Idea Star Singer Season-6 Contestants Photos

This List is Incomplete

Kalpana Won Idea Star Singer Season-5 Title

24/09/2011, Saturday: Kalpana won Idea Star Singer Season 5 title. She got a villa worth rupees 1crore sponsored by Travancore builders. Mridula from Calicut was the first runner up and she got 15lakh worth gold sponsored by Josco Groups. Emmanual from Trivandrum was in the second runner up and he got 7.5 lakh worth gold sponsored by Bhima Jewelry. Antony from Alapuzha was the third runner up and he got 5 lakh rupees sponsored by Ayur Care Ayurved. Akhil from Palakad was in the 5th place and he got 2lakh rupees sponsored by Grand Kerala Shopping Festival. Antony also got a special prize worth rupees 5lakh sponsored by Snehaveedu (Ashirvad Films).

The judging panel in the grand finale was MG Srikumar, KS Chithra, Sharath and Anuradha Sriram.

The first prize was announced by Padmasree KJ Yesudas, Second prize was announced by the famous actor Prithyraj and the third prize was announced by famous dancer and film actress Lakshmi Gopalaswami.

Mr.Anas AS Managing director of Travancore Builders and Mr. James director of Travancore Builders, Idea cellular limited chief officer Mr. Binu Varghees, Asianet Communication Limited managing Director Mr. K Madhavan, business head of Asianet communication Limited Mr. Jhon Brittas and Ayur Care Ayurved managing Director Mr. Mahesh were also presented on the occasion 

Abatis and Malavika: Favourite Round

Courtesy: Asianet

Discovery Launched its Tamil Channel

Discovery has launched its 24 hour Tamil channel on August 15, 2011. It is the first regional language channel of Discovery in India. After the launch of the Tamil channel discovery has stopped its Tamil feed. The channel would be distributed through One Alliance (a distribution joint venture between Discovery and Multi Screen Media) and would be available on both the analog and digital platforms. It will provide customized content to Tamil viewers, including shows on wildlife, science, technology; history and investigations. The viewership size of Tamils justified launching a separate channel, said Mr.Johri (Senior Vice-President and General Manager (South Asia), Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific). Discovery operates seven channels in India currently. The channel is expected to beam in 10 million households to begin with and will be priced at Rs 5.35 in conditional access system areas, Rs 8 in digital or direct-to-home and Rs 16.05 in non-CAS systems. While cable operators have come on board, discussions with DTH operators are going on, said Mr. Johri.

The Channel is transmitting through Intelsat 7/10 at 68.5 degree east.

Sony Bought ETV Channels

Multi screen India which runs Sony channels in India bought 11 ETV regional channel of Ushodaya Enterprises. Ushodaya Enterprises was a joint venture between Ramoji rau and JM Financial. 64% shares of Ushodaya Enterprises were hold by Ramoji Rao and 36% shares were hold by JM Enterprises. Multi Screen Media bought 11 ETV channels for 2600 crore rupees. It contains seven regional language channels and four Hindi channels. This deal is considered as the largest media deal in India. ETV runs a 24 hour Telugu news channel, ETV2, which will not be sold to Sony.    Now 100% shares of Ushodaya Enterprises have hold by Ramoji group.  Now Enadu, a major daily news paper in Telugu language, ETV2 the 24 hour news channel in Telugu and Priya Foods a food making company are the companies under Ushodaya Enterprises. Sony TV, Sab TV, Set Max,Sony Pix, AXN and Animax are the other channels under Multi Screen India group. By this deal Sony can enter in the regional television market in India. Star TV and Zee Television are the main rival of Sony TV in the regional television market.

Super Star-The Ultimate Starts on Sept 26 at 7PM on Amrita TV

Amrita TV's musical reality show,''Super Star-The Ultimate'' which opened on Sept 26(Mon-Fri 7 pm) has become the focus of viewer interest, since it has become a platform for a galaxy of eminent musicians to join hands to create a memorable viewer experience .

It is for the first time that playback maestro, P.Jayachandran is appearing as a permanent judge  on television .Known for numerous evergreen songs over the decades, the maestro's musical insight, breadth of knowledge and stately presence has been acknowledged by fellow judges and contestants as something unique.

 Joining Jayachandran in the ultimate jury-mentor  panel is noted music composer, Sharreth, known for his wit and wisdom in talent hunt programs, and whose many songs have been hummable hits. 


