MUMBAI: Bringing the curtains down on delightfully choreographed weeks of dancing pleasure, Amrita TV?s Super Dancer-2 sashays into the decisive stage of the Grand Finale that will be held on March 7th at the St.Joseph?s School Auditorium from 6pm.

Super Dancer-2 unveiled an amazing canvas that depicted a variety of dance forms from classical, semi-classical, folk etc to contemporary and western.

Occasionally it delved into the realms of cinema by including timeless romantic duets, selections from the disco decade of the 90?s and unforgettable classics from the black & white era.

The programme veered into a novel Horror round, stretched the participants to the limits of their stamina through a medley, finally rounding up with an impromptu performance that scrutinized their choreography skills.

In the contention for the crown are the 16 year old svelte Gayathri, one of the youngest competitors, the supple microbiologist Sreejith who brings up the other end at 27 years , with the athletic Midh and the lissome Dilsha completing the field.

The Finale showcases their talent through a trio of rounds ? the Solo that allows them to put their best foot forward by dancing to their strengths, the Duet in which they pair up as couples, and the Group where all dance in tandem.

While they execute their well choreographed steps before the throng of invited audience, watchful eyes will follow every twirl and pirouette as Kala Master and Prasanna Master continue to do duty as permanent Jury members on the Judging Panel, with Jyothirmayi joining them as celebrity judge.

An invigorating line-up of celebrity performances from Jyothirmayi, Shamna Kasim and a host of others will give a seasoning of spice to the event, adding further to the flavour of competitive excitement that pervades the proceedings.

In the countdown to the Finale, as the 4 finalists practice their moves to perfection, the crowning moments of Super Dancer-2 promises to unfold into a medley of graceful excellence.

MUMBAI: March 8 is celebrated as International Woman?s Day world over. This day recognizes and celebrates the achievements of and contribution by women across diverse fields. This day has become an important occasion to high light the reality of gender equality in today?s times. Keeping in tune with this tradition, this year STAR Pravah will bring to its viewers a unique and power packed celebration with ?Marathi Taraka?. An entertaining mix of exhilarating music and spectacular dance performances, this offering will bring alive all the positive aspects of today?s woman.

In a first of its kind event, 18 leading actresses from the Marathi film and television industry will perform on a single stage on STAR Pravah to salute the achievements of legendary Maharashtrian actresses like Sulochan, Shobhana Samartha, Shanta Gokhale, Smita Patil. on 7 March, 2010 at 7.30pm.

Hosted by the gorgeous Samira Gujar, the show is also marked by the presence of the charismatic Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Ashok Chavan, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra ?Mr. Chhagan Bhujbal along with the very popular and versatile Asha Bhosale. Gracing this awe inspiring evening are other eminent personalities of the Marathi entertainment fraternity ? Viju Khote,Satish Pradhan & Gautam Rajadhyaksha.

On the occasion, Mr. Atul Ketkar, Programming Head, Star Pravah, said, ?Star Pravah constantly attempt at bringing programs that connects to the Marathi women who are our core audiences. Marathi Taraka highlighst the various roles a woman thanklessly dons during the course of her life. It is indeed very inspiring & commendable to witness the arduous path and the relentless effort women have been making in their journey to excellence. With ?Marathi Taraka?, Star Pravah pays a tribute to this exemplary spirit of woman hood.?

Giving Marathi Taraka a firing start are dhamakedar thumkas of Girija Oak on the famous song Mungla. Providing viewers with the perfect visual treat is the Marathi Lavni on Gavran Maina by the very beautiful Megha Ghadge. Dipali Sayyad?s ritzy dance number on Yeh Mera Dil remix promises to arrest audience interest..

Maharashtrache Nach Baliye runner up - Kranti Redkar enthralls audiences by her incredible dance performance on the foot tapping Marathi track Kombadi Padali. Stunning performances of other actresses like Varsha Usgaonkar,Smita Shevale,Sudha Chandran,Nutan Jayant,Kishori Ambiye,Siya Patil,Sai Tamhankar,Madhura Velankar,Resham Tipnis,Sharvari Jamenis,Aditi Bhagwat & Bhargavi Chirmule make this evening a unique entertaining experience. Making a special appearance is Marathi mulgi from Bollywood ? Kashmera Shah who burns the dance floor with her energetic performance. Adding humor to the evening is the popular Mimicry artist & one of the performers Kishori Godbole with his rib tickling act.

Culminating on a sensitive note, Marathi Taraka leaves viewers with the heart felt performance on Stribhrun conveying the deep thought of ?A girl child has a right to live?.

So do not miss out on this unique, star studded & historical evening on 7 March, 2010 at 7.30pm exclusively on Star Pravah - An evening of engrossing entertainment for the entire family.

MUMBAI: Coming Monday, the World will be privy to the biggest and the most awaited Hollywood movie event in the world; the 82nd Annual Academy Awards. STAR Movies will air the final event LIVE at 6.30am on 8th March. While STAR Movies viewers have been enjoying the Oscar Movie festival, numerous informative fillers, trivia on the nominees and much more on the channel, here?s what they can catch on the channel this week.

Friday, 5th March, 8.30pm
Oscar Showcase

STAR Movie presents a half an hour special episode where anchor Rajiv Masand will take viewers through the most promising nominees of the 2010 Academy awards. The special offering will give exclusive trivia on the closest and topmost contenders in each category to the viewers.

