Tag: entertainment

The live social streaming app that’s investing efforts to attract, incubate and train live streamers

New Delhi [India], July 2: Because of its growing popularity and ubiquity on social media and other digital platforms, live video streaming has become an important digital marketing tool and an essential part of people’s social lives. Among the most popular and effective uses of live video streaming sites is their power to bring events closer to audiences who cannot attend them, to raise brand awareness for companies, and to be a source of entertainment. In particular, India has become home to a large market of live streamers finding new ways to leverage the power and immediacy of live video streaming to achieve business or personal goals they have. Even Bollywood is shifting toward live streaming platforms with stars like Arshi Khan, Naina Singh, and Prince Narula joining Uplive.

Uplive is a live social streaming app that aims to revolutionize video content production and live chat software, allowing users to make new friends, both locally and globally. With 200 million registered users and 17 million streamers, it brings people together from different backgrounds and places, providing them with a place to enjoy their shared interests through live streaming, short videos, and messaging. Uplive helpfully translates speech and texts in real-time, enabling users to easily chat with each other even if they speak different languages; it currently supports real-time speech-to-text for 140 languages.

Uplive is also among the first emerging market live social apps to offer 3D, interactive visual effects powered by augmented reality (AR) technology and the first to offer in-app HTML5 games directly integrated with live streaming. Because of these unique and innovative features, Uplive has quickly become the #1 independent global live social platform.

Within the app, there are challenges, contests, and rewards to maintain user engagement. Uplive focuses on premium entertainment content; users can choose from dance, music, comedy, cooking, and other genres to showcase talents and connect with others. Uplive also supports streamers through a streamer training program, which rewards up-and-coming talent.

Uplive aims to support groups of content creators in different categories. According to Mr. Ahmad Mukhtiyar, Uplive’s India Marketing Manager, “There has been fast digitization of the country and there is rising demand for vernacular content by a majority of the internet users in India. Uplive caters to this demand by empowering creators to share stories and connect with like-minded communities. Uplive has the potential to become a clear growth hack for almost any brand, as they will be better positioned to form those invaluable connections with their clients. We are investing significant efforts to attract, incubate, and train live streamers, enabling the gig economy and rewarding young talent.”

The studio has been churning out one popular Rajasthani song after another

 Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], June 29: Kapil Studio, one of the most reputed and established recording studios in Rajasthan that has been churning out one popular Rajasthani song after another for many years, is set to achieve another major milestone. The recording house, launched by music composer Kapil Jangir, is closing in on 9 lakh subscribers on its YouTube channel.

The channel – KSRecords – has nearly 8.8 lakh YouTube subscribers, and considering its fast-growing popularity, it expects to touch the 9 lakh mark very soon. The videos on the KS Records channel have had nearly 400 million cumulative views so far, including super-hit songs such as Banni and Kajaliyo, which are nearing 100 million views each, and Piya Aao, which has over 52 million views.

“We are overwhelmed by the love we have received over the years. We will continue to make all our efforts to continue to entertain our subscribers and fans cutting across language barriers in the coming years,” says Kapil, who composes the music for the songs and also performs vocal in some of them.

“The success of KS Records has also shown that there is a big market for regional content. Our focus has been on providing high quality, rich, and entertaining content consistently, and this will be our endeavour going ahead too,” adds Kapil, who also has his own record label.

Kapil Jangir, a Jaipur-based musician and singer, is also working on an upcoming Hindi album, which, he hopes, would create the same amount of fan-frenzy as his earlier work, along with a few other Rajasthani songs, that KS Records is looking to release soon.

Some of the other hit songs by Kapil Studio include Lahariyo, Ghoomar, Hichki, Banno Mharo Kesariyo, Baisa Ro Roop, and Beero Binjaaro, among others. The melodious, fast-paced, and foot-tapping offerings ensure their popularity is not just restricted to Rajasthan or Rajasthanis living elsewhere but cutting across geographies and languages.

The link of KS Records channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/kapilstudios

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], June 21:  While the world fights the Covid-19 pandemic, people are largely confined to their homes in an attempt to contain the virus. On the other hand, doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, medical staff members, and frontline workers such as policemen, journalists, media personnel, teachers, and other government authorities are leading the battle against COVID-19 from the front. Through their selfless dedication, they put their own lives at risk to help save others and are truly heroes in these challenging times. Through these uncertain times, a soulful gospel song and music can help uplift the soul.