A special feature of ''Super Star'' is the constant on-screen and off-screen presence of well-known musician, Palakkad Sreeram, who acts as Mentor to the contestants. Besides intensive backstage grooming and mentoring of every contestant, Sreeram also appears on every episode of the show, along with the judges providing points and counterpoints after each performance 


Adding verve and energy to the show is the inimitable singer, Rimi Tomy, and also acts as a stress-buster for contestants, in a highly competitive show, which is billed as the ultimate in all respects --be it the jury or set design or program format. 

Mounted on one of Asia's largest shoot floors at Chitranjali ,Trivandrum, the show, for the first time in  Indian television history, pioneers a 360-degree set covering 10,000 sq ft, along with innovations like  Video Walls, Mirror Museum and a dazzling lighted stage resembling a musical Disneyland Amrita TV ''Super Star-The Ultimate''is an hourly show, Monday to Friday at 7 pm.

 By

Smitha Sivaji

Zee Café Introduces a 'Big' Love Story with New Show, Mike & Molly

Zee Café is all set to showcase a new American sitcom, Mike & Molly.  The show will hit Zee Café screens on Sept 14th, Tuesday @ 11:00 pm. Set in Chicago, Illinois, the series follows two people, Mike Biggs (Billy Gardell), a police officer who wants to shed some pounds, and Molly Flynn (Melissa McCarthy), a fourth-grade teacher wanting to embrace her curves, who meet at an Overeaters Anonymous group and become an unlikely pair. MIKE & MOLLY is a love story. It's about two people, ordinary yet extraordinary, who have always protected themselves and relied on their ability to laugh through life. Now, with the help of each other -- and the Overeaters Anonymous meeting where they met -- they are learning to open up and trust one another. But falling in love is no easy task, especially when surrounded by friends and family who are just a little too close -- and a little too opinionated. However, they also have to deal with the comments, jokes, and criticism from Mike's fast-talking partner Carl McMillan (Reno Wilson) and his witty sarcastic mother Peggy (Rondi Reed), Molly's slim, promiscuous sister Victoria (Katy Mixon) and nymphomaniac mother Joyce (Swoosie Kurtz), Samuel (Nyambi Nyambi), a Senegalese waiter at the officers' favourite restaurant, and Vince, Molly's mother's boyfriend, with a smart tongue. Mike also gets some dating advice from Carl's grandmother Nana (Cleo King).

Mike & Molly have claimed 2011 Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series - Melissa McCarthy - and was nominated for People's Choice Award Favourite New TV Comedy. In addition to the endearing performances of Bill Gardell as Mike and Melissa McCarthy as Molly, Swoosie Kurtz has received delightful reviews as Molly's thin mom who enjoys devil's food cake while trying to persuade her weight-challenged daughter that she's 'just big boned'. Reno Wilson also turns in an excellent performance as Mike's protective cop partner.

From the hilarious minds of Two and a Half Men's Mark Roberts and Chuck Lorre, this multi-camera romantic comedy gets down to the nitty gritty of what it means for Mike, an affable police officer, and Molly, a smart and cheerful teacher, to start a relationship amongst all the disruptions and chaos that befall two good-natured people just trying to find a little slice of happiness.

Tune in: Premieres Sept 14th, Monday -  Friday @ 11:00 pm only on Zee Café.

Courtesy: Zee Television

Zee Telugu Wins 3 Andhra Pradesh State Nandi T.V. Film Awards for the Year 2010 Fil

The Nandi awards are one of the most prominent award ceremonies for Telugu Films, Theater and Television. These awards were declared at a function on Sep 13, Tuesday, and it brought some good news to Zee Telugu. This year Zee Telugu has won 3 prestigious Nandi awards.


Bathuku Jatka Bandi won the award for the Best TV Feature. The great news is that Zee Telugu bagged both the Best Male and the Best Female Anchor awards this year, Mr. Pradeep from Gadasari Atta Sogasari Kodalu won the award for the Best Male Anchor and Mrs. Sumalatha won the award for the Best Female Anchor for Bathuku Jatka Bandi.


Pleased at the results, Anuradha, Business Head, Zee Telugu said "It's always nice when a show gets appreciated, but post winning prestigious Nandi awards, the entire team here is filled with joy and is exited to get a few more back home next year"

Courtesy: Zee Television

TAJ Television Limited Awarded Broadcast Rights

ESPN STAR Sports, Asia's No. 1 Sports Broadcaster and the global commercial rights holder of the Nokia Champions League T20 has awarded the broadcast rights for Nokia Champions League Twenty20 to TAJ Television Limited on TEN Sports, Pakistan.

