Immediate Release - Governor Murphy Signs MOU with Producers Guild of India to Support BollywooGovernor Murphy Signs MOU with Producers Guild of India to Support Bollywood Film Production in New Jersey

Immediate Release - Governor Murphy Signs MOU with Producers Guild of India to Support Bollywood Governor Murphy Signs MOU with Producers Guild of India to Support Bollywood Film Production in New Jersey The partnership will further cement New Jersey as the premier film and television destination; New Jersey offers one of the most attractive tax incentive programs in the U.S. for television and filmmakers Mumbai, India -- The State of New Jersey, Choose New Jersey, New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission and the Producers Guild of India today signed a memorandum of understanding to further enhance their mutual relationship and facilitate the shooting of Indian films in New Jersey. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the MOU on behalf of New Jersey in order to bolster New Jersey’s film industry, which received a boost through the Governor’s Film Tax Credit Program. New Jersey offers one of the most attractive incentive programs in the country for television and filmmakers including a 2% diversity tax credit bonus. “There is a natural partnership waiting to be uncovered between New Jersey and Bollywood,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Our state has a diverse population and unrivalled geography that keeps us at the top of the list for film production. We are proud to be one of the host locations – alongside Los Angeles – of the International Gujarati Film Festival, proving that New Jersey provides a tremendous value that can favorably compete and win against any other U.S. location.” The MOU focuses on idea sharing as well as best practices on film production and promotion. It will also assist the Producers Guild of India (PGI) with the production of films and other cinematic content including location scouting and support for Bollywood film production in New Jersey. “Today’s announcement facilitates an exciting new relationship for producers in India and motivates us to bring more of our productions to New Jersey,” said Siddharth Roy Kapur, President, Producers Guild of India. “We look forward to bringing more Indian movies to the scenic Garden State in the years ahead.” PGI is the premier film, television and digital content producers’ body that represents the most important producers of audio-visual content in Bollywood. Established in 1954 by industry veterans, PGI assumes various roles including development of film, television and new media production sector in India by working with the Indian government and stakeholders on critical industry challenges please visit www.producersguildindia.com “Through this collaboration with one of the world’s largest film industries, New Jersey is further staking its claim as the premier location for film and television production,” said Jose Lozano, President & CEO of Choose New Jersey. “The partnership we are starting today will help New Jersey attract more producers and film crews, helping grow our economy and attract top-talent to our state.” The New Jersey Economic Development Authority helps attract television and filmmakers to the state through the New Jersey Film Tax Credit. New Jersey’s robust film tax credit equals 30 percent of qualified film production expenses, or 35 percent of qualified film production expenses incurred for services performed and tangible person property purchased through vendors whose primary business is located in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer or Salem County. For eligibility criteria please visit www.njeda.com/filmdigitalmediataxcredit. “Attracting investment in high-wage, high-growth sectors such as film and digital media is a critical component of Governor Murphy’s plan for a stronger, fairer New Jersey economy,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “New Jersey’s global connectivity, deep talent pool, and diverse array of cities, suburbs, and rural areas make it an ideal location for film productions and the Film Tax Credit further enhances our value proposition. We are excited to work with PGI to bring more Indian productions to New Jersey.” New Jersey has attracted several high-profile films through this program such as “JOKER,” a film starring Joaquin Phoenix that examines the iconic Batman villain’s origins, as well as Steven Spielberg-directed screen adaptation of “West Side Story.” The films utilize New Jersey’s most diverse cities of Newark and Paterson. About Choose New Jersey Choose New Jersey, Inc. is a privately funded non-profit economic development organization charged with encouraging and nurturing economic growth throughout New Jersey. The organization offers companies that locate or expand their operations in the State a variety of complimentary services including market intelligence, site visits, State assistance information and connections to a wide range of public

