Café Coffee Day launchesits flagship concept - ‘Coffee Day Square’ in Bandra

The launch wasgraced by popular actor and producer, Jackky Bhagnani

Mumbai, June 01, 2019– Café Coffee Daylaunches its flagship concept,Coffee Day SquareinMumbai at Carter Road, Bandra. This premium offering brings you a specially curated menu that perfectlycomplementsthe culinary evolutionof the people of the city,and further takes it to the next level. The Coffee Day Square was graced by popular actor and producer, Jackky Bhagnani.

With an assortment of indulgent and wellness offerings, handpicked coffee selections and a range of flavourful Indian, international and fusion delicacies,the Square promisesa true fine dining experience. It observes the highest standards of service andoffers a unique experienceto the customer. The café is visually and aesthetically appealing with a refined and minimalist design. The ambience is set in warm tones that is inviting to all coffee enthusiasts.

Whether you wish to relax with a morning coffee or dine more formally, whether it’s a heart-warming signature meal or a selection of sweet treats, whether it’s the hot sip or cold brews, Coffee Day Square is the ideal location for an exemplary global culinary treat in town.

About Café Coffee Day:

Café Coffee Day is India's largest café chain in terms of number of café outlets and operates through Coffee Day Global Limited (CDGL), a subsidiary of Coffee Day Enterprises Limited. Café Coffee Day has pioneered the coffee culture in the chained café segment in India and opened its first café in Bengaluru in 1996. Café Coffee Day’s menu ranges from a mix of hot and cold coffees and include several food options, desserts and pastries. In addition, Café Coffee Day brand merchandise and accessories such as coffee mugs, coffee machines, travel mugs, etc. are available at the cafés. Cafe Coffee Day, the largest café chain in India and the pioneer of the cafe culture in the country.

Honourable Shri Yogi Adityanathji to flag off Biking Queens 25 countries jaunt! Biking Queens to cross 25 countries!

~ Asia – Africa – Europe – London~

The unstoppable Biking Queensare yet again set to achieve another milestone post many remarkable ones. This time around, they will be setting their foot in 25 countries across four continents. The epic ride will commence on June 05, 2019 to strengthen the aura of ‘Women’s Pride’.

The all women biking group will begin the ride from India and end in London. The places covered along their journey are Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain and Morocco. Led by Ms. Sarika Mehta, Founder, Biking Queens will undertake the biking trip along with members of the group Jinal Shah and Rutali Shah covering over 25,000 kms in a span of 90 days in support of UN Women Silicon Groups Surat.

This much awaited trip will be flagged off in Varanasi by Honourable Shri Yogi Adityanathji, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and is likely to qualify for addition in the records books. This road route has been less travelled by bikers in the world. This expedition will be undertaken on KTM 390. The team is ready to brave all odds in the difficult terrains and the extreme climate of the different regions.

Speaking on the expedition, Ms. Sarika Mehta, “I am thrilled for this expedition. Every new journey is a testimonial of our strong will power and womanhood. I am proud to lead the Biking Queens and all the voyages undertaken till date. Our four member mission will be flagged off in Varanasi and pass various countries, streets, terrains, weather changes, and much more along the way. We are happy to receive all the support from the Government of India at all times. My team is physically and emotional prepared to take up the challenge and ace it in the best possible way. I am proud of my accomplishments. We are positive, fearless and embrace motorcycling like never before.”

The mission by the four brave women will encourage other women to come out and achieve what they always believe in. Women today are achieving milestones and will hold an important place in history in all sectors. Pushing the limits of the mean machines and endurance, Biking Queens will pull off a gripping 90 days led by Sarika Mehta. Along their journey, the brave women will meet many government officials and dignitaries of different countries.

Be a part of the most adventurous and courageous journey of womanhood with the Biking Queens.

About Dr. Sarika Mehta

Dr. Sarika Mehta (PhD in Behavior Science) and is a psychologist by profession and mountaineer and biker by passion. She is the first lady rider of Surat bikers club and 1^st iron butt record holder of Gujarat. She recently completed her expedition on Mt. Elbrus with family on 17^th June 2017.