Ten Sports, Pakistan will be telecasting all the matches LIVE and Exclusive. Some of the world's top T20 players will be competing in this tournament from 19th September to 9th October.

Taj Television Limited, CEO Atul Pande said, "We are extremely happy acquire the rights for one of the most fascinating T20 League in the world. Top cricket clubs from around the world, comprising of top rated T20 players will compete in this month-long tournament. Ten Sports will be telecasting all the 29 matches LIVE and Exclusive for viewers in Pakistan."

Said Anurag Dahiya, ESPN STAR Sports' Senior Vice President, Corporate Development/Cricket Rights: "We are delighted to partner Ten Sports to showcase the Nokia Champions League Twenty20 in a passionate cricketing nation and major powerhouse in the sport. Cricket fans in Pakistan can look forward to our world-class production and presentation package, having lined-up many innovative production initiatives and our specialist commentary team of international cricketing legends and experts from top cricket-playing nations for all the matches."
ESPN STAR Sports' coverage of the Nokia Champions League Twenty20 includes a stellar line-up of cricket experts that includes Harsha Bhogle, Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Kepler Wessels, HD Ackerman, Ian Chappell, Tom Moody, Ian Bishop and Alan Wilkins. 
The start of the main tournament will be preceded by a qualifier for the first time from which three teams will progress to the main round to compete with seven others. The qualifiers will be held in Hyderabad between September 19 and 21, while the main tournament will be spread across three cities - Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata. 

The main tournament will start from 23rd September and ends with final on 9th October in Chennai.

Courtesy: Zee Television

Angel TV Migrates to Intelsat-17(IS-17) from Insat 2e

Super Dancer Junior Session-4 on Amrita TV

Season 4 of the Super Dancer  Junior series, Amrita TV’s star-rated, giga-watt entertainer launches  to great expectations and enthusiastic fanfare on Monday, September 26^th .  It will provide absorbing fare in the high profile, peak time slot of 8 pm from Monday through Friday.

Super Dancer Junior-3, the previous season of the dance reality show for  pre adolescents and teenyboppers in the 10-15 age group, which had warm plaudits and ardent applause escorting its every round, has just wound up to thunderous ovation from its viewers.

In the Grand Finale marked by eye-popping dancers from its finalists, Fida who held all the trumps threw the rest of the competitors into the shade, to be anointed with the crown and title.

Super Dancer Junior-3 had yet  to reach its half way mark when, twinkle toed hopefuls started  jostling for audition berths in the next generation in the series.

Even before Season 3 had settled into history and the audience could start feeling a twinge of nostalgia at the end of a favourite show, Super Dancer Junior turned the page and slid smoothly into the next season, to start a fresh chapter.

17 adorable scene stealers are ready backstage, groomed by Amrita TV, to turn in

live- wire performances week after week.

Sudha Chandran who has become the very soul of Super Dancer with her jaw dropping costumes, snappy retorts, verbal banter  and ‘expressive’ reactions will be officiating in her third successive series as permanent judge. Shanthi Master ,one of the divas of the South Indian film choreography who provided an ideal foil to Sudha ‘s witticisms with her digs and theatrical interplays, keeps her company on the panel.

The gorgeous Sheha, herself a Super Dancer discovery, will continue to anchor the show and lend added glamour to the show.

The pioneer in the  dance reality show genre which has raised the bar with each outing, Super Dancer Junior is readying to continue with its seasons in the sun in edition 4. 

Sahara Firangi is Now Available on DD Direct Plus Platform

Sahara Firangi, the general entertainment channel from the stable of Sahara Media and Entertainment, is now available as a free to air channel on “DD Direct Plus” DTH platform. It is an encrypted channel in C band. By adding on DD Direct Plus the channel can reach 9 million houses across India.

The parameters of Sahara Firangi are given below

Satellite: Insat 4B at 93.5 degree east

LNB Frequency: 9750

TP Frequency: 11491

Polarization: Vertical

Symbol Rate: 27500

Format: Mpeg-2
Related Post:Sahara Firangi

Kaumudy TV Test Transmission Started

Kaumudy TV is a new general entertainment Malayalam television channel from the stable of Kerala Kaumudy news paper. Kerala Kaumady is a daily news paper in Malayalam language. Kaumudy TVs trail transmission is available now through Insat 2 e at 83 degree east. It is a free to air channel and transmitting on Mpeg-4 format. To receive this channel it must have an Mpeg-4 digital satellite receiver.

