SHOWING ON UAE SCREENS FROM 20 JANUARY TO 27 JANUARY

The Thriller

SHARJAH

AL HAMRA Tel: 5650953.

15.30, 18.30, 21.30 & 00.30 No One Killed Jessica [G] (Hindi).

CONCORDE Tel: 5623956.

13.30 & 19.30 Kaavelan [G] (Tamil), 16.30 & 22.30 The Thriller [G] (Malayalam).

Kaavalan

GRAND BUHAIRAH (Riviera Tower) (I) Tel: 5563300.

10.00, 12.35, 15.20, 18.10, 21.00 & 23.50 Carlos (Master of International Terrorism) [18].

(II). 10.00, 12.20, 14.40, 17.00, 19.20, 21.40 & 00.00 The Dilemma (3D) [TBA].

(III). 10.30, 12.30 & 14.30 Sammy’s Adventures (3D) [G], 16.30, 19.00, 21.30 & 23.50 Green Hornet (3D) [15].

(IV). 10.15, 12.30, 14.45, 17.10, 19.25, 21.30 & 23.45 Casino Jack [TBA].

(V). 11.00, 13.30, 16.00, 18.30, 21.00 & 23.35 The Way Back [PG].

(VI). 10.20, 12.40, 15.00 & 17.20 Asal Aswad [G] (Arabic), 19.50, 22.00 & 00.10 Alkeet Moot [G] (Arabic).

(VII). 10.00, 14.00, 18.00 & 22.00 The Big Bang [18], 12.00, 16.00, 20.00 & 00.00 Season of The Witch [PG].

GRAND MEGA MALL (I). Tel: 5751888.

10.00, 12.20, 14.40, 17.00, 19.20, 21.40 & 00.00 The Dilemma (3D) [TBA].

(II). 10.15, 12.30, 14.45, 17.10, 19.25, 21.30 & 23.45 Casino Jack [TBA].

(III). 10.30, 12.30 & 14.30 Sammy’s Adventures (3D) [G], 16.30, 19.00, 21.30 & 23.50 Green Hornet (3D) [15].

(IV). 11.00, 13.30, 16.00, 18.30, 21.00 & 23.35 The Way Back [PG].

(V). 10.30, 12.40, 14.50, 17.00, 19.10, 21.25 & 23.35 Dhobi Ghat [G] (Hindi).

(VI). 11.30, 16.30 & 21.35 Morning Glory [15], 14.00, 19.00 & 23.55 Ondine [PG].

(VII). 10.00, 13.00, 16.00 & 19.00 Yamla Pagla [G] (Hindi), 22.00 & 00.20 Asal Aswad [G] (Arabic).

GRAND SAHARA (I) Tel: 5316500.

10.00, 12.20, 14.40, 17.00, 19.20, 21.40 & 00.00 The Dilemma (3D) [TBA].

(II). 10.00, 12.35, 15.20, 18.10, 21.00 & 23.50 Carlos (Master of International Terrorism) [18].

(III). 10.30, 12.30 & 14.30 Sammy’s Adventures (3D) [G], 16.30, 19.00, 21.30 & 23.50 Green Hornet (3D) [15].

(IV). 10.15, 12.30, 14.45, 17.10, 19.25, 21.30 & 23.45 Casino Jack [TBA].

(V). 10.30, 15.00, 19.30 & 23.55 Morning Glory [15], 12.45, 17.15 & 21.45 Asal Aswad [G] (Arabic).

(VI). 11.00, 13.00, 15.10, 19.30 & 23.50 The Big Bang [18], 17.20 & 21.40 Season of The Witch [PG].

STAR (I) Tel: 5327555.

13.15, 15.30, 18.00, 20.30 & 23.00 Dhobi Ghat [G] (Hindi).

(II). 14.15, 16.30, 19.00, 21.30 & 00.00 Dhobi Ghat [G] (Hindi).

(III). 13.45, 17.00, 20.00 & 23.30 Yamla Pagla Deewana [G] (Hindi).

(IV). 13.30, 16.00, 18.45, 21.30 & 00.15 No One Killed Jessica [G] (Hindi).

