MUMBAI: After a lull in the Mumbai movie scene, due to the multiplex lockdown, Taj Enlighten Film Society, in collaboration with NCPA, brings to the city a refreshing cinematic experience. At NCPA today, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap walked down memory lane with his early, indelible memories of ?Bicycle Thieves? and its legendary maker Vittorio De Sica, leaving the city?s film buffs asking for more. The occasion was the screening of the classic ?Bicycle Thieves? organised by Brooke Bond Taj Mahal, India?s premium tea brand, in association with Enlighten Film Society and the National Centre for Performing Arts.

Anurag Kashyap, the critically-acclaimed filmmaker known for films like ?Black Friday?, ?No Smoking?, ?Dev D? and the more recent ?Gulal?, is no stranger to world cinema. His films and scripts have won many accolades at International film festivals.

Kashyap shared his thoughts on ?Bicycle Thieves? with the audience before the screening. He spoke of his initiation into world cinema with a ?Vittorio de Sica? retrospective years ago. So powerful was the impact of ?Bicycle Thieves?, that it changed the course of his life: he decided to make a career in the movies.

As a brand, Brooke Bond Taj Mahal has always been associated with connoisseurs ? be it in music, cinema or any other craft. Taj Mahal embodies the spirit of excellence. Through its association with Enlighten Film Society, Taj Mahal endeavors to bring alive this spirit by showcasing the gems in world cinema and bringing to film connoisseurs a splendid cinematic experience.

Commenting on Taj Mahal?s association with the Enlighten Film Society and this initiative, Vikram Grover, Vice President ? Beverages, Hindustan Unilever Limited said, ?Our association with Enlighten Film Society resonates our spirit of excellence: we at Taj Enlighten Society offer a platform to the best in the world of cinema. It?s only apt that a filmmaker of Anurag Kashyap?s caliber shares his ideas on ?Bicycle Thieves?? the film that has shaped many a film career including his own.?

On this Taj Enlighten - NCPA initiative and the film ?Bicycle Thieves?, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap commented, ?I?m delighted that Taj Enlighten has brought ?Bicycle Thieves? to Mumbaikars. It?s a much-needed step in reviving the culture of good cinema in the city. The film is very special to me. Watching it for the first time, years ago, was an epiphany. I?m sure the power of the film will awaken many budding filmmakers in the audience today.?

MUMBAI: As the rains play spoiler to your weekend, tune into UTVi for the your much awaited budget round up. These programmes include Speak up-100 things crying to be done, Path to Recovery and Eye on the Week. Which will be aired over the week (June 27th, 2009 and June 28th, 2009)?

On Speak up-100 things Crying to be done this week (Saturday 27th June at 10 PM), UTVi continues with our special series and look at the basic but pressing issues. This week get a look at how ?mom and pop? shops to big conglomerates are bogged down by the taxes and paperwork around. UTVi also looks at how, despite decades, a still unchanged figure of 60% Indians are still dependent on farming and how the railways are unable to handle the increasing number of commuters.

In the continuing series Path to Recovery (Saturday 27th June at 1.30 PM), Akhil Gupta one of the top honchos of and key strategist of Bharti Airtel, has come a long way from CFO to Joint MD and now is the Deputy CEO and MD of Bharti Enterprise. This week he discusses the road ahead for global and Indian economy, his outlook on the Indian telecom sector and also controversial issues such as the 3G policy.

A week ahead of the railway budget and the union budget on the 6th July, Eye on the Week (Saturday 27th June at 9.30 PM), kicks off a two part series to figure out just how much the government will be able to push through the mandate it has got. Get a complete 360 degree take on the challenges and opportunities before the finance minister, with the top economists, editors and businessmen.

MUMBAI: PIX-the premium English movie channel from Multi Screen Media Pvt Ltd formerly known as Sony Entertainment Network is all set for the television premiere of the biggest blockbuster of the year ‘Slumdog Millionaire‘. To celebrate the occasion, PIX has organised a free Bus ride for fans and viewers moving around various parts of the city providing complimentary transfers from Tuesday 23rd June to Thursday 25th June, 2009. The PIX Slumdog Millionaire Bus was flagged off today - 23rd June‘09 by Tanay Chheda of Slumdog Millionaire fame and Business Head, Mr Sunder Aaron.

Further, adding to the fun and excitement RJ‘s from Red FM will be keeping the entertainment quotient high for travelers on the PIX Bus. They will be engaging the audience and informing listeners on the route to join in the bus which is Lower Parel to Santacruz on Tuesday 23rd -June‘09.Andheri to Dharavi on Wednesday 24th June‘09 and Malad to Colaba on 25th June‘09.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Sunder Aaron, Business Head PIX said, "We want Mumbai to be part of the celebration of Slumdog Millionaire premiere on PIX and what better way than by providing a free bus ride to one and all. As the main portion of Jamal‘s character is based on his experiences in the city this is the best way to celebrate the spirit of Mumbai life."