Technical parameters of this channel are given below

Satellite: Insat 2 e at 83 degree east

LNB Frequency: 5150

TP Frequency: 3845

Symbol Rate: 26043

Polarization: Vertical

Format: Mpeg-4

Darshana TV(New Malayalam Channel) Test Transmission Started

Darshana TV is a new Malayalam entertainment and moral channel from Calicut, started its test transmission through Insat 2e. It is the first entertainment television channels from the Malabar region. It is a free to air channel in Mpeg-2 mode. So people who have a digital receiver can receive the signal of Darshana TV.

The technical parameters of Darshana TV are given below.

Satellite: Insat 2e at 83 degree east (wide beam)

LNB Frequency: 5150

TP Frequency: 3656

Symbol Rate: 13330

Polarization: Vertical

FEC: 7/8

Mode: Mpeg-2, FTA

Fida Ashref Won Super Dancer Junior-3 Title

Fida Ashref from Calicut won the “Super Dancer Junior-3” (a reality show on Amrita TV) title.  She got 5 lakh Indian rupees as cash prize. The first runner-up was Mithun from Bangalore and he got 2.5 lakh Indian rupees as cash prize. The third prize goes to Theertha from Dubai and she got 1.5 lakh Indian rupees as cash prize. The consolation prizes go to Shidin Das from Cochin and Surya from Varkala and each of them got 50000 Indian rupees as consolation prize. Parakat Jewlles were sponsored the cash prize. The famous choreographers Santhi master and Sudha Chandaran were the judges in the grand finale. Famous dancer and film actress Lakshmi Gopala Swami was the celebrity guest on the occasion. She announced the winners. Amrita TV GM of programs Mr. Anilkumar, GM of programs events Mr. Shibu Chakravarthy, Super Dancer Junior-3 producer Mr.Rajith, sponsors and promoters were also presented on the occasion.

The show is started on 3^rd March2011 with 16 contestants, including 5 boys and 11 girls.

AmritaTV’s Musical Concert at Dubai --A Tribute to a Maestro

In a gesture of deep respect to the departed genius and film lyricist Girish Puthencherry, Amrita TV is organizing, ‘’Harimuraleeravam’’, a musical tribute, in which the cream of Malayalam film fraternity gather together at Al Nasr Leisureland in Dubai on September 22nd for an evening of rapturous melody.

The artiste line-up for the concert includes renowned music composer M.Jayachandran, award-winning director,Shyamaprasad, veteran actor, Siddique and the vibrant generation of playback singers comprising Sujata, Madhu Balakrishnan, Gayatri and Sudeep Kumar- - with whom the late lyricist shared deep bonds of affection.

The concert format is designed to have all the artistes simultaneously on stage throughout the 3-hour program, performing and sharing anecdotes—thus creating a unique musical obeisance to the lyricist maestro by singing the best and most loved songs from his exquisite compositions.

‘’Harimuraleeravam’’ will be performed before an invited audience on September 22nd at 7 pm .Music enthusiasts in middle east interested in Passes for the concert can mail their Name, Official Address, Contact number to events@amritatv.com

Ramzan and Shifana: Favourite Round

Courtesy: Asianet

Amrita TV Pioneers 360-degree Perspective Set for ''Super Star-The Ultimate''

Amrita TV's musical reality extravaganza,''Super Star-The Ultimate'' is mounted on one of Asia's largest shoot floor at Chitranjali,Trivandrum,which for the first time in television history,introduces a 360-degree perspective set design, unlike the conventional 180-degree format used in TV shows. The set of ''Super Star-The Ultimate'' will pioneer Video Walls, Mirror Museum and a dazzling lighted stage sprawled over 10,000 square feet.

The mesmerizing spectacle is designed in such a way that the jury,contestants ,show audiences and television viewers will experience as if they are all integrated in a multi- dimensional globular vista ,which will be a frontrunner in Indian television history

The set designed by the creative team of Amrita TV, was executed by Sabu Sivan,prominent Set Designer. Says Sabu Sivan,'' Nobody in India has done a 360-degree ultimate set for a television show .Going beyond conventional material concepts, the Super Star's set speciality is the use of numerous giant mirrors with spectacular lighting ,which is unique. Normally mirrors are avoided, since they can result in multiple reflections. However, here Amrita has experimented with the novel idea of 'Reflect and Replicate' taking the set imagery to a deeper level, thereby magnifying the intensity of the visual experience''
It has taken over two months for Amrita TV to mount the innovative and majestic sets of ''Super Star-The Ultimate'',which will go on air from September 26, as an hourly show, Monday to Friday at 7 pm
Smitha Sivaji

Grand Finale Of Amrita TV’s ‘Super Dancer Junior-3’ LIVE on Sept 17

The curtains will come down on Amrita TV’s Super Dancer Junior-3, when the concluding act of the star show,  the Grand Finale, goes on air on September 17^th ,Saturday at 6.30 pm.

