7, Feb 2024
Azerbaijan Wins YCO 2024 Gold, Philippines and Nepal share Silver and Italy Bronze
Pune, 6th February 2024: The historic and grand 10th IIHM Young Chef Olympiad drew to a close at a glamorous Closing Ceremony organised in Kolkata. Azerbaijan’s Leyla Valiyeva won the coveted gold trophy. The silver was shared between Philippines’ Clifford Jeff Cadunggo Unabia and Kamal Thapa of Nepal. Italy’s Francesco Orsi lifted the bronze trophy.
At the end of seven eventful days across six cities in India, an epic edition of the world’s Biggest Culinary Battle came to a glamorous close. Connecting over 60 countries of the world, YCO24 was one of the biggest in size and scale. The Closing Ceremony was equally grand and exciting as it took place at Kolkata’s popular amusement park, Wet o Wild.
Besides the top three, YCO 2024 had a long list of special category winners. The Plate Trophy round that was held between the next best teams ranked between 11 to 20 in the competition, went to India’s Lenin Bopanna. The Kitchen Cut Management Award went to New Zealand. The Best Vegetarian Dish went to Nepal while the Best Crème Souffle a l’Orange went to Italy.
Six Best Mentor Nominee Awards were given away based on each of the mentor’s recommendations about their respective participants. The awards went to Greece, Jordan, Netherlands, Ethiopia, Botswana and Equatorial Guinea. The six Best Young Chef Ambassador Awards went to Australia, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Scotland, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Participants were also marked on Best Hygiene and Kitchen Practice maintained during competition and this award went to six countries, namely, Namibia, Portugal, England, Bulgaria, Armenia, Azerbaijan. The Best Knife Skills Award went to Thailand, Portugal, Indonesia, Bulgaria, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Lord Bilimoria Rising Stars Award went to Namibia, Albania, Uzbekistan, Mauritius, Ireland and Oman. The Gold Global Sustainability Award went to Kenya. The Spirit of Young Chef Olympiad International Award went to Lesotho.
The Dr Bose Challenge Trophy that was introduced this year for participants who did not come in the top 20 teams, went to Kenya and Switzerland.
Organised by the International Hospitality Council (IHC) and hosted by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), YCO 2024 was a true celebration of the spirit of One World One YCO.
YCO 2024 had a brilliant panel of esteemed judges from around the world. Led by Prof
David Foskett, OBE, Chairman of the Jury, Chef John Wood, the Founder and Director of Kitchen Cut was Chief Judge of the event. Deputy Chief Judge was Chef Rahul Akerkar, renowned Chef and Restaurateur. The panel of Jury included some famous globally famous culinary faces such as Chef Gary Maclean, National Chef of Scotland, Sicilian Chef Enzo Oliveri, pastry chef and chocolatier Sarah Hartnett, Dato’ Chef Abdul Wahab Zamzani, Celebrity Chef from Malaysia, Chef Neil Rippington, International Director, IIHM and Chef Mario Perera, Executive Chef Dorchester Collection.
YCO 2024 continued to embrace the important and significant theme of Sustainability promoting the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A special award, the Zenobia Nadirshaw Diamond Research Award went to students who had done research on the SDGs and how to achieve them to make the world a better place to live. Four awards in this category went to Kenya, Bangladesh, India and Italy.
“Preparing and organising an event of this stature needs the might of an organisation and leadership that runs a network of connected institutes across the country, manages people from different places, with an alumni base of tens of thousands and is loved by the entire world,” said Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Principal Judge and Mentor, YCO.
“There are years when nothing happens and there are weeks where decades happen. That’s what happened in the pandemic. It taught us the importance of health and sustainability and brought us close to food. I am so glad that YCO has embodied both food and sustainability in this competition,” said Nakul Anand, eminent hotel an travel industry personality who is now Chairman of the YCO Global Advisory Committee.
“YCO 2024 was special because it was the 10 year. It had been a wonderful decade in which we have received incredible support from the countries, mentors, judges and everyone who was involved. We are absolutely committed to the UN SDGs and we are also proud and grateful to the UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili for his support, specially because he launched the 10th YCO by inaugurating the chef jacket that the participants are wearing this year. The Young Chef Olympiad is the greatest platform to promote Youth Culinary Diplomacy, a platform to bring the world together through the power of youth. YCO will continue to celebrate and carry forward the spirit of One World One YCO in the years to come,” said Dr Suborno Bose, Chairman, International Hospitality Council (IHC) and Founder, YCO.