To show gratitude towards the heroic efforts of courageous and inspiring doctors and frontline workers from across the globe who continue to risk their lives while saving those in need, Dr. Amit Kamle, M.D (Russia), popularly known as A.K, Music composer, lyricist, Director of A.K. International Tourism and Founder of Glorify Christ, dedicates his new song, ‘Sahayata’ based on Psalm 121 to these unsung heroes. The song composed, written, and conceptualized by Dr. Kamle and sung by Legendary Singer Udit Narayan, releases on July 1, 2021, worldwide to celebrate Doctor’s Day.

“My day begins with reading Psalm 121. I am so grateful that I could compose a song on this particular Psalm. This gospel song is about God’s providential help in uncertain times. Incidentally, while I was dubbing the song with Udit Narayanji, he shared with me how his son Aditya battled Covid-19. Uditji has a special connection with this song. His divine voice has a connection which will touch every heart and we hope that Sahayata brings peace and joy to everyone who hears it,” concludes Gospel Maestro Dr. Amit Kamle.

Dr. Kamle wears many hats – that of a Doctor, Entrepreneur, Educationist, Consultant, Philanthropist, Globetrotter, Guide, Creative Director, Scenarist, Music Producer, Lyricist, and Music Director. Yet his root mission, purpose, and aim are to build a community of people across the globe who love, enjoy, and appreciate gospel music.

Glorify Christ, since its inception in 2016, under the umbrella of A.K. International Tourism, has created over 50 gospel songs in languages that range across Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Punjabi, Assamese, Khasi, Nagamese, and even Hebrew. Glorify Christ is a not-for-profit venture by A K International Tourism, which specialises in organizing Holy land Tours across Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. The company is also venturing into outreach programs of the gospel through Gospel Music.

Sahayata, an A.K.International Tourism production releases worldwide on their YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/akinternationaltourism

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 21: In this modern age of the digital world, the streaming medium has become an important option of entertainment. The number of streaming apps is seen getting added to the bandwagon of digital platforms. One of the recently launched streaming apps is Ramano Digital which is owned by Sanjay Khare who is a man with great experience in the entertainment domain and Yashu Yadav Creative & Content Head of Ramano Digital feels there recently released app available on the Google Play Store and iOS App Store has everything which one can ask for.

The digital app has some of the best entertainment stuff that would include web series, films, feature films, documentaries, short films, music videos, and albums to name a few. Plus the digital app has given the chance to the young and budding creative people to share their contents of different genres and it suits them well and can also give them a chance like a launch pad in this competitive industry.  Sanjay Khare and his team have made sure to keep creativity and content to be the part and parcel of his streaming app.

In a long list of digital platforms that stream a wide range of content, innovation is the key which they would maintain with their streaming app. He has the best team when it comes to content and other stuff just to ensure to remain out of the box in their presentation and stuff they have for the audience. This seems to be his debut venture in terms of coming up with a streaming app, however, in terms of experience and exposure he is way ahead and thus would leverage from it to give the digital audience the best. So, just wait and watch to see Ramano Digital rock.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 21: A tune everyone has been humming within the last fortnight is Jubin Nautiyal’s new single – “Bedardi Se Pyaar Ka” – the song produced by music industry leaders T-Series.

The Lead female protagonist featuring in the song alongside Gurmeet Chaudhry – Kaashish Vohra is on cloud-nine with the appreciation she’s received. “Everyone has loved my work in the song. My family, friends, and my fans can’t stop praising how intense I have looked and expressed in the song. Everyone is telling me I did justice to the storyline and was very convincing when I come to Gurmeets rescue and pacify him when he’s going through a heartbreak. I am a sensitive person in real life too and have always been emotionally available to my friends for support. Hence pulling off this part came naturally to me. After Dil Tod Ke with B Praak, they cast me in Bedardi Se Pyaar Ka. All thanks to T Series I’ve worked with two top talented Singers.”

Interestingly the song was shot in Dehradun. Reflecting on that Kaashish says ” We shot with all protocols and precautions were followed on set. All the safety measures were taken. Because being on set and the energy space of work and shooting just breeds this natural positivity. I am glad the song’s out and is being loved by many. It’s a natural motivation, seeing your work being appreciated. I am rearing to go now, next I’d be shooting down south for a big banner project and following that with a mainstream web series. Looking forward to being back in front of the camera” Says Kaashish Vohra.

