stopping episode of National Geographic‘s Most Amazing Moments.

    Most Extreme Moments - Wednesday, 27 June: They‘re the scenes that shock and amaze us - the moments when people and predators push themselves to the limit? and beyond - all amazingly, captured on film. Get ready for Going to Extremes, a heart-pumping episode of Most Amazing Moments.

    Most Thrilling Moments - Thursday, 28 June: How do you get your thrills? In the quest for that heart-pumping adrenaline rush, some go to any lengths - and you won‘t believe what happens to them. Hold on tight! These are the most amazing moments of awesome daring ever caught on film.

    Monster Croc - Friday, 29 June: Do giant crocodiles really exist? One man is prepared to travel to the ends of the earth to find out? Some 30 years ago in Papua New Guinea, crocodile biologist Romulus Whitaker measured the skin of a record-breaking Salt Water Crocodile at just over 20 foot.

    Most Daring Moments Monday, 18 June 10 pm

    Most Astounding Moments Tuesday, 19 June 10 pm

    Most Astonishing Moments Wednesday, 20 June 10 pm

    Most Amazing Moments (Part 1) Thursday, 21 June 10 pm

    Most Amazing Moments (Part 2) Friday, June 22 10 pm

    Most Amazing Close Encounters Monday, 25 June 10 pm

    Most Dangerous Moments Tuesday, 26 June 10 pm

    Most Extreme Moments Wednesday, 27 June 10 pm

    Most Thrilling Moments Thursday, 28 June 10 pm

    Monster Croc Friday, 29 June 10 pm

  • Look what's Cooking on CNN-IBN's 'Secret Kitchen'

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 11, 2007

    MUMBAI: CNN-IBN introduces a special series, ‘Secret Kitchen‘; which hunts down the cornerstones of cuisines and present long forgotten culinary secrets of India. Journey with Bikramjit Ray, CNN-IBN‘s food correspondent, as he travels across the country and unravels recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.

    The series covers Indian culinary traditions including Royal cuisines of Awadh and Rampur with Rajkumar Amir Naqi Khan and Begum Noor Ranu; cuisine from the hills of Himachal Pradesh to Metropolitan Mumbai; Chettinad and Nadar food from Tamil Nadu and tribal Manan food from Kerala. The six episode series engages viewers each Saturday to a melting pot of India‘s diverse cuisines until July 7.

    Introducing the series Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, CNN-IBN and IBN 7 said, "India is a land of diverse cultures and cuisines. With our exclusive series ‘Secret Kitchen‘, we have made an attempt to bring the very best of traditional Indian culinary delights to whet the appetite of our viewers. The programme is aimed at discovering recipes which have faded into oblivion over the passage of time."

    "Diversity in programming is welcomed by our advertisers and viewers alike. These feature-based programmes provide us an opportunity to attract companies and brands looking for infotainment content. An interactive contest that engages viewers has been included to provide sponsoring companies added prospects," added Sanjay Dua, National Sales Head, CNN-IBN and IBN 7.

    Apart from presenting long forgotten culinary secrets of India, Secret Kitchen also invites viewers to share their traditional recipes, family fare or just about anything exclusive that they feel takes them on a gastronomic high! Two best entries will win a TTK Microwave oven each week.

  • Watch Father's Day Special movies on HBO on 17 June

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 11, 2007

    MUMBAI: Fathers‘ Day, June 17 at 4 pm, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams

    Jack Lawrence (Billy Crystal) is a smart lawyer whose ex-girlfriend tells him her kid was his. Dale Putley (Robin Williams), a depressed goofball who is also a writer, meets with the same ex-girlfriend who tells him her kid is his. One day Jack and Dale meet and discover what had happened: they‘ve been told the same story and now there‘s a question of who the real father is. They hit the road to Sacremento and find their drunk, lovestruck son. Soon after they bring him back to their hotel room, their son escapes and Jack and Dale must use teamwork to find him again, bring him home, and find out which one of them is the real father.

    Man Of The House

    June 17 at 6 pm

    Tommy Lee Jones, Christina Milian

    When five perky cheerleaders witness the murder of a drug bust informant, they require ‘round-the-clock surveillance to keep from being the next victims. Enter tough-as-nails Texas Ranger Lt. Roland Sharp (Tommy Lee Jones), who masquerades as their assistant coach and camps out in their campus digs. Sharp learns it is no easy task to keep the uncontrollable co-eds in line and out of harm‘s way.

