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Mum’s the word at Hallmark’s second annual event
Hallmark tried a different tack for promoting its Mother’s Day specials this year.
At a bash last weekend, they roped in Aditi Gowitrikar, Fleur Xavier, Shaina Chudasama, even Jackie Shroff and John Abraham to talk about the mother who had always been there for them.
The event at downtown Mikanos began with a showreel, specially shot for the evening, featuring Kajol, Pooja Bedi, Esha Deol and Abhishek Bachchan along with Shobhaa De’s children speaking about their star moms, clippings of which the channel will use in its promotions.
Also honoured were Vandana Gupta as the Hallmark Channel Woman of the Year- a cancer survivor herself, who set up ‘V care’, a voluntary organisation that helps cancer patients, and ‘W! Womanpower’ editor Priti Kumar who was joined by Suhag Khemlani, a young window cleaner who runs a company worth Rs 25 million and Isabelle Courier Guillard, an Air France Pilot.
While Crown Media chief executive, Asia, Terence Yau terms Hallmark as a family channel about relationships and touching stories, Asia marketing director Laxmi Hariharan said that the Channel is privileged to celeberate women icons who have become part of the Indian tradition by having their very own children thank them for the diference they have made to their lives.
The celebrations will continue with a week of Mother’s Day movies that are being telecast on Hallmark from 12 May to 19 May.
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National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