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- By Rabindra
7, Feb 2024
Sony World Photography Awards
The World Photography Organisation and Sony India are delighted to reveal Mitu Kajaria as India’s National Award winner for the Sony World Photography Awards 2024. The National Awards program is an initiative set up by the World Photography Organisation and Sony to support local photographic communities around the world, with 54 countries taking part this year.
Over 395,000 images from over 220 countries and territories were submitted to the Sony World Photography Awards 2024.
Mitul was anonymously selected by judges for his photograph Child Sleeping at a Construction Site entered the Portraiture category of the Open competition. The young child of a daily wage construction worker napping in a makeshift bed at a construction site.
PHOTOGRAPHER’S BIOGRAPHY
Mitul is a photographer, curator, and educator with a background in Architecture, currently training in Psychology & Psychodrama. His work orbits around vital themes: mental health, diverse archives, and the interplay between architecture, urban landscapes, and humanity. He feels his identity and pursuits stem from the crossroads of his architectural foundation, his commitment to mental health advocacy, and over a decade of artistic practice.
Commenting on his win, Kajaria said “It is always a feeling of great satisfaction to be validated for your work. By choosing my photograph as a winning image, the Sony World Photography Awards has provided a boost to my photography practice”.
As India’s National Award winner, Mitul Kajaria receives Sony digital imaging equipment and will be included in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition and book.
The overall winners in the Student, Youth, Open and Professional competitions of the Sony World Photography Awards 2024 will be announced on 18 April 2024 and will go on display as part of the exhibition at Somerset House, London (19 April-6 May 2024).
This year’s National and Regional Awards winners are:
Bangladesh – Mahdin Shafiq Omi
Cambodia – Davuth Van
Egypt – Karim Osama
Germany – Natalie Strohmaier
India – Mitul Kajaria
Indonesia – Dhiky Aditya
Japan – Kenichiro Hagiwara, Winner
Japan – Hajime Hirano, 2nd Place
Japan – Masayuki Hirata, 3rd Place
Republic of Korea – Lee Jongkee, Winner
Republic of Korea – Seongmin Park, 2nd Place
Republic of Korea – Jaeeun Kim, 3rd Place
Kuwait – Mohammed Mirza
Malaysia – Lim Chien Ting
Myanmar – Kyaw Htet
Nepal – Bibek Kunwar
Nigeria – Onyekachi Iloh
Pakistan – Muhammad Saddique Inam
Philippines – Reginald James Lorico
Poland – Barbara Szydlowska
Qatar – Abdulla AL-Mushaifri
Saudi Arabia – Yasser Alomari
Singapore – Ju Shen Lee
South Africa – Lourens Durand
Sri Lanka – Wasiri Gajaman
Taiwan – Chia Jung Chou
Thailand – Thanayu Jongwattanasilkul
Turkey – Okan Yilmaz
United Arab Emirates – Vinaya Mohan
United States – Pascal Fouquet
Vietnam – Tran Tuan Viet
EUROPEAN REGIONAL AWARDS
Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania & Moldova:
Tomáš Havrda (Czech Republic), Winner
Cziráki Orsolya Boglárka (Hungary), Shortlist
Diana Morozovskaia (Moldova), Shortlist
Diana Buzoianu (Romania), Shortlist
Michal Zahornacky (Slovakia), Shortlist
Latvia, Estonia & Lithuania:
Viktors Rimarevs (Latvia), Winner
Raido Nurk (Estonia), Shortlist
Ieva Lozuraitytė (Lithuania), Shortlist
Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Bosnia & Herzegovina:
Ana Skobe (Slovenia), Winner
Danilo Kreso (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Shortlist
Robert Marić (Croatia), Shortlist
Suer Celina (Kosovo), Shortlist
Ivana Todorović (Montenegro), Shortlist
Tijana Morača (Serbia), Shortlist
Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria & North Macedonia:
Vladimir Karamazov (Bulgaria), Winner
Elena Georgiou (Cyprus), Shortlist
Stefanos Papaioannou (Greece), Shortlist
Vlatko Rafeski (North Macedonia), Shortlist
LATIN AMERICA REGIONAL AWARDS
Marcos Azulay (Argentina), Winner
Jair Fernando Coll Rubiano (Colombia), 2nd Place
Marco Chacana (Chile), 3rd Place
Reynaldo San Martín (Bolivia), Shortlist
Alexa Obando (Costa Rica), Shortlist
Wilfrido Enriquez (Ecuador), Shortlist
Juan Pablo Méndez Garzona (Guatemala), Shortlist
Daniel Heras (Mexico), Shortlist
Connie France Calderon Martel (Peru), Shortlist
7, Feb 2024
82°E enters Body Care, unveils new campaign
Mumbai,7th February 2024
82°E, a self-care brand co-founded by Deepika Padukone and Jigar Shah, has announced its entry into the Body Care category with a range of body care products including Body Cleansers, Milk, and Lotion.
