Samsung SmartThings Connects People to the Things That Matter Most

 

• Samsung reveals new research demonstrating consumers’ latest desires for technology in the home
• 

Global – August 31, 2023: Samsung Electronics today showcased its latest innovations for the connected home. During its IFA 2023 press conference, the company highlighted its vision for SmartThings is to enable consumers across Europe to prioritise the topics they care about — from saving energy, increasing security and access to great entertainment to making their everyday lives more efficient. The ever-growing SmartThings ecosystem allows its 285 million users to adapt and personalise their homes to suit their needs, seamlessly connecting and controlling multiple appliances and devices via one app.

Samsung’s presence at IFA 2023 comes as the company shares new consumer research, conducted across Europe to understand evolving needs for technology in the home.¹

“Samsung is passionate about connecting our users to the people, places and pastimes that matter most to them,” said Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Europe. “We will continue to take advantage of the possibilities offered by the latest innovations in technology to make sure the SmartThings ecosystem grows and develops in a way that allows people to make even more of the connections that matter.”

Enhancing the At-Home Experience

The SmartThings app allows users to control their homes from anywhere, helping them to enjoy seamless entertainment as well as keeping them safe. Across Europe, our homes continue to be more important than ever as they play multiple roles each day — from offices to places for relaxation and entertainment. Seven in ten consumers (71%) agree that technology has a positive impact on their everyday living, including how they interact with their friends and family, how they conduct their chores and how they enjoy their hobbies.¹

Now, those with a passion for food can fully connect themselves to the joy of cooking and eating with Samsung Food, the new all-in-one app for recipe searching, saving and sharing, meal planning, cooking and grocery shopping. Announced at the press conference, Samsung Food is available in 104 countries and eight languages and puts the world’s food knowledge at users’ fingertips, empowering them to make the food, health and cooking decisions that are right for them. It also connects to users’ kitchens, instantly sending the right time and temperature to their compatible Samsung oven. With more than 160,000 recipes, there will always be something new to cook.

By the end of the year, using Food AI, Samsung Food will provide personalised recipes reflecting users’ dietary requirements, such as converting recipes into a vegan version in just a few taps. In a further enhancement due later this year, it will link with Samsung Health so tailored meal plans can be adapted to suit preferences and dietary requirements, as well as support users in reaching their health goals. In 2024, using Vision AI technology, Samsung Food will use photos taken of meals to check nutritional information, recognise ingredients and recommend the best recipes to use them in.

As the number one TV brand for 17 years in a row,² Samsung has an unrivalled commitment to entertainment. It has completed its super screen line up with the launch of the 98” Neo QLED 8K and 4K Q80C and plans to bring its full range of Micro LED screens to Europe by the end of the year, offering incredible contrast and jaw-dropping detail that places viewers in the middle of the action whether gaming or watching films.

To celebrate Disney’s 100^th anniversary, Samsung has announced the launch of The Frame — Disney100 Edition. Featuring an exclusive bezel in the Disney 100 signature platinum silver metal and a unique Mickey Mouse inspired Disney remote. It also comes with 100 pieces of iconic art from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel, Lucasfilm and National Geographic, as well as classic images of Mickey, Minnie, Woody, Cinderella and many others. Users can also display their family photos for a magical home environment.

Also announced at the press conference was the global launch of The Freestyle 2^nd Gen. This versatile, portable projector delivers a big screen experience wherever the user chooses — even on the ceiling. The Smart Edge Blending feature offers landscape and portrait screen experiences, meaning two Freestyle 2^nd Gen projectors can be paired to give a 160” panoramic and 120” vertical viewing experience. What is more, with complete access to the Samsung Gaming Hub, users of the Freestyle 2^nd Gen can enjoy the biggest games from Samsung’s streaming partners.

In partnership with Xbox and Bethesda Softworks, this now includes Starfield, the stunning, next-generation role-playing game set amongst the stars. Playable through the Samsung Gaming Hub with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, without the need for a console.

Taking Small Steps for Our Planet

Samsung is committed to developing products and services that help people save money and take steps towards a better planet. These topics are high on the agenda for consumers too, over three quarters (77%) say they seek out tech products that save energy — not only to save money, but for the benefit of the environment too.⁴ Two-thirds (67%) also consider it important that their next appliance can connect to an app that allows them to monitor and reduce their energy consumption.⁴

With energy prices increasing across Europe,³ 72% of those asked are concerned about the cost of running appliances in their home.⁴ To help combat this, SmartThings Energy can help users optimise the energy used across their appliances to suit their needs and lower usage. For example, AI Energy Mode in SmartThings Energy allows you to monitor and reduce your washing machine’s energy use by up to 70%⁵ by using Ecobubble to wash with cool water instead of warm.