She founded her own all women biking club, now known all over the country as Biking Queen. Is also known as the initiator of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Abhiyanin Surat. She received Gujarat Ratna Award 2017 for her contribution towards society.

She also received the prestigious Intertational Excellence Award 2017 in Sri Lanka, the award in recognition for her Professional Research Growth and was conferred jointly by SUNFO (Sri lanka United nations Organization and world peace diplomacy WPDO)

She is brand ambassador for traffic & safety awareness campaign in Surat, and also received the Mahila Ratna Award by the Gujarat Government in 2015. Was also interviewed for First Lady show and a small documentary was also made on Biking Queens. Also represented India in One World Peace Ride organized by WHO to promote awareness on road safety.

She has represented recently India in World Riders Meet in South Africa.

STEP inauguration photos-Schaeffler India

Schaeffler India inaugurates vocational training center at Hosur to support skill development.

CASIO launches CDP-S Digital Pianos

New digital pianos convince with a new sound and new keys in a particularly compact design

New Delhi, 30 May 2019 – CASIO India has introduced a brand-new series of high-quality digital pianos with evolution in sound, touch & design. CDP-S100, CDP-S150 & CDP-S350; are the successors of the highly successful CDP Series. Furthermore, CASIO is expanding its range of digital piano accessories – suitable for the new models.

Featuring a remarkably slim body, the new CDP-S series displays evolution in both its sound and keyboard and areultra-compact. Weighing in just below 11 Kgs, the CDP-S series features completely new sound samples & enhanced scaled hammer action keys packed in a very slim & stylish body. All Pianos in the CDP-S series areextremely portable and can be operated with batteries. Streamlined designs, powerful built-in speakers and many useful features make CDP-S series a great choice for any level of playing.

One can even connect the CDP-S series with Chordana Play for Piano smartphone application & change instrument settings, control the MIDI recorder, and develop techniques while learning MIDI songs with an intuitive piano roll that can even grade one’s playing. The new CDP-S series (only CDP-S150 & S350) also come with an optional three-pedal unit SP-34 (MRP: Rs 3,495/-) with half-damper functionality.

Feature Highlights:

CDP-S350 (MRP: Rs 49,995/-): A wide variety of 700 Tones & 200 Rhythms, Registration Memory (32 Setups),optional SP-34 three-pedal Unit, Music Presets, Auto Harmonize (12 types) & Arpeggiator (100 types), Lesson Feature with 152 Song Bank Tunes, Backlit LCD Screen,  Chordana Play for Piano Compatible, Duet Mode, MIDI Recorder, USB to Host & USB to Device along with 8W+8W, 2-Way Speaker System

CDP-S150 (MRP: Rs 39,995/-): New Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II Keys, 64 Note Polyphony, 10 Tones,Chordana Play for Piano Compatible, optional SP-34 three-pedal unit, a Duet Mode, Midi Recorder, USB to Host along with 8W+8W, 2-Way Speaker System

CDP-S100 (MRP: Rs 35,995/-): New Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II Keys, 64 Note Polyphony, 10 Tones, Audio IN feature, Chordana Play for Piano Compatible, USB to Host along with 8W+8W, 2-Way Speaker System

Accessories

With the optional CS-46P stand (MRP Rs. 4,495) the CDP-S Series quickly transform into practical standing models. The CDP-S350 & CDP-S150 can also be connected with the new three-pedal unit SP-34 (MRP Rs. 3,495).

Kiara Advani looks mesmerising in this Red outfit for an event in Bangalore

RummyCircle Concludes the Grand Rummy Championship 2019 with a Bang! or RummyCircle concludes GRC 2019 - a LIVE Rummy event in Grand Hyatt, Goa

Mumbai 30 May 2019: The Grand Rummy Championship (GRC) by RummyCircle was an extravagant Rummy affair that came to a close on 12th May. Mr. Rajesh S from Tamil Nadu was crowned as the ultimate champion, who took home the first prize of Rs. 50 Lakh!