The launch campaign has been conceived, created, and executed by 82°E’s Agency on Record, Tilt Brand Solutions – a part of Quotient Ventures.
This launch campaign – Art of Leisure (Clip 1, Clip 2, Instagram), emphasizes how body care can become a nourishing, holistic practice for the mind and skin. The communication invites consumers to practice their favorite acts of leisure, an important aspect of self-care — joyfully and without guilt.
82°E’s entry into body care follows several successful product launches in skincare. The launch campaign further extends the brand’s point of view that skincare needs to be simplified.
Launched in November 2022, 82°E is on a mission to make the practice of self-care a simple, joyful and effective part of one’s everyday life. Over the past year, 82°E has built a strong foothold in the skincare category by focusing on simple yet high-performance routines for different skin types while driving the message of overall self-care—an extension of the co-founders’ commitment to well-being, emphasizing the simplification of skincare, as its core proposition.
Speaking about the campaign, Keerthana Ramakrishnan, Chief Marketing Officer, 82°E said, “While Body Care is an extension of our skincare category, it offers a fresh new experience to our consumers. It was crucial that we communicated our intention of self-care through the campaign thought of Art of Leisure to our consumers, in an impactful manner. We wanted them to come on the journey with us; to take their self-care a step further with this new launch.”
For the brand, this campaign marks a crucial milestone of going above the line for the first time, with the aim of increasing reach in key markets across the country.
Speaking of the partnership, T Gangadhar, Group Chief Executive Officer, Quotient Ventures said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with 82°E to build a brand that is synonymous with self-care. The body care launch campaign is the first such initiative to that end. We are confident that, together, we can create a brand narrative that will deeply resonate with people and inspire them to prioritize their own wellbeing.”
7, Feb 2024
AIC T-Hub selects 20 startups to Drive Healthcare Innovation in India
India, 7th Feb 2024: T-Hub, India’s leading startup incubator has today announced the launch of the new cohort of the AIC T-Hub Healthcare program, aimed at fostering technological advancements and innovations within the healthcare sector across India. The program will host 20 startups carefully selected for their groundbreaking solutions in the healthcare ecosystem.
The selected startups in the upcoming cohort will be addressing critical challenges in Digital Health, Wearables, and Hospital Systems. The program’s structure involves a 12-week intensive curriculum with mentorship from healthcare thought leaders, doctors, and industry experts. The program offers a range of benefits to startups, including support for product development, assistance with commercialization plans, market understanding, business plan refinement, and access to resources essential for growth. The program also provides access to a prototyping lab equipped with healthcare sensors.
Startups were shortlisted based on criteria such as MVP, founder experience, and business model viability. Amongst the selected startups are- EXSEGEN GENOMICS RESEARCH PRIVATE LIMITED, Pratibha Healthkon Private Limited, RudrastraApptech Pvt Ltd, Medstown, Diagnosis, MolVerse Pvt Ltd – Accelerating Molecular Discoveries, MicroHeal Wellness Pvt Ltd, MEDICOINNOVEX TECHNOLOGIES LLP, ASPIRE HEALTH AND MEDICARE PVT. LTD, Swarupa Narsimha Healthcare (OPC) Pvt Ltd, Cliniv Health Tech, SC Health care Logistics Pvt Ltd, Incra Soft Private Limited, LIV Emergency Healthcare, Terrablue, Medaid, Aarogya ID, NEORDENT HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS PVT LTD
Mahankali Srinivas Rao (MSR), CEO, T-Hub, said, ” With the launch of our fourth AIC T-Hub Healthcare cohort, we are taking another significant step towards advancing healthcare innovation in India. The startups selected for this program represent the future of healthcare technology. We are committed to providing them with a robust ecosystem, expert mentorship, and the necessary resources to drive their growth and impact. Together with AIC T-Hub, we look forward to witnessing groundbreaking solutions that will shape the landscape of healthcare in our country”.