The natural beauty, who’d soon feature in a South film and a web series for an OTT, has also been a popular ad face featuring in over 50 ads in 2 years. Her most popular ad being one with Kareena Kapoor Khan, for a leading hair oil brand.

Kaashish Vohra is surely a face to watch out for.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 18: After a long time, came across a film which is really very different from the patterns which Bollywood is following now-a-days. The film Machaan is a true replica of Indian village culture, where people help each other and happily live together. The movie also focuses on different social issues and promotes many government movements, like Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, Beti bachao Beti padhao, Parivar Niyojan Abhiyan etc. and above all the importance of education and awareness in the society. Apart from this, the film also contains several situational comedies which will make audiences laugh at every stages of the film. Though, climax of the film is very emotional, and audience might not be able to control their tears.

From a known music director of the industry, debuting with a film like Machaan as director, shows the talent of Nitesh Tiwari. Since, music has always been the strong part of him, songs of the film touch the heart and it’ll live longer among the audiences. A step by Catfish Media, Prince Madhup, the producer is really appreciated for producing such a qualitative film in the era of shining Bollywood. I believe it’s a quite good movie made in a short budget and must be appreciated by government as well.

Navsari (Gujarat) [India], June 18: Anime has always been the most special aspect of our life, and getting Otakukart, as an anime news outlet, the Indian fans were blessed. Before this initiative was taken by this startup, it was seen that the fans in India always saw their representation on a global scale by mere forums as well as social media pages. Of course, the platform did not develop in a day.

Otakukart shaped its information-providing strategy over the years and right now, stands as a fully-fledged site that has been acknowledged by a lot of powerful media companies in the country, as well as on an international scale.

On the other hand, the Indian anime fans lacked the anime merch that was made within India and is provided to them in superior quality. After the successful initiative of a news platform, the company dived into the merch business too where the fans could buy their favorite, anime-inspired apparel at a much affordable rate.

Previously, the company has served this merch through joint ventures such as TeePublic as well as TeeFury and Qwertee among others, but now, Otakukart has opened their sister platform, OtakuRage that provides the anime apparels.

With this rising success, Otakukart has created Anime India Initiative that serves the Indian community in many ways;

1. Free Food: The Company has promised to provide food to the oppressed part of the community via NGOs.
2. Plant Trees: Otakukart aims to help against climate change as well as environmental risks by donating to non-profit organizations such as greenyatra.org and sankalptaru.org.
3. Free Clothing: The company will provide T-shirts among other clothes to the lesser privileged communities in India.

Now Otakukart needs a workforce to grow. Thus, they are looking to get onboard individuals who are keen on anime as well as its prospects to work and grow with them together. Also, every part of Otakukart, as well as Otakurage, works on green energy, which again, does not harm nature.

We have seen them organizing various competitions and campaigns for talented artists all over the country. At this point, Otakukart still has higher aims. We, as Indians, can not watch anime shows legally or have the films in theatres. Otakukart aims to have tie-ups with the bigger anime studios that are going to help all the Indian Viewers watch their favorite anime content with ease.

As in recent times, we have seen tremendous growth in the domains of Otakukart. They have taken over some of the biggest news outlets under their coverage. These sites include Sports AI Dente which has all the updates regarding the sports happening all around the world.

Then we have Dax Street that gives away information regarding automobiles. Last but not the least, we have Mice News Philippines which, as the name already suggests, is based in the Philippines. The expansion of the company has brought in a lot of opportunities for young and talented writers from the country. This will give a potential chance, to not only the anime enthusiasts but also the generation which is curious about the sports domain and gaming as well as automobile.

As for the plans with Sports AI Dente, the company aims to target the audience which likes to be up to date regarding all the sports matters happening in the world. Otakukart will cover the details about every sport, be it e-sport or F1 races. On the other hand, they also have Dax Street which will keep everyone updated about the automobile details. The objectives of this outlet will be to provide reviews as well as details about the latest automobiles which are being released in recent times.

When Otakukart started as a small anime blog, back in 2015, no one could have imagined the journey they will be going through, in just a span of 6 to 7 years. Even their audience is quite satisfied with the anime content that Otakukart is trying to reach. With, providing India, a global representation in the anime sector, the western updates are also covered by the company with the help of its sister sites.