Mr. Rajesh S. is presented his winning cheque

This year, GRC witnessed 3 LIVE tournaments: The GRC Grand Finale offering Rs. 1.25 Crore, The Big 20 offering Rs. 20 Lakh and The Big 10 offering Rs. 10 Lakh as the prize pool. All the finalists spent the weekend with an all-inclusive luxury stay at the Grand Hyatt, Goa & enjoyed the action-packed Rummy tournaments.

Mr. Rajesh S. who has been playing on RummyCircle since 2013 was completely enthralled with his win through 5 rounds in GRC & exclaimed, ‘’I’m very much happy. GRC 2019 is my first offline experience & I didn’t expect to win the 1st Prize of Rs. 50 Lakh. This is an amazing feeling. I’m blessed. This was also my first flight experience & I enjoyed it. This trip & tournament will be the highlight of my life.”

The same excitement was also shared by Mr. Jitendra Chavan from Thane, Maharashtra, who won Rs. 7.5 Lakh in the BIG 20 Tournament & Mr. Khemchand Harchandani from Bangalore, Karnataka, who won Rs. 2.5 Lakh in the BIG 10 Tournament.

One of the most prominent aspects was that a scoring software was used to calculate all scores, that did away with the possibility of manual errors completely.

This GRC was not only about playing Rummy LIVE with the best players in India but also about indulging in luxurious experiences, unlimited dinner & drinks in the heart of Goa.

3 Nights of Rummy Extravaganza

GRC witnessed exciting performances by celebrities like Benny Dayal, who set the stage on fire with some of the most iconic Bollywood & Tollywood songs. The other performance was the TRON act by the popular Illuminati Dance Group.

Benny Dayal performing on the GRC stage

The TRON act by Illuminati

GRC also witnessed a LIVE and exclusive My11Circle Grand Fantasy Contest (fantasy cricket game), where players could WIN from a prize pool of Rs. 1 Lakh, by entering for free. Players enjoyed this contest whilst cheering for their favourite IPL team to victory.

What more? RummyCircle also arranged a free Aquasail activity for all the GRC Finalists by the Bambolim Bay, Goa.

The Aquasailing activity by Bambolim Bay

As rightly put in by Bhavin Pandya, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Play Games24x7, “Grand Rummy Championship is setting new standards for rummy players. What’s special about this championship is that the best of players from India compete and enjoy high-level play across the board. I can say, that GRC is surely great for RummyCircle, however, it always puts the player first, giving them an awesome experience.”

Grand Rummy Championship is known for its action-packed games running through online mode and concluding it in a grand event along with its renowned VIP hospitality. All this comes packaged with amazing events and performances altogether providing a unique rummy gameplay experience.

To enjoy the best of online rummy, join RummyCircle and start playing rummy today. With the biggest of tournaments, events and cash prizes, this is the place for the best rummy experience.  

About Play Games24x7 Pvt. Ltd.

Launched in 2006, Play Games24x7 is an online desktop and mobile gaming platform that has leveraged technology to bring people an awesome experience by playing games that they have always loved and enjoyed. The very affable Indian card games, Teen Patti and Rummy that were restricted to the living room during the festivities, are now played every day at a competitive level in the limitless digital world. During the annual tournaments, winners have even walked away with sponsored trips abroad!

Backed by a strong technical support team, seamless payment gateways and, engaging user interface, Play Games24x7 launched RummyCircle on mobile and, the desktop and has seen millions of registrations, clearly indicating the role that technology has played in transforming the experience of playing card games. In the past, the company has also seen investment from Tiger Global Management, a leading hedge fund manager. Play Games24x7 launched Rummy on RummyCircle. My11Circle, the new fantasy cricket app is powered by RummyCircle. Further, Teen Patti, Rummy, Poker and Bet Cricket come under Ultimate Games banner and has recorded a cumulative forty million registrations and downloads for all the games put together.

