MUMBAI: This June, get out your boxing gloves and start warming up as PIX gears up to get you with one knockout movie after the other on KNOCKOUT June only on PIX.

Beginning with an ode to Sylvester Stallone every Monday on Perfect 10, PIX brings you the awe-inspiring tale about the struggle of Rocky Balboa. Catch the Rocky series Part I to IV - the movie series that made Sylvester Stallone a living legend.

In 1975, virtually unknown in Hollywood, Sylvester Stallone wrote the script of Rocky in three days after attending a boxing match between the small-time underdog Chuck Wepner and the great Muhammad Ali and then was born Rocky Balboa.

Rocky, of course, was the fictitious alter-ego of the multi-talented Stallone. After a hard round of negotiations with Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff, a team of experienced and knowledgeable filmmakers, Stallone struck a deal wherein they allowed him to play the title role. The rest as they say is history.

Rocky II took off from where Rocky ended, with the entire cast of Rocky reuniting with Stallone at the helm as writer and director in pursuit of the heavyweight championship. In Rocky III, Balboa goes through changes internally and externally in attempts to improve his personal life and hold on to the heavy weight title and finds its not nearly as difficult to reach the top as it is to stay there. In Rocky IV Rocky comes out of retirement to do battle for the greatest prize of all - America. "World War III" - instead of being fought with guns and Atom bombs, being fought with fists - and Rocky is representing the free world. So get in the ring for a knock out experience with the Rocky series throughout this month only on PIX!

Moving from one living legend to another, catch the male half of Brangelina, Brad Pitt, in some of his best acting roles from 12 June to June 15 on Perfect 10.

Watch Brad in Thelma and Louise, the movie that got him noticed and started him on his road to stardom. Also coming up on 13 June is Legends Of the Fall, an epic tale of three brothers and their father living in the remote wilderness of 1900s USA and how their lives are affected by nature, history, war, and love. This film is followed by Seven Years in Tibet on June 14 due to which Brad was banned from entering China. Lastly catch Brad in Snatch directed by Guy Ritchie better known as Madonna‘s husband. Did you know that Pitt asked director Guy Ritchie if he could be in his next film after watching Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels - an action packed English comedy, look out for it on Perfect 10, Saturday 16 June, only on PIX!

And the punches keep coming as PIX brings you a two movie special with Marlon Brando on 22 - 23 June and at 10 pm. Watch this legendary actor excel in Island of Dr. Moreau, a film about Dr Moreau an obsessive scientist who is experimenting on turning animals into humans and A Dry White Season a sensitive film on Apartheid in South Africa.

The action continues?On 30 June, PIX brings you the critically acclaimed, Oscar winning film Platoon. Platoon is a film on the Vietnam war made by Director Oliver Stone based on his own experiences in Vietnam. In this film, Charlie Sheen plays Chris Taylor, an idealistic student who dropped out of college, joined the army, and volunteered for Vietnam. His idealism and view of war in general rapidly changes during the course of the film.

After all this action, let‘s double up with laughter. From 4 June to 9 June. PIX has lined up some great comic capers - Nadine, My Man Adam, No Small Affair, The Opposite of Sex on Great at 8. This line up will sure tickle your funny bone!

And as if that wasn‘t enough, PIX brings you another round of greats with 4 super episodes of Inside the Actors Studio (ITAS). On 3 June, catch the legendary Robert Redford in a 2 hour special Inside the Actors Studio followed by his film The Natural. Get set for a 2 hour special with the multi talented Barbra Streisand followed by one her most hilarious films The Owl and the Pussycat at 9 pm on 10 June. Catch Martin Sheen on 17 June in Inside the Actors Studio followed by his film Little Girl who Lives Down the lane which also stars Jodie Foster. And lastly don‘t miss Jude Law in ITAS on 24 June.

So don‘t let the rains dampen your spirits and knock yourself out with great stories well told this June only on PIX!

NEW DELHI: The gods of rock are coming to shake you up. Join The History Channel this May to witness some of the greatest moments of rock in its entertaining new offering, History Rocks.With decades of multi-platinum success and sold-out tours, some of the greatest musical icons like Queen, Deep Purple, The Doors, The Who, Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Santana are featured in this one-of-its-kind series that fuses music and history together. Starting May 28, tune-in every Monday to Thursday at 10 pm onwards till June 7 for a slice of the glory that marks these legendary performers.

An eight-part series, History Rocks brings together great concerts, rare documentaries and interviews featuring these gods of music and offers a unique glimpse into the life of these rock legends. "History Rocks gives viewers a chance to be up, close and personal with the legends of rock we love, adore and revere," said Rajesh Sheshadri, Vice President, Marketing, The History Channel.

