Advertisement

Currently Percept Entertainment encompasses both assets and service businesses spanning Content, Talent Management, Experiential and Entertainment Marketing, Sports Management and Marketing, Events, Activation and IPs.

In the revised structure, Percept Entertainment will segregate the Services, Assets and Content businesses to create 3 distinct verticals:

The Services vertical entitled ‘Percept Sports and Entertainment’ will comprise of Experiential and Entertainment Marketing, Sports Management and Marketing, Event Management and Marketing, Celebrity Endorsements & Talent Management, Branded Content, Brand Activation and Promotions.

The Content vertical – ‘Percept Pictures’ will focus on the Movies, Television and Ad Films side of the business which would encompass all elements of Content Production, Aggregation, Distribution and Marketing.

The Assets business entitled ‘Percept IP’ will include Live Entertainment and Sports Assets, Digital and other Media Assets, CelebTrack, Sunburn, Fight Nights and all other Assets created and owned by Percept.

Devraj Sanyal has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Percept Sports & Entertainment vertical and will be responsible for providing strategic direction, creating opportunities for integration and paving the roadmap for the overall businesses under the Percept Sports & Entertainment vertical.

Prior to joining Percept, Devraj was Global CEO of Desihits Inc, a multiplatform content creator based out of New York and India. He joined the Percept Group as COO in 2004, and was elevated to the post of CEO in 2007. During his tenure at PDM he was instrumental in running the business verticals encompassing Activation, Sports Marketing, Events, Fashion and Wedding Management. Prior to Percept, Devraj worked with the Times Infotainment Media Group where he was responsible for the ‘Below-the-Line’ business of the TOI Group. He has also worked with ELLE, Baccarose Cosmetics India and Euro RSCG India across the past two decades.

Said Devraj Sanyal, CEO, Percept Sports & Entertainment said, “For me its coming back home. I am grateful for the last couple of years where I have played the role of a promoter and learnt the one critical lesson that separates the professionals from the owners. I am now bringing that understanding back into the group and with the help of the promoters and my fantastic team across all businesses will endeavor to make Percept the unquestionable leader in the Sports and Entertainment domain in India and surrounding markets.”

Continued Sanyal, “At Percept we have the unique advantage of being able to cross leverage strengths across the entertainment businesses and the group businesses of Advertising, OOH, Movies and PR that no other group can claim to emulate simply because of the way the group is structured into the 3 principal verticals of Entertainment, Media & Communications. We have a history of creating some of the most memorable intellectual properties over the past 26 years and I intend to upscale that massively.”

Rukn Kizilbash, COO, Percept Sports and Entertainment will focus on the domains of Sports Marketing and Management, Brand Activation, Entertainment, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions and Events.

Said Rukn Kizilbash on the challenging task ahead, “The Sports and Entertainment space is still in a nascent stage in India and we see huge potential going forward. As this domain is growing rapidly it is imperative for us to expand and consolidate our structure in a manner that can bring in greater independence in our operations, focused dedication to our clients and concentrated efforts on innovation, developing out-of-the-box creative solutions and providing a complete 360-degree range of services to our stakeholders.”

Percept Pictures (erstwhile Percept Picture Company) will continue to focus on Movies, Television Software, Ad Films, Corporate Films, Live Events and Special Projects in the Content space.

Percept Pictures will continue to be spearheaded by Sanjay Ahire, COO – Feature Films. Commented Mr. Sanjay Ahire, “Percept Pictures will focus on undertaking in-depth research and analysis, exploring new opportunities and genres, and investing in the latest technologies in our aim towards creating innovative and meaningful content that would appeal to both domestic and international audiences”.

The Percept IP vertical will include all Intellectual Properties created and owned by the Percept Group, including IPs in the Live Entertainment, Sports, Celebrity Management, Digital and Media space. Some of the IPs currently owned by Percept Limited include Sunburn – Asia’s biggest and most desired electronic dance music festival; CelebTrack – world’s deepest, widest and largest research wave on India’s most powerful celebrities across movies, sports and television; and Fight Nights – India’s first ever indoor boxing bouts between leading Indian and International boxers.

The Percept IP vertical will be headed by Mr. Harshad Bhagwat, Business Head – Intellectual Properties. Mr. Bhagwat will be responsible for managing and leveraging the IPs currently owned by the Percept Group, and will also be focused on conceptualizing and developing new and innovative IPs for the Group.

