Factual
Cartoon Network offers birthday bashes as promo prizes
Cartoon Network’s offline initiatives continue to be innovative.
Last week, the channel threw a bash to celebrate the birthday of Natallia Khaniejo, the Mumbai nine year old who won the grand prize of the month in Cartoon Network’s new promotion, Acme Hour Birthday Blast.
The Network’s dynamic duo Tom & Jerry hosted the party, comprising games and exclusive Cartoon Network gifts. The birthday girl was presented with a special goody bag by Tom & Jerry who also entertained the 50 odd guests with a special dance performance.
The Network has already held birthday parties for six other kids since June last year, held in various cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bareilly, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and Bangalore. The Cartoon Network Acme Hour promotion is sponsored by Kellogg’s Chocos. Launched in June 2001, this year-long promotion gives one lucky toonhead every month an Acme Hour birthday blast for fifty friends in his/her town, complete with a birthday cake, goodies and a special visit by Cartoon Network toon stars. In addition, ten other kids receive special birthday packs from the Network. All kids who send their entries receive special birthday cards from Cartoon Network for themselves and their five friends and their names are scrolled on-air during the Acme Hour franchise on the Network, 7 to 8 pm Monday to Thursday and weekends at 8 to 9 pm.
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