Be it Deep Purple or The Doors, this May relive the magic of their music and rock on with The History Channel!

History Rocks includes the following episodes:

Queen-Live in Budapest - Monday, 28 May - Aside from showcasing Queen‘s largest ever stadium performance, ‘Live In Budapest‘ includes montages of highlights of band‘s legendary visit and allows a unique insight into the Hungarian film making style adapted to western Rock ‘n‘ Roll.

The Who - Live at the Isle of Wight Festival - Tuesday, 29 May - In 1970, 6,00,000 people came to the Isle of Wight Festival to attend a music festival at 2 am on August 30. The Who appeared and gave one of their most memorable performances featuring hits like Water, Magic bus, Eyesight to the blind, Heaven and hell, The acid queen, Pinball wizard, Fiddle about, We‘re not going to take it and many more classic numbers.

Santana - Live At Montreux 2004 - Wednesday, 30 May - On 15 July 2004, Santana took to the stage in Montreux accompanied by a stunning line-up of guests to perform a concert of songs about peace and understanding that they dubbed "Hymns for Peace".

Deep Purple - Live at Montreux - Thursday, 31 May - Deep Purple needs no introduction as they are one of the all-time great British rock bands. Their association with Montreux goes back to the early seventies, when their attempt to record their album "Machine Head" at the Montreux Casino was thwarted when it promptly burnt down, forcing them to make the album in the rooms and corridors of the Grand Hotel instead.

The Doors: Soundstage Performances - Monday, 4 June - These performances are a truly unique compilation of three different Doors concerts at three distinct stages in their career; from their early days, a concert in Toronto in 1967, from their only European tour in 1968 and then from New York in 1969. Also included is Jim Morrison‘s only on camera interview.

Rolling Stones - Truth & Lies - Tuesday, 5 June - They are the greatest Rock and Roll band in the world. They have inspired wild yells from musical millions and gasps of horror from the establishment. This lively episode showcases what their contemporaries, fans and critics said about the songs, the scandals, the crises and the excesses. Also features news footage and interviews from the band.

Beatles - From Liverpool to San Francisco - Wednesday, 6 June- This one hour special witnesses the adulation and hysteria that gripped the world wherever The Beatles traveled. Through their extensive and open interviews with the world‘s media and archive footage of their journeys, the program gives an insight into what it was like for the Beatles inside the bubble of Beatlemania.

Led Zepplin - Thursday, 7 June - The story of the top rock band that got its name when drummer Keith Moon predicted how the band would go over with audiences after hearing their demo tapes. Led Zeppelin‘s first album reached number 10 on the charts in 1969, and their popularity continued to grow with each subsequent album.

MUMBAI: Mumbai witnessed a gala evening at a concert organized by Masterstroke at the MMRDA grounds. Titled the Masterstroke concert, the evening saw a packed house with thousands of people jiving and grooving to the tunes of Bombay Vikings, Indian Idol finalist Prajakta Shukre and swinging with the moves of Bollywood starlet Amrita Arora. However, the highlight of the evening remained the Badshah of Bollywood, Shahrukh Khan.

Speaking at the occasion, Shah Rukh Khan the brand ambassador of Master Stroke said, "It gives me great pleasure to be associated with a brand that has made a mark and stands among the best."

The concert kicked off with a groovy performance by Amrita Arora, followed by a medley of songs by Prajakta Shukre. The crowd went crazy when the band Bombay Vikings took control of the stage and started belting out some of their most popular chart-topping numbers.

The fantastic theme of the evening ‘Its cool to be hot‘ was given artistic expression in the performances of Amrita Arora, Bombay Vikings and Prajakta Shukre in a scintillating medley. Amrita‘s stunningly ‘hot‘ moves and Bombay Vikings‘s ‘cool‘ attitude made the evening a showstopper, perfectly articulating the belief that every one has both hot and cool aspects to his personality. The heady mix of Bollywood songs by Prajakta Shukre provided some unbelievable entertainment.

Dr. Lalit Khaitan, Chairman, Mr. Raju Vaziraney, CEO, Mr Abhishek Khaitan and Mr. Asif Adil, Managing Director Diageo Radico Distilleries Pvt Ltd expressed their happiness over the fruitful relationship and the brand Masterstroke.

MUMBAI: As May comes to an end, Star World turns up the heat with two ogle-worthy specials! Tune in to Miss USA 2007 this Saturday, May 26th at 9 pm and watch American beauties sashay their way into the judges‘ hearts ad they compete for the coveted title.On Tuesday, May 29th at 6 30 am, watch the world‘s most glamorous goddesses steal the spotlight on Star World with the live telecast of Miss UNIVERSE 2007.

