‘Super Sharkaru Flies to the Moon’ Wins Second Prize in Children’s Book Category at 2024 Awards for Excellence

New Delhi, October 4th 2024: Kantell Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s leading names in children’s entertainment, is proud to announce that Kanav Agnihotri’s latest graphic novel, ‘Super Sharkaru Flies to the Moon’, has secured the second prize in the highly competitive Children’s Book category at the prestigious Awards for Excellence in Book Production 2024. Organized by The Federation of Indian Publishers, this accolade highlights Kantell Entertainment’s ongoing commitment to delivering top-tier content that not only entertains but educates and inspires young minds.

Following last year’s success of ‘The Adventures of Super Sharkaru – The Shark That Flies’, which claimed the third prize in the same category at the 2023 Awards for Excellence in Book Production, Kanav Agnihotri has continued to push the boundaries of storytelling. His stories are known for their imaginative narratives, vibrant illustrations.

“Super Sharkaru Flies to the Moon takes readers on another thrilling adventure with Super Sharkaru and his human friend, they dare to defy limits and venture beyond the seas. This sequel has added new characters and also a villain who lives on the moon who is controlling the waves on planet earth. This book already is a best seller in schools and on e-commerce platforms.

Kanav Agnihotri said “It is heartening to see the immense love and support from schools, children, and parents across the country. I dedicate this award to all the 75 plus schools and approx. 80,000 students who have showed tremendous love and support through my workshops conducted in schools”.

With over 20 unique IPs and a firm commitment to expanding its influence globally, Kantell Entertainment is poised to revolutionize the way children’s content is created and consumed. On 4th October the company will also be launching a line of plush toys based on the beloved ‘Super Sharkaru’ characters, further expanding the brand’s universe.

The Awards for Excellence in Book Production by The Federation of Indian Publishers celebrate the best in publishing across genres, with an emphasis on production quality. Kantell Entertainment aims to position India as a global leader in animation and content creation. By creating unique, culturally rich characters and narratives, Kantell Entertainment is poised to bring the magic of Indian storytelling to the world stage which is thought and made in India.

IMDb Celebrates Top 250 Indian Movies of All Time

IMDb, the world’s most popular and authoritative source for information on movies, TV shows, and celebrities, has reached 250,000 followers on its India Instagram handle, launched in October 2022. Entertainment fans across the country rely on the IMDb India social media handles to learn who and what is trending, discover new content, and decide what and where to watch. To celebrate this milestone, IMDb has designed a limited edition collectible poster of the Top 250 Highest Rated Indian Movies of all time, which will be presented as a gift to select entertainment industry leaders. Additionally, IMDb India will host a contest on Instagram, giving select fans the opportunity to win this coveted poster. Head to the IMDb India Instagram to learn more about the contest.

The IMDb Top 250 Highest Rated Indian Movies list is a collection of the highest-rated Indian films, which allows fans to celebrate and discover groundbreaking new films, as well as classics from all decades, genres, and regions. Titles on this dynamic list are determined by ratings from IMDb users who regularly vote on IMDb.

Notably, the current No. 1 movie on the list is 2023’s critically-acclaimed 12th Fail. Alongside contemporary hits like Maharaja, Kantara, and Laapataa Ladies, the list also features classics such as Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Pariyerum Perumal, and Pather Panchali, showcasing the diversity of Indian cinema. Together, the 250 movies on the list have received more than 8.5 million votes on IMDb.

Here are the top 20 titles from the list, as of September 22, 2024:

1. 12th Fail
2. Gol Maal
3. Nayakan
4. Maharaja
5. Apur Sansar
6. Anbe Sivam
7. Pariyerum Perumal
8. 3 Idiots
9. #Home
10. Manichitrathazhu
11. Black Friday
12. Kumbalangi Nights
13. Rocketry: The Nambi Effect
14. 777 Charlie
15. Kireedam
16. C/o Kancharapalem
17. Taare Zameen Par
18. Sandesham
19. Dangal
20. Laapataa Ladies

It is noteworthy that five titles from 2024, including Maharaja, Maidaan, The Goat Life, Laapataa Ladies, and Manjummel Boys, are on the list. The earliest movie on the list is Satyajit Ray’s classic Pather Panchali, released in 1955.

With seven titles, director Mani Ratnam has the highest number of movies on the list, followed by Anurag Kashyap with six titles.

Interestingly, the list also includes six movies along with their sequels: Drishyam (Malayalam) and Drishyam 2 (Malayalam), Drishyam (Hindi) and Drishyam 2 (Hindi), Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. and Lage Raho Munna Bhai , Jigarthanda and Jigarthanda DoubleX , K.G.F: Chapter 1 and K.G.F: Chapter 2 and Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion .

