MUMBAI, July 18, 2013: Ann Mitchai, Thai cultural ambassador and singing sensation is all set to shoot her first international single in Mumbai. The artist will video shoot her album named ?Superstar? on the 19th and 21st of this month. The music album will be a Thai-Indian fusion and will have strong influence of the traditional Thai dramatic ?Likay?.

?When I am on a Likay tour, I tend to do a lot of Thai-Indian fusion as I have a lot of Indian fans back home. This genre of Thai-Indian performance came into prominence and now has presented me with opportunities to be part of the Indian entertainment industry. I am really glad to be associated with this community here in India and hope to perform and visit Mumbai often.? says Ann Mitchai.

Likay or music drama is a traditional performing art of central Thailand. Beautiful costumes in modern as well as traditional fashions of shining silk and satin, the comic actions, and fast storytelling are its unique characteristics. It emphasizes on expressions and has a learning technique that cannot be mastered in a short period of time. The costume is a special ensemble that has intricately done designs although very heavy to wear. The performer needs to possess the quality of patience to gracefully carry through the act. The singer has been practicing this art form since she was 5 years of age and today her name is synonymous with Likay back in Thailand.

Sheryl Verghese, Eddie Avil and Jaspreet Jasz are the songwriters and the music is compiled by Eddie Avil and Chirantan Bhatt. The dance is choreographed by Dhiraj Bakshi. The album will be released in India and Thailand this year.

Mumbai, July 18, 2013... Reliance Broadcast Network Limited (RBNL) today announced three key appointments in its television business. As the network gears to make the most from phase II of digitization, it further strengthens in team with some of the finest minds from the industry.

The new appointments include...

Anirudh Maheshwari - appointed National Sales Head for Language TV at Reliance Broadcast. In his new role, Maheshwari will be responsible for key decision making in the area of sales, and growing the business for the regional channels BIG Magic and Spark Punjabi across geographies. Maheshwari brings valuable experience from across multiple business scenarios and geographies with a rewarding career in the challenging environs of the Indian financial services industry. Some of the reputed organizations he has been part of include Citibank, ICICI Prudential Life, Standard Chartered Bank, and Xerox. Client centricity, business focus and building teams are strong skill sets that promise to help him in his current role. He will be reporting to Sunil Kumaran, Business Head - Language TV.

Speaking about his appointment, Anirudh said, "RBNL has built a winning and robust television network over the last 2 years. It is an honour to join such a purposeful team and get an opportunity to contribute towards its success. I look forward to taking up this challenging role and working towards ensuring that the channel grows consistently towards leadership positions in this space."

Shweta Arora - appointed as National Sales Head, BIG CBS. Arora will be heading the Sales Function for BIG CBS Networks and will be leading charge for Planning and Driving the Sales Strategy for the country nationally to increase market share and revenues for BIG CBS. She joins BIG CBS from ING Vysya Bank where she served as Associate Business Head - North, for the bank?s Private Banking Division. Banking Organizations that she was associated with include Citibank, Kotak Private Banking and ABN AMRO Bank. Shweta has also enjoyed a four-year stint with the hospitality industry when she worked with the Taj Group of Hotels. She has been credited with many accolades for new business development and acquisition, both in the hospitality industry and as a banker and was also instrumental in leading the creation of the Negotiation Tool Kit at the Taj. Shweta is a phenomenal team player and always strives for a work environment that offers healthy competition to drive teams to achieve higher goals.

Speaking about her appointment, Shweta said, "I am proud to be associated with a vibrant and constantly evolving organization such as RBNL. I genuinely believe the company offers the most honest and thoughtful environment in which to work. My agenda will be to utilize the company?s core strengths and built long term partnerships with new and existing clients, while making the brand experience more enjoyable. I?m looking forward to carrying forward the fantastic work at RBNL and take BIG CBS to newer heights of success."

Brijesh Tanna - appointed Head of Content and Communications for BIG CBS channels. He will play an integral role and lead the mandates of Content, Brand Solutions, OAP (on air promotions), and Marketing among other areas. Brijesh has extensive experience in the communications space. The former Senior Producer for Star India has also served as Associate Vice-President, Content Development & Head Entertainment Commissioning for Astro Malaysia. Brijesh has been honoured for his work at NY Festivals, Promax World, Promax Asia, a creator of cult shows for children in Malaysia and Indonesia.

