Mumbai: It was truly a golden jubilee moment in Indian film industry as several film personalities and celebrities attended the virtual premiere of actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar?s new film ?Ekulti Ek? starring his debutante daughter Shriya at Mumbai?s historic Citylight theatre near Shivaji Park marking the completion of his 50 years in the world of films. Coupled with the actors Sachin, Shriya, Supriya Pilgaonkar and Ashok Saraf, some of the luminaries seen at the virtual premiere included the grand old lady of cinema ? Sulochana, Kiran Shantaram, Renuka Shahane, Ashutosh Rana, Sumeet Raghavan, Nishikant Kamat, Satish Shah and Nivedita Saraf. The packed house at Citylight theatre also included several friends, associates and relatives of Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar. Based on the sensitive theme of father-daughter relationship, Ekulti Ek is an entertainer to be shown throughout the state from Friday, 24th May.

With actor Sachin Pilgaonkar completing 50 years of his illustrious film career, he offered a golden jubilee treat to his fans by showcasing the special virtual interactive premiere of his new film ?Ekulti Ek? starring his daughter, Shriya. Sachin?s first film to have a virtual premiere was shown to viewers in UFO digital theatres located in the State ? Mumbai, Thane, Nashik and Aurangabad ?at the same time. Producer-Director-Actor Sachin took the significant step of inviting the masses to a virtual premiere show of his new film ?Ekulti Ek? and it was a grand success and milestone in Marathi cinema. Citylight in Mahim, Gold in Thane, Damodar in Nashik and Big Anjali in Aurangabad were the theatres selected for the virtual premiere show, held on on 23rd May.

Film-goers sitting in UFO Digital theatres at all these locations could see and interact ?live? with Sachin, his daughter Shriya and the versatile Ashok Saraf, who were seated at the UFO studio. The audiences included the father-daughter duos, who had won the special ?Ekulti Ek? marketing campaign in association with UFO Moviez, and had the special privilege of asking questions to Sachin & Shriya. Also, viewers at one location could see and hear those at another, while they interact with Sachin, Shriya and Ashok. No Hindi film producer has so far attempted such an initiative, pioneered now as part of the Marathi film ?Ekulti Ek?. And this happened on the day exactly 50 years after his first film ?Ha Maza Marg Ekala? was released in the state.

?I am glad that the virtual premier of ?Ekulti Ek? in many places across Maharashtra at the same time became a big success and a milestone in Marathi cinema. I was extremely happy to see many friends, relatives and associates at the premier and their positive reactions to the film and my daughter Shriya?s debut role made me quite emotional. I?m pleased that 50 years after my debut, I could leverage satellite digital technology to give ?power to the audiences?, who made me so popular. It is a great feeling that all these positives coincided with my daughter?s debut and my golden jubilee gift to the audiences ?Ekulti Ek?,? said Sachin Pilgaonkar.

Mr. Ashish Malushte, Chief Financial Officer, UFO Moviez India, said, ? We at UFO Moviez are happy to provide our unique digital cinema technology to Sachin Pilgaonkar to support the virtual premiere of his new film ?Ekulti Ek?, starring his daughter, across different places in Maharashtra. Our technology shows the world that it is possible to unite film lovers in different locations of India with popular film personalities at the same time. We believe our satellite technology empowers the aam admi to connect with the stars. We are confident that Sachin?s new film ?Ekulti Ek? will break box office records and his daughter Shriya will make a very successful debut.?

SINGAPORE, 27 May 2013 ? The award-winning Digital & Music Matters, and Music Matters Live concluded on 24th May in Singapore with the successful premiere of the first-ever YouTube FanFest with HP and lively discussions on the future of digital entertainment services in Asia and beyond. Over 50 hours of ?live? streamed events registered more than 200,000 online viewers for YouTube FanFest with HP, and hundreds of thousands of viewers for Digital & Music Matters conferences and Music Matters Live.

