Mumbai: STAR Parivaar Awards pulled in the highest number of viewers across general entertainment television in India in two years, as the ratings reinforced the annual event as the most popular on the small screen.

The Awards ceremony telecast on Saturday, March 24th garnered 6.4 TVR - the most for an event in 2011 & 2012 (Source: TAM, TVR%, Events, HSM, CS 4+, Week 1 ?11 ? Week 12 ?12)

Nitin Vaidya, Business Head, Hindi Channels, STAR India, said, ?Over the years, our characters have established an amazing bond with the audiences. STAR Parivaar Awards is the celebration of these ties. The ratings of the event only confirm the viewers? love towards STAR Plus. Offering a visual delight for the first time in India, the event was telecast using 3D mapping technology that added a completely new dimension to the viewing experience.?

Besides various on-air promotions, the event was also promoted through several on-ground activities like Gudhi Padwa melas and rallies in Mumbai. In a first-of-its-kind innovation, the show was also promoted on the digital platform through twitter jockeys and by providing real time trivia of the event and pictures on twitter.

Mumbai: The Indian Film Industry has earned immense admiration and loyalty of people of not only in India but worldwide. To immortalize this legacy, the official channel of Bollywood launches the first iconic landmark in the country - ?UTV Stars Walk of the Stars?, which will bring Bollywood fans closer to their favourite stars.

UTV STARS Walk of the Stars is a way of honoring the invaluable contribution of the biggest superstars of Indian Cinema. It is a premium property that will encompass renowned celebrities? handprints on a customized slab and specially designed brass statues of iconic legendary actors. While customized slabs bearing the handprints will be dedicated to the living legends of Indian Cinema, customized slabs with signatures will be dedicated to the legends that have passed away.

28th March 2012 marked the launch of the property in India, Mumbai, at the Bandra Bandstand Promenade. The launch was a grand affair that witnessed the felicitation of the ?Kapoor Khandaan? one of the legendary families of Indian Cinema that is synonymous with and has contributed immensely to the Indian Film Industry. Prithiviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, Karishma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor?s slabs were installed on the day. And as a special honor, brass statues on a bench of the great Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor were also installed!

The property was inaugurated by none other than a true-blue Kapoor and the ?Heroine? of Bollywood, Kareena Kapoor along with her director, Madhur Bhandarkar! The launch event therefore marked a ?Heroine?s tribute to Bollywood and the Kapoor scion?s felicitation of her legendary family!

Commenting on the Launch of the prestigious Property, MK Anand, C.E.O, Broadcasting, UTV, said: "The launch of the UTV STARS Walk of the Stars marks an important milestone in our efforts to bring Bollywood closer to audiences nationwide. Thereby, reinforcing the channel positioning, i.e. ?The official channel of Bollywood?. It gives us immense pleasure to know that we are making a truly noteworthy tribute to the industry that we?re such an integral part of."

Commenting on the Launch of UTV STARS Walk of the Stars, Zarina Mehta, Chief Creative Officer, Broadcasting, UTV, said: "UTV STARS, has in 6 months of launch, created a strong brand for itself as a knowledgeable Bollywood Insider. We are of and for the Indian Film Industry. And the UTV STARS Walk of the Stars is our tribute to this vibrant and wonderful dream world of movies."

Commenting on the Launch of the Walk of the Stars, Nikhil Gandhi, Business Head, UTV STARS, said: "UTV STARS Walk of the Stars is the first iconic landmark tribute to Indian Cinema. This is a very proud moment for the Indian Film Industry as the launch of the UTV STARS Walk of the Stars marks an important landmark in the history of Bollywood. We are extremely delighted at the success of this launch are grateful and thankful to all those who have supported us."

Commenting on the inauguration of the Property and the felicitation of the ?Kapoor Khandaan?, Kareena Kapoor, the female protagonist of the film ?Heroine?, said: "an entire ?Walk? dedicated solely to Indian Cinema is indeed heart - warming. I am extremely happy to be part of the Inauguration of the Walk of the Stars and what better way to inaugurate than felicitate my own family at the ?Walk?! It is indeed an honor for me and my film ?Heroine? to be part of the UTV STARS Walk of the Stars."

Commenting on the inauguration of the ?Walk of the Stars?, Madhur Bhandarkar, Director of the Film ?Heroine?, said: "I am extremely happy to be part of this momentous occasion that has in the true sense of the word honored Indian Cinema. And what better way to honor them than have a Walk dedicated exclusively to the greats of Indian Cinema! UTV STARS Walk of the Stars is a prestigious Property and to be part of its inception is truly an honor for me and my film, ?Heroine?, which in itself is a tribute to Indian Cinema."

