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Ravi Ahuja Elevated to President and COO of Sony Pictures Entertainment

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Sony Pictures Entertainment has promoted Ravi Ahuja, its head of television, to the position of president and chief operating officer (COO) of the entire studio. The appointment, effective April 1, signals a strategic move by SPE chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra, hinting at a succession plan for the future leadership of the studio. Ahuja, currently serving as chairman of Sony Global Television Studios and Corporate Development, will assume his new role while retaining his position as chief of Sony Pictures Television. He will continue reporting directly to Vinciquerra. During his tenure, Ahuja spearheaded initiatives that reoriented Sony’s television businesses, expanded popular franchises, and pursued strategic acquisitions. Under his leadership, Sony has ventured into game show production, strengthened scripted franchises, and forged collaborations with Sony’s gaming arm. Vinciquerra expressed confidence in Ahuja’s strategic insight and execution, stating, “Ravi’s talents and results-driven approach have been instrumental in enhancing our businesses and preparing SPE for an even stronger future.” Ahuja, reflecting on his tenure, expressed enthusiasm for the future, emphasizing Sony’s solid strategy and commitment to growth amid industry challenges. The announcement underscores Sony’s commitment to leveraging Ahuja’s expertise to navigate the evolving entertainment landscape and drive the studio’s continued success.

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Paul Simon to Receive PEN America’s Literary Service Award

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Paul Simon, the renowned musician behind timeless classics like “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “The Sound of Silence,” is set to be honored with PEN America’s PEN/Audible Literary Service Award. This prestigious award, previously bestowed upon notable figures such as former President Barack Obama and Nobel laureate Toni Morrison, recognizes Simon’s significant contributions to literature and culture. At 82 years old, Simon’s influence extends far beyond the realm of music. Known for his eclectic musical style and exploration of diverse cultures, he has captivated audiences worldwide. His ability to weave together storytelling and melody has earned him a place as a cultural icon. PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel praised Simon’s impact, noting his ability to transcend boundaries and foster appreciation for different musical traditions. She highlighted his commitment to humanitarian causes and emphasized his role in broadening perspectives through music. Simon will be presented with the award at PEN’s annual gala, scheduled for May 16 at the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. The event will celebrate his remarkable career and enduring legacy. In addition to honoring Simon, PEN America will recognize Almar Latour, CEO of Dow Jones and publisher of The Wall Street Journal, with the Business Visionary award. Latour’s dedication to press freedom and his efforts to secure the release of journalist Evan Gershkovich from detention in Russia have been commendable. The awards ceremony underscores PEN’s commitment to championing free expression and celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to literature, journalism, and the arts.

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Devdutt Padikkal Set to Debut in Dharamsala as KL Rahul Remains Unfit, Rajat Patidar to Stay in Squad

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The Indian cricket fraternity is abuzz with anticipation as Devdutt Padikkal is poised to make his Test debut in the upcoming match against England in Dharamsala. With KL Rahul’s fitness status uncertain, Padikkal is expected to replace Rajat Patidar in the playing XI, marking his entry into the prestigious format of the game. The decision to include Padikkal comes amid Rahul’s ongoing rehabilitation process, which has cast doubts over his availability for the crucial fixture. Although Rahul had been the selectors’ preferred choice for the No. 4 position, his injury woes have paved the way for Padikkal’s inclusion in the squad. Rajat Patidar, who had been filling in for Rahul in recent matches, faced a dip in form, prompting selectors to reconsider their options. With the Madhya Pradesh cricketer set to stay in the squad but likely to lose his spot in the XI, Padikkal’s impressive performance in domestic cricket and India A fixtures has earned him the nod for his maiden Test appearance. Padikkal’s stellar form in the current season, coupled with his consistent run-scoring ability, has garnered attention from selectors and coaching staff alike. The left-hander’s recent exploits, including a match-winning century in Karnataka’s fixture against Tamil Nadu, have bolstered his case for selection. A BCCI source confirmed Padikkal’s inclusion, highlighting the team management’s eagerness to assess his capabilities ahead of the upcoming IPL season. Padikkal’s journey from domestic cricket to the international arena exemplifies his talent and dedication, setting the stage for a memorable debut in Dharamsala. As the cricketing world awaits the much-anticipated clash, all eyes will be on Devdutt Padikkal as he prepares to don the Indian jersey for the first time in Test cricket.

