Hollywood
Sartaaj & Azmi film ‘Black Prince’s India & global release on 21 July
MUMBAI: As India and the UK celebrates 70 years of partnership, the film The Black Prince, produced by Brillstein Entertainment (Academy Award winning film 12 Years A Slave) is set to tell the poignant life story of the last King of Punjab – Maharajah Duleep Singh – also known as The Black Prince.
The film is a historical biopic, based on the fascinating true story and legacy of Maharajah Duleep Singh and his relationship with Queen Victoria, Godmother to his children, set for international release on 21 July 2017.
*The film is poised to create a wave of intrigue in India and the UK as the story touches upon the historically significant and priceless Kohinoor diamond, which was purportedly gifted by a young 13-year-old Maharajah Duleep Singh to Queen Victoria in a ceremony held in 1850, at Buckingham Palace, London.*
The film stars acclaimed Sufi singer Satinder Sartaaj who plays the role of Maharajah Duleep Singh, and the legendary screen actress Shabana Azmi (City of Joy) as Rani Jindan, the exiled King’s mother. They are joined by a respected cast including Jason Flemyng (X-Men: First Class, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), David Essex, and Amanda Root (Their Finest).
• The Black Prince is a period drama, filmed widely across the UK and India
• As the last King of Punjab, The Black Prince chronicles Maharajah Duleep Singh’s lifelong struggle and daring journey of self-discovery in order to reclaim his identity, his faith, and the Kingdom that was rightfully his.
• This ultimately leads him to meeting his mother after 13 years of her being in exile. The Black Prince spotlights Queen Victoria’s cordial relationship with Maharajah Duleep Singh, as he begins adjusting and embracing the English culture he was drawn to at the age of 15.
• He had a fragile relationship with Queen Victoria, who was Godmother to his children
• The film also sheds light into his upbringing as an aristocrat in the UK who converts to Christianity under the influence of his foster parents, but later longs to return to his Kingdom, mother and roots.
• His character, as it evolves is torn between two contrasting cultures – his royal ancestry from the Kingdom of Punjab as its last King, set against his upbringing in the UK as he embarks in a new journey of exile, away from his mother.
The cast includes:
• Acclaimed singer-poet Satinder Sartaaj marks his acting debut in The Black Prince, essaying the character of Maharajah Duleep Singh
• Jason Flemyng (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch) as Dr. Login, the foster parent for the Maharajah
• English stage, screen actress Amanda Root (The Iron Lady), who portrays the bold role of Queen Victoria
• veteran actress Shabana Azmi (City of Joy) as Rani Jindan, the exiled King’s mother.
• The film also features Keith Duffy, David Essex OBE, Canadian actor Rup Magon in supporting roles.
Hollywood
Disney sells out ad slots for 98th Oscars broadcast
Strong demand for live events turns the Academy Awards into a global, multi-platform marketing moment
NEW YORK: Hollywood’s biggest night has also become one of advertising’s hottest tickets. Disney has sold out all advertising inventory for the 98th Oscars, underscoring the growing demand from brands eager to ride the cultural wave of major live events.
The sell-out marks the sixth consecutive live tentpole success for Disney Advertising. The streak includes last year’s 97th Oscars, the 59th Annual CMA Awards, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, signalling strong appetite among marketers for moments that bring audiences together in real time.
For advertisers, the Oscars are no longer just a single night of glitz and gold statues. Disney’s “Content Everywhere” strategy has expanded the awards show into a sprawling, multi-platform brand playground spanning linear television, streaming, social media and digital content.
“Live continues to be one of the most powerful ways for brands to connect with engaged audiences at scale, and the Oscars represent the very best of culture, creativity and community,” said Disney Advertising SVP, entertainment and streaming solutions John Campbell. He added that the company has reshaped the show’s commercial potential into a connected experience that stretches well beyond the broadcast.
Brands such as Mazda, Pfizer and Volkswagen of America are tapping into Disney’s wider ecosystem, appearing across original content segments including Know Your Movies on Hulu and Critically Acclaimed on Disney+. Partnerships also extend to social media through TikTok Pulse Premiere and to custom brand storytelling created by Disney CreativeWorks.
The result is what Disney calls the “Oscars Everywhere” approach. Rather than a few high-profile ad breaks, advertisers now find themselves woven through a series of moments before, during and after the ceremony.
These include On The Red Carpet at The Oscars, a live pre-show syndicated across major local markets and streamed nationwide, and the After the Oscars Show, which keeps the conversation going once the final award has been handed out.
This year’s sponsors include Rolex, returning for its ninth year, and Burger King, which joins the Oscars advertiser roster for the first time. Other brands in the mix include Disney Cruise Line, Dunkin’, Eli Lilly and Company, Eucerin, Intuit TurboTax, L’Oréal, McDonald’s, Microsoft, Miebo, Paris Baguette, Peacock, Starbucks, State Farm, Toyota and Verizon.
The 98th Oscars will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, reaching audiences in more than 200 territories worldwide.