While the concept of a Walk dedicated solely to Indian Cinema is nothing short of revolutionary, the path breaking initiative would not have been realized if not for the immense contribution of the BBRT (Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust) and the MARITIME BOARD in helping and facilitating this beautification Project. The fruition of the project should also be attributed to Priya Dutt, Shabana Azmi and Mr. Baba Siddiqui who?ve extended complete support and cooperation in every possible way.

The UTV STARS Walk of the Stars that launched in Mumbai at the Bandra Bandstand Promenade is also slated to be launched in Delhi, London and Dubai at a later date.

Mumbai: Sony Music Entertainment has bagged the worldwide digital distribution rights of the much awaited Yash Raj Film, ?Ishaqzaade?. The movie stars debutant Arjun Kapoor, prolific film maker Boney Kapoor?s son and the feisty Parineeti Chopra, who was last seen in the caper Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl. Habib Faisal, the award winning director of Do Dooni Chaar and an award winning writer (Band Baaja Baaraat) is at the helm of ?Ishaqzaade? which is a romantic flick that revolves around the story of two people who are born to hate, destined to love!

Talented music director Amit Trivedi and eminent lyricist Kausar Munir have filled the music of this masala entertainer with earthy flavors.

There are five original songs & two remixes in the album encompassing a wide array of themes. The track ?Aafaton Ke Parinde? will be digitally released on 4th April 2012, followed by digital release of the full album on April 12. With this alliance Sony Music will leverage its entire digital delivery bandwidth for offering audio and audio visual music content of this film on mobile devices and other mobile & internet based platforms.

Sanujeet Bhujabal, Marketing Director Sony Music India said, ?Music director Amit Trivedi?s taste of music, immense talent and composing skills adds an earthy essence to the music of the movie. The music of Ishaqzaade is sure to strike a chord across all age groups. With the unique mix and match of compositions combined with the talent of fabulous singers like Javed Ali, Vishal Dadlani, Suraj Jagan, Sunidhi & Shreya, we expect a great response from music lovers".

The soundtrack features voices of Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghosal, Javed Ali, Vishal Dadlani, Shalmali Kholgade, Suraj Jagan , Divya Kumar & newcomer Shalmali Kholgade. The movie is set to release on May 18, 2012 globally.

MUMBAI: TIMES NOW, India?s No.1 English news channel in association with Kent RO celebrated the best cuisines from across the country with the much anticipated ?The Foodie Awards?. Held on 24th March at Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai, the awards honoured & felicitated the best and most deserving food & beverage establishments in the country amidst prominent personalities from the entertainment and F&B fraternity.

The second edition of ?The Foodie Awards? encompassed the journey of the eminent jury that travelled the length and breadth of the country to choose the winners from various categories. Joining the official ?Foodie? Kunal Vijayakar were three eminent figures Rashmi Uday Singh food critic and author, Chef Manjit Gill corporate executive chef, ITC Group and Karen Anand food and wine expert. The awards enjoyed an unrivalled credibility with nominees spread across eleven categories ranging from 5 star spreads to even road-side dhabas.

Commenting on the success of the event Mr. Sunil Lulla, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Times Television Network, said ?At TIMES NOW we celebrate the culture created by popular food in the ever popular show, The Foodie. The Foodie Awards are a preview to the year of engaging content on TV. We are happy to announce shortly The Foodie will be available on DVD, for viewing at home.?

Kunal Vijayakar, the ultimate foodie and host of the evening, was at his wittiest as he brought out the true foodies amidst the stars present. Joining him on stage was the critically acclaimed actress Tisca Chopra as the co-host for the evening.

The award ceremony started in a unique fashion by honouring a highly acclaimed personality, Mr. Jaspal Inder Singh Kalra, popularly known as Jiggs Kalra, for his Outstanding Contribution to the F&B industry. The lifetime achievement award was presented to ?Gaylord?, Mumbai, whereas the earnest ?Raju Omlette?, Baroda was named the Best Roadside Dhaba.

Added Arnab Goswami, Editor-in-Chief, TIMES NOW, ?The Foodie show has achieved an iconic status over the years and continues to captivate food enthusiasts across the nation. We take great pride in honouring those who with their unmatched excellence and dedication have been contributing to the ever evolving food & beverage industry.?