Sharing his excitement about 12th Fail topping the list, Vikrant Massey reflected on the most touching scene from the film. He said, “The scene I want to highlight is the champi sequence between Manoj and his mother, which was a pivotal moment in the film when Manoj comes to the realization that his grandmother has passed. What makes it special is the amount of planning and production that goes into shooting even a single shot. In this scene, in the background, there’s a door with magic light—the brief period when day meets night, lasting only 5 to 7 minutes. Vidhu Vinod Chopra sir and DOP Rangarajan Ramabadran designed this master shot months in advance. On set, we actors had to be precise, as we had only those few minutes to capture it. Geeta ji and I chose not to use glycerin for this emotionally taxing scene, opting instead to feel as close to the moment as possible. It was a scene where we were required not to cry, but weep. So, it was a big challenge. It took several rehearsals, but we managed to pull it off.”

UGRO Capital Hits INR 10,000 Crore AUM, Launches 10K Celebration Run and UGRO Anthem

Mumbai, 04 October 2024: UGRO Capital Limited, a leading DataTech NBFC focused on MSME lending, proudly announces that it has crossed the significant milestone of INR 10,000 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM), a feat that underscores its commitment to empowering MSMEs and highlights the collective efforts of its 3,500 employees. From only about INR 1,700 Cr AUM after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, this feat has been achieved in record time. Achieving this milestone, UGRO Capital continues its journey toward becoming India’s largest small business financing institution, supported by its partners, stakeholders, and employees.

A screen shot of a cellphone

Description automatically generatedFounded with the mission of empowering MSMEs through efficient credit deployment, UGRO Capital has already provided financial support to over 1 Lakh MSMEs across India. To commemorate this achievement, UGRO Capital has launched the UGRO 10K Celebration Run, a virtual marathon campaign aimed at promoting the health and well-being of its employees. The Company recognizes the importance of balancing professional success with personal health, as it gears up for the next phase of its journey. The Company has also unveiled the UGRO Anthem, a motivational track created by the employees for the employees. This anthem, which was crafted entirely in-house using the power of AI, reflects the company’s spirit, culture, and its shared vision for the future. The anthem serves as a rallying cry for UGRO’s employees, pushing them to aim higher and reminding them that together, they can overcome any challenge.

The UGRO Anthem is a unique blend of creativity and technology, symbolizing the company’s forward-thinking approach. This powerful track is more than just a song; it’s a celebration of the journey so far and a motivational call to action for the road ahead. Employees from various departments contributed their ideas and lyrics, showcasing their collective talent and uniting under a shared purpose. The anthem has already gained momentum internally, and it will soon be shared publicly to inspire a wider audience.

The Grand 10 KM Virtual Marathon, taking place on 27th October 2024, will see UGRO’s employees across the country unite on a health app to run together in celebration. In the lead-up to the marathon, UGRO has organized a series of 3 KM, 4 KM, and 5 KM virtual runs, fostering team spirit through healthy competition, tips, and encouragement. With this initiative, UGRO aims to collectively cover over 10,000 kilometers, symbolizing its commitment to continued growth and well-being. The campaign will continue through Diwali, with participants rewarded with running and health gear and goodies.

Commenting on this significant achievement, Mr. Shachindra Nath, Founder and Managing Director of UGRO Capital, said, “We conceived the idea of UGRO Capital as India’s first listed startup in 2018. Over the last 6 years, we lost 3 Years in the IL&FS led credit crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, our teams kept faith in UGRO’s vision to solve the problem of credit for small businesses of India. Crossing the INR 10,000 crore AUM mark in about 3 Years is a truly momentous achievement for UGRO Capital. This accomplishment reflects the relentless efforts of our employees and the unwavering support of our partners, MSMEs, and more than 60+ lenders, co-lending partners and global development financial institutions. We are blessed that we have support of patient investors, public shareholders and our Board. As we continue on our path to becoming India’s largest small business financing institution, we also want to focus on the well-being of our team. The UGRO 10K Celebration Run is our way of reinforcing the importance of a healthy work-life balance and encouraging our employees to prioritize their health as we set our sights on the next milestone.”

UGRO Capital’s 10K Celebration Run and the UGRO Anthem represent the Company’s dedication to growth, unity, and health. These initiatives symbolize UGRO’s focus on creating a thriving workplace where employees feel motivated, valued, and inspired as they contribute to India’s MSME sector and continue their journey toward becoming the nation’s largest small business financing institution.

