Star Plus bags Best Entertainment Channel Award

Mumbai, October 14th, 2011: STAR Plus, India’s No 1 Hindi Entertainment Channel, has been adjudged the best in its class at the prestigious CNBC Story Board Awaaz Awards 2011. 

STAR Plus topped viewers' choice in a pan-India survey of over 5,500 viewers in the country. According to the survey conducted by CNBC Awaaz and AC Nielsen in the run up to the awards, STAR Plus emerged a clear leader with maximum viewership in the country and was voted as “The Most Recommended Television Channel of the Year” in the Entertainment Category. 

“Viewers are at the core of STAR Plus’s content. They are the force that drives us to constantly raise benchmarks with shows that set a social agenda, while simultaneously improving on the viewing experience through HD channels and Apps that make content available on-the-move," Nitin Vaidya, Business Head, Hindi Channels, STAR India said, thrilled by the recognition. He added: "To be voted as the most favorite channel is a huge compliment and an honor. We, at STAR, are humbled at receiving the CNBC Story Board Awaaz Awards 2011." 

The channels refreshed brand philosophy “Rishta Wahi, Soch Nayi” (adopted in June 2010) is not just a tag line but the operating brand philosophy which is best expressed through the actions of its progressive protagonists. These iconic women characters, reflects India, what’s changing and what’s reassuringly remaining the same.  Post the adoption of the same Star launched a series of new shows like Navya, Is Pyar ko kya naam doon, Gulaal, Ek hazaro main meri behena hai most recently.STAR Plus continues to seek to inspire and entertain through strong and stirring content that reflects and propels India forward in its path to fulfillment. It is this vision that has made STAR Plus the leading Entertainment Channel in India, touching the lives of 300 MM viewers a week and earning the place as the most loved channel brand for viewers. 

STAR Plus, STAR India Pvt ltd.'s flagship channel, reaches more than 300 mn viewers weekly. The channel has redefined the Hindi GEC space by retaining its leadership position in the Hindi GEC space for more than a decade and introduced innovations like HD recently, consolidated its position as the leading Hindi broadcaster in India. With discerning and distinct fiction content, iconic characters, unparalleled non-fiction formats & events to its credit, STAR Plus continues to set the agenda for the Hindi Entertainment genre in India.

The Rangmunch Team congratulates Star Plus on winning this prestigious award and hopes they continue to entertain their fans in a similar manner in the years to come.

Edited by,

Niharika Vidya Sagar

Rangmunch.TV

Narendra Jha "Living The Character "

The character of Baapji  in “ Hawan “ on Colors essayed by Narendra Jha  has become the turning point for the actor himself.The story of Hawan  revolves around the undying faith  and relationship between a devotee and God  which has the audience hooked from the start. The actor who chants “ Hari Om” on the show says “To get a chance to play Baapji was like a miracle in itself .I have personally been through numerous experiences in life where my faith has been restored  and made me realise what complete surrender to  bhakti means.I never thought I would be potraying such a strong character”

“Hawan “ is not only a religious  show but  a show which revolves around the basic word called “ Faith “.No matter what one ‘s belief is , the thread which connects him or her to the supreme power is faith. Narendra  Jha is doing full justice to the role as he is living the character beautifully.He has gotten  into the skin of the role and is enjoying it thoroughly.In real life Jha , has turned complete vegetarian.

The show which is produced by RAJAN SHAHI not only deals with the religious issues but is a family drama which focuses on inter-personal relationship , subtle romance and everyday life nuances.

Keep watching the show  as it will take you on a journey which is full of life’s little surprises.

Edited by

Navyanka ( Rangmunch.tv)

Aghaaz….A New Beginning!!

In yesterday's episode, the last scene of Kuch Toh Log Kahenge not only surprised me as a viewer, but also gave way to a new beginning both in the life of Dr. Ashutosh and Dr. Nidhi.

Dr. Ashutosh was aware of the fact that Nidhi was not keen on being a Doctor, even though he believed that she had the potential to be one. However, yesterday when she finally put forth her decision, one could see Dr. Ashutosh’s disappointment. Even though he probably had anticipated this moment, but deep down his heart he wanted Dr. Mallika’s words to come true. He wanted Dr. Nidhi to be a "Survivor" and was hoping against the hope. Even before Dr. Nidhi gave away her decision, one could notice the angst on his face. Even though his expressions were very subtle, they still managed to convey the multitude of emotions that dwelt in his sub-conscious. On the other hand, Dr. Nidhi tried to look confident and happy with her decision but with a heavy heart.

Sometimes from nowhere a stranger walks into our lives and even before we realize, he or she becomes an integral part of our being. This so-called stranger not only gives our lives a new meaning but also becomes very close to our heart. 

While Dr. Mallika and Anji both notices the subtle changes in Dr. Ashutosh and Nidhi’s behavior, will they both realise how much they have started to affect each other unknowingly? Will Dr. Nidhi’s step to quit, invoke those emotions in the stonehearted Dr. Ashutosh, who has shut himself off from experiencing them? Will this decision prove to be the turning point in Dr. Nidhi's life?