As an award-winning content creator, Brijesh is excited about the new endeavour at RBNL. Expressing his delight, he said, "RBNL promises me many wonderful opportunities to do what I like best apart from having tremendous growth potential across categories. The company is looking to expand its reach and increase its much-respected offerings. This presents a massive opportunity for a challenging career."

Reliance Broadcast Network
Reliance Broadcast Network Limited is a media entertainment conglomerate with play across radio, television, intellectual properties and television production. It is part of the Reliance Group and specializes in creating and executing integrated media solutions for brands. The company houses the following verticals: 92.7 BIG FM - India?s largest FM Network with 45 stations, reaching over four crore Indians each week; BIG CBS Networks - a joint venture with CBS Studios International offering English Entertainment Channels - Love and Prime (which is available in dual feeds of English and Hindi), as well as a regional General Entertainment Channel for the Punjab, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh (PCHP) region called Spark Punjabi; BIG RTL THRILL - a channel from the Company?s joint venture with Europe?s RTL Group, targeted at male audiences and positioned as the ultimate action destination; and BIG MAGIC - a General Entertainment Channel featuring family dramas, crime shows, sitcoms, reality shows and weekend blockbuster movies. The Company has also launched BIG MAGIC Bihar and Jharkhand, with specially created programming for the market. BIG MAGIC has also expanded into the United States, Canada and Australia under the brand name BIG MAGIC International; BIG PRODUCTIONS - the television content production division that caters to the creative needs of the diverse Indian television landscape. Reliance Broadcast Network also distributes Bloomberg TV India, the country?s premier business news channel as part of its television bouquet. For more information www.reliancebroadcast.com

MUMBAI: Mr. Sanjay Behl has recently joined Raymond Limited as Chief Executive Officer - Lifestyle Business, which comprises of the organization?s core businesses, namely Textiles, Apparel & Retail. Having worked across diverse industries such as consumer goods and services, Mr. Behl brings with him a wealth of experience in business leadership and operational management.

Mr. Sanjay Behl, Chief Executive Officer - Lifestyle Business, Raymond Limited, said, "I am delighted to join the Raymond team and am inspired to begin my innings in this ever evolving textile industry. Rapid change in consumer aspirations coupled with growing discretionary spend on lifestyle goods poses a tremendous opportunity for the market leading and highly respectable brand portfolio at Raymond, both in ?Ready-to-Stitch? textile fabric and ?Ready-to-Wear? branded apparel segments."

He has joined Raymond from Reliance ADA Group where he performed leadership roles across different spheres over the last 8 years. At Reliance ADA Group, he held the position of the Group Head of Brand and Marketing, CEO of Reliance DTH. He was also National Head for Sales and Distribution at Reliance Communications. Having started his career with Hindustan Unilever, he has also worked with Nokia at Asia-pacific and Global levels.

Mr. Behl is an engineer from IIT BHU (Varanasi) and an MBA from Sydenham Institute of Management, Mumbai. He is also an avid enthusiast of technology and gadgets, a die-hard cricket aficionado and enjoys painting in his leisure time.

NEW DELHI, 18 July 2013: In yet another series of Franchise announcements, the Indian Badminton League (IBL) today announced the franchise owners for Mumbai Masters. Renowned actor Nagarjuna along with cricket legend and former India captain Sunil Manohar Gavaskar and Hyderabad-based businessman V Chamundeshwarnath have won the bid for the Mumbai Franchise. The consortium is all set to make an entry into the business of sports and create a mark in the $1 million Indian Badminton League.

Speaking on the association, celebrated actor Nagarjuna said, "Badminton as a sport has rendered our country immense global presence and limelight for which we all are proud of. We saw huge potential in the Indian Badminton League in terms of not only boosting the game in the country but also working with talented youngsters at grass root level by giving them a platform to prove themselves through Shuttle Express. We look forward to a strong and successful association with both BAI and Sporty Solutionz for all the editions of IBL."

Speaking on the occasion, the iconic Sunil Gavaskar said, "I am proud to be associated with badminton which I?ve always admired and passionately followed and played a bit as a fan. The sport has produced legends and recorded many milestones for India and I hope my association with the Indian Badminton League proves to be a worthy contribution to the great sport of badminton."

Speaking on the association, V Chamundeshwarnath said, "The decision to enter the sports business through IBL was because we envisioned a great future for the league in the entertainment portfolio. We realise that people these days are looking for newer ways of entertainment and this League will come as a refreshing change for every sport lover."