After the successful release of web series,VaatVaat Ma, first Gujarati digital film Swagatam, Jok Samrat, Unknown to Known and many more, the platform is all set to launch its next political thriller web series

 In a span of less than 2 months, ShemarooMe has already released 9 titles and has left no stone unturned to entertain audiences

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 16: Premium Gujarati OTT platform ShemarooMe today announced the launch of trailer of Gujarati web series ‘Kshadyantra’. This political thriller web series does not only a strong star cast but a very different approach to the typical political drama. RohiniHattangadi, Vandana Pathak, Apara Mehta, Vishal Gandhi, Shrenu Parikh, Deepak Gheewala, ParikshittTamalia, AnuraagPrapanna and Feroz Bhagathave all played some crucial characters that have added some new dimensions to the show. Story and dialogues written by Babul Bhavsar. ShemarooMe has been a platform that has had the most entertaining offerings across various genres and categories and Kshadyantra will definitely add yet another feather to its cap.

Kshadyantra, a political thriller Apara Mehta plays the character of Pannaben, who has been a successful CM for the past 15 years and is on the road to become the new PM of the country. The path to victory is not always easy and the plot also showcases many twists and turns. This scintillating tale of misery is what makes Kshadyantra a high impact political drama which will surely keep the audiences at the edge of their seats

Commenting on the launch announcement of the show, Urvish Parikh, Director of Kshayantra said, “Kshadyantra was the first Gujarati web series ever to have such an impactful and experienced star cast.  It was an enriching experience to shoot the entire web series with such multi starer cast. I am glad that we could manage the complete shoot during the difficult time of COVID 19. Also we are extremely excited that the series is releasing on 24th June on ShemarooME to entertain our Gujarati audiences

Commenting on her role, Rohini Hattangadi said, “ I am excited to be a part of Kshadyantra and also super happy that ShemarooMe decided to give this gem to the Gujarati film industry. I have played various roles in my career, but Vasantiben will be very close to my heart. Though we were working on a web series, the scale was so big it felt like working in a movie. I am sure my viewers will enjoy the show and live the moments with us.”

Adding to the same, Apara Mehta said, “I am glad to be a part of a Kshyantra, the twisted tale of this political thriller is as good as watching a movie and I am excited to finally be a part of a web series. Pannaben’s character will surely get every viewer enticed and get hooked onto the plot. Catch the show on ShemarooMe Gujarati from 24th June.”

Vandana Pathak who also plays a crucial role in the series added,”This is my second project with ShemarooMe and I couldn’t have asked for a better one, Kshayantrahas a very intriguing concept and deals in big issues, the way the plot and characters have been handled is beautiful to see. The audiences will enjoy this marathon run and will love every character. I can’t wait to see the series with my family on ShemarooMe from the 24th of June.”

Deepak Gheewala added, ‘Kshayantra has been a very ambitious project and I couldn’t have been happier to be a part of this family. I have had the privilege to share the screen space with some of the most talented actors and I am glad Shemaroo choose me for the role. The show goes on air from the 24^th June on ShemarooMe and I have planned to watch it in one go.”

Shrenu Parikh added, ’This is my first Gujarati web-series and I couldn’t be more excited to work with Shemaroo Entertainment. Kshadyantra has been a very ambitious project and I have had the privilege to share my screen space with legends. Have learnt a lot from all of them. I am sure the audiences will enjoy the show and have a very interesting time binging the same. Don’t forget to catch the Kshadyantra team on ShemarooMe from 24th June.”

About ShemarooMe:

ShemarooMe is the over-the-top (OTT) video streaming app of Shemaroo Entertainment Limited, India’s leading content powerhouse. Over 57 years of being in the media and entertainment industry, Shemaroo has now evolved to be a significant player in the digital ecosystem. ShemarooMe is a comprehensive app with a diverse and exclusive content offering for an audience looking for Bollywood, Gujarati, Marathi, Devotion, Punjabi, Comedy and Kids categories. ShemarooMe also has a unique offering under Bollywood Premiere – the platform showcases World Digital Premiere of critically acclaimed Bollywood movie every Friday. ShemarooMe gives consumers the freedom to choose subscriptions from various content categories. ShemarooMe enjoys a wide acceptance in India and was recently launched in the US market along with the South East, Middle East Asia, UK and other Indian diaspora markets. Currently ShemarooMe is available across geographies, with its presence in 150 countries where consumers can download and experience the promise of endless entertainment delivered at the comfort of their homes. Consumers can download the ShemarooMe OTT app from Google Play, iOS App store and http://shemaroome.com/. ShemarooMe is also available for audiences to subscribe on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, Cloud walker TV, Mi TV, Roku amongst various other platforms.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/kMwwMRMzCcA