Samsung has also partnered with global ocean conservation organisation Ocean Wise and apparel maker Patagonia to find solutions to the issue of microfiber shedding. The Less Microfiber™ Filter is an external washing machine filter that cuts up to 98% of microplastic emissions from laundry cycles.⁶ Speaking at IFA, Charlie Cox, Manager of Microplastic Solutions at Ocean Wise said, “Through our collaboration with Samsung and Patagonia, Ocean Wise is proud to have shown a way for industry to play its part in stemming the flow of microfibers into the ocean. Through innovations like the Less Microfiber™ Filter, we can empower individuals to reduce their microfiber footprint at home. It is a simple, everyday solution that our oceans will thank us for.”

Heating technologies like heat pumps represent a rapidly growing market, and Samsung is at the forefront of this growth. Its innovative smart air source heat pumps have seen an unprecedented 97% growth in sales since 2022.⁷ These work with domestic hot water tanks or with Samsung’s ClimateHub, to make your home comfortable all year round, whatever the weather. They can also connect to the SmartThings ecosystem, so their energy use can be monitored and tailored to the user’s preferred environment.⁸ The latest addition to its range of high temperature monobloc heat pump solutions, the EHS Mono R290, launches in September.

Samsung’s journey is constantly evolving as it aims to design technology that helps people make the most of their day while taking small steps to reduce our environmental impact. The Galaxy Z Flip5⁹ and Z Fold5¹⁰ and the Galaxy Tab S9 series¹¹ feature a variety of recycled materials, including recycled aluminium, glass and plastics sourced from ocean-bound discarded fishing nets, water barrels and PET bottles. Even the Galaxy Watch6 series incorporate post-consumer recycled plastics. All of these Galaxy innovations come in packaging boxes made using recycled paper material.¹²

Keeping Your Home Secure

Samsung understands the reassurance that smart technology can provide across the generations. Security was an emerging theme from the research conducted. Watching their home while they aren’t there (54%), feeling safer when home alone (39%) and keeping their family safe when they are out of the house (39%) are seen as the key safety benefits of smart technology.13

The SmartThings ecosystem includes a range of partners who are committed to helping people keep their homes and loved ones safe. This now includes Yale, a leading brand in home security. The Yale Linus® Smart Lock and the new Smart Opener for Gate & Garage enable doors and gates to be locked remotely via the app to ensure peace of mind for all family members.

Unlocking the Future Through Smart Technology

Samsung is invested in a future built around the possibilities that technology can unlock. One area it aims to make a difference is in making the technology for smart homes more easily available. The research shows a quarter of Europeans consider the inclusion of smart technology to be a key factor in the desirability of their next home and over three quarters of respondents said fully functional smart homes are appealing (77%).

Understanding this, Samsung is working to make these possibilities a reality and it believes in the power of collaboration when it comes to driving this vision forward. By partnering with ABB Smart Buildings and SMA, one of the world’s leading providers of photovoltaic and storage system technology, it hopes to connect people more closely to their homes by embedding the possibilities of smart technology into houses before they are bought. By integrating ABB and SMA products into SmartThings Energy, homes can become even safer, smarter and more sustainable. For example, the ability to run appliances at the optimum time, tracking energy use to adjust consumption based on energy prices and usage patterns and optimising energy use based on solar production.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems and memory, system LSI, foundry, and LED solutions. For latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN

MythPat, India’s leading gamertainment creator, Joins Forces with ACP Pradhuman for an Epic YouTube Video!

Popular TV show CID gets an influencer twist! YouTuber Mythpat recreates CID episode with ACP Pradhuman

CID making a comeback? What’s the tea behind this viral video

In a groundbreaking move, MythPat, the renowned gaming content creator, has teamed up with the legendary Shivaji Satam, popularly known as ACP Pradhuman from the iconic show CID. The result? An electrifying YouTube video that has set the internet ablaze with excitement!

In his latest venture, MythPat joined forces with none other than the enigmatic Shivaji Satam, known for his iconic portrayal of ACP Pradhuman. The video, already a sensation, has garnered a whopping 3 million+ views in just 3 days! Fans and enthusiasts alike have flooded the comments section with appreciation and excitement.

CID, the long-running Indian crime show, was a sensation that gripped the nation for decades. Aired from 1998 to 2018, the show followed the investigative journeys of ACP Pradhuman, played by the legendary Shivaji Satam, and his team. With its gripping narratives, suspenseful cases, and iconic "Daya, darwaza tod do" catchphrase, CID became a household name, leaving an indelible mark on Indian television history.