Anveshi Jain to make her Bollywood debut - ‘घोस्ताना’ होगी अन्वेषी जैन की बॉलीवुड डेब्यू फ़िल्म

Gandi Baat famed Anveshi Jain is living her dream at present with back to back

web shows, regional films and now a Bollywood movie. The actress has recently signed her first Bollywood project with Arjun Singh Hada and Nitesh Piparekar’s home production ‘Maa entertainment House’ and shoot for the same will start from mid-June. Arjun and Nitesh are the youngest producers from Gujarat who have given few amazing hits in the past, says Anveshi.

Excited to step in the Hindi film industry, Jain says, “I am looking forward to ‘Ghostana’ for which the poster was launched in Ahmedabad and Gujarat last week. I can’t reveal much information about the project but it’s a horror comedy around a ghost and four men. I will be playing the central character of the ghost in this movie.”

The poster launch saw producers Arjun Singh Hada and Nitesh Piparekar, Director Kachhadia, and Anveshi Jain among others. Jain, who has lately wrapped up the shoot of her Gujarati film ‘G’ mentions how her director Mayur Kachhadia was so impressed with her performance that he signed Jain then and there for the next Bollywood project (Ghostana) that he was planning. Ghostana will be shot in a palace of Rajasthan.

गंदी बात फेम अभिनेत्री अन्वेशी जैन इस समय बैक टू बैक वेब शो, प्रादेशिक फिल्मो और अब बॉलीवुड फिल्म के साथ अपनी ड्रीम लाइफ जी रही है|अन्वेशी  ने हाल ही मेंअर्जुन सिंह हाड़ा और नितेश पिपारेकर के होम प्रोडक्शन ’मां एंटरटेनमेंट हाउस’ के साथ अपना पहला बॉलीवुड प्रोजेक्ट साइन किया है, जिसकी शूटिंग जून के मध्य से शुरूकी जाएगी। अन्वेशी जैन का कहना है, अर्जुन और नितेश गुजरात के सबसे कम उम्र के निर्माता हैं जिन्होंने बीते समय में कुछ अद्भुत हिट दिए हैं।

हिंदी फिल्म जगत में कदम रखने को लेकर उत्साहित अन्वेशी जैन ने कहा- "मैं घोस्ताना का बेसब्री से इंतज़ार कर रही हूं| जिसका पोस्टर पिछले हफ्ते ही अहमदाबाद औरगुजरात में लॉन्च किया गया है। मैं इस प्रोजेक्ट के बारे में ज्यादा तो नहीं बता सकती लेकिन यह एक भूत और चार पुरुषों के इर्द-गिर्द घूमती हुई एक डरावनी कॉमेडी है औरमैं इस फिल्म में भूत का केंद्रीय किरदार निभा रही हूं।”

पोस्टर लॉन्च में निर्माता अर्जुन सिंह हाड़ा, नितेश पिपारेकर, निर्देशक कछाड़िया और अन्वेशी जैन जैसे लोगो के सम्मुख समपर्ण हुआ। अन्वेशी, जिन्होंने हाल ही में अपनीगुजराती फिल्म 'जी’ की शूटिंग को निपटाया है, उन्होंने बताया कि कैसे उनके निर्देशक मयूर कछाड़िया अन्वेशी के प्रदर्शन से इतने प्रभावित हुए कि उन्होंने जैन को अपनेअगले बॉलीवुड प्रोजेक्ट (घोस्टाना) के लिए भी साइन कर लिया, जिसे लेकर वे काफी समय से प्लैनिंग कर रहे थे। घोस्टाना की शूटिंग राजस्थान के एक महल में की जाएगी।

Tobacco is the Most Common Cause of Lung Cancer: not only for smokers; Smoking Increases Chances of Lung Cancer by 40%

·        Lung cancer is the gravest form of tobacco-influenced disease that caused 67,795 new cases and contributed to the death of 63,475 people in India