Rajesh Adla, CEO, AIC T-Hub Foundation, said, ” This cohort marks a pivotal moment for healthcare innovation in India. Our startups have an unprecedented opportunity to redefine the healthcare landscape, and the AIC T-Hub Healthcare program is the catalyst for that transformation. We aim to not only support these startups but to empower them to think beyond boundaries. Together with T-Hub, we are creating a platform where innovation meets impact, ultimately contributing to India’s emergence as a global healthcare hub”.
Throughout the program, AIC T-Hub will also support selected startups with investment opportunities, grants, customer pilots with hospitals, clinical validation, and access to a prototyping lab with healthcare sensors. Over the past three cohorts, the AIC T-Hub Healthcare program has played a pivotal role in supporting 45 startups, enabling them to secure approximately 10 Crores in investments and facilitating 21 market pilots with various hospitals. The program’s impact is underscored by the success stories of startups achieving USFDA approvals and raising multiple rounds of funds.
Looking ahead, AIC T-Hub plans to initiate partnership joint programs with hospitals, further solidifying its commitment to shaping the growth and innovation of the healthcare industry in India. To date, the AIC T-Hub Healthcare program has impacted 60 mentors, collaborated with 30 hospitals and completed four successful cohorts.
6, Feb 2024
Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council
National, 5th February 2024: Come and fall in love with Design once again this Valentine’s Day! The Year’s biggest Wearable Artworks & Crafts Design Fest will be celebrated at The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council’s Artisan Design Jewellery Awards 2024 on 12-13 February at the Ice Factory, Ballard Estate in South Mumbai. Among many design themes, ‘Jewellery as Art’ will take centre-stage at the two-day event held on the eve of Valentine’s Day to celebrate people’s love and passion for art, design and jewellery. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is the apex body of trade in India, supported by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
The final judging round for the 7th edition of The Artisan Awards 2024, Powered by GIA, was held on 22nd January, 2024. Of the 20 captivating and well-finished jewellery pieces, the jury picked out 6 winners from the two unconventional themes of The Artisan Awards 2024: ‘Unusual Materials’ and ‘Objet Trouvé.’ This edition of The Artisan Awards received more than 600 entries from around the world including India, Canada, USA, Bahrain, Egypt, Dubai, and Pakistan.
The largest-ever congregation of luminaries and aesthetes from the world of Arts, Crafts & Design; curators, art gallery owners and patrons; art school teachers, deans and students; socialites, celebrities, connoisseurs, architects, painters and sculptors; along with jewellery designers (experienced and young) will grace GJEPC’s Artisan Jewellery Awards 2024 gallery showcase at Ice Factory. The discussions will revolve around two exciting and unconventional themes ‘Unusual Materials’ and ‘Objet Trouvé’ of the 7th edition of GJEPC’s The Artisan Jewellery Awards 2024.
The first theme, ‘Objet Trouvé’ (Found Objects) explores art crafted from visible yet frequently altered objects that are atypical yet serve as art materials due to their non-art function.
A ‘found object’, whether it’s natural, man-made, or even just a fragment, is preserved due to an inherent connection by the artist. It can be treated as a work of art in itself, and as a muse for inspiration.
The idea was to design a piece of jewellery that depicts the essence of ‘Objet Trouvé’ by taking an object of your past and reimagining it in a modern form. Examples of ‘found objects’ could include vintage poker chips, antique coins, collected shells, vintage Venetian glass beads, buttons, and beachcombed shells.
The second theme, ‘Unusual Materials’ encouraged designers to create a dialogue between the familiar and the unexpected by combining contrasting materials with at least 50% precious materials. Unusual materials could include cement, titanium, wood, porcelain, bamboo, slate, meteorite, glass, recycled plastic, leather and more.
Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, stated, “GJEPC’s vision extends beyond the conventional, aiming to redefine the landscape of jewellery design. Through the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards competition, India seeks to elevate itself and position as the global premier design hub, aligning with the government’s campaign of Design in India. Through this design competition, GJEPC reaffirms its commitment to encourage an environment that will nurture the creative spark within designers.”
Milan Chokshi, Convener, Promotion & Marketing, GJEPC, adds, “Each year, we strive to introduce a distinctive theme, challenging participants by collaborating with curators to elevate their engagement. Over the past seven years, the Artisan Awards have assumed increasing significance globally, with India recognising them as the most coveted accolade. This prestigious award serves as a driving force, inspiring designers, budding students, and manufacturers to create thematic jewels at the highest echelon. The quality of production within this thematic framework is truly remarkable.”