(V). 13.15, 16.00, 21.15 & 00.00 Band Baaja Baaraat [G] (Hindi), 18.45 Tees Maar Khan [G] (Hindi).

UMM AL QUWAIN

GRANADA Tel: 7656804.

16.45, 19.45 & 23.00 Best Actor [G] (Malayalam).

RAS AL KHAIMAH

GRAND MANAR (I) Tel: 2278888.

10.00, 12.35, 15.20, 18.10, 21.00 & 23.50 Carlos (Master of International Terrorism) [18].

(II). 11.00, 13.30, 16.00, 18.30, 21.00 & 23.35 The Way Back [PG].

(III). 10.30, 12.30 & 14.30 Sammy’s Adventures (3D) [G], 16.30, 19.00, 21.30 & 23.50 Green Hornet (3D) [15].

(IV). 10.30, 15.00 & 19.30 Morning Glory [15], 12.45, 17.15, 21.45 & 23.55 The Dilemma [TBA].

(V). 11.00, 15.10, 19.30 & 23.50 Casino Jack [TBA], 13.00, 17.20 & 21.40 Season of The Witch [PG].

(VI). 10.20, 12.40, 15.00 & 17.20 Asal Aswad [G] (Arabic), 19.40, 21.50 & 00.00 Alkeet Moot [G] (Arabic).

(VII). 10.00, 13.00, 16.00 & 19.00 Yamla Pagla Deewana [G] (Hindi), 22.00 & 00.00 The Big Bang [18].

GULF (I) (RAK) Tel: 2223313.

13.30, 16.30, 19.30 & 22.30 Dhobi Ghat [G] (Hindi).

(II). 13.45, 17.00, 20.00 & 22.45 Siruthai [G] (Tamil).

DUBAI

AL QUOZ TWIN (I) Tel: 3469707.

13.30, 16.30, 19.30 & 22.30 Kaavalan [G] (Tamil).

(II). 13.30, 16.30, 19.30 & 22.30 Thriller [G] (Malayalam).

DONYA (I) (JEBEL ALI) Tel: 8812797.

16.30, 19.30 & 22.30 Siruthai [G] (Tamil).

(II). 16.30, 19.30 & 22.30 Kandahar [G] (Malayalam).

(III). 16.30, 19.30 & 22.30 Yamla Pagla Deewana [G] (Hindi).

(IV). 16.30, 19.30 & 22.30 No One Killed Jessica [G] (Hindi).

GRAND CINECITY (AL GHURAIR CITY) (I) Tel: 2289898.

10.00, 12.20, 14.40, 17.00, 19.20, 21.40 & 00.00 The Dilemma (3D) [TBA].

(II). 10.00, 12.35, 15.20, 18.10, 21.00 & 23.50 Carlos (Master of International Terrorism) [18].

(III). 10.15, 12.30, 14.45, 17.10, 19.25, 21.30 & 23.45 Casino Jack [TBA].

(IV). 10.10, 12.30, 14.50, 17.15, 19.35, 21.50 & 00.10 Green Hornet (3D) [15].

(V). 10.00, 14.00, 18.00 & 22.00 The Big Bang [18], 12.00, 16.00, 20.00 & 00.00 Season of The Witch [PG].

(VI). 10.20, 12.40, 15.00 & 17.20 Asal Aswad [G] (Arabic), 19.40, 21.50 & 00.00 Morning Glory [15].

(VII). 10.45, 13.45, 16.45, 19.45 & 22.45 Yamla Pagla Deewana [G] (Hindi).

(VIII). 10.30, 12.40, 14.50, 17.00, 19.10, 21.25 & 23.35 Dhobi Ghat [G] (Hindi).

GRAND CINEPLEX (DUBAI GRAND HYATT) (I) Tel: 3242000.

10.00, 12.20, 14.40, 17.00, 19.20, 21.40 & 00.00 The Dilemma (3D) [TBA].

(II). 10.00, 12.35, 15.20, 18.10, 21.00 & 23.50 Carlos (Master of International Terrorism) [18].