Held from 20th to 21st May at The Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore, YouTube FanFest with HP saw 1,400 attendees over two days of performances by today?s rising and established YouTube stars who combined have enjoyed over 3.8 billion page views to their own channels. The audience saw performances by Chester See (US), Ryan Higa (US), Hikakin (JPN), Steph Micayle (SG), Namewee (MY), Eat Your Kimchi (KR) and more. Surprise guests Joe Perry (Aerosmith) and YouTube star, Andrew Garcia, also delivered amazing performances in the show, much to the delight of the audience.

YouTube FanFest (www.youtubefanfest.com) was streamed ?live? over two nights and more than 200,000 online viewers tuned in. Singapore viewers accounted for half of the total viewership figure.

Digital and Music Matters (21st to 23rd May), is a pioneering industry event in the Asia-Pacific region bringing together key players in the global music, entertainment and digital industries.

Over 1,400 participants from close to 400 companies across 30 countries attended the three-day event which consisted of 15 panels, including 30 keynote presentations and interviews, as well as eight roundtables and workshops focusing on export, digital entertainment, music publishing, synchronisation, online creative and live music.

There were also lots of evening parties and networking sessions, which included Samsung Breakfast, Accenture Lunch, Microsoft/Movideo Cocktails, SG Muso Soundcheck, Asia Pop 40 Launch, Music Matters Live and Seymour Stein cocktails.

The event saw 120 journalists, more than 30 sponsors, over 80 media and industry association partners, 175 artists and students who contributed to the success of the events as they exchanged experiences and discussed new collaborations with all who mattered in the music and digital entertainment industries.

This is also the first year all the events were streamed ?live? for over 50 hours, courtesy of Movideo and YouTube, reaching out to the global audience.

The third edition of Digital Matters presented by Windows Azure held in association with Movideo and CASBAA kicked off the exciting week of conferences on 21st May with a ?live? Google Hangout with Amanda Palmer, who shared her experience on tapping into social networks to connect with her audience and to raise funding for her independent album.

This year?s conference also saw keynote presentations and speakers from Microsoft, Movideo, Akamai, Google, Samsung, SingTel, HBO Asia, ESPN Asia Pacific, NBA Asia Pacific, YouTube, StarHub, Motion Picture Association, Omnifone, Brightcove, and more.

Music Matters (22nd to 23rd May) opened with a welcome address by Singapore?s Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information, Lawrence Wong, followed by an important update from the Singapore Music Society (SG MUSO) ? membership grew from 350 in 2012 to 620 today and support from the private and government sector had helped the fledgling association organise regular networking sessions to bring together artists, promoters and venue owners to further grow Singapore?s music industry.

This year?s Music Matters saw invigorating performances by seven of today?s breakout artists from Australia, Canada, Korea, Myanmar, the UK and the US. Attendees were also given the latest industry report from Frances Moore, CEO of IFPI, which represents the recording industry worldwide, who shared insights on how the recording industry can sustain its first growth in the last 13 years.

The one-on-one keynote interview with Johnny Wright revealed his thoughts on being an artist manager, with his experience in managing artists who include Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC and Britney Spears.

The two-day Music Matters Academy saw 120 aspiring artists and recording industry up-starts registering for the sessions to learn tips and advice from industry veterans Seymour Stein (President, Sire Records), Dan Teree (President and COO Ticketfly) and Nick O?Bryne (General Manager, Australian Independent Record Labels Association).

The three-day conference was complemented by Music Matters Live powered by HP, a three-day music festival held from 22nd to 24th May. This year?s festival featured 58 acts from 20 countries, which played 160 shows across seven venues in Clarke Quay, with country showcases from Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. An estimated 10,000 fans attended the shows and hundreds of thousands watched the festival via YouTube.

This is the second year that the festival was streamed ?live? via YouTube with the help from students from Singapore Polytechnic who gained hands-on experience in producing a ?live? streaming show for the first time.