MythPat is one of the only creators to win Streamy's coveted "Creator of the Year" award in the International Category in the country. Experimentation has been the core of Mythpat’s journey, which led him to collaborate with creators of different niches.  In the past, he has collaborated with Bhuvam Bam, Techno Gamers aka Ujjwal Chaurasia, and many more. From humble beginnings to being a global sensation, Mythpat and his community continue to grow. MythPat currently has a fan base of 13.6M subscribers on YouTube!

This dynamic collaboration with Shivaji Satam is getting immense love and appreciation and is ready to break all records on the internet! Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X54EvXaxpRw

Five reasons to watch Mohit Raina and Anupam Kher starrer, The Freelancer!

It's time to embark on the biggest extraction mission of the year with Avinash Kamath (Mohit Raina) as he heads on a journey to save a young girl  held captive in a war-torn hostile environment of Syria. Disney+ Hotstar brings to you The Freelancer. Produced by Friday Storytellers, Creator, Showrunner, Neeraj Pandey and Directed by Bhav Dhulia, the series is set to release on September 1, 2023

Here are 5 reasons why you can’t miss this action-packed series: 

Mohit Raina as The Freelancer 

Mohit Raina effortlessly slips into the role of Avinash Kamath aka The Freelancer. In an avatar like never before, he is set to embark on a mission like no other. From protecting a promise he made to his friend, to planning his every move in style, Mohit Raina is sure to captivate your hearts with his phenomenal performance in the series as The Freelancer.

High octane thriller 

Based on the author Shrish Thorat’s ‘A Ticket to Syria’, The Freelancer is yet another differentiated, high-octane thriller series that will leave the audiences at the edge of their seats and nudge them with questions. From combat sequences to real weapons, The Freelancer entails it all.

A Neeraj Pandey special 

Creator and Showrunner Neeraj Pandey has time and again delivered path-breaking content and mind-bending thrillers that are sure to blow your mind. With The Freelancer, he yet again brings to audiences an unexpected storyline and a thriller, crafted to perfection.

The magical duo- Neeraj Pandey and Anupam Kher

After working together on many successful projects over the course of the last 15 years, the ultimate duo, Neeraj Pandey and Anupam Kher are back with The Freelancer to create magic and intrigue audiences, leaving them wanting for more. Their camaraderie is here to stay and Anupam Kher as Dr Khan is indeed essayed to perfection by the evergreen actor.

An Ensemble cast

Packaged with elements of action, thrill and the story of one man, as he embarks on a mission to save a young girl, The Freelancer brings to audiences an ensemble cast; with legendary actor Anupam Kher as Dr Khan, extremely talented Kashmira Pardeshi as the protagonist, Aliya alongside actors like John Kokken, Sushant Singh, Manjari Fadnnish and Sarah Jane Dias.

Witness the mission of  ‘The Freelancer’ to save Aliya, now streaming only on Disney+ Hotstar

Must leverage AI and enzyme-based technology to reduce the environmental footprint: Ashok Chaturvedi - Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, UFlex Group

 

Mumbai, 1^st September, 2023: At a keynote address at the 10th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit 2023, Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, UFlex Group, highlighted how technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and enzymatic processing can accelerate sustainable innovation in flexible packaging. 

The Elite Global Summit, being held at the prestigious Reliance Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, began on 31^st August, features discussions on the Indian economic landscape, current trends in the FMCG sector, and the impact on packaging.  

UFlex Group Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address at the inaugural session.

He reflected on the evolution of the plastics industry, stating, "Back in the 1960s, when chemical companies were developing large-scale plastic production facilities, they coined the slogan: If you want to save the planet, use plastic. We truly believe that today, if producers can reach consumers globally, it is possible only because of flexible packaging. Historically, when chemical companies were producing plastic in the 60s, they had to struggle with their selling proposition, and the production size used to be 1500 tons per year. Today, the production size has increased to a million tons per year. MLP (multi-layer plastic) as opposed to mono-material packaging, coupled with a robust recycling ecosystem and bio-enzyme technology will propel the industry to the next phase of growth”.

“Today, whatever we are producing needs to be recycled. At UFlex, we have made significant investments in industrial and MLP (multi-layer mixed plastic) waste recycling facilities across our global locations and very recently, in enzyme-based delamination and recycling technology for aseptic packaging. We should continue to focus on mechanical recycling. Chemical recycling may not be happening today but will happen in the future”, he added.

Mr. Chaturvedi reiterated the need to use machinery and AI to collect and sort waste rather than allowing waste workers to do that manually. “That is not the most effective or sustainable way of creating employment for the marginalized waste workers”, he emphasized. “Waste collection and adequate access to post-consumer waste is one of the biggest problems that we face in India. It is critical to recognize that it is not the process of recycling that presents the most significant hurdle in addressing plastic pollution. Rather, it is the efficient and holistic collection and management of plastic waste that emerges as the cornerstone of our battle”, he concluded.  