·        Globally, an estimated 1,65,000 children die before the age of 5 due to lower respiratory infections caused by second-hand smoke

31 May 2019: Consumption of tobacco has been a cultural practice for a long time but it is only in past few decades that we have started becoming aware of its ill effects. It is one substance that respiratory diseases, the leading causes of death globally, and tobacco is a major risk factor. Smoking tobacco is the most common cause of lung cancer, causing roughly 1.2 million lung cancer deaths every year. Besides, tobacco is also responsible for other serious respiratory and lung diseases such as tuberculosis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).  Lung cancer is the gravest form of tobacco-influenced disease that caused 67,795 new cases and contributed to the death of 63,475 people in India. The mean age for contracting lung cancer in India is 54.6 years and most lung cancer patients are over 65 years. Men are 4.5 times more likely to contract lung cancer than women – the male : female ratio is 4.5:1. It increases progressively up to 51-60 years and varies with age and smoking status.

“India has a high incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and not to speak about oral and lung cancers. The major causal factor is consumption of tobacco. Approximately 22.73 percent (250 million) of the world’s 1.1 billion smokers live India. Smoking and chewing tobacco are the biggest contributors to lung and oral cancers. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), lung cancer accounts for one of the highest mortality rates among all cancers, with one out of five cancer deaths. Oral cancer accounts for over 30 percent of the reported cases of cancer, and with an age adjusted rate of 20 per 100,000, thus highly prevalent across the country. Cancer is not the only risk smokers face. Smoking also clogs the blood vessels, causing heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular diseases. According to a joint study by the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Project and WHO, it was reported that more than half of the smokers in India did not know that smoking causes strokes, and over a third didn’t know that it causes heart disease. This is highly worrying since tobacco use is responsible for over 10 percent of all deaths due to cardiovascular diseases. It makes no sense to nurture a habit where you spend money to shorten your life at best, and bring on a painful death at worst” said Mr Rajesh Ranjan Singh, Chief Operating Officer of Wadhwani Initiative for Sustainable Healthcare (WISH).

Globally, an estimated 1,65,000 children die before the age of 5 due to lower respiratory infections caused by second-hand smoke. Those who live on into adulthood continue to suffer the health consequences of second-hand smoke exposure, as frequent lower respiratory infections in early childhood significantly increase risk of developing COPD in adulthood.

“India is one of the hotbeds of tobacco-related diseases, facilitated by the large number of smokers. The smoke emanated from tobacco adds on to the existing high-level of pollution. Smoke caused by tobacco is a major source of indoor air pollution and is a very dangerous: it contains over 7,000 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer. For a smoker, 1 pack of cigarettes increases the chances of lung cancer up to 30 to 40 per cent while in those who are above 40 years of age, this increases to 60 to 100 per cent“ said Dr. Divesh Goyal, Consultant, Medical Oncology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur.

Apart from themselves, smokers caused an irreparable to the non-smokers around them who become the victim of passive smoking. Passive smoking, exposure to carcinogenic toxins like asbestos and radon, radiation and air pollutants are other causes of lung cancer. Though the number of women who smoke is lower than men in India, they often suffer due to second-hand smoking that adds on to the fossil fuel used for cooking and other heating needs. Second-hand smoking affects children, even an unborn one, and elderly the most.

The symptoms of lung cancer usually do not appear until the disease is fairly advanced and in a non-curable stage. Some of the most telling symptoms of lung cancer are cough, pain in the chest, shortness of breath, weight loss, blood in sputumand loss of appetite.

For diagnoses, doctors may suggest blood test, chest X-ray, positron emission tomography (PET scan), CT scan and biopsy. Depending on the results that shows the severity of the problem, treatment is usually done in 3 stages: while stage 1 mainly offers surgical removal of the cancerous cells, stages 2 and 3 include chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In stage 4, doctors suggest chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other treatments.