?We aim to grow the event each year and this year we gave Singapore five nights of entertainment coupled with three days of conferences and two days of academy sessions. The overwhelming response we received this year is a sign that the Asian market is growing and Digital & Music Matters and Music Matters Live provide a much-needed platform to connect emerging artists with today?s digital entertainment decision makers. I want to thank our amazing cast of sponsors and partners for helping us in our journey to bring new artists and music to new audiences,? said Jasper Donat, President of Digital & Music Matters and CEO of Branded Ltd.

Digital & Music Matters is proudly supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, Media Development Authority of Singapore, and Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore. Other key sponsors on board for 2013 are: 88tc88, Accenture, Akamai, AsiaWorld-Expo, Barks, Believe Digital, Audio Network, BMI, Brightcove, CIMA, Channel [V], Eon & Asia Pop 40, Fender, Fox, Google/ YouTube, Gracenote, HP, ICON, Invest HK, Images in Motion, KOCCA, Windows Azure, Movideo, MPAJ, Omnifone, Pacific Beverages, Samsung, Singapore Grand Prix, Sounds Australia and the Singapore National Arts Council.

MUMBAI : Oscar Winning ?Life of Pi? was recently released on Blu-Ray & DVD by its lead actor, Suraj Sharma in a private event. Excel Home Entertainment, the leading home entertainment company in association with 20th Century Fox Entertainment has released the movie on DVD & Blu-Ray with assortment of bonus features like: Remarkable Vision by Rhythm and Hues that delves into the stunning special effects in the movie among others.

On Home Video Launch of ?Life of Pi?; says Suraj Sharma, ?The DVD and the Blu-ray editions are very wholesome, in fact, even better than the movie with all the extra bonus features. It truly relives the miraculous journey by Ang Lee".

Says Muslim Kapasi, MD, Excel Home Entertainment, ?Suraj Sharma has internationally represented not only the movie but also our country. We are glad that he launched the DVD and we wish him great success in his current and future endeavors?.

Life of Pi is available on DVD at Rs. 599, 2D Blu-Ray at Rs. 999, 3D Blu-Ray at Rs. 1499 & Steel Book Blu-Ray Edition at Rs. 1999 at all leading stores across the country. It is also available in four different languages - English, Hindi, and Tamil & Telugu in 5.1 Surround Sound (DVD) & in 7.1 Surround Sound (Blu-Ray).

MUMBAI, May 26, 2013: A sacred journey across India through 108 places of worship of nine religions 108 shades of divinity marks the coming together of three talented writers Anju Poddar, Late Mukul Singhal and Sethu Vidyanathan, highlights India?s myriad holy places of nine different religions. In an effort to reach out to the younger audience of today who look at pilgrimages as long and arduous, this book will encourage them to set out on a journey to attain their quest for a connection with the divine.

The book also features successful entrepreneurs, media professionals, actors, philanthropists and many creative minds who have shared their views on religion, their beliefs and what keeps them going. 108 Shades of Divinity journeys through India?s breathtaking landscapes visiting holy shrines evoking the spiritual side of the reader. The book explores the significant places of worship of Hindus, Buddhists, Jainism, Sikhism Muslims, Christians, Parsees and Jews.

Speaking about the book, Anju Poddar says ?This book invites believers to embark on a sacred journey, giving them details on how to get there, what to expect en route the destination and also interesting facts on the legends and rituals associated with a particular place of worship."

At the launch of the book Sethu Vidyanathan said, "I am fortunate to be born in India, a land which practices nine religions. This book is our endeavor to encourage youngsters to explore the rich, beautiful, tapestry of our country. We hope that every pilgrim finds this book as compelling guide and companion on their journey."