Said Mr. Harshad Bhagwat, “I am delighted to take on this new and challenging role. Being one of the frontrunners in the ‘Ideas and Concepts’ business, Percept has been instrumental in creating many innovative and unique Intellectual Properties over the past few years for our clients. However, this new initiative is designed to consolidate our efforts in the area of IP creation and management, and will ensure that we take ownership of our ideas and convert them into Assets that would benefit our Clients and Brand Percept in the long run.”

Elaborated Mr. Shailendra Singh, Joint Managing Director, Percept Limited, “The restructuring in our Entertainment business is in keeping with the evolving and dynamic changes in the M&E Industry and would enable Percept to offer greater efficiencies in the way it operates and functions. The new structure would also offer our stakeholders a wider range of properties and service offerings in the entertainment domain thereby translating into a more heightened level of synergy, customer service and value to all our stakeholders.”

Advertisement

The new ad from leading mobile brand will unravel an idea which will help millions of Indians – who move out of their homes for Career, Education, Travel and other prospects in life; or need to communicate with people talking different languages in their own surroundings – to easily adapt to the change in environment and communicate smoothly.

Idea Brand Ambassador, Abhishek Bachchan (aka Sirji), who has in the past been seen in various avatars such as the Sarpanch, Tourist Guide, School Principal, Politician’s aide, Doctor, and even a Tree, will now be seen in a completely different role in the new ad. The Sirji character who has won millions of hearts with his smart ideas and witty comments will give a new idea to overcome the language barrier, without speaking a language!

Speaking about the upcoming campaign, Anupama Ahluwalia, Vice President – Marketing, IDEA Cellular, said “Almost every Indian has gone through a situation where one has struggled to communicate with another fellow Indian just because of language. India’s diversity lies in its languages, and rather than being intimidated by this barrier, we need to just find a simple solution to overcome it and easily adapt to different environments and people. The new Idea campaign offers a Champion idea to address this concern of our society, through the power of mobile telephony. We are confident that the new brand campaign will build a strong connect with the audience and further grow Idea’s over 70 million subscriber base.”

Brand Idea’s new theme campaign is targeted at the youth and the creative will have a young and modern look, portraying real-life situations faced by the Gen-Next. The ad has been designed to also demonstrate Idea’s pan-India network which offers seamless mobile connectivity across the length and breadth of the country, and affordability of its products and services. Idea will roll out a 360 degree campaign to reach out to the audience, utilizing all traditional and emerging media platforms.

Advertisement

Having won numerous national and international awards, Katrina has greatly contributed to the Indian film industry and is one of India’s most sought-after actresses.

Etihad Airways and Katrina Kaif will work on a series of initiatives to promote the airline across India and around the world, including addressing Indian communities in Etihad Airways’ key markets such as the UAE, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Etihad recently filmed a internet video with Katrina Kaif dancing in the airline’s First class lounge in Abu Dhabi, under the direction of award winning Indian film director and choreographer, Farah Khan. The video, which has been distributed online across youtube and various social networking sites, will be used to promote the partnership between Katrina and Etihad Airways throughout the campaign.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Our partnership with Katrina Kaif will help build Etihad’s brand name globally and further introduce our world-class products and services across India and to Indian communities around the world.

“Katrina represents the best of Indian cinema. By challenging the industry as a highly talented newcomer, she has successfully reached the top of her field in a very short period of time. These values ideally match Etihad’s own ambition to be the best airline in the world.”

Katrina Kaif, Etihad’s new brand ambassador, said: “Since they first started flying, Etihad Airways has succeeded in becoming one of the biggest names in the airline industry. I have always loved flying with Etihad and I am extremely honoured to work closely with the world’s leading airline.”

To view the video featuring Katrina Kaif dancing in Etihad’s First class lounge, [CLICK HERE]

Advertisement

Fifteen years after splitting from the hugely popular rock band “Guns N’ Roses”, guitarist Slash has established rock star status in his own right – through his bands “Slash’s Snakepit” and “Velvet Revolver” and as a sought-after collaborator with the likes of Michael Jackson, Ozzy Osbourne and Iggy Pop.