The event features specialized sessions dedicated to sustainability with panel discussions on the critical issues facing the industry with eminent speakers from the Central Pollution Control Board of India (CPCB), the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of the Government of India. 

The 10th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit 2023 included keynote addresses by Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, UFlex Group, Mr. Nilesh Shah, Group President & MD, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Co. Ltd., Mr. Prabh Das, Managing Director & CEO, HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd., Ms. Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd., ​and Mr. ​Harsh Mariwala, Founder and Chairman, Marico Ltd. It also showcases more than 100 exhibitors and a strong presence of most brand owners.

gradCapital launches a $6M fund to invest $40K into rebellious students with radical startup ideas

• Backed by key investors: CIIE, IIM-Ahmedabad, Alagu Periyannan, Ankur Warikoo, & Kanwal Rekhi. 

• Post-gradCapital cohort, 30% of companies raised an average follow-on of $600K

• Apart from a $6M fund, they also launched atomic fellowship: to give a $5000 no-strings-attached grant to students who want to work on engineering projects with potential to change human trajectory

National, 1st September  2023: gradCapital (gradcapital.in), started by BITS/ IIMA alums launched its second fund with a total fund size of $6M to invest in student startups.

gradCapital believes in students by offering a standard check: $40,000 for 4%, and funded students get to be part of a 4-week cohort in Bangalore where they meet the people who have made a dent in the world previously. Tarun Mehta (Co-founder, Ather Energy), Shashank (Co-founder, Razorpay), Kailash Nadh (CTO, Zerodha) - are some people who advice students in their cohort. 

Most companies raise their next round post gC cohort, and follow-on investors include Lightspeed & Rainmatter Capital.

They fund 20 teams a year and get around 3000 applications. Getting in is hard obviously, but it’s worth a shot.

In a statement about the fund launch, Abhishek, Co-founder & CEO said, “We are not in the business of finding and investing in deals, we are in the business of letting students be more ambitious and build a future, despite having a challenging education system. Being a student also has an unfair advantage: building with friends, not being scared of thinking big, and being scrappy/ fast with their project. How many experienced people can do that? It’s a systemic failure when ambitious students aren’t able to take off while in college, and they end up taking a job because of a loan and become too rational. After which, they are more likely to start a D2C company instead of a quantum computer, and we need more of the latter.”

gradCapital loves funding teams who have started companies from projects, especially science & engineering projects. They launched a grant program - Atomic Fellowship - where they want to distribute $5,000 grants to students with technical projects that have the potential of becoming companies. It’s supported by Emergent Ventures, which is backed by Peter Thiel. It will be run by Kshitij (Co-founder at Pixxel) and gradCapital. 

In 2021, gradCapital was started by 2 friends in the dorm too, at IIMA. Then, gradCapital conducted a cohort of 5 teams to help them get into YC, and Zepto was a part of it. gradCapital then raised a $1M fund to deploy into 18 companies, and the fund is running at ~2x its initial value within 18 months.
There are few stories that were part of gradCapital.

They believe that students will change the world, if they are supported at the right time. A small event of an outsider believing in them with money and faith, can permanently change their trajectory. This can snow-ball into them creating large companies where they keep moving forward and finding bigger backers.

Naman Pushp, founder of Airbound (airbound.co), was 16 (and in school) when gradCapital funded him with $25K. He had a computer simulation of the drone he wanted to build, and an aspiration to quit college to build a large delivery company. Eventually, he dropped out from college, and by the time he was 18, raised a $1.7M round led by Lightpseed.

Ritvik, co-founder of Ripen (ripen.in), was graduating from SRCC when he applied to gradCapital. He wanted to build social apps that help people navigate adulthood despite being from a commerce college, and had to go against the norms. Heet and Aviral joined the mission and they raised a $525K pre-seed led by Good Capital and Rainmatter. 

Akshay, Anesh, Akshat, and Ankit were 3rd year students in an engineering college with an MVP to help people improve their speech using AI: Stimuler (stimuler.tech). By the time they were graduating from college, they got multiple YC Interviews and raised a large seed round from investors hailing from top Silicon Valley, Japan & India investors.

The world of VC has to change - it has to be truly risk-optimised, and India has to come at the forefront of creating cutting-edge products. gradCapital is advocating for capital to a place which has been underserved but has the potential to change the world.