Zeba Kohli, Kabir Bedi, Raageshwari, Shaina NC, Kalpana Lajmi and Lalita Lajmi were among those who gave away the awards to the deserving winners. Also gracing the event were popular names from the entertainment industry like Mandira Bedi, Cyrus Broacha, Dolly Thakore, Poonam Dhillon amongst others.

The presence of the entire star cast of the upcoming movie ?Housefull 2? further enhanced the celebrations of the evening as they unveiled The Foodie DVD, having twenty four of the most memorable episodes of The Foodie show. John Abraham, Akshay Kumar and Boman Irani were amongst the few who spoke about their favourite childhood eateries with much nostalgia.

Combining music with food in a highly fascinating manner, taking the splendour of the evening to the next level was the inimitable musical stylings of the popular band ?Merlyn & Band? who mesmerised the audiences by their performance on the famous song ?Food Glorious Food?. ?Dfrenstrokes? the percussion band from Bangalore also delivered a highly captivating performance leaving the audiences enthralled.

Kunal Vijayakar said ?I am extremely overjoyed with the success of the event since it was a very fulfilling culmination of a year full of tasting, travelling and discovering food all over. These awards were an attempt to celebrate artistry of chefs, restaurants, dhabas and eateries and to honour those who love food and live for it.?
Having completed over 275 episodes, TIMES NOW?s show The Foodie is the only show that showcases a new eatery every week highlighting the diverse food cultures from all over the country along with exploring International destinations.

The list of categories and the winners are as follows:

MUMBAI : Comedy Central, India?s first 24*7 English Comedy channel, has raced ahead to the No. 1 spot in the English Entertainment category, within just the ninth week of its launch by amassing a substantial 22% market share, moving ahead of established players like Star World, AXN, Zee Caf?, among others.

The English entertainment space is populated with 8 players and the advent of Comedy Central in India marked the entry of the 9th player. According to TAM, Comedy Central in its ninth week of launch garnered 22% market share in the SEC AB, 15-34, 5 metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Hyderabad). The English Entertainment pack now has a new leader with Comedy Central at 22%, followed by AXN at 21% and Star World at 16% (viewing hours - 6 am to 1 am). On weekends, Comedy Centrals? share goes up to a massive 45%. [TAM, Week 12 - 18th to 24th March]

Ferzad Palia, Sr. Vice President and General Manager, English Entertainment, Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd. said ?We?re ecstatic with the way the channel has driven viewership bowling over established players which have been in the industry for over 10 years. We are here to raise the bar of the English entertainment category with our strong content, distribution and innovative marketing. This No.1 position proves that India is ready to move into the next level of English entertainment.?

Comedy Central, an offering from the Viacom 18 conglomerate was launched on January 23, 2012 with a powerful programming line-up which includes hits like Saturday Night Live, Coupling, The Office, Seinfeld, The Wonder Years, That 70s Show, South Park & Goodness Gracious Me amongst others. Comedy Central is available in over 20 million households across the country and across analog, digital cable & DTH.

MUMBAI: Reliance Home Video & Games has released the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Don 2 on Home Video.

Having conquered the Asian underworld, Don (Khan) now has his sights set on European domination. In his way are the bosses of the existing European underworld and all law enforcement agencies.

The action shifts from Kuala Lumpur to Berlin as Don must avoid assassination or arrest, whichever comes first, in order for his plan to succeed.

Presented by Excel Entertainment and Reliance Entertainment Don 2 is an action crime film directed by Farhan Akhtar and co-written by him along with Ameet Mehta and Amrish Shah.

The film is a sequel to the 2006 film Don: The Chase Begins Again and also stars Priyanka Chopra, Om Puri, Lara Dutta and Kunal Kapoor. Hrithik Roshan appears in a cameo appearance.

Don 2 went on to break multiple box-office records in India and overseas, including highest opening day grosser ever on a non-holiday Friday and the highest grossing Bollywood film overseas in 2011.

The film has been specially re-edited for the Home Video format and includes footage not seen in the theatrical version.

The DVD comes in a special two disc edition offering bonus material which provides the viewer with insight into making of the film. The DVD also contains an exclusive music video for Mujhko Pehchaan Lo track.

The film is available on Blu-ray for Rs.799, DVD Rs.299 and VCD Rs.115 each.

"Don 2" Blu-ray, DVD & VCDs are available across all leading home entertainment stores.