News Broadcasting
‘Telebrands’ gets into Hindi film production
MUMBAI: ‘Telebrands’, the US based telemarketing and mail order has made its entry into the entertainment industry with a film titled Aryan in association with ‘K Factor Entertainment Pvt Ltd’.
Purportedly the largest telemarketing, mail order and wholesale organisation headquartered in the United States with operations spanning over fifty two countries, the company revolutionized the concept of telemarketing in India in 1994 by providing ‘Telebrands India’ which markets products in over 127 cities in the country.
‘K Factor Entertainment Pvt Ltd’ is a new company set up by Vinay Anand, younger brother of music director Anand Raaj Anand and remix expert Harry Anand. Vinay will produce the film jointly with Poonam Khubani who is a partner in ‘Telebrands’.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Vinay explained the name given to his company. “The success of my elder brother’s Anand Raaj Anand’s Kaante and Harry Anand’s remix Kaanta Laga, during the biggest recession period of the audio market, inspired the name.”
Aryan was launched at Riverdale Studio in Mahim on Sunday evening. The film stars Sohail Khan, newcomer Sneha Ullal, Inder Kumar (the guy who replaced Amarr Upadhyay as Mihir Virani in Balaji telefilms’ flagship Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi before Ronit Bose Roy stepped into his shoes), Gulshan Grover, Farida Jalal, Satish Shah, Supriya Karnik, Master Ehsaan Chandna and Kapil Dev in a special appearance.
The mahurat shot was filmed on an interview of Kapil Dev by Sohail Khan. In the interview, Dev (who plays himself) explains that one needs to be madly passionate about his/her goals in life if he/she want to make it big in this world.
Balaji Telefilms chairman Jeetendra and daughter Ekta Kapoor, the creative head of the company were present on the occasion. Jetendra gave the mahurat clap. The film has been written and will be directed by Jeetendra’s nephew Abhishek Kapoor who has earlier had a failed stint as an actor.
The director volunteered a little about the film. “It is based on boxing. Sohail wants to make it as a boxer but loses his focus along the way. He goes on to become a television anchor. This interview re-inspires and recharges him and puts him back on track.”
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, soon after the mahurat shot, Hiten Israni (‘Telebrands’, Director) said, “Anand Raaj Anand came up with this idea and we quite liked it. He introduced me to Gattu, who had the script ready. His narration was quite live. I thought I was seeing the film. We joined hands.”
Israni was not hesitant to reveal his future plans as well as the budget decisions taken with respect to his company’s new agenda. “We want to make many more films in the future. Our future track will not depend on the fate of this film. We are sure about implementing our decisions. Also, we at ‘Telebrands’ want to have a full fledged production house which will churn out soaps, thrillers, talk shows, chat shows and game shows on television. In fact, we have already shot a pilot for a soap which has gone for approval to a channel. I don’t think we’ll have much problem with the channels. Our tele-shopping programme is telecast on nearly 40 channels. We have a good equation with most of them. On date, we have thought of investing close to five million dollars,” he revealed.
Quite charged up about his new venture, Israni concluded on a spirited note, “I discount the theory that I am taking a risk in today’s times because most films are falling flat at the turnstiles. In a sense, every business is a risk.”
Aryan is being planned for a Diwali 2004 release.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