In order to find answers to all the above questions, tune in to catch this unconventional love story of Dr. Ashutosh and Dr. Nidhi, every Monday to Friday at 8pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.


Swati Ghosh
Rangmunch.TV

Flying International, First Class!

Castle, NCIS, Burn Notice, Criminal Minds, Bones, CSI, Law & Order, How I met your mother, recent additions Terra Nova, Necessary Roughness, Melissa & Joey, and many many more – the list of International shows is long, with a variety and depth that promises to appease one and all. These international shows are currently showing on a television near you. Switch it on, any time of the day or night and you will most assuredly be sinking into your couch, clutching your remote and wallowing in one or more of these shows. I will bet my hard-earned money you will be returning for more, religiously, every single day, for a date with your favorite shows. I am also willing to bet that most of you reading this already have your list of favorites. 

I have too. My journey through International shows, like many of you, began quite early. I have been hooked onto international shows for as long as I can remember. I welcomed the advent of television into my home in the late ‘80s and discovered it through shows like 'The Bold and the Beautiful' and 'Santa Barbara' in the early 90’s. Don’t blame me!  Options were almost non-existent then :-) The Australian show, Neighbours caught my attention too and since then there has been no looking back. 

Who can forget the crackling swordplay of romantic tension between the leads in shows like ‘Moonlighting’ and ‘Remington Steele’ or for that matter, the spooky yet mystifying ‘X Files’? While ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’, ‘Home Improvement’, ‘My Family’ and ‘Ally McBeal’ tickled our funny bones and acted as stress busters in our otherwise taxing lives, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, and ‘Angel’ kept us glued to the television sets to experience the world of vampires, demons, and angels.

Reality shows like ‘American Idol’ and ‘So you think you can dance’ introduced me to a culture other than my own and opened up a whole new world right there in my living room. ‘Friends’ enthralled me for ten mesmerizing seasons and even today, it’s re-runs on various channels still holds me captive and that is by no means a small feat!

When I look back, the nostalgia associated with all the shows that have been part of my growing up years is extremely overwhelming. I had connected with each of these shows at different levels; they were instrumental in shaping my outlook towards life. I am still growing up by the way and I still get a lot more than a few laughs, sighs, and some tears from the shows I watch now. 

When the world is fitting in to your computer, it does not come as a surprise that there are those deeply in love and impatient for the next dose of their favourite shows who catch it online. Computer screens become their television and the mouse a remote. There is an exhaustive list of international shows that have been and are still running on our television sets. There is also a world of phenomenal shows that unfortunately have not made it to our Indian screens and we at Rangmunch will endeavour to present them to you so you don’t miss out on Quality television viewing experience.

We need more than one article to reminisce about those gone by and rejoice those we are currently watching. 

I will be here to do just that – to rewind, pause, and play, to create a platform never seen before, a rangmunch, where we can exchange our views, discuss current tracks, drool over a Nathan Fillion or a Gabrielle Anwar to our hearts content, even have a healthy fight as to our likes and dislikes about a show. I’m pretty much throwing open the floor for my fellow international show-enthusiasts. 

Here in Rangmunch, what you want is what you get! 

The content above is solely my view and anyone willing to discuss, analyze, criticize, refute, disagree, or even crucify me over this, are more than welcome to do so by leaving a comment below. Lekin zara pyaar se! :-) After all, if you have taken time out to read this, we ARE on the same side – a side that loves watching shows that transcend invisible borders. Therefore, my dear friends drop in a line and set the ball rolling.....

Your new best friend

Neeraja Unni

Rangmunch.TV

When Marriage becomes your full time ambition: Dia aur Baati Hum

A cruel twist of fate, snatched her parents away from Sandhya and to make matters worse, her brother got her married off to Suraj who is not educated in Dia aur Baati Hum on StarPlus. Sandhya finds herself in a household where everything is not only new  and different, but totally unlike what she had expected. Fortunately for her, the feelers we get from this story, show signs of Suraj perhaps understanding what she wants to do with her life. Sandhya wants to be an IPS(Indian Police Service) officer and her dreams have now been cut short.

She has now landed herself in a scenario where she is at the mercy of a man, and his family that would not allow her to follow her dreams. Sandhya is perhaps lucky that Suraj has only shown signs of understanding and cooperation so far. But is this going to continue forever? Would Suraj who has always dreamt of having a simple sweet married life, be able to accommodate Sandhya's ambitions or even understand them? We know how close Suraj is to his mother who means the world to him. Will she take a decision in Sandhya's favor? From whatever we have already seen, we know she Bhabo, doesnt expect the daughter-in-law of the household to step out of their home. 

Will Sandhya's dream be cut short? Is this the story of many women today, who want to do something with their life, but fail to due to the various odds around them? Told through the POV of a rural set, with a strong message as the backbone, don't women in the city today relate to Sandhya? 