Ardent followers of the top-rated entertainer that laid the canon  for children’s dance reality shows, can experience the thrill of the end game at first hand, as the Finale will be beamed ‘Live’ across continents, over  the globe, to a world- wide audience.

Fida , Mithun, Shidin Das, Surya and Theertha, the fabulous final line-up, will joust in the pentagonal  tournament to settle the issue of who should be hailed as the next Junior Super Dancer.

Each competitor will have to take the stage for 3 rounds- a Solo Round that will focus the spotlight on each participant in turn; a Group Round to test how well they can synchronize their performance with others; a Combined boys  and girl’s Round which will facilitate instant comparisons.

The jury panel consists of South India’s dancing elite, household names who are bywords of professional excellence.  The two permanent judges,  Sudha Chadran the danseuse before whose iron determination even the Gods conceded defeat and Shanti Master, a top drawer choreographer who has guided star steps in over a 1000 movies,  will be joined by celebrity guest Lekshmi Gopalaswamy, an accomplished actress whose first priority has always been dancing.

Captivating celebrity performances from actor and ex-Super Dancer finalist, Shamna Kasim and other stars will sandwich the contestant dances and make the finale more gripping.

As the competition enters the home stretch and the participants prepare for a tight race, whose dreams will be short-circuited and whose fantasies fulfilled, can be checked out on Amrita TV at 6.30 pm on September 17 .

 By

Smitha Sivaji

Ramzan and Shifana Performance: Next Week

Don't Miss it!

Courtesy: Asianet

Priyadarshan and Mariya: Favourite Round

Courtesy: Asianet

Zee Khana Khazana hosted India’s first Food Styling Award 2011 in Mumbai

For the first time ever in the culinary history of India, came an award that sought to identify and reward the best looking dishes across categories. Zee Khana Khazana and Food and Nightlife Magazine presented Food styling awards 2011. And this time there was be no motor oil masquerading as barbeque sauce! ‘Dressed it up as you would eat it’ – with this theme, food styling here was all about using edible items to dress up that perfectly mouthwatering dish.

Food Styling Award 2011 was held on 31st August at Westin, The Garden City. The event marked the presence of guests spread across food connoisseurs, celebrity restauranteers; celebrity chefs, head honchos, hospitality industry et al. Entries were open only for the crème-de-la-crème of the Indian hospitality industry. The panel of jury comprised of Nikhil Chibb, Celebrity Chef and Restauranteer (Busaba), Salil Fadnis (Head Chef Sahara Star, Aamby Valley), Saba Ghaziani (India’s foremost food stylist) and Sushil Sharma (Hotel Manager, Westin, The Garden City).

Speaking on the occasion Anurag Bedi, Business Head - Zee Khana Khazana, said, “Food was always perceived as related to taste, however in the current scenario people also consider food plating as an important aspect. We are glad to add one more dimension to the world of food. An initiative like Food Styling Award 2011 is a step taken to encourage the styling aspect of food.”

Speaking on the occasion Sumit Goyal, Editor in Chief - Food and Nightlife Magazine, “Food Styling is something which is still at a very nascent stage in India compared to international F&B scene. Initiatives like these would surely put India and India's Chefs to the food styling map of the world.”

Saba Ghaziani (India’s foremost food sylist) said, “It is a serious competition on food styling. However, it also gives chefs an opportunity to showcase their creativity to a wider audience.”

Nikhil Chibb, Celebrity Chef and Restauranteer (Busaba) sharing his experience about the occasion said, “It was an interesting evening with a lot of talent on display. It was enriching and I think I learnt a thing or two myself about food styling…. I wish all the participants the very best….”

Winners of Food Styling Awards 2011 -  The  Most Stylish Beverage - Two One Two
Most Stylish Salad - Hilton
Most Stylish Starter (Indian) - Sahara Star
Most Stylish Starter (International) – Sahara Star
Most Stylish Curry - Westin
Most Stylish Continental Dish - J W Marriott
Most Stylish Dessert (International) - Novotel
Most Stylish Dessert (Indian) - J W Marriott
Most Stylish Entry, Viewers Choice Awards  – Novotel (Most Stylish Continental Dish)
Most Stylish Restaurant – Westin, The Garden City 

Courtesy: ZEE TV