  • Catch the Hollywood Heartthrob Brad Pitt all this week only on Pix!

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 11, 2007

    MUMBAI: Watch the legend Brad Pitt in Thelma and Louise, the movie that got him noticed and started him on his road to stardom.Also coming up on June 13 is Legends of the Fall, an epic tale of three brothers and their father living in the remote wilderness of 1900s USA and how their lives are affected by nature, history, war, and love. This film is followed by Seven Years in Tibet on June 14 due to which Brad was banned from entering China. Lastly catch Brad in Snatch directed by Guy Ritchie better known as Madonna‘s husband.

    Thelma & Louise, 12th June at 10 pm

    Director: Ridley Scott
    Cast: Susan Sarandon, Brad Pitt, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel

    Synopsis

    Whilst on a short weekend getaway, Louise shoots a man who had tried to rape Thelma. Due to the incriminating circumstances, they make a run for it but are soon followed closely by the authorities including a local policeman who is sympathetic to their plight. The federal authorities, however, have less compassion and thus a cross country chase ensues for the two fugitives. Along the way, both women rediscover the strength of their friendship and surprising aspects of their personalities and self-strengths in the trying times.

    Trivia on Thelma & Louise:

    " Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep wanted to make a movie together and Thelma & Louise was one of the scripts they considered. Ultimately, they decided to star in Death Becomes Her (1992) instead.

    " The original Thelma and Louise were to be played by Michelle Pfeiffer and Jodie Foster, Ridley Scott was going to produce, and Callie Khouri (the screenwriter) would be directing. In the end, the pitching took so long that Pfeiffer and Foster
    were no longer available, and Scott had been persuaded to direct it himself

    " Ridley Scott filmed a longer ending (found on the Special Edition DVD) in which we see the car plunge into the canyon, with a melancholy B.B. King song playing in the background. Instead he opted for a more upbeat ending with the car frozen in ascent and Hans Zimmer‘s score playing.

    " Ridley Scott is very receptive to ideas from cast and crew members on his films, and used many suggestions from Susan Sarandon during production. Some ideas of Sarandon‘s that made the final cut of the film:

    Legends of the fall, 13th June at 10 pm

    Director : Edward Zwick
    Cast: Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Aidan Quinn, Julia Ormond, Henry Thomas

    Synopsis

    Former U.S. Cavalry Col. William Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins) presides over his ranch in the foothills of the Montana Rockies, where he seeks to raise his three sons far away from the madness of his times. Alfred (Aidan Quinn), the eldest, is dutiful and reserved but has a will of his own; Samuel (Henry Thomas), the beloved youngest brother, is the epitome of turn-of-the-century idealism; and middle brother Tristan (Brad Pitt) is a wild, untamable spirit. Samuel‘s arrival from college throws the family into turmoil--both his brothers‘ fall in love with his new fianc?e (Julia Ormond)--until the outbreak of World War I upends their lives. Through the horror of that war, then home to Montana and a world turned modern overnight, the brothers‘ tale is a story writ large, of love and loss, betrayal and hope.

    Trivia on Legends of the Fall:

    " Johnny Depp was offered, and turned down, the role of Tristan Ludlow

    " Neither Brad Pitt nor Julia Ormond had ridden before making this film

    " The title refers to the biblical fall from innocence. In Sweden however, the title was translated as "H?stlegender" meaning Legends of the (season) Fall (as in autumn)

    " This movie was originally to be filmed in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada), but the city officials refused to remove several trees (which would have been replaced after the end of filming)

    " Originally conceived as a starring vehicle for Sean Connery and Tom Cruise

    Seven Years in Tibet, 14th June at 10 pm

    Director: Jean Jacques Annaud
    Cast: Brad Pitt, David Thewlis, B.D. Wong, Mako, Danny Denzongpa

    Synopsis

    Brad Pitt stars as Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer, who set out in 1939 with his countryman Peter Aufschnaiter (David Thewlis) to climb Nanga Parbat, one of the Himalayas‘ highest peaks. Harrer‘s journey would take him from the heights of conquest to the depths of internment in a British prisoner-of-war camp, then from escape and a harrowing two-year trek through the Himalayas to the mysterious Tibetan city of Lhasa. There he was befriended by the young Dalai Lama, and tutored the religious leader in English, geography and the ways of the western world. The bond that developed between the two led the egotistical Harrer to an emotional and spiritual awakening.