ABU DHABI T10 & SONY PICTURES NETWORKS INDIA TO CAPTURE MASSIVE GLOBAL AUDIENCE SONY SIX & SONY TEN 3 CHANNELS TO BROADCAST ALL 29 MATCHES TO AUDIENCE OF 700 MILLIONICC WORLD CUP-WINNING CAPTAIN EOIN MORGAN AND INDIA SUPERSTAR ZAHEER KHAN ON HAND AT STAR-STUDDED LAUNCH CEREMONY IN MUMBAI

Shaji Ul Mulk’s, ABU DHABI T10 league owner and innovator & SONY PICTURES NETWORKS INDIA TO CAPTURE MASSIVE GLOBAL AUDIENCE SONY SIX & SONY TEN 3 CHANNELS TO BROADCAST ALL 29 MATCHES TO AUDIENCE OF 700 MILLION ICC WORLD CUP-WINNING CAPTAIN EOIN MORGAN AND INDIA SUPERSTAR ZAHEER KHAN ON HAND AT STAR-STUDDED LAUNCH CEREMONY IN MUMBAI

ABU DHABI T10 & SONY PICTURES NETWORKS INDIA TO CAPTURE MASSIVE GLOBAL AUDIENCE SONY SIX & SONY TEN 3 CHANNELS TO BROADCAST ALL 29 MATCHES TO AUDIENCE OF 700 MILLIONICC WORLD CUP-WINNING CAPTAIN EOIN MORGAN AND INDIA SUPERSTAR ZAHEER KHAN ON HAND AT STAR-STUDDED LAUNCH CEREMONY IN MUMBAI

Mumbai, 23 September 2019: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has joined with Abu Dhabi T10 as their official broadcast partner for the third consecutive year, to bring the unique cricket extravaganza to a worldwide viewership of nearly a billion fans. 


All twenty-nine Abu Dhabi T10 matches will be telecast live on Sony Pictures Network India’s massive viewer base of 700 million on Sony Six and Sony Ten 3 channels. In addition to this, SonyLIV and Jio will allow another 300 million viewers to live-stream the tournament on their mobile phones through their OTT platforms, bumping potential viewership numbers for the event to truly astronomical levels.

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Distribution and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “ Cricket dominates the viewership in India and our aim is to serve the interests of our viewers. The T10 League is extremely engaging and its fast-paced format has attracted a loyal following across demographics since its inaugural edition on Sony Pictures Networks in 2017. The T10 League is considered the latest avatar of the most-watched sport in the country and this edition awaits a higher degree of thrill and excitement with the inclusion of some of the biggest names in the sport.”

The move comes as the next strategic step in positioning the Abu Dhabi T10 franchise as a truly world-class sporting spectacle, after moving to the United Arab Emirates capital and forging key partnerships with local government entities there. 

The prime mover behind the deal and the originator of the only ICC-sanctioned ten-over cricket league in the world, T10 Sports Management Chairman Shaji Ul Mulk, spoke glowingly about the significance of ten-over cricket and the new broadcast partnership:“

This is a very fast format and I’m sure children will take a liking towards the league. It is like watching a football match, the action is over in 90 minutes and there is a lot of drama and entertainment. It is the next big thing in the world of cricket. As the format gathers more fans, we want to make sure that no one is left disappointed and so we have partnered with Sony Pictures Networks India and Jio to telecast the cricket extravaganza live on their platforms.” 

In addition to its massive subscriber base, Sony Pictures Networks India brings broadcast expertise and strong credentials to its part of the deal. The network is the premier destination for cricket in India, with rights to eight international cricket boards including England and Wales Cricket Board and was also the official broadcaster of the recently concluded Ashes.

On Monday, Sony representatives and Abu Dhabi T10 officials mingled with celebrities and cricket superstars to celebrate the partnership deal. England’s World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan and former India speedster Zaheer Khan were on hand as official ambassadors for the Abu Dhabi T10 which is set to kick off from 14 November 2019 to 24 November 2019 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in the UAE capital. 