Speaking on the development, Mr Ashish Chadha, CEO, Sporty Solutionz, the ?Commercial Partner? for IBL, said, "We welcome the consortium comprising of the trio of Nagarjuna, Mr Gavaskar and V Chamundeshwarnath as owners of Mumbai Masters in the IBL. With a legendary sportsman like Sunil Gavaskar as the co-owner of the team, there is no doubt that Mumbai Masters will stand out as a star squad."

Speaking on this occasion, Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta, Badminton Association of India President & MP said, "Mumbai will be a perfect catalyst for nurturing badminton and the IBL. We appreciate Nagarjuna, Mr Gavaskar and Chamundeshwarnath for their zest to take on this endeavor with us and welcome them to the IBL family."

As few of the franchisee have requested for a two-day workshop ahead of the IBL Auction, the IBL Governing Council has accepted their requests. Hence, the IBL Franchisee Meet will now take place in New Delhi on July 21, followed by the IBL Players Auction on July 22.

The $1-million Indian Badminton League is set to launch on August 14, 2013, with some high-voltage action expected between PVP?s Hyderabad Hotshots and BOP Group?s Banga Beats. The 2013 IBL will feature six franchises and will run for 18 days. Each franchise will host a two-day leg and the League will showcase a grand total of 90 matches, providing broadcasters and in-stadia spectators with more than 100 hours of LIVE "family entertainment" which will also be viewed by a significant international audience. The matches will be held during late afternoon and evening to coincide with prime time television and providing a convenient time for the stadium audience. The LIVE IN-stadia entertainment, combined with high-octane on-court action is expected to further hook viewers onto this new adrenalin packed LIVE family entertainment format attracting a much younger fan base, which also includes women and children.

The top four franchises in the League will clash in the semifinals and the winners will meet in the grand final on August 31, which will be played out in Mumbai, for the richest prize money tournament in badminton till now.

The IBL is also running the biggest school championship for badminton in India - Shuttle Express. The IBL School Programme is expected to touch five lakh children in more than 120 schools in six major cities, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Lucknow Pune and Bangalore. The Shuttle Express offers Rs 10 lakh as prize money and an opportunity to train at the world-class Pullela Gopichand Academy to the young talent.

Mumbai July 17: Three legends Amitabh Bachchan , Shiv Kumar Sharma and Hari Prasad Chaurasia were honoured with "WWI MAESTRO AWARDS" by Whistling Woods International. At the 6th Convocation Ceremony of Whistling Woods International, founded by Subhash Ghai and one of the largest Film, Television, Animation and Media Arts institute, over 200 students commemorated completion of their education at Whistling Woods, Mumbai and were handed their degrees by the Maestros and founder Subhash Ghai along with President Meghna Ghai Puri, In continuing tradition, Whistling Woods International presented two lifetime achievement awards to the Legends. Anand Sudershan,former chief executive of Manipal Global Education Services, current advisor of Everonn Education Ltd and associate of the WWI was also seen addressing the students.

Speaking at the occasion, superstar Amitabh Bachchan said, ?It?s a proud moment for me to see the future of film industry today. I am grateful to Subhash ji for building a platform that will enhance the skills of actors, filmmakers, screenplay writers and more. There is a huge amount of interest in film making so I wish all the luck to the graduating batch that will now bear the burden of taking the industry to newer heights.?

Living legends in music Shiv Kumar Sharma and Hariprasad Chaurasia thanked Whistling Woods after receiving the ?WWI MAESTRO AWARD " and Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma added "I have received so many awards in life but this award is very special to me because it is coming from Whistling Woods, an Academy of International repute and from the experts from the field of cinema and music. Subhash ji?s contribution is immense in developing and grooming the next generation of talent"

Expressing his thanks Mr. Subhash Ghai said, "We have full support from the film and media industry and our respective film associations to sustain and grow Whistling Woods institute year by year because it is poised to change the face of industry and it is an Institute for public interest with national importance. The Institute promotes and develops our rich Indian culture and the cinemas of India. More than 400 experts and celebrities from film and entertainment industry have contributed to the Students? learning by sharing their knowledge and experience with students since 2006. I heartily thank Mr. Bachchan, Pt. Sharma & Pt. Chaurasia for being here and motivating the students. 