The esteemed jury comprised Alice Cicolini, renowned UK jewellery designer; Biren Vaidya, Managing Director, The Rose Group; Payal Singhal, Fashion Designer; Apoorva Deshingkar, GIA India – Senior Director of Education and Market Development; and Toktam Shekarriz, Dubai-based jewellery designer.
The technical jury comprised of Devinder Layal (Jewellery Artiste and educationist), Meenal Choksi (Head of Design, Moksh Fine Unseen Jewellery); Sushama Kalzunkar Sawant (PD & Merchandising Head, Dia Gold Creations); Janki Choksi (Founder, Janki Choksi Designs); Gunjan Sapra (COO & Head of Department, Jewellery Designs, International Institute of Gemology, and a GIA Instructor) to honour the best and most talented jewellery designers.
Alice Cicolini said, “As a jewellery designer, the prospect of an award process like this is truly invigorating. I find great excitement in witnessing competitions that encourage designs using more unconventional materials and explore global trends. The freedom afforded to India’s young designers through these themes is commendable and inspiring. Personally, there are a couple of pieces from today that stand out to me as not only intriguing designs but also impeccably crafted.
“Having worked in India for nearly two decades, I can attest that it stands as one of the most extraordinary nations for jewellery production, boasting incredible craftsmanship. Witnessing the remarkable work emerging from this country is always a source of excitement. Moreover, it is refreshing to see young jewellery designers break free from traditional constraints, allowing their imaginations to take flight—an approach actively encouraged by institutions like this one. Design, being a commercial art form, requires assurance that there is a market for innovative work.”
Payal Singhal was fascinated by the exploration of innovative materials and the creation of pieces that could endure for generations. Reflecting on India’s design and manufacturing talent, Singhal noted, “The Artisan Awards showcase a remarkable standard. The ability to work with challenging materials and produce versatile, aesthetically pleasing, and finely crafted jewellery is a testament to the high level of expertise present in our country. The innovation displayed at the awards reinforces my belief that India possesses superior capabilities in terms of design, quality, and finishing.
“As for elevating jewellery into wearable art, initiatives like The Artisan Awards play a crucial role. By encouraging designers to view jewellery as an artistic expression rather than just ceremonial or status symbols, we encourage a shift towards wearable art. Supporting and motivating young designers and jewellery brands to embrace this perspective will contribute to the evolution of jewellery as a form of artistic expression rather than merely a complement to attire or a symbol of status.”
6, Feb 2024
An Upgrade to Retinol: Kriti Sanon with Unveils Next-Gen Formula
6th February 2024, India-wide release: HYPHEN, a high-performance skincare brand born out of the collaboration between industry leader PEP Technologies and Celebrity Entrepreneur Kriti Sanon, is making waves in the personal care industry with its diverse product portfolio. Renowned for simplifying skincare routines by hyphenating the power of nature and the potency of science, HYPHEN has now introduced the Retinal Reset Serum. Marking the brand’s first launch of the year, the Serum, available in 0.05% and 0.1% Encapsulated Retinal variants, stands as an unprecedented breakthrough in the Indian skincare industry.
What sets HYPHEN’s Retinal Reset Serum apart in a world where retinol has made its mark?
HYPHEN’s Retinal Reset Serum contains encapsulated Retinal, which acts up to 30% faster than regular retinol! The Serum is crafted meticulously with a unique blend of potent natural ingredients like Bakuchoil and Plant Stem Cells, along with active ingredients like Dipeptides, 2% Squalane, 10% Cica extracts, 7% antioxidant blend, and advanced scientific formulations to reset your skin’s clock and boost collagen production, promoting firm and radiant skin! The Serum is available in two variants, catering to both beginners and those accustomed to Retinoids:
0.05% Retinal Cream Serum Beginner – For someone just starting their retinoid journey, this is a gentle yet lightweight, non-sticky serum that reduces fine lines, preventing any early signs of ageing while boosting collagen up to 80% for firm skin, It also hydrates & soothes your skin with a high percentage of soothing natural ingredients
0.1% Retinal Cream Serum Pro – For people who have already been using retinoids, this serum is more potent and effective! It acts rapidly on minimising fine lines, preventing any early signs of ageing while boosting collagen up to 80% for firm skin. It also hydrates & soothes your skin with a high percentage of soothing natural ingredients
Having understood the pulse of the current generation, HYPHEN recognised the need to incorporate retinoids into skincare routines as early as the 20s. And acknowledging the evolving skincare needs of today’s discerning consumers, Kriti Sanon, Co-founder & Chief Customer Officer of HYPHEN, responded to the growing demand for Retinal over Retinol with the Retinal Reset Serum. She expressed, “Using retinoids in my night routine has been a game changer for me in the past 3 years! We at HYPHEN are excited to have created the Retinal Reset Serum with 0.05% & 0.1% Encapsulated Retinal. Unlike traditional Retinol, Retinal acts 30% faster, promising unparalleled benefits like an 80% boost in collagen while firming your skin, reducing fine lines, and so much more. If you haven’t started your Retinoid journey yet, it’s never too late to hyphen it to your routine!”