Morgan spoke of the shift in perception with the new deal and the move to Abu Dhabi: “More people are watching because it’s a faster game and we’re playing in a city that loves to do things big. Big stars, big audiences, big action on the pitch. And players love playing in Abu Dhabi because it represents an audience that loves one-of-a-kind entertainments. That’s T10 in a nutshell.”

 For this year’s Abu Dhabi T10, eight teams will face each another in 29 action-packed matches across 10 days. The star-studded line-up of international cricket talent shines a light on the game’s global appeal, with the likes of Australian icons Shane Watson and Cameron White, West Indians Darren Sammy, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, and Dwayne Bravo; Sri Lankan duo Angelo Matthews and pacer Lasith Malinga; and Afghanistan’s Mohammad Shahzad and Rashid Khan all set to participate in November.

The global appeal of cricket and the attraction of Abu Dhabi as a travel and sporting destination create a winning formula for local government stakeholders, as well, including the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Sports Council, according to CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket, Matthew Boucher: “This media agreement is truly unique, broadcasting the destination of Abu Dhabi to over 700 million homes in India via 6 of the most renowned television and streaming channels in India. Together with the Department of Culture & Tourism Abu Dhabi, we are thrilled to be partnering with Sony Pictures Network to amplify the Abu Dhabi T10 broadcast so comprehensively into one of our key source tourism markets.”

With potential viewership numbers approaching those of elite global sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics, some have speculated that the T10 format may play a key role in taking cricket to the Olympics as an official competitive sport.  

Former Indian pacer, Zaheer Khan, said, “The success of Abu Dhabi T10 can lead to greater things for cricket. As more people enjoy the game live or on TV, this can lead to greater development and the spread of cricket to other non-traditional countries.”    

During the first season of the league Kerala Knights were crowned as champions while second season saw Northern Warriors come out on top. This year withs.   more international stars coming intol the league, fans can expect more entertainment on the field with the level of cricket set to improve manifold

 About Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) 

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation, Japan.

SPN has several channels including Sony Entertainment Television (SET and SET HD), one of India's leading Hindi general entertainment television channels; MAX, India's premium Hindi movies and special events channel; MAX 2, another Hindi movie channel showcasing great India Cinema; MAX HD, a high definition Hindi movie channel airing premium quality films; WAH, the FTA channel for Hindi movies; SAB and SAB HD the family-oriented Hindi comedy entertainment channels; PAL, a genre leader in rural Hindi speaking markets (HSM) showcasing the best of Hindi general entertainment and Hindi movies from SPN’s content library; PIX and PIX HD, the English movie channels; AXN and AXN HD, the channels showcasing the best in Reality, Entertainment and Drama; Sony BBC Earth and Sony BBC Earth HD, the premium factual entertainment channels, Sony AATH, the Bangla entertainment channel; MIX a refreshing Hindi music channel; YAY!, the kids entertainment channel; sports entertainment channels – SONY SIX, SONY SIX HD, SONY ESPN, SONY ESPN HD, SONY TEN 1,  SONY TEN 1 HD, SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 2 HD, SONY TEN 3, SONY TEN 3 HD; Sony मराठी, the Marathi general entertainment channel; SonyLIV - the digital entertainment VOD platform; SPN Productions, the networks’ film production arm and Studio NEXT the independent production venture for original content and IPs for TV and digital media. SPN reaches out to over 700 million viewers in India and is available in 167 countries.

The network is recognized as an employer of choice within and outside the media industry. SPN is a recipient of several awards, including the ‘Aon Best Employers India’ Award in recognition of SPN’s unique workplace culture and exceptional people practices, consistently ranking amongst India’s Top 10 Companies with Best Health & Wellness Practices by SHRM & CGP Partners, listed by Working Mother & AVTAR as one of the 100 Best Companies for Women in India and adjudged one of India’s Great Workplaces by the Great Place to Work® Institute. Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited is in its 24th year of operations in India. It has a subsidiary, MSM-Worldwide Factual Media Private Limited and an affiliate, Bangla Entertainment Private Limited in India.