Slash had a serious heroin addiction and used to drink up to half a gallon of vodka everyday. He opens up about his dark struggles and his time in rehab: “The main reason, my thinking at least, at the time for going to rehab was just to get away from everybody and just have a month where I could get my head straight. I got a firm grasp on what I needed to be doing and I was really done with that sort of
merry-go-around of drugs and alcohol.”

Watch the show on Wednesday, August 25 at 05:00 pm.

Advertisement

Commenting on the occasion, Neha Bothra, Director, Innov Events, said, “I am extremely delighted and equally excited on being able to put together this mega exposition. We are happy that we are providing all required elements for a perfect wedding under one roof. I have been the witness to the beauty of Indian weddings and I have made this effort to bring everyone closer to the magic of Indian rituals and
festivities. As promised, Shagunn will touch all five senses.”

Shagunn brings together all ingredients to make your wedding special and memorable. From Designer bridal wear, Jewellery, Stylish bags, Footwears to Mehandi artists, Make-up artists to Match-makers and Image consultants and much more. Some of the prominent names present at the exposition are: Adarsh Gill, Shaina NC, Charu Parashar, Varija Bajaj, Frazer & Haws, Adamas, Naina Balsavar, Amrapali, Meera Mahadevia, Asma Hussain, Taniya Khanuja, Abdul Halder, Archana Kocchar etc.

Speaking on the occasion, Bollywood diva, Jacqueline Fernandez said, “It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to witness the beauty of Indian weddings through Shagunn. It is a memorable experience for me and I am glad that I have got a chance to associate with one of the biggest wedding saga in the country.”

Advertisement

Green Ambassador – John Abraham presented the award of ‘India Gate Basmati BIG Asli No.1’. Being presented by title sponsor India Gate and associate sponsor Zafri Pan Masala, spread across 42 cities of the country, this unique hunt leveraged the ‘local’ power of radio and effectively reached and engaged consumers as it reflected ‘green issues’ that impact their lives.

Commenting on the occasion, Soumen Ghosh Choudhary, Business Head, 92.7 BIG FM commented, “India Gate Basmati BIG Asli No.1’ only furthers the endeavour of 92.7 BIG FM to offer radio as a platform to not just provide entertainment, but also help the society through various social responsibility initiatives. ‘India Gate Basmati BIG Asli No.1’ is India’s first ever Green Humour Mimicry hunt that provides entertainment, while drawing listeners’ attention to real issues caused by the lack of consciousness towards the environment. I am overwhelmed by the response that we have received by the contestants from across the country and also thank our sponsors and partners for supporting such a noble cause and being a catalyst of change.”

Glitterati’s present at the event were the star cast of Aashayein – John Abraham and Sonal Sehgal along with prominent comedians and mimic artists like Raju Srivastav and Rajpal Yadav who judged the grand finale and also entertained the audiences with their mimicry.

The award ceremony saw scintillating performances by Swaroop Khan, finalist of Indian Idol 5 who enthralled the audiences in his trademark desi style and Mohammed Salman, winner of Dance India Dance – Season One who performed an acrobatic dance routine. The award ceremony also witnessed a rib-tickling act by Krishna Sudesh who held the audience’s attention till the end. The renowned comic artist Jagdeep who’s known for his comic timing and his famous role as Soorma Bhopali in Sholay was felicitated at the event.

Advertisement

Mirchi listeners got a taste of fierce ambition and passion when Neil and Deepika spoke about how they prepared for their challenging roles in the film. Neil also narrated the incident where he had to break the ‘Dahi handi’ during a shot and how the experience took him back to his school days. When asked to sing a song for Mirchi listeners by RJ Jeeturaaj, Deepika spontaneously sang Baba black sheep, thereby amusing Mirchi listeners.

During the show Neil and Deepika also announced an on air contest for Mirchi listeners. All they needed to do was answer the simple question – what were Deepika and Neil doing before hitting the silver screen? The winners stood a chance to win a pair of sleek autographed roller skates.

The two stars bonded fabulously with RJ Jeeturaaj as they chatted about Mumbai, its undying spirit and the love they feel for this unique city. While talking about their director, the star duo was all praises for Pradeep da’s meticulous direction that helped them in connecting to their characters. Describing her character ‘Pinky Palker’ Deepika said that though Pinky is visually challenged she believes in facing the challenge head on and never loses hope”. Lafangey Parindey, a definitive film that takes Mumbaikars back to the gritty reality of Mumbai and to the story of the fighter Nandu and the blind yet ambitious Pinky. The melodious music by R. Anandh is already being hummed by thousands of Mirchi listeners!

