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Hungama has always been at the forefront with innovative concepts for its consumers. For the first time ever, a LIVE audio concert was accessible on mobile phones and internet. Featuring music composer duo Vishal and Shekhar, ‘The Mobile Music Concert’ enabled the users to hear the concert Live on their mobile phone and even make their song requests to Vishal-Shekhar from their phone. Thousands of fans from each and every part of the country connected on mobile phones and those across the world got closer to their favourite artistes via the internet – simultaneously during the concert time.

Speaking on this occasion, Albert Almeida, COO, Hungama Mobile, said, “It is an honour for Hungama Mobile’s Music Concert to be acknowledged by the mobile entertainment industry and awarded the prestigious Meffys Award for the creativity and business innovation demonstrated by the team. The audience was very receptive to the ideas given by our team and were committed towards offering a converged consumer experience across mobile and internet. He further added, “The award is a testimony to the hard work and dedication of the Hungama team who created this interesting world- first concept.”

MEF’s Executive Director, Rimma Perelmuter, says “Congratulations to Hungama Mobile for creating the first on request digital concert to air live on mobile and the internet simultaneously with the Vishal & Shekhar Mobile Music Concert.”

The 2011 Meffy’s has attracted entries from various countries spanning various continents, with the distinct categories on Mobile innovation attracting the most entries. The nominees focused on providing analytics, addressing usability concerns and tackling merchandising and pricing issues, which all goes to prove that the mobile entertainment industry is really maturing.

The Meffys, which have come to be known as one of the industry’s most coveted awards, honour achievements across mobile content, commerce and recognise the best innovation around the globe.

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Hungama Mobile is also giving consumers an opportunity to take part in the ‘Koffee with Karan’ rapid fire round on mobile. Lucky winners of this mobile rapid fire will win the coveted ‘Koffee with Karan’ gift hamper. Consumers simply need to answer eight questions in 5 rounds each. Each correct answer comes with 5 points. Users can play the quiz as many times as they wish; the more they play, more are the chances to win ‘Koffee with Karan’ hamper.

With an exclusive guest list, the show goes beyond the glitterati of B-town. This season, ‘Koffee with Karan’ unveils the closely guarded secrets of the most sought after celebrities. Consumers can now catch up on missed episodes and revisit their favorite episodes directly from their mobile phones.

Speaking on this initiative, Albert Almeida, COO, Hungama Mobile, said, “We are very excited about our association with ‘Koffee with Karan’ Season 3, which is certainly piquing the viewers interest with its content. As a leader in the mobile VAS entertainment space already serving a major share of film entertainment content, our association with Star World and ‘Koffee with Karan’ now sees Hungama mobile take a significant step into mainstream television entertainment as well.”

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“As Hungama Mobile moves into a new phase of growth, we are pleased to have a professional of Sunny’s caliber join the team,” said Albert Almeida – Chief Operating Officer, Hungama Mobile. “Sunny has over 13 years of experience in film making, entertainment, marketing, consulting and technology, having worked with many prestigious and boutique companies in the USA and in India, and has proven his ability to drive change, build successful teams and assist growth. Under Sunny’s leadership, the team will work very closely with our content and service partners globally. ”

Prior to joining Hungama, Sunny was President of VCXel Entertainment, where he led the strategic direction and operations of the company. He was also the producer and creative director of the company’s films and events. He has created, marketed and distributed entertainment content for global audiences as well as for the global Indian diaspora.

With Sunny Virmani’s appointment, Hungama significantly strengthens its management team, with a renewed focus on the Middle East region and the United Kingdom. The international mobile business is key for Hungama, the largest aggregator, developer, publisher and distributor of Bollywood & South Asian digital entertainment content in the world, having worldwide exclusive rights to over half a million music and video titles. It powers nearly 50% to 75% (circle dependent) of all mobile entertainment content in India through various services spanning the entire gamut of digital entertainment.

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Indian market has been experiencing healthy growth in the telecom industry and Hungama Mobile is working towards offering better services. Nilay Kumar comes with a healthy experience of the technology sector and will help Hungama Mobile establish and strengthen its functioning in the value added services domain.

During his professional associations, Kumar has worked with companies like Comviva, Airtel Mobility, Essar Cellphone and Tata during the space of 11 years.

Joining this respected and successful corporate body is Albert Alemida who was Executive VP and Business Head for Sony Entertainment Television (SET) at his last assignment. Prior to SET, Almeida was VP and Regional Account Director, JWT. He will join Hungama Digital Media as COO for the Mobile Business division and will be responsible for Hungama’s Domestic and International Mobile Business element that would span entertainment, platforms and applications businesses.

Almeida’s six years with SET saw him take up several modules of responsibilities that ranged from Head of Marketing to Business Head at SET’s movie channel – Max. Prior to joining SET, Almeida was VP and Regional Account Director at JWT.

Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Chairman, Board of Directors, Hungama Digital Media, said, “Mobile entertainment is at an inflection point, with more people across the world consuming entertainment content digitally. With Albert’s vast & diverse experience in the entertainment and marketing spheres, he would be an asset to Hungama and its partners across the world.”

Almeida commented on this development saying, “My years in advertising and television have given me the opportunity and experience in understanding consumers, brands, businesses and developing, acquiring and marketing content. This experience sets me up for an exciting time with Hungama, a leader in the digital media entertainment space. It’s well poised to make huge strides given the opportunities in the mobile and digital spaces. I am truly delighted to be a part of this young, successful team.”

Albert Almeida joins Hungama at a time when the global economy is recuperating from global economic recession. He will be working towards enhancing profits through media, entertainment and marketing. Speaking of the business, Hungama is the market leader in Mobile Entertainment and Value Added Services (VAS) in the country.