For more information, log onto www.sonypicturesnetworks.com

Regards,

Parul Chawla

Picture N Kraft

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Email Id: parul@picturenkraft.com  

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Experience Pure Divinity and Bliss with 'Gayatri Mantra' & 'Krishna Beej Mantra' by the Living Legend & "Sangeet Martand", as Pandit Jasraj launches two new devotional songs

Experience Pure Divinity and Bliss with 'Gayatri Mantra' & 'Krishna Beej Mantra' by the Living Legend & "Sangeet Martand", as Pandit Jasraj launches two new devotional songs 

Soaking in the festive spirit! Pandit Jasraj released two devotional musicals titled- 'Gayatri Mantra' & "Krishna Beej Mantra" .

“I chose to do this devotional album, it is something which is very close to my heart, it is a labor of love for all of us and comes straight from the heart,” says, Pandit Jasraj. No wonder connoisseurs hold Pandit Jasraj in high esteem for his immaculate standards of musical harmony, as his creativity symbolizes through his words and Bhajans.

He has been casting spells of mysticism. The singer & composer believes that compositions ought to be done with the objective of touching the audience with Gayatri mantra & Krishna Beej Mantra.

 On this Pandit, Jasrraj says, “ Both the mantras are not a mere collection of words. It is a compounded set of words pregnant with enormous significance. The vibrations produced by the utterance of the mantra, uniting with the cosmic nāda (primal sound) in the universe, become one with the Universal Consciousness”
Gayatri Mantra Credits : Singer: Pandit Jasraj; Music Director: Pandit Jasraj; Lyrics: Traditional; Director: Dilip Advani; Edit & Gfx: Nadeem Akhtar (Paperboyz Studioz)

Krishna Beej Mantra credits- Singer: Pandit Jasraj; Music Director: Pandit Jasraj; Lyrics: Traditional; Director: Dilip Advani; Edit & Gfx : Nadeem Akhtar (Paperboyz Studioz)

Soundarya Sharma was with the underprivileged kids for her birthday. She conducted a session on dental health and safety parameters. She also distributed toothpaste and brushes to end the session. It was in high spirits and it was lovely to see her with the young and beautiful souls as part of her birthday plan.

Soundarya Sharma was with the underprivileged kids for her birthday. She conducted a session on dental health and safety parameters. 

Announcement saw the presence of its members Debu Mukherjee ,Ayan Mukherjee ,Subbir Mukherjee ,Samrat Mukherjee ,Navnit Narayan and Mala Narayan,Sarkar ,Shivira Mukherjee ,Sharbani Mukherjee ,Shomu Mitra,Ranjeet Bhattacharya, Romita Das and Sujoy Das North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja being one of the oldest and biggest Durga Puja will be celebrating its 72nd year this year. The AC pandal serves 5000 devotees each day with the special bhog being made and served to all the visitors by the Mukherjee family personally and the committee members.  There will be performances by variety of renowned Bollywood artist in the evening including cultural and traditional. There will be stalls from all over the country exhibiting traditional sarees, outfits designer wear and authentic delicacies. Dhaki troupe specially comes from Kolkata to perform. Dhunuchi Dance & Sindur khela is the highlight The Footfall everyday is more than 5000.

 The festival of Durga Puja is colored with devotional zeal, mythological legends, detailed rituals, extravagant pandals and magnificent tableaus of the divine Mother Goddess coming with her children Ganesh, Kartik, Lakshmi and Saraswati from Kailash to Dharti (her parent's home). As the festival of Maa Durga is approaching, the members of North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti 2019 brings one of the oldest and the biggest Durga Puja in Mumbai to seek the blessings of Maa Durga.