6, Feb 2024
Approach Bollywood Launches Cutting-Edge Android App for Bollywood
Mumbai – Approach Entertainment, a dynamic player in the realm of Celebrity Management, Film Productions, Advertising, Corporate Films Productions, Films Marketing, Events, and Entertainment Marketing, proudly announces the launch of its revolutionary Android app – Approach Bollywood (www.approachbollywood.com). This groundbreaking app is set to redefine how enthusiasts access and engage with the vibrant world of Bollywood and the entertainment industry.
Approach Bollywood, a venture by Approach Entertainment, is a distinctive Bollywood Newswire and Content Platform that not only focuses on the dynamic trade and business news within the industry but also caters to a broad audience, providing comprehensive coverage for enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
Approach Bollywood’s Android app is designed to provide a seamless and immersive experience for users seeking up-to-the-minute updates on the latest happenings in Films, TV, OTT, Music, and the broader entertainment landscape. The app promises to be a one-stop destination for multimedia content, catering to newspapers, magazines, TV channels, radio, apps, and all digital media platforms.
Founder Sonu Tyagi expressed his excitement about the venture, stating, “Having been entrenched in Films Productions and Celebrity Management for the past decade, we saw an opportunity to leverage our expertise and network in the Film Industry. The Approach Bollywood app will not only cater to the entertainment content requirements of various media but also serve as a dedicated portal for trade audiences within the films and entertainment industry and general public alike.”
The Approach Bollywood app is poised to be a comprehensive gateway to the world of entertainment, offering a rich tapestry of multimedia content. From enlightening articles and captivating videos to exclusive interviews, the app spans across the general and business facets of Films, TV, OTT, Music, and more. With an unwavering commitment to real-time updates, the newswire service ensures users are constantly informed about the latest industry developments. Approach Bollywood goes beyond the surface, providing behind-the-scenes insights into the latest trends and the business side of Bollywood.
The app guarantees authentic industry coverage through its Celebrity Management Edge, granting access to a diverse array of stars while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Going a step further, the app transforms into a dynamic platform, hosting business events and delving into branded content production with celebrities. Additionally, it ventures into the world of TV and digital channels, bringing its own exclusive shows to captivate audiences in the realm of film and entertainment.
The Approach Bollywood Android app aims to captivate a wide audience, providing content that appeals not only to avid movie buffs but also to professionals within the entertainment industry. As digital platforms continue to surge in popularity, Approach Bollywood is poised to deliver the best of the entertainment world to its users.
At the forefront of the Approach Entertainment Group stands Writer / Director & Producer Sonu Tyagi, a highly accomplished individual with professional qualifications in psychology, advertising, journalism, and filmmaking. Renowned as an award-winning writer, director, and producer, Sonu Tyagi has left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape. Before venturing into the realm of entertainment, he accumulated extensive experience with leading advertising agencies and media houses in India. His journey began with the establishment of Approach Communications, a dynamic PR and integrated communications agency.
Building on his success, Tyagi went on to launch Approach Entertainment, a comprehensive company specializing in celebrity management and film productions. Recognizing the growing importance of authentic industry coverage, he introduced Approach Bollywood, a notable Bollywood and entertainment newswire. Sonu Tyagi, in his spiritually inclined nature, has also steered the charitable spiritual organization Go Spiritual India.
Adding to his prolific portfolio, the award-winning writer/director/producer, Sonu Tyagi, has recently co-produced a spiritual web series titled “Two Great Masters” under the banners of Approach Entertainment and Go Spiritual India. This venture showcases his versatile expertise and commitment to exploring diverse facets of the entertainment industry.
Recognized with multiple accolades, Approach Entertainment has earned The Biz India 2010 Award from the World Confederation of Business, the Service Excellence Award from the Worldwide Marketing Organization, and the prestigious PR Company of the Year Award. Founder Sonu Tyagi has also been honored with the Yuva Ratn Award, adding another feather to the group’s illustrious cap.