Schaeffler India inaugurates vocational training center at Hosur to support skill development

Schaeffler Technical Enhancement Program (STEP), an initiative under HOPE - Schaeffler India’s flagship CSR program
Mumbai, May 31, 2019 –Leading industrial and automotive supplier, Schaeffler India Limited (BSE: 505790, NSE: SCHAEFFLER) today inaugurated a fully operational vocational skill development training center at Hosur today. The center has been established to provide skill training in the fields of CNC Machining and Mechatronics training to the youth of the underprivileged sections of the society. The inauguration of this center is under a program called STEP (Schaeffler Technical Enhancement Program) which is run under the CSR umbrella HOPE. The program will be run by SkillSonics India Pvt Ltd, as the learning and implementation partner. 
The inaugural function took place at the STEP, Hosur training center in SIDCO industrial area in the presence of chief guest Dr. S.Prabhakar (I.A.S), Krishnagiri District Collector & Magistrate. The center was inaugurated by senior executives from Schaeffler India - Mr. Rakesh Jinsi, Director Schaeffler India Limited Board; Mr. Dharmesh Arora, CEO – Schaeffler India; Mr. Santanu Ghoshal, VP Human Resource- Schaeffler India and representatives from SkillSonics India Pvt Ltd. 
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Santanu Ghoshal, VP Human Resource- Schaeffler India, said: “STEP as a program has been designed to develop and empower the youth and their families from the underprivileged section of the society from the surrounding communities where Schaeffler operates. After establishing two centers in Pune, this is our third center under the STEP initiative, empowering students with technical skills with a focus on making them employable and self-reliant. Every individual should be provided with an opportunity to improve their lives by earning a living through hard work and dedication. Schaeffler strongly believes in giving back to society from where we have received, and STEP is a modest endeavor in that direction. “
32 students from the adjoining areas of Hosur have been enrolled for the 4-month course. Students are recommended and screened by recognized field workers from SkillSonics and NGO partner Aaradhana to ascertain the family background of the students. The selected candidates will get vocational training as recommended by the National Skill Development Corporation by the Ministry of Skill Development. 
Students will be provided certificates under NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) and SWISSMEM (optional and based on assessment) after successful completion of the training. Along with technical training, the curriculum will also provide communication and soft skills training to support the candidates for interview preparation process and final placements. 
About HOPE
Schaeffler India as a part of its CSR program has consolidated its activities and focus exclusively on a few core areas which will make a meaningful impact on the community and make a difference. HOPE is Schaeffler India’s umbrella initiative encompassing the values, vision and mission of the organization. Through this initiative Schaeffler India strives to contribute, to the motto \'सर्वेभवन्तुसुखिनः\' (May everyone be happy). It is derived from the four core areas of focus – Healthcare, Occupational skill, Preservation of national heritage, art & culture and Empowerment of society. Under HOPE, Schaeffler India runs a number of initiatives for the four focus areas.  
About Schaeffler India Limited (formerly FAG Bearings India Limited)
Schaeffler has been present in India for over 50 years. With 3 well known product brands LuK, INA and FAG, 4 manufacturing plants and 13 sales offices, Schaeffler has a significant presence in India. Schaeffler is among the largest Industrial and Automotive supplier with sales of INR 45.6 billion in 2018 and around 3,000 employees. The manufacturing plants in Maneja and Savli (Vadodara), produce a vast range of ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, spherical roller bearings and wheel bearings that are sold under the brand name of FAG. The plant at Talegaon near Pune, manufactures engine and powertrain components for front accessory drive system, chain drive systems, valve train, gear shift systems and a range of needle roller bearings and elements, under the brand INA. The fourth manufacturing location is based out of Hosur, producing a wide range of clutches and hydraulic clutch release systems for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles and tractors sold under the brand of LuK. Schaeffler also has the largest after-market networks serving the industrial and automotive customers. All of this is backed by dedicated engineering, research and development support based in India in support of product teams.
About Schaeffler Group
The Schaeffler Group is a globally active automotive and industrial supplier. By delivering high-precision components and systems in engine, transmission, and chassis applications, as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a large number of industrial applications, the Schaeffler Group is already shaping “Mobility for tomorrow” to a significant degree. The technology company generated sales of approximately 14.2 billion Euros in 2018.  With around 92,500 employees, Schaeffler is one of the world’s largest family companies and, with approximately 170 locations in over 50 countries, has a worldwide network of manufacturing locations, research and development facilities and sales companies.  With more than 2,400 patent registrations in 2018, Schaeffler is Germany’s second most innovative company according to the DPMA (German Patent and Trademark Office).