The members of North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti 2019 unanimously believe “Our puja is well known as a "GHARUA PUJA" which means all are welcome to become a part of our puja family... we believe in serving Bhog to all who come to seek blessings of Maa Durga. Our members are actively involved in serving the Bhog.  These few days are days of bonding and celebrations amongst all of us, along with getting an opportunity to wear traditional attire .It is a Sarbojanin puja so all are welcome to be a part of this family. Durga Puja is one of the most important festivals of Bengali. Its an occasion where the family comes together and celebrates the festival. We have an AC pandal which is one of the largest pandal in Mumbai. We welcome each & everyone with open heart to seek the blessings of Maa"

Durga Puja is celebrated from Shasti to Bijoya Dashami

 MAHASHASHTI: On this day,  Maa is welcomed with much fanfare. In the evening, the Kulo is decorated with Paan, Sindur, Alta, Sheela (stone), Dhaan, etc..and amidst the beats of Dhaak and sound of Shaankh, Maa is welcomed...  This is called Amontron and Adhivas -Maa's Bodhon...Maa is being welcomed.

MAHASAPTAMI: On  this  day  the   Kalash (Earthen Pot) is  placed  with  a  green Coconut  and  Mango  Leaves .  This is surrounded on all sides by a red thread and tied. This is called KALASH STHAPAN. The Kalash is an earthen Pot because Maa's Murti is made of Ganga clay and Maa's PRAAN (or life) is concentrated in the Pot. So the Pot is the symbol of Maa.  The  Puja  starts  with  praying  to  Ganapati  ,  followed  by  prayers  to  Maa.  Another name of Maa Durga is NABA PATRIKA, which means nine trees i.e.Banana tree, Kochu tree, Haldi tree, Jayanti tree, Branch of Bel tree, Dalim tree ( pomegranate) are tied together. The double Bel fruit is tied to the Banana tree. This is then taken to a river bank or sea and given a bath. When it is brought back it is drapped in a white and red sari with sindur and it now looks like a married lady with her head covered. This is called KOLA BAHU. Many have a misconception that KOLA BAHU is wife of Ganapati but actually she is MaaDurga or Naba Patrika.. Ganapati's mother 

MAHA SNAN: On this day Maa Durga is given a bath. First a vessel is  placed  in front of the Murti; a mirror is kept in the vessel, so that the reflection of Maa is seen in the mirror. The   Priest applies Haldi and Mustard oil on the mirror, as though they are applying it on Maa before the bath. In earlier times  when there was no soap, haldi and mustard oil were used for  having bath. The Pujari puts different kinds of water, i.e. Coconut water, Chandan, Ganga jal, Sugar cane juice, water from seven holy seas to give her bath. During this time, mud from every region, as well as mud from Prostitute’s door is very essential. After bath the Pujari puts dhaan- durba and new sari with Maa’s name written on  the mirror which is then placed on the Bedi (the place of worship).

PRAN PRATISTHA: This  means bringing life into the mirror.  The Pujari takes Kusha and flowers in the right hand, and touches Maa from head to foot and with Mantra Path life is brought into the Murti, Mirror and Kalash.

MAHA AGAMAN: Every year Maa comes either on a Palki or an Elephant or a Boat or a Dola (Swing) , or a Horse etc. 

This Bengali year 1423, Goddess Durga's arrival on a horse significes, indicates the "bad horse"- The most destructive mood, hence all her path is trampled. The Goddess arrives & leaves the earth on the same vehicle, indicating natural calamities, social unrest and political 

upheavals. Maa Durga's agaman- is on the horse & gaman - on a horse. 

Welcome :

The puja to welcome Maa is done with 16 items- Ashan  Swagatam [ Welcome ], Paddyo [ Water  To  Wash The  Feet ], Argho, Achmoniyom, Madhu Parkam , Purnar Achmaniyam, Abharan [ Shringar], Sindoor, Gandha [ Scent ], Pushpa[ Flower],  Pushpa Mallya [ Garland] , Billo Patra [Bel Leaf] , Billopatra Mala[ Garland Of Bel Leaf], Dhoop,Deep, Kajal, Naibiddo, Bhog And Mishti [Sweet], Paan, Supari.

