• Cartoon network entertained mumbai with 'Toon Cricket'!

    Submitted by ITV Production on Feb 25, 2009

    MUMBAI: Mumbai witnessed history being created as over 20,000 cartoon network fans packed the Andheri Sports Complex to cheer for their favourite Toon stars at Cartoon Network‘s Toon Cricket -The Battle for the Omnitrix in partnership with leading sports brand, Reebok. In a true cartoony version of the 2009 cricket season, Cartoon Network‘s all-time favourite hero Ben 10 led his team, The Bentastics, to a victory over defending champions, MaxiMojo, in India‘s first day and night Toon Cricket match. Playing the wild card entries for the Bentastics and Maximojo teams, were the Reebok brand ambassadors and ace cricketers - Rahul Dravid and Piyush Chawla. The duo were seen in full cricketing action as they played with the Toon teams.

    In its sixth successful run, Cartoon Network‘s most celebrated event fulfilled its promise of maximum fun and excitement as our world famous Toons captained by the youngest superhero Ben Tennyson from Ben 10 and the evil Mojo Jojo, from The Powerpuff Girls battled at the pitch. Adding to the excitement and experience of the evening was the Toon Cricket inaugural ceremony that entertained the audiences with a sound and laser show and a live-performance by the amazing pop band "Aasma" which left them asking for more!

    Ecstatic kids present at the packed stadium cheered their favourite toons till the nail-biting finish. Leading the victorious team with a Toon Century, Captain Ben Tennyson received the Omnitrix amid much cheer from the spectators. The ever popular Ben Tennyson stole the limelight and the hearts of his fans with some brilliant bowling skills in the bowl out, while the opposition Captain, MaxiMojo hit only a zero! This year‘s ‘Toon Cricket -The Battle for the Omnitrix‘ was a quest to find the true keeper of the Omnitrix (the mysterious watch that gives Ben Tennyson, of the iconic series, Ben 10, his super hero abilities) and each inning had five overs of four balls each. In an effort to fulfill his desire to take over the world, Mojo Jojo has stolen the Omnitrix from Ben 10! As a result, the young superhero had challenged Mojo to a T-20 style cricket match.

    Toon Cricket is amongst one of the biggest initiatives planned for Cartoon network for 2009 and is created for kids in India who love their Toons as much as the game of Cricket. The event was co-sponsored by Nutrine Maha Choco and Parle-G. Reebok was the sports partner and McDonalds Happy Meal, Boomer, Parachute Starz, Zapak, Berger Paints and Kissan Ketchup were the Associate Sponsors.

    The grand prize winner of the Toon Cricket on-air contest was Avni Narayan from Mumbai. Avni was treated like a superstar with her family being escorted in a sleek S-class Mercedes filled with bundles of surprises that include exclusive Cartoon Network goodies. At the venue, they were seated in a VIP enclosure with the best view of the field. Further, adding to her superstar journey, Avni met for a special tete-a-tete with Cartoon Network toons including Ben 10 and Tom & Jerry after the match.

    Now in its sixth successful year, ‘Toon Cricket‘ is a unique sporting event in India, conceptualized by Cartoon Network. First held in 1999, ‘Toon Cricket‘ gives kids a chance to watch their pet sport being played by their favourite Cartoon Network Toons. In the past, Toon Cricket has received an overwhelming response amongst kids - with a live audience of over 60,000 present at the ‘Toon Cricket 2003‘ match at Mumbai.

  • Cricket programming on Ten Sports - Australia's tour of South Africa

    Submitted by ITV Production on Feb 25, 2009

    MUMBAI: With three of the four ongoing series live and exclusive on Ten Sports, the most watched sports channel in the Sub-continent, cricket fans are in for a feast.

    The most anticipated series of the year, Australia?s tour of South Africa, which begins with the first Test on Thursday, February 26, at The Wanderers, is the one with the highest stakes. Ten Sports is also the home for ongoing Sri Lanka?s tour of Pakistan, as well as England?s trip to the West Indies.

    Live telecast of the ultimate cricket battle of the year starts Thursday, February 26, from 2:00 pm IST, preceded by a half-hour preview show.

    Australia, the most dominant Test and One Day International team for decades, will square up for a three Test, five ODI and two Twenty20 series with revenge in mind after the stunning loss at home in both Tests and ODIs earlier this year.

    Australia and South Africa are ranked No1 and No2 in the ICC Test rankings, and Ricky Ponting?s team can lose the pride of place if they lose the series. In ODIs, the rankings are reversed after South Africa?s recent win in Australia, but Graeme Smith?s men can rest assured of retaining that spot even if they lose the ODI series.

    Like Australia, who are reeling after two successive series losses to India and South Africa, the home team also have a point to prove to the touring side. Having humbled the Aussies on their home turf, they will be keen to continue the good work and keep up their winning streak. They will also want that coveted top spot in Test cricket.

    South Africa?s recent Test record at The Wanderers is patchy. Australia?s won their last Test here in 2006, when they successfully chased 292 to win in their second innings. India and England have also won Test matches on this ground.

    While as many as four newcomers are vying for places in the Australian team, the Proteas are looking well-balanced. Their bowling line-up, led by the dangerous Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini, would be their biggest advantage, while Australia is sure to miss the services of Brett Lee and Stuart Clark. South African batting line-up, in which five of the top six have averaged more than 50 over the past year, are expected to have an upper hand.