5 unknown facts about Applause Entertainment’s 'City of Dreams'

‘City of Dreams’ set in Mumbai against the backdrop of Indian politics and elections, traces the journey of two siblings - Poornima and Ashish Gaikwad - and their thirst for power. Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, the show features Priya Bapat, Siddharth Chandekar, Eijaz Khan, Atul Kulkarni and Sachin Pilgaonkar. Bringing together this group of talented actors, ‘City of Dreams’ is a story of extreme power, corruption and deceit.

With the binge-watch successfully streaming now, here are 5 unknown facts about the show:

1. This was one of the first show commissioned by Applause Entertainment

Applause Entertainment is developing quite a number of brilliant drama series lately. The Content Studio headed by the media pioneer Sameer Nair collaborated with ace director Nagesh Kukunoor, to helm this stellar political drama set in the modern-day backdrop of Mumbai – ‘City of Dreams’ in one of their earliest partnerships.

2. ‘City of Dreams’ - was initially a feature film script

Did you know, City of Dreams was initially titled ‘The Affair’ and was meant to be a feature film? The basic concept was to do a feature film but it was eventually converted into a series. According to the director, when the script was originally drafted, it had two-three intersecting storylines, so it was the easiest one to use for web series because we had the option of weaving multiple storylines in a single series. Applause Entertainment recently launched the political thriller ‘City of Dreams’ with Hotstar Specials.

3. Nagesh Kukunoor ventures into the web space with ‘City of Dreams’! This is also the first time Nagesh has shot primarily in Mumbai

Award winning Director-producer-writer Nagesh Kukunoor who is well known for his acclaimed films like Iqbal (2005), Dor (2006) and Dhanak (2016) has successfully ventured into the digital space with the political drama City of Dreams for his viewers. This is the first time he has tried to explore Mumbai through his lens. He directed every frame of the show himself and has also rejected several offers of being the showrunner for TV shows.

4. Eijaz Khan was a perfect fit for the character over many Bollywood A listers

The police force has been an inspiration to create blockbuster movies with lead actors playing the role of cops. Similarly, the role of Wasim Khan was scrutinized to have a Bollywood lead actor to play the role. But, Eijaz Khan happened to be the Wasim Khan Nagesh had in mind!

5. The opening drone sequence was shot on the same day Hillary Clinton was visiting Mumbai

With stringent rules and regulations in place for flying a drone, especially in Mumbai, shooting the opening scene posed to be a major challenge for the production team of ‘City of Dreams’. The sequence was shot at Marine Drive near the Oberoi Hotel on Saturday the 10th March 2018.  At the time of shoot, to make matters worse, Mumbai had the pleasure of witnessing American Politician and diplomat Hillary Clinton. Despite, there being heavy security and permission issues, the team managed to successfully shoot the enchanting sequence capturing the beauty of the ‘City of Dreams’.

Watch Applause Entertainment’s ‘City of Dreams’ now streaming on Hotstar.

About Applause Entertainment

Applause Entertainment Pvt Ltd is a Content & IP Creation Studio with a focus on films, digital series, television, animation, music and live events. The company focuses and invests in content creation and then partners with varied distribution platforms in an equitable manner to get its creative output to consumers globally. Applause Entertainment is a venture of the Aditya Birla Group - a US $43 billion Indian multinational conglomerate with an extraordinary workforce of over 120,000 employees and operations spanning 36 countries.