Uniquely Unparalleled Rambha Palace Opens its Doors

National, October 4th, 2024: Rambha Palace opens doors to patrons, inviting them for an immersive getaway to uncover Odisha. The hotel sits on the picturesque banks of Chilika lake, Asia’s largest saltwater lagoon. The palace has been meticulously restored over six years to reflect its original 18th-century royalty by one of the world’s most renowned tropical modernist architects, Chana Daswatte, friend and protégé of Geoffrey Bawa. This launch enriches Hidden India’s portfolio of boutique luxury hotels, providing a tranquil escape to discerning travelers to unwind and fully immerse themselves in the lap of nature. With a focus on mindfulness and embracing slow living, Rambha Palace offers experiences that enable patrons to practice, pause and savor all that the hotel has to offer.

The boutique hotel is steeped in historical significance for hosting the first Utkal Conference, a pivotal gathering of luminaries who laid the foundation for the independent state of Odisha. It stands as a testament to experiential luxury and offers a memorable stay with one presidential villa and fourteen suites, each adorned with traditional Odia art and contemporary comforts. The palace itself is a marvel of architectural splendor, restored using traditional techniques by artisans from the Sundarbans, complete with refurbished 18th century furniture, Venetian chandeliers, antique Persian carpets, and original terrazzo flooring. Every detail, from the metal figurines made by the local Dhokra tribe to state-of-the-art furnishings, reflects Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.

Situated on the banks of Chilika Lake, Rambha Palace offers a memorable bird-watching experience. This scenic spot provides stunning lake views and a vibrant array of wildlife. In winter, the lake hosts over a million birds from 184 species, including the demoiselle crane, Indian thicknee, and glossy ibis. Guests can also see flamingos in their natural habitat, making it a standout birdwatching destination in India. The area is also a crucial nesting site for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles, highlighting its ecological importance. A boat ride on the lake offers the chance to also spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, thus adding to the charm.

The team at Rambha Palace is dedicated to ensuring every guest’s stay is immersive and indulgent. A personal butler will assist the guests at all times. Moreover, Rambha Palace places great emphasis on its culinary experiences. For gourmands and connoisseurs, a variety of exquisite offerings are presented with seven cuisines along with local Odia flavors, and special menus catering to vegan and Satvik diets, allergen-free options, and personalized meal plans designed for detox and wellness retreats. The property boasts multiple dining venues, including a formal dining room, al fresco options, a poolside cafe, two bars, as well as riverside picnics and beachside meals.

Inspired by the ancient Indian concept of “Mantnam,” the Mantnam Spa at Rambha Palace offers restorative treatments aimed at healing and balance. Guests can enjoy a range of Ayurvedic therapies, including massages, facials, wraps, scrubs, and personalized yoga sessions. Wellness rituals are designed to refresh your body and mind while promoting balance and longevity.

The palace will soon launch a series of art, music, and cultural programs that allow guests to immerse themselves in creative richness.

Ecstatic upon the opening of the hotel, Himangini Singh, co-founder of Hunch Ventures, said, “The Palace is a testament to Odisha’s great historical significance and enables guests to experience its vibrant culture and traditions in all their grandeur and glory. The region’s beauty entices you into exploration and I’m eager to welcome guests to come and uncover Odisha through the lens of Rambha Palace.” She further emphasized that the palace’s design and decor are deeply rooted in the cultural essence of the state.

In alignment with this vision, Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte added, “The architecture of Rambha with its classical planning and style with overtones of Orissa textures will be an immersion in the unique Orissa design ethos.”

AKAI India launches flagship (75)190 cms and (100)254 cms Google TV Range powered by the philosophy of Simply Bright

Hyderabad/Visakhapatnam, 4th October, 2024: AKAI India launches its much-awaited big size TVs in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana this festive season, marking a significant leap in television and home-entertainment technology to match the tastes of one of India’s fastest growing cities. Running on Android 11, the series features advanced 4K QLED display technology, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos Sound, offering a premium cinema-like home entertainment experience. Designed for the much-awaited lifestyle, promising vibrant colors and enviable sound, alongside high-performance features like MEMC technology for smoother motion and QLED+ Display for unparalleled picture clarity.

Available in two flagship models— 190cm and the stunning 254 cm, the series assures a never before viewing experience that rivals any cinema screen.

Akai’s 254 cm offering is built with 178-degree wide angle viewing, including a 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR 10+ and HLG, with a brightness of up to 400 nits to enhance customers’ viewing experience and bring to life multiplex movie screen quality at home.

The 190 cm variant on the other hand comes with a 4K QLED display, 60Hz refresh rate, 178-degree wide angle viewing, HDR 10 and HLG with a brightness of up to 350 nits. Both variants come with a colour gamut of NTSC 1931 of up to 90%.