Devdutt Padikkal Set to Debut in Dharamsala as KL Rahul Remains Unfit, Rajat Patidar to Stay in Squad Read More »

Glittering Night at 69th Filmfare Awards 2024: Bollywood’s Finest Shine in Gujarat

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The 69th Filmfare Awards 2024 unfolded on January 28 in the scenic city of Gandhinagar, Gujarat, featuring the crème de la crème of Bollywood. In a star-studded affair hosted by Karan Johar, the two-day event witnessed a separate ceremony for Technical Awards on Saturday, followed by the main awards presentation on Sunday. Among the big winners of the night, Ranbir Kapoor’s “Animal” and Vikrant Massey’s “12th Fail” claimed top honors, with Alia Bhatt bagging the Best Actor award for “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.” List of Filmfare Awards 2024 Winners: Best Film (Popular): “12th Fail” Best Film (Critics): “Joram” Best Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra (“12th Fail”) Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Ranbir Kapoor (“Animal”) Best Actor (Critics): Vikrant Massey (“12th Fail”) Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Alia Bhatt (“Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”) Best Actress (Critics): Rani Mukerji (“Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway”), Shefali Shah (“Three of Us”) Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male): Vicky Kaushal (“Dunki”) Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female): Shabana Azmi (“Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”) Best Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya (“Tere Vaaste”) Best Music Album: “Animal” Best Playback Singer (Male): Bhupinder Babbal (“Animal”) Best Playback Singer (Female): Shilpa Rao (“Pathaan”) Best Story: Amit Rai (“OMG 2”), Devashish Makhija (“Joram”) Best Screenplay: Vidhu Vinod Chopra (“12th Fail”) Best Dialogue: Ishita Moitra (“Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”) Best Background Score: Harshvardhan Rameshwar (“Animal”) Best Cinematography: Avinash Arun Dhaware (“Three of Us”) Best Production Design: Subrata Chakraborty, Amit Ray (“Sam Bahadur”) Best Costume Design: Sachin Lovelekar, Divvya Gambhir, Nidhhi Gambhir (“Sam Bahadur”) Best Sound Design: Kunal Sharma (MPSE) (“Sam Bahadur”), Sync Cinema (“Animal”) Best Editing: Jaskunwar Singh Kohli- Vidhu Vinod Chopra (“12th Fail”) Best Action: Spiro Razatos, Anl Arasu, Craig MacRae, Yannick Ben, Kecha Khamphakdee, Sunil Rodrigues (“Jawan”) Best VFX: Red Chillies VFX (“Jawan”) Best Choreography: Ganesh Acharya (“What Jhumka?- Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”) Best Debut Director: Tarun Dudeja (“Dhak Dhak”) Best Debut Male: Aditya Rawal (“Faraaz”) Best Debut Female: Alizeh Agnihotri (“Farrey”) Lifetime Achievement Award: David Dhawan The awards ceremony showcased stellar performances by Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, and Kartik Aaryan, making it a night to remember for the Bollywood fraternity and fans alike.

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Mattel Unveils Animated ‘Bob the Builder’ Movie Starring Anthony Ramos

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Toy giant Mattel is set to bring the beloved character “Bob the Builder” to the big screen in its first animated theatrical movie. Renowned actor Anthony Ramos, known for his role in “In the Heights,” lends his voice to the titular character, now named Roberto, as he embarks on a construction adventure in Puerto Rico. The film promises to delve into various issues across the island, offering a unique perspective on construction and introducing audiences to the vibrant Caribbean-Latin culture. Following the success of Mattel’s “Barbie” movie, which grossed over $1.4 billion at the box office, the toy company continues to expand its cinematic endeavors. “Bob the Builder” joins a slate of upcoming projects by Mattel Films, including the Netflix animated series “Masters of the Universe: Revolution” centered on the iconic “He-Man” franchise. Additionally, a live-action “Polly Pocket” film, directed by Lena Dunham, is in the works, drawing inspiration from the popular 1980s dolls. Mattel Films is not stopping there, as they are actively developing projects based on other well-known toy lines such as American Girl, Hot Wheels, Magic Ball, Barney, and more. The move into filmmaking reflects Mattel’s commitment to leveraging its diverse portfolio of iconic brands to captivate audiences across different media. The “Bob the Builder” movie is a nostalgic nod to the early 2000s British animated children’s series, created by Keith Chapman. The TV show, spanning 12 seasons, featured the lovable contractor and his friends. Mattel acquired the rights to “Bob the Builder” and other preschool properties when it purchased Hit Entertainment in 2011 for $680 million. Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Films, expressed hopes that the animated movie would introduce the beloved character to new audiences, cementing Mattel’s position as a key player in the entertainment industry.