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Ducati announces its 3rd Dream tour in India for 2019

Video Link: Ducati Dream Tour - Incredible Spiti Valley in the Himalayas

• Ducati announces Dream Tour to Spiti Valley from 26^th August – 1^st September 2019
• Booking are currently available for INR 95,000 per rider (including taxes)

New Delhi, 31st May 2019: Luxury motorcycle brand, Ducati today announced its next Dream Tour of 2019 to the incredible Spiti Valley in association with Eagle Rider India and in partnership with Shell India, GoPro India, & Pirelli India. The ride is to be held from 26th August – 1st September 2019 offering a chance to experience the world’s most adventurous location and is open to all Ducati owners. The 7 day, one of a kind excursion will allow riders to ride across high-altitude passes, meandering bends, and rugged landscapes while riding their Ducati motorcycles on the most adrenaline-inducive tarmac in the world, living in some of the finest properties and experiencing one of the most exciting excursions that the region has to offer.

Spiti by far has one of the most challenging terrains along with ravishing lush green landscapes. The 8 day / 7-night excursion will allow riders to venture deep into the Great Himalayas - treat their eyes with stunning views of the snow-clad peaks, ride through the frozen streams and camp under the starry skies. Ducatisti, on this unique tour will witness the world’s highest fuel station, post office, an old monastery which houses a naturally preserved Mummy dating back to a few hundred years and visit the last inhabited village of India. The ride will be flagged off from Ducati Gurgaon and the riders will follow the Delhi - Shimla - Sangla - Tabo - Kaza - Nako - Theog - Delhi route.

Registrations for the Dream Tour are now open, and riders can book their slot for INR 95,000 (including 5% tax). In addition to this, previous Dream Tour participants and DOC members will be entitled to a flat discount of INR 10,000 on their bookings for the Dream tour to Spiti Valley. The Dream Tour will accommodate a maximum of 15 riders and will include all accommodations, food & beverage, support vehicles equipped with complete backup, medical aid, guest luggage space and a dedicated Ducati tech for any service and recovery.

Sergi Canovas, Managing Director of Ducati India, said “India has some of the best destinations to ride on and Spiti Valley amidst the mountains is a perfect blend of beauty and adventure. With every Dream Tour, we strive to raise the bar for our riders and provide them with unique experiences on their Ducatis. We are confident that the Dream Tour to the spellbinding Spiti Valley will be ideal for our riders to enhance their riding skills while exploring a rich culture, panoramic views, and sumptuous local cuisines.”

For DRE Dream Tours, Ducati India is also running a contest with GoPro wherein participants of the Dream Tours from 15th March to 31st December 2019 can submit a video shot on GoPro to the Ducati India team and the best video will win a GoPro Fusion Camera.

For more details, visit india.ducati.com.

Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. - A Sole Shareholder Company - A Company subject to the Management and Coordination activities of AUDI AG

Founded in 1926, since 1946 Ducati has been manufacturing sport-inspired motorcycles characterised by high-performance Desmodromic engines, innovative design and cutting-edge technology. With its factory located in Bologna’s Borgo Panigale district, in 2016 Ducati celebrated 90 years since it was founded. The model range covers several market segments with the following families: Diavel, Hypermotard, Monster, Multistrada, SuperSport and Panigale. In 2015 Ducati presented the Ducati Scrambler: a new brand made of bikes, accessories and apparel that provide the last word in creativity and self-expression. These authentic icons representing what the world knows as “Made in Italy”, together with an extensive range of associated accessories and technical and lifestyle apparel, are distributed in 90 countries globally. Breaking all records for the company, in 2017 Ducati delivered 55,871 bikes to customers. Ducati competes in both the World Superbike and MotoGP World Championships. In Superbike, Ducati has won 17 Manufacturers' titles and 14 Riders' titles. Ducati has been competing in MotoGP since 2003, winning both the Manufacturers' and Riders' titles in 2007.