Thursday, April 18, 2024

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The theatrical premiere of five shorts at MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone by five next-gen filmmakers mentored by Vishal Bhardwaj, Vikramaditya Motwane, and Rohan Sippy, gets an astounding response Filmmakers Archana Atul Phadke, Prateek Vats, Faraz Ali, Saumyananda Sahi, and Saurav Rai create visually stunning and layered narratives using an iPhone. Mumbai, April 19, 2024 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival launched a special programme ‘MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone,’ last year during the festival, wherein a talented group of emerging filmmakers from MAMI Alumni were given the platform to reimagine traditional cinematic conventions by creating high-quality short films, shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max and edited on a MacBook Pro. Six months hence, these five shorts had an exclusive theatrical premiere that was attended by top talent from the industry such as Vishal Bhardwaj, Vikramaditya Motwane, Rohan Sippy, Shakun Batra, Radhika Apte, Shabana Azmi, Aditi Rao Hydari and fiancee Siddharth, Gul Panag, Jim Sarbh, Kabir Khan, Kiran Rao and Mouni Roy to name a few. The films are now exclusively streaming on MAMI Mumbai Film Festival Youtube channel YouTube Playlist Link The five young filmmakers, part of MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone, represent the new generation of Indian cinema and its changing landscape. They challenged the norms and created a new form of narrative, both in terms of storytelling as well as the making of it. Vishal Bhardwaj, who in 2023 shot his award-winning short film ‘Fursat’ on iPhone; highly acclaimed writer, director, and producer Vikramaditya Motwane; and Rohan Sippy, who is known for his stylised films, mentored the five filmmakers: Archana Atul Phadke, Faraz Ali, Prateek Vats, Saumyananda Sahi, and Saurav Rai. Under the sharp guidance of the three stalwarts of Indian cinema, these young filmmakers were encouraged to push the creative boundaries of filmmaking and build strong narratives in a new cinematic format. Commenting on this, Anupama Chopra, Festival Director, MAMI, said, "At MAMI, our aim is to create an ecosystem that facilitates independent filmmakers by creating collaboration opportunities for new work and showcasing it to a larger audience. MAMI Select—Filmed on iPhone—is an important initiative in that direction, and we cannot wait for the world to see these films made using iPhone and edited on MacBook Pro.” Ace filmmaker, music director, and writer Vishal Bhardwaj shared his thoughts on the films screened: “It's exciting to be a part of the MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone project and mentor some of the most talented next-gen filmmakers. While shooting ‘Fursat’ on my iPhone, I found it liberating to be able to change my setting or shoot canvas by simply lifting my iPhone and moving it to another angle! The idea of transforming your imagination into reality by using an iPhone is empowering a whole new generation of filmmakers, and I cannot wait for the world to see all the wonderful films that five of our filmmakers have made using an iPhone and a MacBook Pro." Writer and filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane echoed the sentiment and added, “The idea of art meeting technology like iPhone can truly be a game changer and make way for new formats of storytelling. These are exciting times for filmmakers, and what we have been able to achieve through MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone programme is special. The world has changed, and so has storytelling, and it's time for all sorts of experimental storytelling. The five filmmakers who have made films as a part of the programme have done some inspirational work, and I can't wait for everyone to watch these films." Writer and filmmaker Rohan Sippy further added, “I am in absolute awe of what these five immensely talented young filmmakers have been able to create using iPhone and Macbook Pro. Each film has a different form of narrative, rooted in contemporary times. These five filmmakers have poured their hearts and souls into these stories that harness the power of iPhone to create a cinematic experience that will remain with us long after we have finished watching them." The following short films were screened at the special screening on April 18, 2024 in Mumbai Mirage by Archana Atul Phadke Logline: In order to escape his mundane existence, Ali, a 13 year old boy, finds refuge in the magic of his screen. Amidst the quiet whispers of desert sands, “Mirage” explores the unsettling echoes of virtual disconnection. https://youtu.be/YeOCVmH-xvI

