Asianet Communications Ltd appoints John Brittas as Business Head

Asianet Communications Ltd (ACL) has appointed senior journalist and icon of modern visual media, John Brittas as Business Head. Before joining ACL, Brittas was the Managing Director and Editor of CPM owned Kairali TV. His programmes like Cross Fire aired on Kairali TV made him a household name in Kerala.

ACL runs two entertainment channels –Asianet and Asianet Plus.

The eventful career of John Brittas, who hailed from a small village of Kannur, commenced when he joined ‘Deshabhimani’ after his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Trissur, Kerala Verma College. Later he grabbed his Masters from the same college being the topper. At the age of 22 he went to Delhi and joined JNU for M.Phil and later Ph.D. ‘Deshabhimani’ was considerate enough to transfer him to Delhi as its bureau chief. There, even before joining his office, he got an assignment to escort the then Chief Minister of Kerala to Punjab for a discussion with the ‘Akalis’, a radical group beseeching a separate state. He witnessed many incidents at the capital that designed India’s future both at the home front and in the international arena. Brittas has done first-hand reporting for the general elections between 1981 and 1999. He also covered the general election in Nepal soon after the tragic death of King Birendra. He was physically present in Ayodhya during the Babri Masjid demolition. Brittas became the first journalist from India to reach Baghdad during the Iraq war. He is the youngest correspondent to get the Central Hall pass in the Parliament.

Ulka Gupta returns as Kaali in Jhansi Ki Rani

Young Ulka Gupta, who wowed millions of viewers across the country with her impressive portrayal of the great Rani Laxmibai in Zee TV’s Jhansi ki Rani, is back in the show. This time as Kaali, the intense, spirited daughter of a tribal called Bandhu who had supported the Rani in her battle against the queen of Orchha. The character of Kaali will soon emerge as the new face of India’s struggle for Independence - Kraanti Ka Naya Chehra. Ignited with a strong passion and fervor for her motherland, she will be seen assisting Rani Laxmibai in her war against the British. One look at the pictures of Kaali and you know that Ulka is all set to play a feisty firebrand who’s ready for the kill!

Speaking of her new assignment on the very show that made her a household name, Ulka said, "It's great to be back on the sets of Jhansi Ki Rani. The crew, the cast members, they're all extremely affectionate since we have such wonderful memories to choose from. I'm all excited to be playing Kaali as she the same fire within her, the same intensity and passion for freedom as the Rani"

Speaking on the introduction of Ulka as Kaali, Sukesh Motwani, Head- Fiction Programming, said, "Ulka has been the face of Jhansi Ki Rani ever since we launched the show. If the audience had had their way, they'd never have let the Rani grow up. Naturally, we were keen to bring Ulka back as the show enters its most exciting climax. And a mere flashback wouldn't have sufficed. As Kaali, Ulka will embody the new face of India's struggle for Independence and work hand-in-hand with the Rani in her battle against the British."

To catch Ulka Gupta return to the small screen as Kaali, stay tuned to Jhansi Ki Rani at 8pm Sunday-Thursday on Zee TV.

The Royal Wedding on Discovery Channel

Date and Time: April 25, 26, 27 and 28 at 20.10.

To celebrate the upcoming royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, The Discovery Channel exclusively on OSN has a brilliant bouquet of special documentaries dedicated to this highly anticipated event.

This exclusive season, dubbed ‘Royal Wedding Week’, will be broadcast on Discovery Channel (channel 80) exclusively on OSN from April 25 to April 29, with a series of original programmes on the nuptials and fanfare that surrounds it.

Each day that week will feature a new programme, starting on Monday, April 25 with the intriguing documentary, ‘Royally Obsessed’. For most royal fans, collecting a piece or two of memorabilia to mark a royal event is enough. But for others, their collecting has become an obsession. ‘Royally Obsessed’ introduces viewers to the most fanatical royal collectors in the world through personal tours of their royal relic-crammed homes and seeks to understand their royal obsession.

With William officially off the market, attention now turns to Prince Harry who will undoubtedly take over the reigns as the world's most eligible bachelor. Discovery Channel lifts the lid the following day on the boy Princess Diana called ‘the naughty one’ in the riveting documentary, ‘Wild About Prince Harry’. The programme tracks Prince Harry's journey from young child to war hero, charity campaigner and royal pin-up through rare photos and footage, and interviews with friends and family.

The celebrations shift up a gear on Wednesday, April 27 with the fascinating documentary ‘30 Days That Rocked The Royals’. This in-depth piece marks the most significant 30 days between the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer and their son's. It highlights all the triumphs and tragedies in the Royal Family over the past three decades, from weddings and babies to funerals and scandals. This is a snapshot of Britain's most famous family as you've never seen it before.

Finally, on Friday April 29, Discovery Channel brings all the excitement surrounding the wedding itself to viewers with the documentary, ‘The Biggest Day’ which takes an exclusive behind the scenes look at how key players prepared for the wedding day, the pressure they were under and the challenges they faced.