MISS USA 2007

Hosted by talk-show veteran Nancy O‘Dell, the Miss USA 2007 airs on STAR WORLD on Saturday, May 26th at 9pm.

From the swimsuit parade to the interview section and evening-gown segment, the 51 contestants will be doing their best to exhibit poise under pressure. The leggy lovelies will parade before a panel of celebrity judges that includes talk-show host Jerry Springer, Blow Out star Jonathan Antin, E! News co-host Giuliana De Pandi, NFL star Vince Young, and former Miss Teen USA Vanessa Minnillo.

Held at LA‘s famed Kodak Theatre, this year‘s pageant also marks the end of the scandal-scarred reign of Tara Conner. In the last 12 months, Miss USA 2006 has been a tabloid target after it was revealed that she had spent more time partying than performing good deeds and was admitted to a rehab clinic. Once she passes her tarnished crown to her successor, Miss USA 2007 will then step onto the international stage to compete in Miss Universe 2007.

On May 26th at 9pm, share the excitement and behind-the-scenes drama as 51 dazzling divas take to the stage in the hope of being named Miss USA 2007!

Miss USA 2007 premieres Sat (May 26) at 9pm.
Encore Telecasts air Sun at 1.30am & 7am and Mon at 1pm

MISS UNIVERSE 2007 Live on STAR WORLD

On Tuesday, May 29th at 6 30 am, the world‘s most glamorous goddesses steal the spotlight on Star World with the live telecast of Miss Universe 2007.

Held at the National Auditorium in Mexico, over 70 beauty queens from around the globe will parade their assets and display their charms before a panel of celebrity judges. Viewed in 170 countries, the two-hour spectacular is recognized as the world‘s most prestigious beauty pageant. Last year, millions of viewers saw Puerto Rican beauty Zuleyka Rivera crowned Miss Universe 2006.

While the contestants represent the epitome of beauty and grace, they also reflect the missions and goals of women worldwide. This year‘s winner, for example, will travel the world to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS.

Tune in on Tuesday, May 29th at 6 30 am for the live telecast of the world‘s most anticipated beauty pageant, Miss Universe 2007.

Miss Universe 2007 premieres Tuesday (May 29th) at 6 30 am (Live), 8pm (Primetime Encore Telecast)
Encore Telecasts air Wed at 1.30am & Sun at 3 pm

So don‘t forget to tune in to the most prestigious beauty pageants only on Star World!

MUMBAI:Two big talents. Two potential superstars. Who will take home the one coveted title? Be among the first to find out when STAR WORLD brings you the American Idol Season Finale LIVE on 24th May at 8 p.m.

Held at LA‘s famed Kodak Theater, the two-hour finale is expected to produce one of the closest results in Idol‘s six-year history. In one corner is Jordin Sparks, the teen chanteuse who outlasted early frontrunners like Melinda Doolittle and Lakisha Jones. As she prepares to belt it out one last time on the Idol stage, will the voters continue to stick with her? Or will Blake Lewis, the show‘s hippest-ever finalist, beatbox his way into Idol glory?

While Sparks and Lewis go head to head, fans can also look forward to seeing this year‘s top 12 reunite for the last time. From the controversial Sanjaya Malakar, to big-voiced diva Lakisha Jones and fan favorite Melinda Doolittle, this season will be remembered for its eclectic mix of colourful contestants.

As well as crowning pop‘s new idol, Thursday‘s finale will also reveal the winner of the American Idol Songwriting Competition. For the first time ever, aspiring songwriters from around the nation were invited to submit a song that captured the spirit of American Idol. Once viewers have voted for their favourite tune, the winning song will be performed by this year‘s Idol champ.

Who will strike a chord with viewers? Which finalist - Blake Lewis or Jordin Sparks - will be in tune with American tastes? On 24th May at 8 pm, be among the first to find out who is pop‘s newest superstar as STAR WORLD brings you the LIVE telecast of the American Idol Season Finale!

MUMBAI: She?s a one-woman army. She?s single handedly revolutionized Indian television? They don?t call her the queen of prime time for absolutely nothing! She?s combated cricket, game shows, reality shows and always emerged victorious! Karan?s first guest this week is none other than Ekta Kapoor! Joining her are her favorite men and television?s blue-eyed boys? Ram Kapoor, Ronit Roy and Hiten Tejwani! Watch the people who have captured the hearts of millions of people in the country only on Koffee with Karan, this Sunday, May 27th at 9. 30 p.m. on Star One and at 9 p.m. on Star World.