Picture below: previous batch of gC founders sharing their journey to the new batch

Myntra Champions ‘Finding Your Own Beauty’ in its Latest Brand Campaign highlighting its Wide Selection of Premium Brands

·        Myntra Beauty presents its shoppers with more than 6000 premium and luxe products across 1400+ leading brands

·        The brand campaign uses compelling and satirical ad film to focus on its wide-range of premium beauty offerings

·        Myntra is implementing a holistic marketing approach, with the ad film being featured on Digital and Social platforms

Bengaluru, September 1, 2023: Myntra Beauty has announced the launch of its new marketing campaign strengthening its positioning as the ultimate premium and luxury beauty destination.  The campaign highlights how shoppers  can discover products that effortlessly cater to individual beauty and personal care requirements.  The campaign showcases the wide range of offerings available on the platform, which includes premium and luxury beauty brands that provide an array of high-performing beauty, skincare, and hair care products, among others.  

About the Brand Campaign: 

The riveting brand campaign uses a compelling and satirical ad-film with a focus on makeup. The tagline of the campaign, 'Find Your Own Beauty' exemplifies the idea behind the ad film with the campaign being designed for women who have moved beyond the notion of 'one-product-fits-all', and recognise that customized beauty solutions that cater to an individual's beauty requirements are the need of the hour.

About the ad film: 

The film embarks on a captivating journey, weaving together a symphony of music and humor that beautifully illuminates the holistic and extraordinary offerings of Myntra Beauty. It begins with the protagonist talking about the ever-evolving beauty trends that have her in a tizzy, as she braces herself for an upcoming wedding. The film then cuts to a vibrant spectrum of makeup options bursting forth like a bouquet of colors – from rich plums, much-loved ruby, and bright cherry reds, to the mesmerizing allure of intricate cat, doe and fox eyes. With musical notes that resonate and comic timing that sparkles, the film captures the thriving and resplendent range of Myntra Beauty's offerings, highlighting the essence of its commitment to making beauty a canvas for everyone's unique story.

Link to film: https://youtu.be/au343q6b8gA?si=ypb0qYnfqgswTzH8 

Creative Credits:

·        Agency - Toaster, India

·        Director - Disha Daswani 

·        Cinematographer - Yogi Sankotra

·        Photographer – Aashith Shetty 

·        Production House - EO2 EXP

Touching upon the latest ad campaign, Abhishek Gour, Director - Marketing, Myntra, said, "In a world where beauty knows no bounds, our new Myntra Beauty Brand Campaign speaks directly to those who embrace their individuality, irrespective of what’s trending. 'Find Your Own Beauty' is more than a tagline – it's an invitation to celebrate the unique canvas that is you. Through the lens of this captivating ad film, we spotlight the essence of effective, tailor-made beauty and personal care solutions. We truly believe that each person's beauty journey is as distinct as their personality, and this campaign brings Myntra Beauty’s high-performing range of premium and luxury offerings to the fore, especially for shoppers on their quest to find individualized, impactful head-to-toe self care solutions.”

Myntra is implementing a holistic marketing approach, as customers across the nation will get to see the film on Digital and Social platforms. 

Myntra provides a diverse range of beauty offerings to its customer base, across 1400+ brands in its beauty and personal care portfolio, including 200+ international brands. Some of the premium beauty brands on Myntra include M.A.C, Clinique, Forest Essentials, Benefit Cosmetics, Innisfree, Tommy Hilfiger, Versace, Laneige, Davidoff, dyson, Olaplex, Anastasia Beverly Hills and Paula’s Choice, among others. Additionally, the platform has also onboarded 18 popular global brands, such as, Acorelle, Faith in Nature, Anatomicals, Martiderm, Skin1004, and Natio, among others in August on Myntra Beauty. 

About Myntra 

Myntra is one of India's leading platforms for fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands and in m-commerce play. An integral part of the Flipkart Group, Myntra brings together technology and fashion to create the best experience in the fashion and lifestyle space in India. Myntra platform offers a wide range of over 6000+ leading fashion and lifestyle brands in the country such as H&M, Levis, U.S. Polo Assn., Tommy Hilfiger, Louis Philippe, Jack & Jones, MANGO, Forever 21, Marks & Spencer, W, Biba, Nike, Puma, Crocs, M.A.C, and Fossil and many more. Myntra services over ~19,000 pin codes across the country.

UKG launches social impact initiative empowers women

UKG, a prominent provider of HR and workforce solutions, has unveiled its impactful initiative, The Udaan Centre, in collaboration with Lok Bharti, a renowned vocational institution in India. This initiative is aimed at empowering women in Noida, India, by offering them a sewing machine operator training course. The course, leading to certification by the National Skill Development Corporation, equips these women for a lifelong career in India’s textile industry.

Operating six days a week with two shifts per day, The Udaan Centre caters to 50 students in each batch, providing education and skills training entirely funded by UKG. The women are instructed by qualified teachers in advanced cloth-making skills, highly sought after by export firms, ensuring their integration into the country's workforce. Despite its soft launch during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project recently celebrated the graduation of its inaugural batch of 50 students.