‘Royal Wedding Week’ is a fantastic celebration of pomp and pageantry, and of true love and fairy tale weddings from April 25 - 29 on Discovery Channel (channel 80) exclusively on OSN.

Game of Thrones airs on OSN FIRST and OSN FIRST HD

‘Game of Thrones’, the upcoming epic fantasy TV series will air on April 20 at 22.00 (UAE) exclusively on OSN FIRST and OSN FIRST HD screens only days after the US premiere. Based on the series of best-selling novels - A Song of Ice and Fire - by George RR Martin, the ten part epic looks set to redefine the fantasy genre. Following kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars and noblemen as they vie for power... all will play the Game Of Thrones.
Already being dubbed TV event of the year and pitched as ‘the Sopranos with swords’, the series has caused major excitement for TV fans around the world. George RR Martin's epic fantasy gets the HBO treatment, which means his dense tale of warring kingdoms, sexy and supernatural hijinks, and neck-snapping plot twists can sprawl with the grandeur it requires.
Game Of Thrones is an expansive saga set in the Seven Kingdoms of the mythical continent Westeros and follows several noble families as they vie to rule the land. Reminiscent of Medieval Europe, the series is set in 298-99 AL (After Landing).
The series opens with King Richard Baratheon (BAFTA award nominee Mark Addy, The Full Monty, A Knight’s Tale), who is married to Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey, 300) of the wealthy and corrupt House of Lannister, asking Eddard ‘Ned’ Stark (Sean Bean, Red Riding, The Lord of the Rings) to become his chief advisor after the questionable death of his right-hand man.
In the east, there is a threat to the throne by the exiled teenage Princess Daenerys (Emilia Clarke, Doctors) and her brother Viserys (Harry Lloyd, Doctor Who), whose family ruled the Kingdoms for many years before their bloody deaths.
At the edge of the Kingdoms, dangerous powers are stirring north of The Wall, an ancient barrier of ice stretching 300 miles and standing 700 feet tall. Ned’s bastard son Jon Snow (Kit Harington, Greys Inbetween) joins the brotherhood of the Night’s Watch, a group sworn to protect the Kingdoms from the perils that lurk beyond the freezing barricade.
Author and executive producer George RR Martin commented: “Game Of Thrones is an epic fantasy, with a conflict for power at its core. But it’s more than just politics; there are questions of loyalty, lust, sexual obsession, desire, defiance, history. In this world, when you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. Honour and mercy have no place in the game of thrones.”
The series is a true spectacle, an engrossing, ground-breaking fable that will bring a new level of realism to the fantasy genre that will surprise and captivate audiences. Game Of Thrones is a true HBO original, premiering exclusively on OSN FIRST and OSN FIRST HD every Wednesday at 22.00 UAE from April 20.

Asianet Television Awards 2011 on Asianet

Date: April 20, 2011

Time: 6.30pm-11pm (IST)

Asianet Television Awards 2011 were distributed at a glittering function was held recently at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. The show was witnessed by  25,000 strong crowd. Several prominent persons from the film industry and socio-cultural spheres were present on the occasion.

Asianet Managing Director K Madhavan, Suresh Gopi, Devan, Suresh Krishna, Ajmal, Rajith Menon, Kalpana, Suchithra, Sarayu, Lakshana, Sonia, Harsha, Sajan Surya, Prem Kumar, Rajasenan, Sree Movies Unnithan, Dr S Janardhanan  were some of the personalities present at the function.

‘Harichandanam’ won the award for the best serial, which was accepted by its producer Baiju Devaraj. Sujith Sundar won the award for the best director for the serial ‘Autograph.’ Arun Ghosh won the best actor award for his role in ‘Parijatham’ and  Rasana for the best female actress for the film ‘Parijatham.’ Actor Sarath Das and Actress Praveena was on hand to collect the popular  award for her outstanding performance in various serials.
Others who won awards include  Baiju Devaraj (Ever Green Hit Serial - Manasaputhri), TS Raju (best character artiste - male), Sona Nair (best character artiste-female), Kishore and Aiswarya (best Negative Character), Pradeep Prabhakar (best actor in a comic role). Karthiketan (Popular Serial - Devi Mahathmyam), Rajeev Alunkal (lyricist), Aji Saras (music director), Madhu Balakrishnan (playback singer- male), Gayathri (playback singer-female), Jeevan and Sandra (child artistes), Anil Bass (Script Writer), Pushpan (cameraman), Joby Pannabra (editor), Sreejith (Sound Recordist) , debut artistes  Pradeep and  Shalin and  Ravi Vallathol and  Sujitha (Special Jury awards).

Other cine Stars such as Sreekala, Asha Sarath, Archana, Sujatha Naidu, Richa Panai, mahalakshmi, Sini, Yadhu Krishnan, Praveena, Kripa and other comedy artistes from TV/ Film industry, Playback Singers in the lines of  Madhu Balakrishnan, Gayathri, Ramesh Babu, Alka, Rehman entertained the viewers.