    Trivia on Seven Years in Tibet:

    " Annaud sent a team to Tibet to secretly film footage. About 20 minutes of it made it into the finished film. This was kept secret even after the film‘s premiere and not known until summer 1999

    " As a result of his role in this film, Brad Pitt was banned from China

    " Jetsun Pema is the real life sister of the Dalai Lama. In this film she plays the mother of the Dalai Lama and hence her own mother

    " Because of his role in the movie, David Thewlis is banned from ever entering China

    " In the scene where Heinrich confronts Ngawang, the director did not tell B.D. Wong the script called for Brad Pitt to throw him into the dirt; Wong‘s reaction is completely authentic

    Snatch, 15th June at 10 pm

    Director: Guy Ritchie
    Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Brad Pitt, Jason Statham, Dennis Farina, Stephen Graham

    Synopsis

    Diamond thief Franky Four Fingers arrives in London en route to New York to deliver a huge diamond to boss Avi. But after offloading smaller stones to a motley assortment of London ne‘er-do-wells, Franky and the diamond fall into the wrong hands. Meanwhile two shady boxing promoters discover Irish gypsy fighter Mickey O‘Neil, whom they hope to ride to riches if he will only "take a fall" as instructed. When Avi arrives in London looking for his diamond, all hell breaks loose as various parties pursue personal agendas all of them illegal, some of them farcical, and most of them destined to end in pain and retribution. As a plan goes haywire and tempers fray, dogs, diamonds, mobile homes, boxers and assorted weaponry get swept up into a chaotic free-for-all.

    Trivia on Snatch:

    " Brad pitt who was a big fan of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), approached director Guy Ritchie and asked to for a role in this film. When Ritchie found Pitt couldn‘t master a London accent, he gave him the role of Mickey the Gypsy

    " To keep things in order during production, director Guy Ritchie introduced a system of fines on set. There were fines for mobile phones ringing, arriving late, and taking naps during shooting

    " When Guy Ritchie told Brad Pitt that he would be playing a boxer, Pitt became concerned because he had just finished shooting Fight Club (1999) and did not want to play the same type of role again. Pitt book the role anyway because he wanted to work with Ritchie so badly

    " The producers couldn‘t afford enough extras for the boxing match sequences. Whenever a camera angle changed, the extras had to move around to create an impression of a crowded house

    " Brad pitt‘s character and indecipherable speech was inspired by many critics‘ complaints about the accents of the characters in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998). Guy Ritchie decided to counter the criticisms by creating a character that not only couldn‘t be understood by the audience but the also couldn‘t be understood by characters in the movie.

  • 100 Candles for mohalla mohabbat wala's cake

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 11, 2007

    MUMBAI:Time flies and how?.Mohalla Mohabbat Wala, one of television‘s most loved shows turned 100 today. And it was party time for Mohalla Mohabbat Wala, commonly known as MMW, as it celebrated the completion of this 100th episode feat. The cast and crew marked this joyous occasion by having a small, yet fun-filled celebration on the sets. Joining in the fun and festivities were Garv Dixit, Abbas Khan, Nilesh Malviya and Aadesh Chowdhary. But the celebration at MMW did not end here, as the team also celebrated the birthday of Aadesh Chowdhary.

    The aura was filled with fun and the MMW sets echoed with laughter. The on-screen camaraderie that the cast shares has translated into their real life as well. The team was seen cracking jokes and playing prank on one another.

    Congratulating the MMW team, Priya Mishra, the head of Programmimg, said, "MMW" has hit a century and we are all geared up for crossing many more milestones. What makes MMW stand out is the fact that the show has a perfect balance of emotions and fun along with the right dose of passion. There is a lot to watch out on the show and we promise the MMW aficionados that in the second season they will see extra punch and vigour."

    Catch the special 100th episode on 12 June, 2007 at 8:30pm only on SAB

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