Patriotism and the theme of independence dominate the small-screen during the August 15 weekend. Channels have lined up an array of shows soaked in the patriotic fervour. Star Plus has an Independence Day special programme Rang De India -Azaadi Ki Young Tarang that celebrates the youthful spirit of freedom. A song and dance event performed by TV actors, it will carry relevant messages pertaining to social issues, interspersed within acts as reminders to people about the vast glory and culture of the country. Kiran Bedi, Ronit Roy, Harshad Chopda, Karan Patel, Aamir-Sanjeeda and Deven Bhojani among others will be doing various acts. The highlight of this event will be cricketer Sreesanth dancing with Mandira Bedi. The show will be aired between 1 and 3 pm. This will be followed by the telecast of Aamir Khan starrer Rang De Basanti. Challengers and winners of Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar come together to pay a tribute to the martyrs of the freedom struggle. Rahul Vaidya, Abhijeet Sawant, Harshit, Amit Sana and Prajakta Shukre will be rendering patriotic numbers. The theme of Aajaa Mahi Vay is a tribute to the spirit of Independence. Amul Star Voice Of India is shooting an Independence Day special on August 11 to be aired on Independence Day at 10 pm.
Bindaas channel has come up with a unique flag distribution initiative Be A Bindass Indian…Fly The Flag! for the D-Day. Issued in National interest, the channel is all set to kick off an on-air and web promotion inviting viewers to request their flag via sms or web. The flags have been made by a government authorised flag maker and are specially made to adorn one’s room or to be hoisted from the window. Bindass will also be distributing the official flags do’s and don’ts with each flag. Says Zarina Mehta, CEO UTV, “Today’s Indian youth is intensely patriotic and proud to be Indian and this mirrors the Brand Bindass values of being Fun, Fearless and valuing freedom.”
Zee Cinema is celebrating the spirit of freedom with a two-day festival of films Maze Ki Azadi on August 14 and 15. The channel has lined up a slew of patriotic films to be telecast back-to-back. Movies like Krantiveer , Gadar-Ek Prem Katha, Tirangaa, 23rd March 1931, Shaheed, Karma and Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyon will stir up patriotism. Says Mohan Gopinath, Business Head, Zee Cinema, “Maze Ki Azadi allows viewers to foresee an ideal society, free from corruption and terrorism, and hence enjoy the freedom in every sense. Our entire programming concept is to bring together diverse stories portraying a common message - towards a fair social and political system.”
UTV Movies is premiering the Hrithik-Aishwarya starrer Jodhaa Akbar at 11 am with exclusive unseen footage from the movie. The footage, spanning 34 minutes that was not there in the theatrical release will be introduced by director Ashutosh Gowariker after the movie ends. The channel has also conceptualised a contest around the movie -“Azeem-O-Shaan Mulaqaat Contest”. Viewers can participate in the contest during the telecast of the movie and the winners will get to meet Ashutosh Gowariker in person.
World Movies will be showcasing Hindi films for the first time on the channel between August 11-15 too as part of spirit of independence Titled Taste of India the special includes films like Life In A Metro, Raincoat, Pinjar; King Of Bollywood and The Terrorist.
Dilshad Master, COO, UTV Entertainment Television Ltd, says, “We felt that the Independence Day week is the ideal opportunity to showcase Indian movies on the channel.”
Of brothers and sisters
Shubham of Woh Rehnewali Mehlon Ki was feeling disappointed that he would not be able to celebrate rakhsha bandhan that falls on August 16 with his sister as she lives in the U.S. So, he was touched when his reel life sister -Neha tied a rakhi to him. Now the duo has bonded big time.
Romance filmi style
Remember Rishi Kapoor showering his beloved Sridevi with rose petals from a helicopter in Chandni? That was literally the height of romance, the Yash Chopra way. Then there’s Kajol getting wet in Fanaa and singing the sensuous Kuch khwaish hai with Aamir Khan. Now, two serials on Star Plus have adapted these scenes to depict romance. Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat shot a romantic scene between Anjali Abrol(Rani) and Kapil Nirmal(Yudhistir). No, the hero here doesn’t shower his heroine with roses, but takes her on a helicopter ride. In another serial Bidaai, a rain sequence on the Fanaa song Dekho na has been picturised on Sara Khan, Angad and Kinshuk. Incidentally, Bidaai is the top-rated serial on the channel.