Slumdog Millionaire makes its television premiere this Saturday, June 27, 9pm only on PIX. The channel bagged the official television rights for the movie in India in an exclusive deal with Fox Star India. Directed by British filmmaker and producer Danny Boyle is co-directed in India by Loveleen Tandon, the movie features an array of stars from the likes of Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Saurabh Sukhla, Dev Patel and Frieda Pinto among others. Slumdog Millionaire won 8 Oscars, 7 BAFTA Awards and 4 Golden Globe Awards.

MUMBAI: Radio Mirchi, the India?s hottest radio station recognized for its unique accomplishments has yet another feather in its cap. RJ Vishwas from Radio Mirchi Mangalore has not only won the hearts of Mirchi listeners in Mangalore but also has made Karnataka proud. The famous ?Pokkiri Bhai? from Radio Mirchi has entered the Limca Book of World Records with a non-stop RJ endeavor of 102 hours and became the first RJ from Karnataka to do so.

On its completion of 98 days, Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM promised its listeners to present a special celebratory treat in Mirchi Style with 98.3 hours of continuous jockeying and uninterrupted music. Radio Jockey Vishwas took up the challenge of entertaining Mirchi listeners for non stop 102 hours with his fine humor and went on to create a record became by entering the prestigious Limca Book of World Records for non-stop RJing. RJ Vishal?s feat is dedicated to the free spirit of Mangaloreans as he enthralled the listeners with his trade mark Mangalorean style, which is a huge hit with in Mangalore.

Vishwas started his attempt at 5.00 am on Friday February 29, with ?Munjaneya Raaga? when Radio Mirchi completed its 98 days. He guided the listeners through various programmes and took them through Mangalore on various aspects from the different art forms such as Kambala, Yakshagana, light music and the flavours of the city. Eminent personalities were also present to support him on his endeavor to enter the Limca Book of Records.

RJ Vishwas is elated with his success, which he attributes to the trust of his well-wishers and fans. The vibrant RJ feels that the first call he got before his endeavor made all the difference to his feat. He also added that the preparation for the show was quite challenging, as it had to adhere to the interest of the listeners & keeping them entertained all through.

Overwhelmed with the response and affection from Mirchi listeners, Vishwas said, ?The city was surprised to hear my voice on all the shows, infact there were calls inquiring whether it was some kind of punishment or penalty. Few of the listeners even offered me refreshments to keep me energized. All in all, it was a thrilling experience and would be happy to do another round if given a chance!?

Commenting on the initiative, Rahul Balyan ? Cluster Head for Karnataka & Kerala, said, ?It is a moment of celebration for Radio Mirchi & RJ Vishwas to have achieved this extraordinary feat and wish him all the very best for his future endeavours. Listeners of Mangalore have lot more to witness & enjoy with dynamic Vishwas around?.

MUMBAI: After 3 months of a harsh daily regimen and extreme competition between the 12 inmates in the Sitaron Ko Choona Hai Academy, the Faculty which comprises of youth icon Raghu Ram, well known singer Neha Bhasin and music maestro Prasant Samadhar have given their verdict.
Nilakshi, Yashraj and Shantanu are the top three finalists who will compete to win the coveted title! The winner will be announced on the GRAND FINALE, which will air on June 26th at 9 pm only on REAL. The winner also gets a dream opportunity to cut a music album, to be released on Times Music.

On the GRAND FINALE, the show will once again see all 12 inmates together performing for the last time. Apart from them there will be stupendous performance by none other than Palash Sen?s popular band- EUPHORIA. !

MUMBAI: As the All England Club gears up for the annual tradition of Wimbledon, NewsX, India?s only HDTV-ready English news channel brings for its viewers, a special coverage series from the Championships.First Serve: Wimbledon 2009, will feature Vijay Amritraj, India?s biggest success in Singles? Tennis, as the expert on the daily show covering the two week long Championship starting June 22, 2009.

First Serve: Wimbledon 2009 on NewsX will bring the grandest and the oldest tennis tournament with all its elation and euphoria to your living room. A chat driven show, First Serve, will provide a first hand report of the tournament straight from the land of strawberries and cream. The series will feature?Wimbledon 2009 crossquote- with Vijay Amritraj, everyday during the two week tournament.

Talking about the special programme, Gautam Mukerjea, Marketing Director, NewsX, said, ?For the oldest and the most prestigious tennis tournament, NewsX, will be serving all the news, insights and opinions for an in-depth analysis coupled with extensive reportage. Also with Vijay Amritraj on board, viewers can look forward to a 360 degrees perspective from the expert through our special programme.?

A half an hour special, First Serve will include different segments- ?Chats with Vijay Amritraj?, ?Play of the day?, ?Players of the Day?, ?Vijay?s Memories of Wimbledon?, ?Postcard from London? and ?Sights and Sounds of Wimbledon?.

Tune in to analyze the matches with the ace expert, only on NewsX starting June 23- July 6, 2009.