PUSHPANJALI [PRAYER OFFERING]: Puspanjali means offering prayers at Maa’s feet to give everyone long life, fame, good luck, health, wealth, happiness. The devotees request Maa to protect them from all evil, sadness, greed & temptations.

 PUSHPANJALI [PRAYER OFFERING]: Puspanjali means offering prayers at Maa’s feet to give everyone long life, fame, good luck, health, wealth, happiness. The devotees request Maa to protect them from all evil, sadness, greed & temptations.

MAHA ASHTAMI PUJA: Maa is now Maha Gauri- The Puja starts with Mahasnan & Maha gauri puja. The Puja is done to give Maa the strength of the 64 Yoginis. This is a Puja of 9 pots.Then the weapons of Maa are worshipped.

SHANDHI PUJA : This is the puja when Ashtami Puja ends and Navami Puja begins,so the name Shandhi puja. This is considered to be the most vital time, meeting (shandhi)of Ashtami and Navami  puja. The duration of this Puja is 45 minutes. At this moment  Maa is CHAMUNDA. 

Pushpanjali: Prayer offering

Bhog is offered which consists of fruits and sweets are offered to Maa, followed by  "NEET  BHOG" , consisting of  Rice, Ghee, Dal, Fried Vegetables, Chutney and Payesh.  This prasad  is later distributed amongst the devotees which is called KANGALI BHOJAN. 

At this time 108 diyas are lit and 108 lotus are offered to Maa. 

There is a famous story that Lord Ram prayed to Maa Durga offering 108 lotus at her feet in order to defeat Ravan. But to his surprise he found one lotus  missing , to replace it ,he wanted to sacrifice his eye and pray to Maa..at that moment Maa appeared in front of him and stopped him..returning the missing lotus to him.  She then blessed him for his " VICTORY". 

MAHA NAVAMI PUJA : On this day, Maa is SIDDHI DHATRI. This Puja starts with  Ganapati Puja and then puja of all the other DEV and DEVIS are performed..followed by Maha Snan of Maa.

BIJOYA DASHAMI:- On this day Maa had defeated and killed Mahishashur.

DEVI PUJA:- Bhog with curd, honey and milk is offered to Maa.. this is called CHARANAMRIT. The pujari sitting on the Asan takes a flower near the sacred pot and keeps it in the Northern direction because Maa is from KAILASH.

Then the  pujari takes the sacred mirror which was on the vessel and performs the ritual of Visharjan. This is the same mirror which was used to welcome Maa because her reflection is on the mirror

SINDUR  UTSAV: The married ladies apply sindur on Maa's  forehead and offer sweets after which all the other  ladies apply sindur on each other's forehead. This is followed by  KANAK ANJALI when Maa is departing back to her husband's abode. VISHARJAN:- During the Visharjan of the Murti, all the devotees either go to a river bank or sea and immerse the Murti in the water. SHANTI JAL: - The sacred pot is brought back from the river/sea filled with the water where the Murti is immersed. Then the pujari chants the Mantra and sprinkles water with the help of mango leaves on the head of all the devotees for peace and happiness. DASSERA: This is the day of rejoicement,where youngsters touch the feet of their elders seeking their blessings and sweets are distributed.  North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti  is the only Durga Puja Samiti which performs the visarjan with the help of  fork lift and  crane. The idols  are  lifted from the truck and then taken till the middle of the sea with the help of a crane .After the seven parikramas  are performed,they are then finally immersed one by one into the sea.

Soundarya sharma visits Spark-A-Change Foundation.

Soundarya Sharma visits Spark-A-Change Foundation.

 Soundarya Sharma was with the underprivileged kids for her birthday. She conducted a session on dental health and safety parameters. 

She also distributed toothpaste and brushes to end the session. 

It was in high spirits and it was lovely to see her with the young and beautiful souls as part of her birthday plan.

Thanks & Regards