Geeta Ma’s Maa makes an appearance on DID Doubles

Reveals that Geeta always wanted to be an air hostess and a model before she entered the world of dance

Master Geeta Kapur, who is Maa for practically everybody on the sets of DID Doubles, was overjoyed when at the recent shoot, her own mother paid her a surprise visit! What made it particularly interesting for everyone else on the sets was that Sr. Mrs. Kapur shared plenty of trivia about daughter dearest Geeta that no one really knew about!

Apparently, Mrs. Kapur revealed, “Geeta was an early bird when it came to dancing. She started moving gracefully at the age of 3….. we used to live in this really tiny house with so many people hovering in and around… but Geeta would use the bed to practise her steps and would keep dancing all day long!”

Geeta’s mother was amused when the cast and crew of the show affectionately called her ‘Badi Maa’ since her daughter is the original ‘Maa’ on the sets. She further revealed, “Do any of you guys know that Geeta first wanted to be an air hostess? And that she dabbled in modeling before she joined Farah as a background dancer?” Mithun Da was tickled pink on finding out Geeta’s little secrets and couldn’t help but rib her mercilessly over them.

Geeta, overwhelmed by all the love surrounding her, told the audience, “I am extremely fortunate to have the woman, on whose feet I would perch my toes and dance holding her hands, here with me today. My mother is the most important person in my life. There’s no one who understands me better than she does. And I couldn’t have asked for more support from her in every endeavor I have ever taken up!”

Watch the mother-daughter bond beautifully on DID Doubles at 8:00PM on March 19 on Zee TV.

Zee TV’s fun filled ‘HOLI-DAY’ !!!

Dev Radhika

Zee TV’s ‘ Saanwre ke Rang Racchi Chhoti Bahu’ will present a Holi Special Event on March 21 from 7.30pm onwards.

Going by the current track, Dev (Avinash Sachdev) is now falling in love with Radhika (Rubina Dilaik), but he is not able to voice his feelings for Radhika. Therefore he plans a big Holi celebration at the Raj Purohit's, where many people are called, including Radhika. The basic plan is to propose to Radhika amidst the celebration of colours.

To build the necessary ambience, the leads of Zee shows like Archana (Ankita Lokhande), Manav (Sushant Singh Rajput), Mona (Sara Khan), Anukalp (Nishant Malkani), Rudra (Iqbal Khan), Gauri (Binny Sharma), Laxmi (Veebha Anand), Suraj (Rohit Purohit), Geeta (Sargun Mehta), Rohan (Nikhil Chaddha), Karan (Karan Grover), Abha (Suhasi Dhami) will be present to grace the event.

Avinash and Rubina as Dev and Radhika

"Apart from these actors, there would be some special performances by celebrities too. Sambhavna Seth will be seen performing on the dance number Dilwalon ke Dil Ka Karrar Lutne and Hoth Rasile mere Hoth Rasile. Along with her there will be Kashmera Shah displaying her sizzling dance moves on UP wala thumka Lagao… along with the Dabangg man Sonu Sood. Bhojpuri actor, Manoj Tiwari will also be dancing to a popular song along with Sambhavna and Kashmera. We’ll also have a ‘Hasya Kavi Sanmelan’ to tickle the audience’s funny bone as popular comedians – Ehsaan Qureshi, Sunil Pal, Moses and Sugandha Mishra perform one hilarious act after another,” adds a source from Zee TV.

Kashmera Shah with Sonu Sood

"Yes, Chhoti Bahu is celebrating a grand Holi special, and it will be one very exciting episode for the audience as they will get to see many performances by various celebrities  and also see some romantic moments between Dev and Radhika,"  said Rubina Dilaik, the lead of the show.

The onscreen couple of Geet Hui Sabse Parayi, Drashti Dhami and Gurmeet Choudhary and the off screen pair of Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij have been also roped in to sizzle in the Holi Special episode. Geet and Maan will be seen performing on 'Tip Tip Barsa Pani' while Jay and Mahhi will burn the dance floor on the number 'Zor Ka Jhatka Hayee Zoro Se Laga'". When contacted, Jay Bhanushali said, "It was great to perform with Mahhi. The location where we shot was also awesome as it was surrounded by a lake on all the four sides".

Sonu Sood and Manoj Tiwari with Sambhavna Seth

The Dancing DID superstar’s Dharmesh and Kishore were especially called in to re-create the UV (ultra violet) act which had shot them to fame in the earlier season of DID. Dharmesh confirmed the buzz saying, "Yes, I performed for Chhoti Bahu Holi Special episode. We did a Sheshnaag act which I had done in  DID earlier on the number 'Govind Bolo Hari Gopal Bolo'; ultra violet lights were used to give the act its superior special effects.”

With so many big stars joining the Chhoti Bahu brigade, the Holi episode is indeed going to be something to watch out for..…

Don’t forget to tune in to the Chhoti Bahu special Holi event on March 21 from 7:30PM onwards..