MUMBAI: In its ongoing endeavour to cement ties and building bridges between countries, IIFA 2010 will host a special charity cricket event as part of the Videocon IIFA Weekend in Colombo, Sri Lanka to be held from 3 to 5 June.

The match to be held on day two of the Videocon IIFA Weekend is expected to draw large crowds, giving cricket and cinema fans to see the best of the two fraternities on one platform.

The ‘Cricket for Children‘ event will be played between India‘s top film stars and Sri Lankan cricketers. "The unique initiatives undertaken by IIFA 2010 will undoubtedly forge a stronger bond between India and the host country," observed Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena.

Speaking on the occasion, filmstar Anil Kapoor said, "IIFA‘s journey over the last ten years has opened many doors for the Indian film Industry in the host country, be it in terms of the film shooting avenues or the assistance given to filmmakers and producers from Government and Tourism bodies.

"IIFA has also helped propel Indian Cinema, by virtue of the deals that have been struck with production houses and the screening of our films that would have never had the opportunity to be showcased there, prior to the IIFA event."

While the Sri Lankan cricket side would have Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumara Sangakkara and Jayawardena, among many others, the Indian contingent will have Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan, Suneil Shetty, Riteish Deshmukh and many more.

Highest wicket taker in both test cricket and one day internationals, Muttiah Muralitharan said, "Playing the greats of the Indian cricketing world has always been special to me. The IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket Match is indeed a unique opportunity to make friends with the greats of the Indian Cinema fraternity and see how they compare.I hope our countrymen will root for the cause, supporting the initiative of ‘Cricket for Children‘, in the spirit of the game."
 

MUMBAI: Hindustan Times is to become the first Indian newspaper available on iPhone.

This link is available for free at the iPhone App Store (http://itunes.apple.com/in/app/hindustan times/id364495964?mt=8), The Hindustan Times iPhone application allows users to take advantage of the advanced capabilities of the iPhone user interface.

?Hindustan Times is one of India?s most respected daily newspaper brands with unflinching commitment to the highest journalistic standards, technological innovations, and strong focus on reader service. Our new Hindustan Times iPhone application will provide readers with an even richer, more personalized experience and greater access to our high-quality journalism,? said Shantanu Bhanja, Vice President ? Marketing, HT Media Ltd.

The key features of the Hindustan Times iPhone application include complete coverage of the day?s top stories in text and pictures; national, world and business news; complete coverage of India?s two ultimate passions ? Bollywood and Cricket; and simple navigation ? view articles and pictures quickly.
 

MUMBAI: . It was famously said that what Bengal thinks today, the rest of India thinks tomorrow. The state has been a playing field for visionaries who emerged as thought leaders and have shown the way to rest of the countrymen. The state has given the nation luminaries whose achievements are woven into a tapestry by their excellence. STAR Ananda, Bengal‘s leading news channel celebrates this excellence through Sera Bangali. Sera Bangali is a pioneering effort by STAR Ananda since 2006 for Indians in general and Bengalis in particular. This biggest, best and most credible award function felicitates eminent personalities who have achieved excellence in diverse fields of interests. After runaway success of past 4 years, Bengal is now ready to welcome 2010 Sera Bangalis. This year the celebrations will be held on 9th July 2010, at Science city auditorium, Kolkata.

Past Sera Bangalis have included luminaries like Pranab Mukherjee- Minister of Finance, Dr Muhammad Yunus- Economist and winner of Nobel Peace Prize, Sourav Ganguly, Mithun Chakraborty, Rahul Bose and Anurag Basu. The entertainment that follows the award function has seen performances by distinguished artists like Abhijit, Shaan, Tanushree Dutta, Koena Mitra. This Year singer Shreya Ghoshal will enchant the audience with her performance.

The ground event last year had more than 3000 visitors while on-air this number multiplied to 37 lac delivering a TVR of 1.33 as against the average of 0.24. During the event the audience gets glued to the TV sets, which is reflected in the astonishing 74% market share (Source: TAM, CS 15+, 10th July 09, West Bengal). The 360 degree integrated communication plan ensures enough hype leading to the function and coverage across TV, print, radio and outdoors.

STAR Ananda plays the role of the true leader by connecting these luminaries with the people. This is in accordance with the channel‘s aim of reflecting and catalyzing the growth and resurgence of Bengal and also celebrating excellence.
 

MUMBAI: ‘The shark is my case is my identity‘, says the Legendry Golfer Greg Norman. He was labeled as the ‘Great White Shark‘ by a newspaper reporter during the 1981 Masters Tournament for his aggressive golf style.
ET NOW in a mega exclusive interview, chats with the legendry golfer and entrepreneur who spent 331 weeks as the world‘s number one ranked golfer, and gets him to talk about his first love Golf, Cricket and building a brand, today at 7:30pm on Tee Time With Shaili Chopra.

Norman who was born in Australia, started playing golf at the tender age of 16 and earned his first victory at the West Lakes Classic at the Grange in Adelaide, South Australia. He has 29 top 10 finishes in Majors (Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, British Open, PGA Championship), or more than 38 percent of those he has entered. His well-documented wins on the golf course secured him a spot in the World Golf Hall of Fame. Norman continues to work at both his game and a business that promises to succeed long after his playing days are behind him.
He serves as Chairman and CEO of Great White Shark Enterprises, a multinational corporation that comprises several companies and divisions including Greg Norman Golf Course Design, Greg Norman Wine Estates, as well as many other merchandising and licensing initiatives.

Greg Norman sees the future in Golf from countries like China, India and the gulf. Besides golf, he likes watching cricket as he tells Shaili on the show that ‘I love watching cricket especially India vs Australia matches‘.

Catch Greg Norman up-close and personal, as he talks about corporate Lessons, Building A Brand and Golf, Exclusively on Tee Time With Shaili Chopra‘ tonight at 7:30pm & 10:30pm and Saturday at 3:30pm only on ET NOW.
 

MUMBAI: Embark on a journey to the breath-taking valleys of Wadi Rum? be enthralled by the ancient city of Petra and unwind with a strong cup of Turkish coffee in the coastal city of Aqaba.

Join host Charu Shankar for an exciting trip to Jordan, this Saturday, May 22 at 8:30 pm on ?10 Things To Do Before You Say Bye? only on NDTV Good Times.
 

MUMBAI: Join the foodies, Rocky and Mayur, for a grand meal at the 90 year old landmark in Mumbai, the Britannia restaurant. The duo relishes on a meal of the famous Berry pulao and ginger soda, on the bonnet of a cab, typical highway style. They also discover the story behind a surprise pilaf with tangy berries from Iran from the lovable and quirky Parsi owners.

Don?t miss this food trip. Join Rocky and Mayur on a lip smacking journey on ?Highway on My Plate? this Sunday, 23rd May at 8:00 pm and repeat on Monday, May 24th at 10:30 pm only on NDTV Good Times.