"I have been a traveler, wanderer and seeker from young age. Through this book, I want the next generation to know that going on a pilgrimage isn?t what it used to be? Each journey helps me get closer to finding an inner serenity and peace as well as gives me a way to connect with my late parents whi initiated this journey for me more than 40 years ago?. - Mukul Singhal

MUMBAI, May 27, 2013: Closeup, India?s Market leader in gel toothpaste segment for over three decades announced a one-of-its kind collaboration as the partner of Dharma Production?s upcoming Bollywood movie ?Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani?. Closeup has launched a limited edition Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani toothpaste pack. Each pack includes a Closeup Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani friendship band autographed by Ranbir Kapoor & Deepika Padukone.

The star studded event was hosted at Taj Land?s End, Mumbai and attended by lead actors Ranbir Kapoor along with Deepika Padukone and Atul Sinha, Category Head - Oral Care at Hindustan Unilever Ltd. The event was also live webcasted on www.facebook.com/closeupindia

The occasion witnessed the launch of a Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani - centric Closeup TV commercial introducing the special Closeup packs with autographed friendship bands. In addition, with a live demo, the lead pair of the movie - Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone also announced the launch of a unique ?closeup with stars? augmented reality application, now available on Google play store and soon for iOS. The stars also publicized an online event on May 28, wherein they would host an exclusive webchat on www.facebook.com/closeupindia

Speaking at the event, Atul Sinha, Category Head - Oral Care at Hindustan Unilever Ltd, said, "We are very excited to associate with Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, the most-awaited movie of the year. Closeup has always been synonymous with ?Freshness? that gives you the confidence in social situations and is aimed at every person who is young at heart. This movie is a perfect fit for us since it truly embodies what our brand stands for. Our intention is to offer multiple engagement opportunities to our consumers - from the special pack with friendship bands to technology engagement. We are confident that this partnership will bring more excitement for our consumers.

Commenting on the association, Apoorva Mehta, CEO- Dharma Productions said, "Closeup & Dharma Productions are two huge brands that exemplify wholesome products! We couldn?t have found a better fit than Closeup to tie up with for a film like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. A young romance is always associated with vibrant smiles, energy and joi de vivre, and all of these three characteristics are associated with a brand like Closeup! It also helps that the lead pair Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone both wear very attractive smiles! So Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Closeup is an apt coming together of two quality brands!"

Highlighting this unique collaboration, Archana Jhangiani, Partner Invention, Mindshare Fulcrum, the media agency of Hindustan Unilever Ltd, said, "We thrive in coming up with unique media opportunities that connect a brand to its target consumers? passion points. Movies are no doubt the biggest passion in our country and we actively leverage their power to strengthen and differentiate the brand conversations. Therefore, movies for us, is a priority media platform and intrinsic to the brand?s communication strategy"

Mumbai, 25th May 2013: For the first time Paparatzy Productions and ABC Entertainment join hands to announce the launch of the foot-tapping and roll on the soundtrack of the film- ENEMMY.

Speaking on the association, Ashuu Trikha, Director of ENEMMY said, "We are happy to partner T-Series Music, an established player in the music domain for the sound track of ENEMMY, which is very aptly suited to the film?s genre. By joining hands together, we hope to optimally exploit this highly anticipated title".

Commenting on the same, Mr. Arun Tyagi ?Co founder ABC Entertainment said, "We are delighted to work with Paparatzy and we are confident that is a beginning of a new and long standing relationship. The music of ENEMMY is cutting edge and we hope to get great response from music lovers."

Akshay Kumar was the guest of honor by unveiling the Music Album of the film Enemmy.

The first single ?Bheege naina? is sung by Keshav and the music is by Manthan, second song ?Kareena ko and Katrina ko? is sung by Mamta Sharma and Bappi Lahiri and the music is by Bappa Lahiri is an item song which will have a mass appeal. Releasing on 21st June, the film is a power packed action thriller entertainer starring Mithun Chakraborthy, Suniel Shetty, Kay Kay Menon, Johnny Lever, Mahaakshay Chakraborthy and Uvika Chaudhary Directed by Ashuu Trikha.