Rangmunch.TV would like to know. Do share your views on the same. We all know Sandhya should tell her husband what she feels, but what is that way, that would keep all parties involved happy.

Niharika Vidya Sagar

Rangmunch.TV

I, Me, Myself! - Harshad Chopra

We are back again this week, with our I, Me, Myself! A segment where your favourite actors look into their psyche and answer some questions that they haven't perhaps asked themselves as well in a while !!! The star we have picked this time is Harshad Chopra, your Mohan Gala from Dharampatni on Imagine TV, who answered the questions spontaneously as he felt that's when he gives in his best ! Over to Harshad... 

1. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: What is that you need to change about yourself?

   
   

   Harshad: I think I am very hard on myself. I follow a very strict discipline 

   when it comes to me and myself. May be if there is one thing that I need to 

   change it could be that.

   
   

   
   

   Rangmunch.TV: Do you crib and complain?

   
   

   Harshad: No, I don’t complain much.

   
   
   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: Do you take risks?

   
   
   Harshad: What seems like a risk to others has fortunately not been a risk in

   my case. Risks have always worked in my favour. So I don’t know, if it 

   counts as taking risks since, when you want to do something badly following 

   the path you want and doing it becomes easier.

   
   

   
   

   Rangmunch.TV: Do you thank people enough?

   
   

   Harshad: Yes, I do.
   
   
   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: What is the craziest thing you want to do?

   
   

   Harshad: I can’t tell you what is the craziest thing I want to do, but I can 

   tell you what's the craziest thing I have done so far, (continues after a 

   slight pause and says) I stole something and the person is still unaware.
   
   

   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: Who has had the greatest impact on your life?

   
   

   Harshad: Somewhere at the back of my mind I always knew I wanted to 

   be an actor. And a lot of people have impacted me, but if I can think of one 

   name it would be Salman Khan. I look upto him as my Mentor.

   
   

   
   

   Rangmunch.TV: Do you procrastinate (postpone things for the future)?

   
   

   Harshad: Well more than often (laughs). Infact there was a time when due 

   to the work timings, my bill payments use to keep getting delayed, be it my 

   mobile bill, the internet bill but thanks to technology and online bill 

   payments which has made life so much more simpler and easy for people 

   like us. 

   
   
   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: Do you let other people’s negativity effect you?

   
   

   Harshad: No, instead I have heard most people say, that I end up lifting 

   their moods up and turning them into positive souls (laughs).
   
   

   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: Do you smile more than you frown?

   
   

   Harshad: Well as you can see for yourself, I do smile more than I frown.

   (smiles wide)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: Do you take time out for yourself?

   
   

   Harshad: To be honest I am a workaholic and when I am not shooting I like 

   to stay home. I am not a party animal and hence you will not see me 

   attending too many parties. After my pack up, I go back home and spend the 

   remaining hours with myself. I love working out and I owe that time to 

   myself. 

   
   
   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: Do you forgive yourself easily?

   
   
   Harshad: No, I am very hard on myself and self-discipline is most important 

   to me.

   
   
   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: Do you listen to your heart?

   
   

   Harshad: Since more than often I am unable to know the difference between 

   what my heart says and what my head does, I don’t know how to answer 

   this question best.

   
   

   
   

   Rangmunch.TV: Do you read enough?

   
   

   Harshad: (laughs and says) I only read my scripts.

   
   

   
   

   Rangmunch.TV: One thing you are grateful for in life.

   
   

   Harshad: Everything!! I am grateful for everything that life has bestowed 

   upon me.

   
   

   
   

   Do you feel you know Harshad better after this read ? Do let us know what 

   you thought about this particular interview!

   
   

   
   

   Interviewed and Edited by,

   
   

   Niharika Vidya Sagar &

   Swati Ghosh

   Rangmunch.TV

Its Kabaddi Kabaddi time on D3

Channel V's Dil Dosti Dance is a show about dancers , but it tells the story of people from different walks of life studying under one roof. In the latest track, the students of St.Louis college have been challenged by their new mentor Karan Mallik (Karan Singh Grover), to a kabaddi match. He has split the teams into two, much to their dislike with pairings that have not been well accepted. While it would be interesting to see the teams plan out their strategy and try to out do one another, it would be interesting to see how this match changes things for the students.

As we already know, Karan has stepped into the college to mend the ways of the students and has realized there is loads of hidden unrest and hostility between the members. Karan was even seen giving the boys tips to win over the girls and get close to them in the process. On the other hand, Sharon refuses to accept Bharat as a  part of their team stating he is low class and a mechanic.

It is pretty evident why Karan, has picked a game like Kabaddi. He feels this game would help everyone come close and work as a team and perhaps work towards a common goal of winning the match. With loads of thrill, romance and anticipation in store, this match is certainly one to look forward to. 

Will Kria and Rey come closer during the match? Will Sharon be able to accept Bharat in the same team and become a little more understanding towards him? Will Karan sir, succeed in achieving what he plans to to? The man will decide answer many such questions! Like they say, may the best man win !

Niharika Vidya Sagar

Rangmunch.TV