Meghna Ghai, President Whistling Woods International said "It is heartening to see the support of our industry and their recognition of the value that Whistling Woods adds to the industry. We will continue our dedication to provide world-class education with 95% placements in the years to come. It?s indeed a proud moment to also see the batch graduating and facilitate the Maestro Award that has been instituted by WWI to recognize true legends who have contributed academically to the industry. Our alumni continue to look up to all our Maestro awardees for inspiration."

In the following press meet Mr Bachchan said to the Media that India needs such International Film Institutes as the Indian Media & Entertainment industry grows into becoming truly International. He also congratulated Subhash Ghai for bringing high standard of education through Whistling Woods. Subhash Ghai revealed when asked about his court order to return the balance land in july 2014 in Filmcity "our judicial system do protect the honest projects in the public interest, so we are sure we will get a fair justice eventually."

New Delhi, July 17, 2013: Fantasising about your dream car: a Maserati or maybe an Audi R8? These incredible cars can be priceless possessions. But, have you ever wondered how these fabulous machines are made? Fasten your seatbelt and take a drive to the birthplaces of some of the most exotic cars with Discovery Turbo?s HOW IT?S MADE: DREAM CARS With amazing access to their landmark factories and test labs, the series reveals the inner workings and gorgeous exteriors of these classic beauties.

HOW IT?S MADE: DREAM CARS premieres every Monday at 9:00 p.m., starting July 29 on Discovery Turbo. The 10-part series offers viewers a first-hand look into the mechanics and dynamics of some of the hallmark cars ever made. From body shell assembly where the chassis are made, to the production islands where weld and transfer robots put together the largest parts, HOW IT?S MADE: DREAM CARS explores the facts and figures of world?s most loved cars and takes viewers to the core concepts behind the origin of these cars. The episodes encore every Saturday at 8:00 p.m.

Synonymous with extravagant design, engineering and craftsmanship, Rolls-Royce Phantom is undeniably the most luxurious supercar ever. Made from 200 sections of extruded aluminium and 300 alloy parts requiring 2,000 welds, which are all done by hand, Rolls-Royce Phantom has one of the largest all-aluminium chassis ever. Viewers travel to Goodwood, England, home of Rolls-Royce?s world headquarters to know how personal touches like the leather upholstery or the 20,000 select wood veneers sourced from around the world, make this car special for its buyers. From Germany where the Porsche family designs and assembles some of the most famous sports cars, to Italy where the Ferrari headquarters are a state-of-the art industrial city, HOW IT?S MADE: DREAM CARS explicates the futuristic designs, advanced technologies of the most prominent cars and shares with viewers interesting facts that will thrill any speed enthusiast.

Some of the dream cars featured in the series are:

PORSCHE 911: In 1963, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche designed the original 911 to be called the 901, if not for a little competition. Since the beginning, the company has created sports cars and cars specifically for motor sports. This 911 is the most sophisticated model ever built and is a super car that epitomises tradition, innovation and a racing pedigree. The 911 starts with the body shell assembly where the chassis is made with mild steel and aluminium. Production islands with weld and transfer robots put together the largest parts, notably the base of the engine bay. The three robots are programmed to work on all variants of the model

Ferrari FF: Ferrari has been world famous for sports cars and for being the winning team in Formula One racing history with more than 5,000 victories. The iconic Ferrari logo was first adopted by the Italian war pilot, Francesco Baracca who had the prancing horse painted on his aircraft which was then given to Enzo Ferrari as a present from his family. The first major component of this car is the 12-cylinder engine block made of lightweight aluminium which is the core of the 660-horsepower engine.

Audi R8 Coupe: The supersonic R8 Coupe is the best Audi model since the original Quattro. Audi?s quintessential two-seater is the all-wheel-drive R8 Coupe, built in Neckarsulm, Germany. The essence of the car company known as Audi began in 1899 when engineer August Horch introduced his first auto brand Horch. The foundation of this supercar is based on a space frame chassis and monocoque design. Interlocking struts form the chassis pattern with few interior supports while the chassis, engine and suspension are integrated into the body.

Morgan Aero Coupe: The Morgan Motor Company is one of the last truly British and privately owned automakers. Founded in 1910 the manufacturer traditionally hand crafts luxurious road cars and cars for motorsports. The Aero Coupe was introduced in 2001 andis one of the first Morgan cars built with an aluminium chassis and body, mated with a 4.8 litre V8 engine making a mighty 367-horsepower.