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Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa's Long-standing Partnership with STAAH drives Success Over the Years STAAH's Max Channel Manager have enabled the sprawling 85-room luxurious estate to streamline its online booking process and maximize revenues; the property, which is seeing an increasing demand for rooms on the back of a post-pandemic travel boom to Kashmir, aims to fortify its domestic footprint and expand global reach Gurgaon: March XX, 2024 - STAAH, the leading New Zealand-based hospitality solutions provider enabled Jammu & Kashmir's crown jewel - The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa - to seamlessly and effectively streamline its online booking process and boost revenues through its Max Channel Manager The sprawling 85-room luxurious estate, which attracts leisure and business premium travelers from across the world, has seen a surge in room demand post the pandemic. To further strengthen its domestic footprint and expand global reach, the luxury estate has partnered with STAAH to help seamlessly list and manage its inventory across booking channels through the Max Channel Manager which integrates with over 250+ online travel agents (OTAs) globally. "STAAH has been our trusted technology partner at Khyber Hotels & Resorts, streamlining our distribution strategy and maximizing revenue opportunities. Their innovation & support have been instrumental in our success for the years" says Vinit Chabra, General Manager, Khyber Hotels & Resorts The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa offers a range of accommodation and dining options, an in-house heated pool, and a spa against the backdrop of unfiltered views of the majestic Himalayas and lush coniferous forests. The estate is located a short walk from Gulmarg's top attractions including the gondola and wildlife sanctuary. "We are delighted to be the technology partner of choice for The Khyber Resort & Spa," says Tarun Joukani, Commercial Director – STAAH. "We are confident our distribution solution will allow the resort to increase its global visibility and increase bookings, profitably." "At STAAH, our mission is to innovate and customize solutions for every hotel, from luxury resorts to cozy boutiques. With Years of Partnership, we are proud to have supported Khyber Hotels & Resorts in optimizing distribution channels, boosting online revenue, and elevating guest experiences" says Shoaib Ali, National Sales Head, India

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Yukti falls into her trap while plotting to break DJ and Koel’s marriage in Sony SAB’s ‘Vanshaj’ Mumbai, April 18, 2024: Sony SAB’s show ‘Vanshaj’ depicts the story of Yuvika Mahajan (Anjali Tatrari), who challenges traditional inheritance norms by supporting merit-based inheritance in the family business, sparking tensions within the Mahajan empire and igniting a fierce battle between her and DJ (Mahir Pandhi). In recent episodes, Neel (Mohit Kumar) wants to learn more about Yuvika’s doppleganger Yukti’s background, while Yukti (Anjali Tatrari) uses a burner phone to send messages to Gargi (Parinitha Seth) and Koel (Nisha Nagpal), hoping to cause trouble between them and ruin DJ and Koel's marriage. Yukti sends messages to Koel, advising her to gift candles to Gargi. However, when Yukti learns of Gargi's allergy to scented candles, she plans to worsen the rift between Gargi and Koel. Acting anonymously, she instructs her assistant Rose (Priti Narnaware) to distract DJ with a seductive phone call while she swaps the candles with scented ones, causing chaos when Gargi reacts badly to the gift. Gargi manipulates DJ against Koel, fulfilling Yukti’s intentions. Yukti then prepares a parcel containing evidence of Koel's past affair and pregnancy but faces inner turmoil after being questioned by her mother Bhoomi (Gurdeep Kohli). Despite attempts to stop the delivery, Yukti fails, leading DJ to suspect that the mysterious, brown-eyed woman spotted with Dadababbu in the ambulance is behind the family’s troubles. Will Yukti be able to save herself from being caught by DJ? Anjali Tatrari, who plays the character of Yukti Multani says, “Yukti is deeply committed to her schemes to sow discord within the Mahajan family and win over DJ. However, her mother Bhoomi's constant reminders that such ruthless actions make her no better than DJ and Gargi, while questioning her conscience, leave Yukti conflicted. She struggles with her emotions and ultimately decides to heed her mother's advice, considering that her late father would also disapprove of her actions. Despite her efforts to follow her mother's guidance, Yukti falls into her own trap, arousing DJ's suspicions. The upcoming episodes will show how Yukti deals with this situation and if she can find a solution to this.” Tune in to watch Vanshaj on Sony SAB every Monday to Saturday at 7 PM and 10 PM