  • Kareena Kapoor on Superstars Superlives

    Submitted by ITV Production on Feb 25, 2009

    MUMBAI: Imtiaz Ali- ‘Kareena belongs to the category of people who are god gifted she will work and she will practice her tans.‘

    A Youth Icon, A diva, stylish and Classy is how one describes Kareena Kapoor. She is well-famed for the stupendous success of her films like, Refugee, Jab we met, Chameli, Omkara and Dev to name a few. One cannot imagine the success of these films without Kareena Kapoor.

    Born in a family of filmy history, her Great Grandfather was not only an outstanding actor but a strong pillar for present cinema too. Being the youngest in the Kapoor clan, Kareena Kapoor has individually contributed to their fame in her own stylish flamboyance. Kareena was awarded the Smita Patil memorial award for her outstanding contribution to the film industry, in the year 2005, the Rajiv Gandhi Young Achiever award by the Government of India and was crowned the Indian diva 2005 by the viewers of a reputed TV channel.

    Kareena Kapoor - ‘I think positivity is the healthiest way to living a pure and peaceful life.‘

    Intentionally turning a deaf ear to things being said about her, Kareena had a very rough time climbing the ladder of success. There were controversies regarding her behavior with the media and her co-stars. Bipasha Basu did not get along with her in film AJNABEE, Mallika Sherawat found Kareena cold while shooting for JEENA SIRF MERE LIYE and the FASHION girl Priyanka Chopra was amongst those involved in cat fights with Kareena. Not only infamous for her behavior, but Bebo‘s link ups with heartthrob Hrithik Roshan, the dashing Fardeen Khan got her into the news and her break up with Shahid Kapoor made headlines.

    Kareena has the potential to turn adversity into strength and her stint in bollywood is testimony to the same. Post her film Tashan, her unique style and fashion statement has made her the youth icon giving Kareena a new identity. Lately she has been awarded the style diva of the year, celebrity style and Queen of hearts in various prestigious award ceremonies.

    This week‘s episode of Superstars Superlives features Bebo, right from her childhood to her personal and professional relationship. Not only known for controversies, her behaviour with the media, co-stars but also for her individuality, dedication, determination and discipline?

  • 13B movie website receives a whooping 5 million page views in 13 days

    Submitted by ITV Production on Feb 24, 2009

    MUMBAI: ?13 B ? Fear has a new address?, the latest supernatural thriller film from the house of Big Pictures has created quite a buzz in the online space. Earlier this month, Zapak.com launched a website dedicated to the movie and trust us when we say this ? It is the most haunted destination online!

    This haunted destination ? www.whatis13b.com has created a rage amongst the users. In a short span on 13 days it has received over 5 million page views and close to 0.89 million visitors.

    Commenting on the overwhelming response, Arun Mehra, Chief Marketing Officer, Zapak Digital Entertainment Ltd. said, ?This is a case study as far as online movie marketing goes. Zapak had a 2 step strategy for the website. 1st step was to reach out to the online community interested in horror. And that is what helped us achieve the 5 million page views. The 2nd step was to make people aware of the movie 13B which happened simultaneously while users accessed horror stories on the website. 5 million page views is an excellent number in such a short span of time.?

  • MAX kicks off blockbuster 2009 with New Zealand-India series LIVE!

    Submitted by ITV Production on Feb 24, 2009

    MUMBAI: MAX announced that it would be telecasting LIVE the much-awaited National Bank New Zealand-India series to be held in New Zealand this month. This series will feature India playing five One Day Internationals, two Twenty20 and three Test matches on their first tour of New Zealand in the last six years. Avid cricket fans can watch this series of thrilling matches live on MAX from 25th February to 7th April 2009.

    Along with Charu Sharma as the presenter for the series, viewers can look forward to a panel of experts consisting of Murali Kartik, Javagal Srinath and Arun Lal amongst others who will present their analysis on the match happenings as part of the wrap around programming for this series. Simultaneously, Ravi Shastri, who will be based in New Zealand, will be commentating on the series LIVE, giving his expert opinion along with the others here.

    Sneha Rajani, EVP and Business Head, MAX said, ?Given that India last toured the Kiwi country in 2002-03 and the fact that we have not won a series there in 40 years, the New Zealand-India series promises to be totally action-packed with nail biting encounters between the two nations. The audience will be in for a veritable feast, watching these titans of the game battle it out for the ultimate win only on MAX, the ultimate destination for cricket and entertainment.?

    In line with the anticipation of a great fight and a situation where India emerges victorious, MAX has also tied up with the forthcoming Hindi film ?Aa Dekhe Zara? starring Neil Nitin Mukesh and Bipasha Basu. Viewers can look forward to an exciting t?te-?-t?te with Bipasha and Neil in the studios with Charu Sharma during mid innings in the ODIs. Watch this only on MAX!

  • Myspace music exclusively premieres depeche mode's new video

    Submitted by ITV Production on Feb 24, 2009

    MUMBAI: MySpace Music (www.myspace.com/music ), the world‘s premier online music portal, is excited to announce the exclusive world premiere of Depeche Mode?s new video, Wrong. The video is the legendary band?s first single from their upcoming 12th studio album, Sounds of the Universe, which is set for release on April 21 (U.S. release date).

    To view Depeche Mode?s Wrong music video visit: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual=52704787.

    Depeche Mode is one of the most influential bands in the music industry with global sales in excess of 100 million albums. Formed in 1981, the band consists of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy ?Fletch? Fletcher and has reached critical acclaim on a global level. Depeche Mode recently announced a 22-city North American tour, ?Tour of the Universe,? to support their upcoming album, which will mark the group?s most extensive tour in years.

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