The initiative's overarching goal is to transform the lives of over 200 women annually, enabling them to attain skills for sustainable employment, bolstering self-reliance and confidence. In alignment with UKG's commitment to people, The Udaan Centre is a testament to the company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) program, dedicated to fostering positive impacts with measurable progress.

Claire Lock, VP of Talent Business Partners, International Markets at UKG, highlighted the power of purpose and community upliftment. Nitin Wadhwa, HR Director, India at UKG, emphasized the collaborative effort involving employees, the government, and local communities, all contributing to empowering women for self-reliance.

This initiative isn't isolated; UKG India has launched other projects to further their ESG initiatives. "Getting Girls to Code" imparts vocational training in web design and digital marketing to young women, while "The UKG ANK Learning Centre" partners with a nonprofit to provide education to underprivileged children.

Heather Geronemus, Senior Director of Social Impact at UKG, highlighted the importance of these initiatives in fostering potential among underrepresented groups. The company's values of unity, kindness, and growth are embodied in events like the "Month of Giving," where UKG employees volunteer in multiple CSR programs benefiting the community.

Nitin Seth, CEO at Lok Bharti, stressed the significance of empowering women for economic progress and innovation. The initiative not only equips these women with skills but also instills economic independence and empowerment.

In a nutshell, UKG's Udaan Centre is a transformative initiative empowering Noida's women with skills and purpose. By imparting valuable skills and fostering a sense of self-reliance, UKG is making a tangible impact in the lives of these women and the community at large.

Daisy Shah and Rohit Raaj Visit the Bespokewala Store in Mumbai to Promote their Film 'Mystery of The Tattoo'

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Actress and 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’ fame Daisy Shah along with debutant actor Rohit Raaj are actively promoting their upcoming film 'Mystery of the Tattoo’. As part of their promotional campaign, they visited the stylish Bespokewala store in Santacruz, Mumbai, which is owned by Imran Shaikh and Uday Mahawar. Daisy Shah was impressed by the store's diverse clothing range. The owners warmly welcomed Daisy and Rohit, wishing them success for their film. 

Kirti Mahavar, Stuthi Mahajan, Uday Mahavar, Daisy Shah, Rohit Raaj, Himali Patil and Imran Shaikh 

Besides Daisy Shah and Rohit Raaj, the film features guest appearances by Ameesha Patel and Arjun Rampal. This intriguing murder mystery is set to be released in theatres on September 1, 2023, and has created a strong buzz among the cinephiles.

Rohit Raaj shared that his first brand photoshoot was with Imran Shaikh, marking the start of his journey. Bespokewala has become a popular fashion destination for women over the years. While the actors visited the store, Imran Shaikh praised Rohit's supportive nature and wished him luck for the future. The store specializes in designer dresses, especially for brides and grooms.

Daisy Shah admired the store's unique bridal collection. She expressed her excitement about the anticipation for the film among her family, friends and fans. She mentioned, “The film’s trailer has captured everyone's attention. The film brings a long-awaited murder mystery to the audience, a genre not seen in a while.”

On the other hand, Rohit Raaj, who plays a UK barrister in the film, surprised everyone with a romantic song performance during the store visit. Over the years, Bespokewala has become a one-stop destination for bridal wear. Uday Mahawar acknowledged Imran's dedication and shared plans to open more store branches in Mumbai's Kala Ghoda and Dubai.

Regarding the film, the story revolves around tattoos, with their secret unravelling as the plot develops. Directed by Kalaiarasi Sathappan, the story is set in London and follows a murder mystery dating back two decades. Rohit Raaj's character strives to solve the intriguing case. Produced by Kashish Khan, Anushree Shah and Gajinath Jayakumar, the film's distribution is handled by Pickle Entertainment, and the music is released by Zee Music Company.

Back on popular demand! Star Bharat is thrilled to announce the return of Season 2 of "May I Come in Madam?" Learn more!

Star Bharat is set to bring back the beloved show "May I Come in Madam?" to delight its audience once more. The first season of this show received immense love from viewers, and its iconic characters, Sajan, Sanjana, and Kashmira, portrayed by Sandip Anand, Nehha Pendse, and Sapna Sikarwar respectively, have left a lasting impression on fans. The on-screen chemistry of these characters captured the hearts of viewers, and ever since the first season concluded, fans have been clamoring for a second season. To their delight, Star Bharat has answered their wishes and announced the second season  of "May I Come in Madam?" with Sandip Anand, Nehha Pendse, and Sapna Sikarwar reprising their lead roles.

