MAM
Disney Channel & Microsoft unite for “Start your story” contest
MUMBAI: Disney Channel and Microsoft have come together to offer Indian kids a unique opportunity to unleash their creativity with “Start your story” contest.
Kids across India are invited to script their original creations in less than 1000 words using Microsoft Windows XP.They could even add some colour using illustrations and pictures to create prize-winning stories. The contest begins today and entries will be accepted till 20 December, 2005.
Walt Disney Television International (India) director – marketing and communications Tushar Shah said, “Storytelling is Disney’s foundation. We continuously stretch the boundaries of our imagination to tell compelling stories with unique appeal. Disney Channel inspires young viewers to fire up their creativity and write their own stories. I would imagine that using Windows XP to pen their plot makes it a perfect proposition for our young writers.”
Microsoft India director Windows client business group Rishi Srivastava said, “We are excited about this initiative with Disney Channel. It truly brings out the spirit of our ‘Start Something Global Marketing’ campaign, which showcases how people can explore, enhance and pursue their personal interests using Windows XP. As we enter the third decade of Windows, this program is designed to inspire kids and their parents to start something new with Windows and use it to open up a new world of creativity and convert their imagination into a reality.”
The best story will fly the lucky winner of the Grand Prize to the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, USA.The first 100 prizes will have the winners names featured on Disney Channel and will receive a Microsoft Encarta CD. The top 10 story-writers stand to win Media Center PCs and their stories will be featured for a week on the channel’s website to be reviewed and voted by users.
Five reviewers whose choice matches that of the jury also stand to win Media Center PCs. The top 10 winners will additionally be flown into Disney Channel Studio in Mumbai to be featured on the channel. The Grand prize winner’s story will be featured on Disney Channel and besides the Grand Prize, there will also be a Viewer’s Choice Award.
To enter the contest kids have to post a hard copy of the story to: ‘Start Your Story’ Contest, Disney Channel, PO Box No.16304, Delisle Road Post Office, Mumbai – 400013 or drop it into a Disney box at their schools.
Along with their creation, kids need to send in their complete details including name, age, school and residence address. Kids can email their stories to mail@disneychannelindia.com and the subject of the email should read “Start your story contest.”
Brands
Malaika Arora launches Maejoy accessories brand with Myntra partnership
New label debuts with 250 plus handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery.
MUMBAI: When style meets sparkle, a new brand is ready to take centre stage. Actor and entrepreneur Malaika Arora has launched a lifestyle accessories label called Maejoy, developed in collaboration with Exceed Entertainment and Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL), the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra. The brand enters the market with a debut collection of more than 250 styles spanning handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery, two categories that continue to define everyday personal style for modern consumers.
The handbag lineup includes crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, backpacks, clutches and workwear inspired designs. The pieces are crafted using materials such as synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestones and metallic finishes.
Alongside the bags, Maejoy has introduced a jewellery range featuring lab grown diamond rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets. The pieces are set in 925 sterling silver bases with gold, silver and rose gold tones, and include diamonds certified by IGI and GCI.
Positioned as a premium yet accessible accessories label, Maejoy is built around the philosophy “The Joy of Being Me”, aiming to blend aspirational fashion with everyday usability. The brand’s positioning centres on three pillars: authenticity, empowerment and accessibility.
Arora described the venture as a natural extension of her long association with fashion and personal style.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business or through personal style, I have always believed fashion should feel empowering yet effortless. The Joy of Being Me celebrates individuality while making global fashion trends more accessible,” she said.
MJIPL, CXO and head of house of brands Suman Saha said the brand brings together Arora’s style perspective with a strong opportunity in the accessible premium accessories segment.
“Maejoy combines Malaika Arora’s distinctive style sensibility with fashion forward designs that we believe will resonate strongly with consumers looking for elevated yet wearable accessories,” he said.
Exceed Entertainment CEO Afsar Zaidi added that building celebrity led brands requires balancing authenticity with market viability.
“Malaika commands respect both as a fashion icon and a businesswoman. Bringing her creative vision together with Myntra’s brand building expertise creates a strong foundation for Maejoy,” he said.
The collection is available exclusively on Myntra through its website and mobile app, making the brand accessible to millions of shoppers across India as it steps into the competitive lifestyle accessories space.