Advertisement

According to Prashank Bindal, Director Anthem Infrastructure, said, “Real Estate industry is the most emerging sector in Indian economy, it is expected to have $1.5 billion additional investment in 2010-11. Considering the booming rise in the sector our aim is to create a revolution through launch of our French apartments that are not only stylish and modern but also provides an affordable entry”

Priced between Rs.18 to Rs.50 lakhs, these stylish apartments are equipped with all the modern day facilities and they reflect a sense of lifestyle and class. The area of the apartment starts with 910 sq ft. and goes upto 2550 sq ft. Apart from providing a secure and comfortable environment, the apartments also provide with the facilities of swimming pool, gymnasium, 24 hours power back and much more.

Advertisement

Speaking on the occasion, Genelia D’souza said, “Your home is an extension of your personality, built on memories and the objects that you love and desire. Shopping to do up an entire house on a budget was an exciting challenge as the online experience was positively different from a physical shopping spree. My schedule leaves me with little time to shop around in a store to pick out items I would ideally like for my house. eBay reduced the effort, as the one-stop-shop with a wide variety of products across categories that caters to my taste. Once I discovered the excellent deals and great bargains on offer, I just couldn’t stop shopping.”

Muralikrishnan B, Director – Marketing, eBay India said, “eBay Dream House is a concept to showcase the wide range of products across lifestyle & gadget categories available to suit all price points to do up a house of your choice. Genelia is vivacious, witty and a popular personality. Just like eBay India has a world full of exciting, interesting discoveries; Genelia’s multi-faceted personality made her the natural choice to demonstrate this concept. Genelia has delighted us with her enthusiasm and time invested on searching and shopping for the perfect items for her new home.”

The challenge posed to Genelia by eBay India was to transform her new empty apartment into an attractive home with all the furniture, gadgets, décor etc only bought on eBay India. The Dreamhouse Challenge provided her with a budget of Rs. 4,50,000 and two weeks to browse eBay, identify items for the unique look she wanted to create, place orders with the sellers & set up the Dreamhouse. The house created by Genelia, exhibits her various personas and vary from contemporary chic in the living room to the glam look in the bedroom to a sporty study. A total of 103 products were bought on eBay India (www.ebay.in) & eBay Global EasyBuy (www.ebay.in/geb) from 62 sellers in India & USA. On eBay Global EasyBuy which provides Indian shoppers with instant access to an unprecedented 18 million products in Indian Rupees, Genelia was able to pick up 24 home décor & collectible products from USA to give finishing touches to her Dreamhouse. Genelia showed her soft spot for Charities by buying unique items from eBay Charities – Save the Children, Rara Foundation, CRY, Aseema & Women’s India Trust. Log on to www.ebay.in/dreamhouse to tour the eBay DreamHouse that Genelia created.

Advertisement

Infused with grace and attitude, these fashionable designs effortlessly bring style and technology together. The new range prides itself with the supernova dial design and brings a new variant of style and sophistication into the Omega range.

At the heart of the launch of New Constellation lies its promise of design superiority and exclusivity. In addition to traditional designs, the New Constellation offers to consumers contemporary yet dressy watches. The range presents a mix of sleek and strong looks. The women’s line introduces leather straps for the first time in the Constellation range.

Announcing the launch of the new line, Raynald Aeschlimann, Vice President and International Sales Director, Omega said, ”The popularity of Omega has grown manifold during the last few years. It was only imperative that we honour our patrons with something more. With the new range and a strong brand ambassador association, we are confident of achieving another quantum breakthrough in the luxury watch segment this year. The alluring new designs would definitely captivate every watch connoisseur’s heart. We hope to incite a whole new set of customers to buy luxury watches, thereby growing this segment”.

Speaking at the ocassion, Abhishek Bachchan said, “It has been a wonderful experience working with this brand which is dynamic as well as innovative. It is my pleasure to launch The Omega New Constellation today. Each and every design reflects an attitude of perfection and prosperity.”