Sandip Anand, a favorite among viewers, expresses his excitement about returning for the show's second season. He shares, "I am thrilled to be a part of the show once again. When the first season of 'May I Come in Madam?' concluded in 2017, we saw it as a regular wrap-up, but to our surprise, the show had gained a massive fan following, and we received numerous requests and messages to continue it. Even to this day, the audience has not forgotten the show, us, and our characters. Seeing the love from viewers, I always had confidence that Star Bharat would bring back a second season for its audience.

He further adds, “During the lockdown, we received numerous requests and saw extensive discussions about the show on social media platforms. Now, the viewers' wishes are coming true as Star Bharat is bringing us Season 2 of 'May I Come in Madam.' I am confident that, just like the previous season, this one will also win the audience's hearts."

The first season of "May I Come in Madam?" charmed audiences with its unique characters and entertaining storyline. This lighthearted and humorous drama showcases the life of an ordinary man named Sajan, who, despite being married, struggles to gain the attention of his boss and make her happy. This storyline, presented in a humorous manner, has successfully captured the audience's hearts. So, yet again get ready to laugh, be entertained, and enjoy the lighter side of life in a refreshing way with the second season of May I come in Madam?

Stay tuned for more updates on Season 2 of "May I Come In Madam," exclusively on Star Bharat.

Watch the ‘fight for good’ in ‘The Equalizer’ this Sunday on &flix

Mumbai, 1^st September 2023:  Faking your own death to move on from your past life and still circumstances push you back to the same pit. Pretty grappling, right? The Equalizer is a gripping story filled with thrill and action and will be telecast on &flix on 3^rd September at 12:00 Noon.

Starring Denzel Washington in the lead role, the film narrates the story of Robert McCall, a former special service commando. Robert fakes his own death in hopes of living a quiet life. But destiny has some other plans, and he has to come out of his self-imposed retirement to save a young girl. He eventually finds his desire for justice reawakened after coming face-to-face with members of a brutal Russian gang while trying to save the girl. This leads to Robert becoming the go-to man when the helpless require the kind of vengeance they would never find without his skills. 

Watch the ‘fight for good’ in ‘The Equalizer’ this Sunday at noon.

As Breaking Bad premieres in Hindi on Zee Café, the voices behind the characters share their experience

31^st August 2023, Mumbai. Breaking Bad has already made a blockbuster debut with a Hindi language option on Zee Café, grabbing the eyeballs of the viewers. The critically acclaimed show has garnered a lot of praise and has been able to sustain its popularity for around 15 years. The show is highest rated on IMDb till date and therefore, Zee Café decided to finally bring the show in Hindi for the Indian audience. The iconic show is known for its on-point dialogues along with the engaging storyline and therefore, to maintain the level of the show, it was highly important for the channel to ensure the best quality of dubbing and bring in voices that best resonate with the characters. A well-emoted and nuanced voice-over can truly enhance the experience of the viewers and therefore, as you watch the show in Hindi on your TV sets, it is time to also hear from the voice artists who gave their best to make this experience unforgettable for you.

Looking back at the dubbing process, the voices behind our much-loved characters share their thoughts. 

“My experience of being the voice of Walter White was just amazing. The storyline was absolutely gripping and there were some intense scenes which offered me a lot of scope to perform as a dub artist. I am certain that the Indian audience would really love the Hindi version of the series.”, says Babla Kochhar, the voice behind Walter White aka Heisenberg.

Abhishek Sharma, the artist who lent his voice to the character of Jesse Pinkman shares, “It was absolutely enriching and wonderful to lend my voice for one of the best TV shows of all times. As a dubbing artist, it is even more necessary to get into the character to be able to justify the role to the audience watching it and this is what makes the process even more exciting. I am positive that Breaking Bad in Hindi will garner even more fanatics for the franchise.”,

“Being a voice actor is a responsibility as you have to do justice to the actor on screen who has worked extremely hard to bring the character to life. Even though the job was challenging, given the dark storyline and multiple pivotal points in the character’s life, it was also fun. I believe roles like these help us grow as professionals.”, says Majeed Khan, the voice artist behind Hank Schrader

First look poster: Char Chatur Naar starring Riva Kishan and Vindhya Tiwari Directed by Vikas Phadnis

The excitement is palpable in the world of Indian cinema as the first look poster of the film "Char Chatur Naar" is unveiled. Starring the talented Riva Kishan and Vindhya Tiwari in lead roles, this film promises to be a captivating journey directed by the visionary filmmaker Vikas Phadnis.

The film Producer Zakir Hussain Producing the movie under his banner by Royal Ayan Films, brings together a creative team led by the esteemed Executive Producer Ajay Sagar and Assistant Director Rahul Shivanand. With Vikas Phadnis at the helm, known for his directorial finesse, "Char Chatur Naar" is poised to deliver a unique cinematic experience that blends adventure and tradition.