Approach Entertainment stands as a distinguished powerhouse, excelling in Celebrity Management, Film Productions, Advertising & Corporate Film solutions, Films Marketing, and Events & Entertainment Marketing. Simultaneously, Approach Communications operates as a leading PR & Integrated Communications agency, serving diverse sectors including Corporate, Healthcare, Entertainment, Finance, Education, and Social domains. With a rapidly expanding footprint across Mumbai, New Delhi, Gurugram, Goa, Kolkata, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, and Jalandhar, the Approach Entertainment Group takes center stage in the realms of entertainment, media, and communications. Notably, the group features a specialized Bollywood Newswire & Content Dissemination unit known as Approach Bollywood.
Beyond its business endeavors, the Approach Entertainment Group proudly houses the charitable initiative, Go Spiritual India. This organization is dedicated to philanthropy, promoting spiritual awareness, supporting mental health, wellness, organic practices, spiritual tourism, events, media, and various social causes.
6, Feb 2024
TTT and Hershey India Elevate Love Narratives: Introduce Generative AI Website
Nationwide Release, 6th February 2024: India’s much-loved content company, Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT) has consistently woven heartwarming tales around the threads of love and cherished connections, striking a chord with its audience. TTT’s flagship IP, ‘Butterflies’ (that captures love in various dynamics) and Valentine’s have been synonymous for years now, with the colossal success and in collaboration with Hershey India for the last two seasons. This year for its much-anticipated 5th season, ‘Butterflies’ powered by Hershey India is set to scale new heights to usher in Valentine’s Day 2024 while retaining the original core of the IP. In a significant stride towards innovation and infusing a special touch into the campaign, TTT is not only expanding its creative prowess but also venturing into the tech domain by launching a custom dedication website for #YourForevers which will be live till February ‘24. With this distinct, cutting-edge portal fueled by Generative AI, TTT empowers users to craft customized SMS messages for their loved ones – adding a layer of sentiment to their storytelling. This strategic move positions TTT at the intersection of content and technology, reaffirming its commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering unique experiences to its audience.
This season, with the help of this brand-new generative AI-focused website, TTT ‘helps you voice for every relationship of your choice’. The platform aims to create tailored dedications, celebrating all kinds of love this Valentine’s – be it the enduring love between friends and couples, or the cherished family bonds or the nuanced dynamics of sibling relationships or any other forms of connection. The AI process seamlessly integrates user inputs, generating personalized dedications with custom images and songs in a classic retro style, thus delivering a tailored mixed tape that captures both present love and futuristic storytelling in mere seconds.
For example, consider a scenario where a friend desires to convey the essence of their bond. The user inputs all the key details into the generative AI platform about their friendship – shared experiences, defining moments, and the emotions he/she wishes to express. The AI weaves this data into a heartfelt poem, incorporates a customized image that resonates with the message and sets it all to a selected song that holds a special meaning. This unique creation, celebrating their friendship is then delivered directly to the recipient’s inbox.
The entire campaign caters to a diverse audience of all age groups and revolves around the simple concept that being romantic at heart doesn’t always translate to romantic actions, and TTT addresses this challenge at scale, maintaining a personalized touch at the same time. While creative storytelling remains at TTT’s core, the brand is adopting fresh, modern formats to narrate familiar tales in 2024. Moreover, top dedications on the platform will stand a chance of becoming a film in Butterflies S5.
Anuj Gosalia, Founder and CEO of TTT, said, “With the world moving towards generative AI, we have stitched real love and Artificial Intelligence together by building the country’s largest dedication portal to help you express your love this Valentine’s. Personalization is a powerful tool for making consumers feel valued and understood. We have been working on this project since November ‘23 and, as we launch this website just ahead of the romantic season, we invite you to join us in the art of personalized storytelling. Also, stay tuned for the upcoming 5th season of ‘Butterflies,’ our flagship web series in collaboration with Hershey India – capturing diverse love dynamics with its rich storytelling which has always kept the audience enraptured. We’ve pulled out all the stops to make this season bigger and better.”