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Faasos rolls out #RollinSince20Years campaign; celebrates 20th anniversary in India National, 18th April 2024: Faasos, the flagship brand of Rebel Foods, marked its 20th anniversary to honour its loyal customers with flavour-packed celebrations and a series of exciting events and initiatives. To kick off the campaign, personalised heartfelt letters were sent to the cherished customers in the top key cities by Jaydeep Barman, Co-Founder and CEO - Rebel Foods. These letters not only reflected Faasos' extraordinary journey but also conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the incredible community that has been our constant support and inspiration. Our long-standing customers received quirky thank-you hampers filled with exclusive 20-year Faasos goodies and their favourite wraps. Faasos revived its #Tweet2Order feature, delighting customers with their favourite wraps for a day, bringing back cherished memories and flavours. Additionally, over 35 brands, such as Swiggy, Zepto, Chaayos, Ixigo, Lenskart joined in the fun brand banter on X to wish Faasos a Happy Birthday. It was a fun and flavorful riot! Speaking on the campaign, Nishant Kedia, Chief Marketing Officer, Rebel Foods stated, "As we look back on two decades of Faasos, we are grateful for our loyal customers who have been instrumental in our growth. At Rebel Foods, providing exceptional customer experiences is at the heart of what we do. As we venture into the next phase of our journey, we are dedicated to maintaining the same outstanding taste and quality that our customers have cherished for years." In addition, Rapper Nazz joined forces for a sensational birthday wrap, infusing the celebration with rhythm. The social media extravaganza saw followers creatively wish Faasos a happy 20th birthday, painting social media purple for the entire 10-day celebration. Faasos' limited-edition GIPHY stickers, a hit with over 200k views, added an extra layer of creativity and emotion to the festivities. Faasos is available across India through Faasos.com, EatSure App, EatSure web, Zomato, & Swiggy. About Faasos: Established in 2011, Faasos, the flagship brand of Rebel Foods, has consistently led the wraps & rolls category, boasting an extensive network of outlets across multiple countries. Beyond mastering the art of wraps, Faasos addresses the everyday meal challenges of a diverse audience. Infusing its persona with intelligent and witty charm, Faasos effortlessly resonates with adventurous spirits, captivating millions of customers with its unique and flavorful wraps every day. Every Faasos bite is more than a meal – it's a distinct, savoury escape from the ordinary, marking a culinary journey that reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence.

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Rapido and Uttarakhand Election Commission's Initiative Revolutionizes Voter Transport: Offers Free Bike Taxi Rides in Uttarakhand during General Elections 2024 · On 19th April, Rapido’s SAWAARI ZIMMEDARI KI will be available in multiple cities across Uttarakhand – Dehradun , Haridwar, Roorkee and Rishikesh · Use code "VOTENOW" to avail free rides by Rapido during General Elections 2024 Uttarakhand, 18 April, 2024: In a resolute commitment to fortify the nation's democratic fabric, Rapido, India's foremost commute app, assumes a pivotal role in national duty with the launch of the "SawaariZimmedariKi" initiative. In collaboration with the Uttarakhand State Election Commission, Rapido sets forth to champion civic engagement during the Indian General Elections 2024. As part of this historic endeavor, Rapido pledges to provide free bike taxi rides to voters across Uttarakhand, encompassing major cities such as Dehradun , Haridwar, Roorkee and Rishikesh on the 19th April. On election day, voters can avail free rides on the Rapido app using the code ‘VOTENOW’ and exercise their democratic right. The initiative aims to facilitate residents' voting rights and ensure a more inclusive electoral process. This concerted effort aligns with Rapido's nationwide campaign, deploying over 10 lakh captains across more than 100 cities to provide free rides on election-day. Rapido's partnership with the Uttarakhand State Election Commission reflects its commitment to being a brand that drives positive change for a better society. Rapido’s Co-founder Pavan Guntupalli said, "We are undertaking this initiative to ensure that every voter in Dehradun , Haridwar, Roorkee and Rishikesh can successfully fulfill their civic duty by casting their votes in the Indian General Election 2024. By offering these free rides, we are facilitating democracy in action. Our Rapido captains in Uttarakhand are more than just drivers; they are ambassadors of civic engagement, enabling greater voter turnout and promoting a more representative electoral system in the world's largest democracy." Rapido's partnership with the Uttarakhand State Election Commission underscores its commitment to being a brand that drives change for a better society. Through initiatives like this, Rapido continues to demonstrate its dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people across the country. This initiative emphasizes Rapido's dedication to empower and encourage the voter population of Uttarakhand to exercise their democratic right by casting their vote.