New York (New York State) [USA], June 7:  Indian American actress and filmmaker Lakshmi Devy wins the prestigious Gold Remy Award for Direction at the 54^th World fest Houston International Film Festival for her film “When the Music Changes”. Other previous recipients of the Remy Awards are to giants of the Hollywood film industry, including Spielberg, Lucas, Ang Lee, the Coen Brothers, Ridley Scott, John Lee Hancock, Brian de Palma, Randal Kleiser, Oliver Stone, and David Lynch. Worldfest is one of the oldest and largest film & video competitions in the world.

“This is truly a great honor for a filmmaker like me. It is very encouraging. I am proud of being able to represent my Indian roots in this manner. I am humbled by this award which has been received by such great directors before me. It keeps me on the path to keep striving to do better. “– Says Lakshmi Devy about receiving this award.

To top this off  “When the music changes” also won Best Mid Length Feature film at the New York City Independent Film Festival.

The film was directed, written by, and produced by Lakshmi Devy. She also plays the protagonist in the film along with popular south Indian actor Adith Arun of 11^th hour and Thangamagan fame. Other key characters are played by Naveen George Thomas, Shreya Navile, and Vignesh Shivasubramanium.

The cinematography was helmed by Abinandhan Ramanujam of “Sillu Karupetti” and “Kavan” fame. The editing was handled by the exceptional Anthony Gonsalves of “Kakka Kakka”, “Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya” and Shanker’s “I”  fame. The music and Background score was done by Achu Rajamani of “Golisoda 2”, “Malai Pozhuthum Mayakathile” and “Current Theega” fame. The film was shot in sync sound and sound design was handled by the talented Sandeep Singh.

The film represents an interesting theme of a young beautiful Indian American woman finding friends and happiness in her hometown in India. An unfortunate incident makes her realize that the forces who want to shatter her are not only villains but also her lover. It points out the gravity of the situation of rapes in India with every 16 minutes, a woman being raped. This movie is a reminder to society that it is not the woman but a man who loses his honor because of this dastardly act.

The film’s trailer was edited by Tollywood actor Nawin Vijaya Krishna who also is the grandson of the Veteran Iron Lady of Telugu Cinema, Vijaya Nirmala.

Trailer Link: When the music change – Trailer – By Lakshmi Devy

Hollywood icons like John Turturro the famed Veteran Award-Winning Hollywood Actor, Director, and Produceropinion on the film –  “I must say I was very impressed. And disturbed, in a good way. To pull it off is an accomplishment, especially wearing so many different hats as director, writer, and actor. It’s a worthy and important subject matter which takes all shapes and forms in so many different cultures. I thought the visual elements were strong and the storytelling too.”

Tim Van Patten, 10 Time Emmy Award Nominated Hollywood Director told –

“Congratulations on film When the Music Changes. Lakshmi is a clearly very gifted actor, writer, director, and producer. It’s hard enough to do any one of those jobs singularly, let alone doing all four at once. All the performances were grounded, authentic and vibrant. I think the message was delivered with an unflinching ferocity worthy of praise. The visual storytelling is both visceral, inventive, and very much to story. A gut-wrenching expose’.

Director Lakshmi Devy told the media – “This film not only speaks about the brutal rape and the injustice meted out to girls and women, but it also culls out the powerplay behind sexual abuse. As the story demanded, a few scenes are portrayed very rawly. Those scenes are not a depiction of vulgarity or obscenity, rather, they are tailored to portray the intensity of sexual abuse.

We expect the film to pave way for a change in the way our society looks at rape and assault. If not change, at least a realization”

The film is winning accolades across film festivals internationally and expected to be screening on a major OTT platform soon enough. This is definitely one film that movie buffs are eagerly waiting to watch.