With an attractive starting MOP of Rs 99,990 for the 190 cm model and Rs 3,99,990 for the top-tier 254 cm, Akai India aims to deliver cutting-edge technology at an honest price.

The TVs will be available locally at Bajaj Electronics and through a wide network of authorized dealers and distributors across India. Backed by a 2-year warranty, customers can also avail themselves of flexible EMI options from Pine Labs, Bajaj Finserv, HDB, TVS Credit and Razorpay, HDFC and IDFC increasing the accessibility for customers, starting at Rs 5,555/month (T&C apply).

The new range also embodies value-driven features to elevate the viewing experience such as an elite bezel-less design, high resolution of 3840×2160, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and built-in Chromecast, Miracast, Google Play and Google Assistant. Alongside the Hands-free remote-less voice command powered by Google Far Field Voice Control present in the 254 cm, both the variants are powered by Hey Google’s intuitive and smart accessibility features offer a seamless customer experience while tuning into preloaded apps like Netflix, Youtube, Prime Videos, Disney+Hotstar, etc. The range also offers a wide range of connectivity options including 3 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports and a LAN port as well. The suit of functional complementary aims at cutting through the noise in the market and bringing a utility-backed quality-first experience to customers’ homes.

Speaking about the launch, Anurag Sharma, Managing Director of Akai India said, “This series represents a new frontier in television technology, combining exceptional display performance with powerful sound and the smart capabilities of Google TV. In our endeavor to deliver a ‘Better Up’ experience the personalized cinema, which we call signature cinema is the first step. Following the voice of our customers from Hyderabad and their keenness for quality, these larger TVs signify Akai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation, ensuring our customers from one of India’s fastest growing cities, have access to the best that television technology has to offer.”

GoodHomes and Eternia Windows Future Frames unite vision and design in the Bengaluru Edition

Bengaluru, 3rd October 2024: GoodHomes, India’s premier residential design and innovation platform, in partnership with Eternia Windows, a division of Hindalco, is excited to present the Bengaluru edition of the Future Frames campaign, following its successful launch in Delhi. The multi-city event series will continue to promote innovation and collaboration among architects, designers, and artists.

As the second installment in the four-part series, the Bengaluru edition of the Future Frames serves as a platform for creative minds to merge art and design while fostering strong connections within the AID (Architecture and Interior Design) community. The series will also expand to Hyderabad and Mumbai in the coming months. The event was attended by Naresh V Narasimhan, Sunitha Kondur, Santosh Belani, Nita Kembhavi, Aditi Pai, Dinesh Verma amongst others.

The event featured an inspiring workshop led by renowned artist Namrata Baruah. As a full-time potter and entrepreneur, Namrata guided attendees through a creative experience focused on the art of restful living; a concept that resonates with the Garden City. Known for her expertise in creating durable, handcrafted ceramics, her workshop was a fitting highlight of an evening dedicated to artistic exploration and innovation.

As the evening unfolded, attendees had the opportunity to hear from Nehal Bazari, Head of Marketing at Eternia Windows. She offered valuable insights into Eternia’s dedication to seamlessly merging style with functionality and emphasized the importance of this initiative in strengthening connections within the design community. Avril Noel D’souza, Managing Editor, GoodHomes and Home and Design TRENDS, addressed the guests, expressing GoodHomes’ dedication to celebrating creativity and fostering relationships in the design world. She conveyed excitement for how Future Frames will influence future innovations as the series continues across other cities.

Talking about the collaboration, Ronitaa Italia, Editor in Chief, GoodHomes, said, “At GoodHomes, we’ve always been passionate about exploring the intersection of art and design. Future Frames offers a dynamic platform for engaging with creative leaders, while also inspiring the design community to collaborate and explore new ideas, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of modern living. We look forward to growing this movement as it travels to major cities across India.”

“In the vibrant city of Bengaluru, Eternia X Good Homes was a gathering of minds dedicated to pushing the boundaries of architecture. Guided by our ‘Imagine Windows, Not Walls’ philosophy, we delved into how Eternia is redefining what windows can be. Our slim, sleek designs, made possible by the Duranium alloy, are 40% stronger than conventional options, providing a perfect balance of aesthetics and strength. Paired with WiWA-certified windows that withstand extreme wind pressures while keeping interiors shielded from noise and dust, we exemplify how design can break barriers. This collaboration with Good Homes highlights our commitment to creating spaces that not only stand strong but also connect us more deeply to our environment and each other.” said, Nehal Bazari, Head of Marketing, Eternia Windows