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Rajoo Engineers Limited Unveils Rajkot Facility Expansion, Boosting Manufacturing Capacity Rajkot, April 18, 2024: Rajoo Engineers Ltd, a pioneering force in the field of plastic processing machinery, proudly announced the inauguration of its expanded facility in Rajkot. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the company's journey, as it triples its manufacturing capacity to meet growing demands and enhance operational efficiency. The expansion is a spacious structure on the adjacent 28,210 square feet of land acquired last August. The expanded facility will increase the manufacturing capacity by 30%. Dedicated space for Quality control will help the company to enhance the customer experience. The company has made a significant investment in the factory shed, which spans across 18,000 square meters and stands at a height of 100 feet. This investment underscores the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, growth, and customer satisfaction. Equipped with advanced technology, the expanded facility is poised to revolutionize the production landscape, catering to diverse global requirements with unparalleled precision and reliability. On the special occasion, R N Doshi - Chairman of Rajoo Engineers Limited said, “The opening of expansion of our Rajkot facility marks another important milestone in our journey. Our unwavering focus remains on delivering top-quality products to our national and international clients. This inauguration reflects our steadfast dedication to innovation, quality, and sustainable growth, marking a significant leap forward for Rajoo Engineers." The successful completion of this expansion project symbolizes a promising step forward for all stakeholders. It paves the way for enhanced productivity and operational excellence. Rajoo Engineers looks forward to continuing their successful journey with renewed vigor and determination.

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CaratLane Unveils Utsav: A Collection of Designs That Celebrates the Festival in Every Woman Mumbai, 17th April, 2024: CaratLane, India’s leading omni-channel brand has launched its latest collection - Utsav, just in time for the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. True to its name, the word ‘Utsav’ holds deep cultural significance across Indian culture, directly translating into ‘festival’ and ‘celebration’. Reflective of its brand motto of #KhulKeKaroExpress, the collection is designed to celebrate the spirit, style, and individualism of women everywhere through the depths of emotions, joy and self-expression. Each design is meticulously crafted with intricate motifs in 14kt gold and diamonds. For the first time ever in the jewellery space, the collection uses a laser-cut technique to layer gold sheets, creating mesmerizing 3D designs. The brand effortlessly merges fashion with innovation to facilitate the expression of personal style through its stunning jewelry pieces. The designs are trendy, elegant, graceful, and modern, catering to the tastes of the urban contemporary woman. Speaking about the launch, Atul Sinha, Chief Operations Officer at CaratLane, remarked, "At CaratLane, we believe that jewellery is more than just adornment; it's a catalyst for self-expression and celebration. Since the brand’s inception, we have always created versatile jewellery, each reflecting the wearer's unique style, persona, and one-of-a-kind expression. With the 'Utsav' collection, we encourage women to celebrate their individual style and express it freely!” Through this collection, CaratLane is setting a new standard of style inspiring women to embrace the festival in themselves. Utsav is now available in 270+ stores in India and on www.caratlane.com.