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Sony Board to Decide on $10-Billion Merger with Zee Entertainment Amid Leadership Dispute

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Sony Group has convened a board meeting on January 19 to determine the fate of the proposed $10-billion merger with Zee Entertainment Enterprises. The decision, expected to be communicated to the Tokyo Stock Exchange next week, may indicate a potential discontinuation of the merger plan. The key point of contention revolves around the leadership of the merged entity, particularly the role of Punit Goenka, Zee’s current CEO and son of its founder Subhash Chandra. Despite the 2021 agreement designating Goenka as the CEO of the merged company, Sony has shifted its stance and is reluctant to have him lead the entity. This change is exacerbated by an ongoing regulatory investigation, with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) alleging deceptive practices by Zee, including false claims about loan recovery and misuse of positions by Chandra and Goenka. The protracted stalemate over leadership has raised concerns within Sony about proceeding with the deal. Even after Goenka’s voluntary decision to relinquish the CEO position following the merger, uncertainties persist. Zee Entertainment’s request to extend the deadline for completing the deal, originally set for December 21, 2023, indicates unresolved issues, including the leadership role of Goenka, requiring additional time for negotiations. Insiders at Sony suggest that even if Goenka agrees to step down, meticulous scrutiny of condition precedent pacts and financial adjustments must occur before finalizing the merger. Zee’s financial performance has seen a significant decline since the merger announcement, with net profit plummeting from Rs 956 crore in FY22 to Rs 48 crore in FY23. The outcome of the board meeting carries significant implications for the future of the merger, as insiders indicate that for the deal to progress, Goenka may need to step down on the day the new merged company is established. The decision will shed light on whether Sony and Zee can overcome the leadership dispute and move forward with the high-profile merger.

Sony Board to Decide on $10-Billion Merger with Zee Entertainment Amid Leadership Dispute Read More »

G-Eazy Set to Ignite Indian Stages with Maiden Tour

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American rapper G-Eazy is bringing a wave of excitement to music enthusiasts in India with the announcement of his maiden tour in the country. The tour, exclusively produced by Spacebound, the producers of Asia’s largest dance music festival, Sunburn, promises an electrifying experience for fans across three cities. Known for chart-topping hits like “Me, Myself & I,” “Tumblr Girls,” “Good Life,” “I Mean It,” “Him & I,” and “No Limit,” G-Eazy, an internationally acclaimed rapper and record producer, is set to perform in Bengaluru on 10 February, New Delhi-NCR on 11 February, and Mumbai on 15 February. This musical extravaganza won’t be a solo affair, as G-Eazy will be sharing the stage with a lineup of homegrown hip-hop support acts, adding a vibrant local flavor to the international performance. Fans can anticipate an unforgettable night filled with the pulsating beats and lyrical prowess that have made G-Eazy a global sensation. The tour marks a significant moment for Indian music enthusiasts, offering them a chance to witness G-Eazy’s dynamic stage presence and iconic tracks live for the first time. The tour dates are already generating buzz, and fans are gearing up for an unmissable experience that blends international hip-hop with the energy of the Indian music scene.