In this very exciting episode, watch Ekta talk about the winning streak which she has always possessed since she was a child- from a desire to win dance competitions at birthday parties to being numero uno in her field. She discusses the twists and turns, generation leaps, murders and comebacks, which are created in shows to combat competition! She also clears all speculation on her relationship with Smriti Irani and Rajeev Khandelwal! On the other hand, her favorite men- Ram, Ronit and Hiten talk about the warm bond they share with Ekta and how they deal with her temperamental nature. They admit on the show that they owe their success to her, along with hundreds of other actors who are now millionaires thanks to her! Also, watch an entertaining vox-pop in which the aam junta and members of the Balaji fraternity choose the perfect husband for Ekta. Who is the favorite contender? Is it Jai Walia, Rahul Bajaj, Karan Virani, Mihir Virani or Sujal? Or even better? is it Karan Johar!

That?s not all, the tables turn this time round! In the much awaited rapid fire round, Karan hands the reigns to Ram, Ronit and Hiten who quiz Ekta on her likes and dislikes! Which Bollywood couple would win in Nach Baliye and who would lose? Who is the ?Amitabh Bachchan? of television? Who is the Ekta Kapoor of Bollywood? Who is the most over-rated actor on television? The one actor, whom she discovered, she is proud of? What is Ba?s real age? Is it 100+, 200+ or more than that? Does Ekta succeed in winning the hamper? Watch out in this week?s exciting episode of Koffee with Karan.

Excerpts from the interview:

Karan: Look at you? looking all glamorous! I look at you like this and get the visual of the same little podgy girl. Look at me talking, I was double your size then, dancing in Abhishek?s birthday party in a silver dress?you looked like a silver ball? like a silver disco ball.

Ekta: (Laughing) Disco Rani!

Karan: And you were doing this little disco step and I remember you crying because you came third!

Ekta: I came third and they gave the first prize to Adi and I wanted that prize.

Karan: Now, it?s a lesser-known fact that Aditya Chopra won over Hrithik Roshan in the dance competition. Hrithik came second and Aditya Chopra came first and you came third and I remember you bawling and then Adi very magnanimously gave you the crown and made you get the first prize!

Ekta: I think it was in his genes to be extremely gentlemanly.

Karan: Now when I look at you I think life has taken a complete circle with him doing so well and you doing so well!

Ekta: I hope in the future also he gives me something generously. (Laughs)

Karan: But really today you are the queen of prime time. Two years ago I told you the same thing. Two years later you?re even beyond that. How does it feel to be the numero uno in your field?

Ekta: You know what? It has been the same! There was a sense of complacency, which had come into the medium a couple of months ago when there was no competition and we were doing well. But now suddenly with Zee coming up, it?s becoming tougher to be on the top. But the fun, the aggression, and the competition that TV has now?it?s only going to get better and more fun!

Karan: Ram, she has had a problem with you earlier during your bout with Ghar Ek Mandir

Ram: Yeah! I have to say I was a very different person at that point of time. She gives all the credit to my wife for changing me and I have to agree with her because my first innings in television was more of discovery. I was deciding where I want to be.

Ekta: And you know what happened? I didn?t know at that point of time that Gautami and he were seeing each other and I bitched him out to Gautami only!

Karan: Ronit? you are the blue eyed boy of Balaji. You are practically in every show. With grey hair in some, without grey hair in the other! You play all kinds of ages, stages, rages, everything?How is it working with Ekta?

Ronit: You know there was a point in my life where there was a lot of alcoholism. One evening, this friend of mine called Raj, who was looking after my work, he came back home after meeting a producer. I asked him, ?What did he say?? so he went and he fixed me a drink and said, ?Let it go, we just had a chat!? so I said, ?No, tell me! I am a big boy, I can handle it!? He said, ?You know Ronit? You are done! He said why should I take Ronit when I can cast any junior artist with more talent and less money!? and I thought, ?Yeah man! Maybe I am done!? and then Ekta came along and Balaji came along and I said to myself, ?No! I?m not!? At that point of time, Karan, I really did not know which way to go so that?s why I always thank her. She has brought a dead actor, a dead human being? she has resurrected me!

Karan: Hiten, you are a young boy today. You are in your early 30?s but you are playing what? a 50 year old man in one show and who knows with another leap you will be 80 soon but you have the love and the regard of millions of people at such a young age. How does it feel?

Hiten: It feels very nice. I never thought of it! I always wanted to be somebody somewhere and suddenly one day everything happened and it?s all her (Ekta) doing!

So, don?t forget to tune in as Karan chats with Ekta Kapoor with her favorite leading men- Ram Kapoor, Ronit Roy and Hiten Tejwani on Koffee with Karan this Sunday, May 27th at 9 30 p.m. on Star One and at 9 p.m. on Star World