Ankit Desai, Marketing Director, Hershey India, said, “Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love in its myriad expressions, from the profound connection between spouses, to the bittersweet relationship between siblings, and the everlasting ties shared with parents. Over the past three years, we have been building and strengthening the ethos of our campaign ‘YourForevers’. To bring alive this, we are thrilled to yet again associate with Terribly Tiny Tales for the upcoming season of ‘Butterflies’. As we eagerly anticipate the romantic tales and heartfelt content that will surely strike a chord with the viewers, we are equally excited about TTT’s launch of their Generative AI portal that adds another dimension to the campaign. Embodying innovation at its core, this portal is a canvas for heartfelt messages, elevating the art of expressing love in the digital age. Our strategy seamlessly integrates creativity, strategic execution and cutting-edge technology, enabling heartfelt connections across diverse relationships. Through the AI portal, we want to enable consumers to express love to their forevers while providing a truly personalized and meaningful experience.”
Strategically slated for a pre-Valentine’s Day launch, the website launch campaign will leverage social media platforms for widespread promotion. Additionally, TTT will be collaborating with multiple influencers, who will use the portal to dedicate original songs and express how they feel. The brand is eyeing to generate 10K + submissionsthrough the portal and maintaining a dynamic buzz around the campaign. So, unleash the power of personalized storytelling, create unique dedications, and make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable for your loved ones. Just like love has no limits, so does the portal! Feel free to utilize it as many times as you want to.
6, Feb 2024
Joyalukkas Unveiled Refurbished Showroom in a S Rao Nagar, Hyderabad
Hyderabad, 6th February 2024: Joyalukkas, the globally acclaimed jewellery retail brand, continues to redefine the jewellery shopping experience with the refurbishment of its A S Rao Nagar showroom in Hyderabad. The grand reopening was held on 3rd February and as an inaugural offer, customers will enjoy a 50% off on all jewellery-making charges (V.A).
Renowned for its unwavering dedication to quality and artistic brilliance, Joyalukkas introduces an exclusive additional floor to the state-of-the-art signature A S Rao Nagar showroom, promising a state-of-the-art ambience. As the world’s favourite jeweller, Joyalukkas enjoys the patronage of millions of customers and features a dazzling array of over a million designs, crafted from a spectrum of precious materials, including gold, diamonds, platinum, gemstones and silver.
The revamped A S Rao Nagar showroom showcases a diverse selection of traditional, contemporary, and ethno-contemporary jewellery, curated from around the globe.
Chairman of Joyalukkas Group, Joy Alukkas, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch and stated, “A S Rao Nagar holds a special place in our hearts, with cherished patrons who have been part of our journey. The refurbished showroom is a testament to our commitment towards enhancing the jewellery shopping experience for our valued customers. We invite jewellery lovers to explore our renewed space, offering a premium and seamless experience, an aesthetic ambience, an extensive range of collections, and superior customer service. To mark this celebration, we are delighted to present an inaugural offer of 50% off on making charges (V.A) for all jewellery.”
The grand reopening was a memorable event, where the customers were invited to indulge in the opulence of Joyalukkas’ exquisite jewellery, while enjoying exclusive inaugural offers.
6, Feb 2024
Blackberrys felicitates Indian winners of the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games…
Bengaluru : February 06 2024– Blackberrys, the aspirational Indian menswear brand that caters to the fashion needs of the global Indian, celebrated India’s unprecedented win of 111 medals at the recently concluded 4th Asian Para Games 2022 held in Hangzhou, during 22-28th October 2023.
Embracing the inspirational ethos of ‘Keep Rising,’ Blackberrys takes immense pride in its partnership with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) as the ‘Official Ceremonial Partner’ for the 4th Asian Para Games.
Mr. Satyanarayan, the esteemed India’s Para- athletics coach, marked his honorable presence at the felicitation event for the Paralympic winners hosted by Blackberrys. Mr. Satyanarayan is a driving force behind the growth of para-sports in the country.
Blackberrys joined hands with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) to become the ‘Official Ceremonial Partner’ and dressed the Indian contingent participating at the mega event. As Blackberrys essence mirrors the unwavering spirit of para-athletes who consistently shatter boundaries and overcome the odds. Crafting the ceremonial suit for the Indian contingent was a moment of profound aspiration. Taking forward this association, the brand felicitated all the winners that collectively won 111 medals for the nation- 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze.
“We are so proud of these winners who’ve beaten all odds to emerge victorious and bring glory for the nation on an international stage. They’ve commanded the respect and admiration of people across the world for their sheer hard work, determination and unwavering spirit to succeed against all odds. We applaud their achievements with these humble tokens of our appreciation. We are fervently committed to celebrating the extraordinary journey of these athletes, who epitomize the triumph of determination and resilience. It has been an absolute honor for Blackberrys to be associated with them on this journey,” said Mr. Nitin Mohan,Co-Founder & Director, Blackberrys.