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Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 to Grace Indian Shores Amidst Elections

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to host the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 in India, despite the coinciding general elections. The cricket extravaganza is slated to kick off on March 22, synchronizing with the announcement of election dates, presenting a unique challenge for organizers. A BCCI source has quashed speculations of moving the tournament abroad, asserting, “There are no plans to shift the tournament outside the country, considering the general elections will also take place during that time. However, if any state provides valid reasons for not hosting matches, contingency plans include relocating matches to alternative venues.” The IPL 2024 auction, held in Dubai last month, witnessed unprecedented fervor as Australian speedster Mitchell Starc smashed records to become the highest-paid player in IPL history, securing a jaw-dropping Rs 24.75 crore deal with the Kolkata Knight Riders. The auction, boasting a 57% surge in viewership compared to the previous edition, garnered a total of 22.8 million viewers, according to BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. Defending champions, the Chennai Super Kings, led by the iconic MS Dhoni, are gearing up to retain their title. Kasi Viswanathan, CEO of the franchise, expressed confidence in Dhoni’s return, stating, “He has recovered well from his knee injury, undergoing rehabilitation programs and has commenced training. I am confident he will be fit to play by the start of the next IPL”.

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Mickey Mouse Horror Unleashed as Copyright Fades: Film and Game Take a Dark Turn

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The expiration of Disney’s copyright on the earliest versions of Mickey Mouse in the US has given rise to a new genre – Mickey Mouse horror. Released on New Year’s Day, a trailer for the horror comedy thriller, “Mickey’s Mouse Trap,” showcases a masked killer donned in a Mickey Mouse costume terrorizing unsuspecting victims at an amusement arcade. Simon Phillips, the film’s producer, emphasized the desire to create something radically different from the traditional family-friendly image of Mickey Mouse. “If you put Mickey into a family movie, you don’t cover new ground,” he explained. “In order to flip the coin, you have to come up with something that’s the polar opposite of what already exists.” Accompanying the horror film is a video game titled “Infestation 88,” developed by Nightmare Forge Games. The survival horror game features the 1928 version of Mickey Mouse and centers around an outbreak of vermin turning into a more sinister force. This creative explosion follows the expiration of copyright for the 1928 short film “Steamboat Willie,” marking the entry of early non-speaking versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse into the public domain. The move allows artists, writers, and filmmakers to freely rework and use these iconic characters without seeking permission or incurring costs. While creatives have eagerly embraced this newfound freedom, Disney still retains trademark rights over Mickey as a brand identifier and corporate mascot. Modern versions of Mickey are also protected by copyright. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time a childhood character has undergone a horror transformation as Winnie the Pooh, upon entering the public domain, was featured in the R-rated horror film “Blood and Honey” last year.

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Thailand Boosts Tourism with Tax Cuts and Extended Hours

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Thailand has rolled out a new initiative to stimulate tourism by approving tax cuts on both alcoholic beverages and entertainment venues. The country’s cabinet has given the green light to significant reductions, including lowering wine taxes from 10% to 5% and completely eliminating taxes on spirits, which were previously set at 10%. Additionally, the excise tax imposed on entertainment venues is set to be halved, dropping from 10% to 5%. These tax adjustments are slated to remain in effect until the end of the current year, as confirmed by government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. This move follows Thailand’s recent decision to extend the operating hours of entertainment venues, allowing them to remain open until 4 AM. The extended hours are a strategic move to cater to night owls and entice more tourists to visit the country. Notably, Thailand had earlier announced a visa waiver for travelers from India and Taiwan, effective from November 2023 until May 2024. During this period, tourists from these regions can enjoy a stay in Thailand for up to 30 days. India has emerged as the fourth-largest source of tourism for Thailand, with approximately 1.2 million arrivals this year, trailing behind Malaysia, China, and South Korea. Government data reveals that, from January to October 29, 2023, Thailand welcomed a total of 22 million visitors, contributing 927.5 billion baht (around $25.67 billion) to the country’s economy. The visa waiver for Indian and Taiwanese travelers aligns with Thailand’s broader strategy to attract more tourists and revitalize its crucial tourism sector. The decision to extend the operating hours of entertainment venues and implement tax cuts on alcoholic beverages and entertainment venues is part of a series of measures aimed at boosting foreign arrivals. These initiatives follow the waiver of visa requirements for Chinese visitors in September, a move targeting one of Southeast Asia’s significant sources of tourists and reflecting the government’s commitment to revitalizing the tourism industry, a key driver of the economy.

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