Monday, 8th March, 6.30am
THE OSCAR AWARDS CEREMONY

The 82nd Annual Academy Awards will air LIVE on STAR Movies on 8th March, Monday at 6.30am. The Oscars for outstanding film achievements of 2009 will be presented at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood, Los Angeles? Actors Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin will host the show. The Oscar presentation will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide; STAR Movies airing it LIVE at 6.30am in India on 8th March. Stay tuned to STAR Movies for more dope on the winners post the awards. The repeat telecast of the event will air on the same day at 8.30pm

Monday, 8th March
The Oscars Club

Cannot catch the awards on TV? Do not fret! STAR Movies makes sure you don?t miss out on the awards anyways! Oscar Fans can now get an award-by-award update on their mobile phones by subscribing to The Oscars Club! Viewers can subscribe by SMSing OSCARS to 57827 and receive SMS alerts as and when awards get announced at the ceremony.

MUMBAI: Come 5th March and India‘s only premium all sports channel, NEO Sports will be the destination for all Indian tennis supporters as India will begin their Davis Cup World Group contention against last years quarter-finalists Russia in Moscow. All the matches from this highly anticipated tie will be broadcast from March 5th till March 7th, 2010, live and exclusive only on NEO Sports.

India has made it to the elite 16-team World Group for the first time in 11 years after defeating Chinese Taipei and South Africa in the World Group play-offs.
But Russia will have the home advantage which has proved crucial in the meetings between the two nations. The last time around India played Russia on grass in New Delhi. The tie ended 4-1 in favour of India, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead in their head to head series...

Speaking on the occasion Mautik Tolia, Executive Vice President - Programming, NEO Sports Broadcast Pvt. Ltd, said "We are truly excited about this opportunity of bringing this highly anticipated tie to our viewers. After 11 long years India truly sits on the threshold of tennis history, we at Neo Sports are thrilled to be a part of India‘s journey in a prestigious tournament like the Davis Cup. "

The winner of this tie will be awarded with a quarter-final berth while the vanquished team will be relegated to the Davis Cup play-offs. India travels to Russia to play their first round on the indoor hard surface in the Davis Cup World Group from March 5-7. You can catch this highly awaited clash, live and exclusive only on NEO Sports

Russian squad: Mikhail Youzhny, Teimuraz Gabashvili, Igor Kunitsyn, Igor Andreev. Captain: Shamil Tarpischev

Indian squad: Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, Somdev Devvarman, Sanam Singh. Captain: S.P. Misra, Coach: Nandan Bal.
 

MUMBAI: India?s leading English news channel and Reliance Industries Limited, India?s largest private sector enterprise, are proud to announce the third edition of Real Heroes, an annual felicitation that recognises the unknown and unsung heroes of India who have selflessly dedicated their lives to improving the lot of the common man and the betterment of society as a whole. Since its inception in the year 2008, Real Heroes has developed into a movement that turns the spotlight on the champions of change in our society and brings forth their work. These Potential Real Heroes who will serve as a source of inspiration to thousands of other Indians are identified by the nationwide network of IBN18 reporters. The CNN-IBN editorial board then shortlists the 24 Real Heroes from across India (6 from each zone) North, South, East & West and their work is classified under one of these categories: Women Welfare, Social Welfare, Health and Disability, Youth, Education and Children & Sports.

These Real Heroes will also be showcased in four special half hour episodes every Saturday February 27 to March 20 on CNN-IBN, IBN7 and IBN LOKMAT. One segment in each of these half hour specials will also focus on Real Heroes from previous editions highlighting their fund aided work post felicitation by CNN-IBN & RIL.

A cash prize of Rs.5 lakhs each will be awarded to these Real Heroes who have worked tirelessly, to provide unique solutions for issues impacting the community, thereby setting a worthy example for the rest of society. For more information on the initiative, log on to www.realheroes.com

Speaking on the initiative, Nita Ambani, President, Dhirubhai Ambani Foundation said, ?We are proud to be associated with Real Heroes, a movement to honour the men and women who have been working with never ending courage and unflagging dedication to make a better society for their countrymen to live in. We are sure that their inspiring stories will serve as a beacon of inspiration for many others.?

Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, IBN18 Network added, ?Real Heroes is a movement that recognises the sterling efforts of those selfless individuals who have quietly dedicated their lives to improving the lot of others without any expectation of reward or recognition for themselves, We hope that by highlighting these outstanding men and women we will inspire many others to come forth and work towards building a more equitable society.?
 

MUMBAI: On an afternoon when most youngsters would have been glued to their TV screens while India?s favourite hero and ace batman, Sachin Tendulkar, created cricketing history -- breaking another world record -- there were over 45 Young Professionals of IAA?s India Chapter and their guests -- all from the field of advertising, brand management, marketing, mass communication and media ? gathered at the NDTV Media Training Centre in Gurgaon to keep their appointment with Sam Balsara. They also had an opportunity to meet and interact with Sam?s young professional daughter Ms Lara Balsara, Business Development & Diversification Manager - Madison India.

Avinash Pandey, Vice President and Head of Revenue ? STAR News & Convener of IAA Young Professionals Chapter, introduced Sam Balsara & Lara Balsara and thanked them for flying in from Bombay to spend time with the IAA YP members.

The audience listened with rapt attention while Sam Balsara and Lara Balsara addressed them in a freewheeling chat of over 90 minutes.

Sam shared anecdotes on his journey till date, right from his childhood days in Bangalore, to getting rejected by IIMs and how he survived the shock of losing 70% of his business overnight. Recalling his experiences with clients, models, actors, producers, he regaled the audience about a time and life that most of the audience found difficultly in believing that, it existed.

Lara, having studied Madison?s actions over the years and having seen what has succeeded, and drawing inspiration from Al Ries, succinctly drew up the 10 Immutable Laws of Madison. The laws ranged from focus, to diversification to the power of PR, to disadvantages - all of which have played a role in the survival and growth of Madison.