The story revolves around four friends, whose lives take an unexpected turn when they decide to join their dear friend for her pre-wedding celebration in the vibrant city of London. This laughter, love, and friendship journey evolve into a transformative experience as they navigate through adventures and challenges.

However, a single night in London changes everything, altering their lives in ways they could never have imagined. As the four friends find themselves at a crossroads, their unbreakable bond faces the test of time, revealing the complexities of life post that pivotal night.

Riva Kishan, daughter of renowned actor Ravi Kishan, takes on one of the lead roles in "Char Chatur Naar," promising a captivating performance that adds to the film's anticipation. The versatile actress Vindhya Tiwari brings her acting prowess to the screen as she plays one of the leads in this film. Last we saw Vindhya Tiwari in The Conversation movie.

The first-look poster offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of "Char Chatur Naar," setting the stage for a narrative that promises laughter, love, and the unpredictable twists of life. As the film gears up for shooting, audiences can look forward to a mesmerizing story brought to life by a talented cast and the visionary direction of Vikas Phadnis.

5 Reasons Why We Should Celebrate NTR Jr's Janatha Garage on its 7th Anniversary

Man of Masses NTR Jr's Janatha Garage, a Telugu blockbuster, celebrates its seventh anniversary today. This movie, directed by Koratala Siva, was not just a commercial success but also left a lasting impact on the audience. As we commemorate this milestone, here are five compelling reasons to watch Man of Masses NTR Jr’s  Janatha Garage now:

*NTR Jr & Koratala Siva's Power-Packed Combination:* 

The dynamic duo of NTR Jr and director Koratala Siva created magic on screen with Janatha Garage. Their collaboration brought together compelling storytelling and NTR Jr's charismatic screen presence, making it a memorable cinematic experience. The audience will yet again get to witness this actor-director duo with 2024 much awaited film Devara.

*NTR Jr's Powerful Performance:*

 In Janatha Garage, NTR Jr delivered a stellar performance that showcased his versatility as an actor. His portrayal of Anand, a young environmental activist, and his transformation into a responsible mechanic was lauded by both critics and fans.

*Electrifying Chemistry between NTR Jr & Mohanlal*

The chemistry between NTR Jr. and Mohanlal was nothing short of electrifying. Whether it was their intense confrontations or heartwarming moments, their on-screen rapport created an emotional resonance that resonated with audiences. Their interactions and camaraderie were so natural that it felt like watching two old friends navigating a complex storyline together.

*Socially Relevant Theme:*

 Janatha Garage addressed a socially relevant theme, focusing on environmental conservation and the importance of community service. The film's message of environmental consciousness and the power of collective action resonated with the audience, making it more than just a typical commercial entertainer.

*Box Office Success:*

 Janatha Garage was a monumental success at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing Telugu film of 2016. Its commercial success not only established NTR Jr as a box office powerhouse but also showcased his ability to choose impactful projects.

 This movie continues to hold a special place in the hearts of cinema enthusiasts and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of NTR Jr in the film industry. We eagerly await their next collaboration, Devara, slated for release on 5th April 2024, which promises to be another cinematic treat for fans of this iconic duo.

As The Freelancer releases today, actor Navneet Malik visits Siddhivinayak Temple to seek Bappa’s blessings

As the highly anticipated series "The Freelancer," by renowned filmmaker Neeraj Pandey, made its grand debut on Disney+Hotstar, actor Navneet Malik, known for his portrayal of the intriguing antagonist, took a heartfelt detour to Mumbai's iconic Siddhivinayak temple. This impromptu visit wasn't just about seeking success; it was a soul-stirring journey of gratitude and humility.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the entertainment industry, Navneet found solace within the temple's serene ambiance. The aroma of incense and the soft glow of lamps illuminated his path as he approached Lord Ganesha with folded hands. His prayers were a silent dialogue, an expression of his hopes and aspirations. As he offered a garland to the deity, it symbolized not just a request for success, but a recognition of the artistry and the journey that led him here.

Opening up about his visit, Navneet expressed, "In the quiet of the Siddhivinayak temple, I found strength and clarity. As 'The Freelancer' takes its first steps into the world today, I am reminded that success is just one part of this incredible journey. It's about embracing the art, the passion, and the love for storytelling that drives us forward." 

He added, “I'm filled with excitement and nerves. It's a culmination of dedication and hard work. I eagerly await the viewers' feedback, as their response breathes life into this journey.” 

The Freelancer features Mohit Raina, Anupam Kher, Kashmira Pardesi, Sushant Singh, Manjari Fadnis, Sarah Janedias, John Kokken, and Gauri Balaji in key roles. Navneet is seen playing the role of Mohsin, the negative lead in the Neeraj Pandey created series. The series was released today on Disney+Hotstar.