(III). 10.15, 12.30, 14.45, 17.10, 19.25, 21.30 & 23.45 Casino Jack [TBA].

(IV). 10.50, 13.00, 15.10, 17.20, 19.30, 21.45 & 23.55 Season of The Witch [PG].

(V). 10.10, 12.30, 14.50, 17.15, 19.35, 21.50 & 00.10 Green Hornet (3D) [15].

(VI). 11.00, 13.30, 16.00, 18.30, 21.00 & 23.35 The Way Back [PG].

(VII). 10.30, 12.40, 14.50, 17.00, 19.10, 21.25 & 23.35 Dhobi Ghat [G] (Hindi).

(VIII). 10.20, 12.40, 15.00 & 17.20 Asal Aswad [G] (Arabic), 19.50, 22.00 & 00.10 Alkeet Moot [G] (Arabic).

(IX). 10.00, 14.00, 18.00 & 22.00 Little Fockers [15], 12.00, 16.00, 20.00 & 00.00 The Big Bang [18].

(X). 10.00, 14.30, 19.20 & 23.50 The Tourist [G], 12.00, 16.40 & 21.20 The Fighter [PG].

(XI). 10.00, 12.40, 15.20 & 18.00 No One Killed Jessica [G] (Hindi), 21.30 & 23.45 Morning Glory [15].

(XII). 10.45, 13.45, 16.45, 19.45 & 22.45 Yamla Pagla Deewana [G] (Hindi).

GRAND MERCATO (I) Tel: 3498765

10.00, 12.20, 14.40, 17.00, 19.20, 21.40 & 00.00 The Dilemma (3D) [TBA].

(II). 10.00, 12.35, 15.20, 18.10, 21.00 & 23.50 Carlos (Master of International Terrorism) [18].

(III). 10.30, 12.30 & 14.30 Sammy’s Adventures (3D) [G], 16.30, 19.00, 21.30 & 23.50 Green Hornet (3D) [15].

(IV). 11.00, 13.30, 16.00, 18.30, 21.00 & 23.35 The Way Back [PG].

(V). 10.00, 14.50, 19.40, 21.50 & 00.00 Dhobi Ghat [G] (Hindi), 12.10 & 17.00 Yamla Pagla Deewana [G] (Hindi).

(VI). 10.30, 15.00, 19.35 & 23.55 Casino Jack [TBA], 12.45, 17.15 & 21.45 Morning Glory [15].

(VII). 11.00, 13.00, 15.10, 19.30 & 23.50 The Big Bang [18], 17.20 & 21.40 Season of The Witch [PG].

GRAND METROPLEX (I) Tel: 3438383.

10.00, 12.20, 14.40, 17.00, 19.20, 21.40 & 00.00 The Dilemma (3D) [TBA].

(II). 10.30, 12.40, 14.50, 17.00, 19.10, 21.25 & 23.35 Dhobi Ghat [G] (Hindi).

(III). 10.30, 12.45, 15.00, 17.15, 19.30, 21.45 & 00.10 Morning Glory [15].

(IV). 11.00, 13.10, 15.20, 17.30, 19.40, 21.55 & 00.15 The Big Bang [18].

(V). 11.00, 13.30, 16.00, 18.40, 21.20 & 23.45 Ondine [PG].

(VI). 10.10, 12.30, 14.50, 17.15, 19.35, 21.50 & 00.10 Green Hornet (3D) [15].

(VII). 10.45, 13.45, 16.45, 19.45 & 22.45 Yamla Pagla Deewana [G] (Hindi).

(VIII). 10.50, 13.00, 15.10, 17.20, 19.30, 21.45 & 23.55 Season of The Witch [PG].

ABU DHABI

ELDORADO (I) Tel: 6763555.

13.30, 16.30, 19.30 & 22.30 Kavalan [G] (Tamil).

(II). 13.00, 16.00, 19.00 & 22.00 Thriller [G] (Malayalam).

GRAND ABU DHABI MALL (I) Tel: 6459499.

10.00, 12.20, 14.40, 17.00, 19.20, 21.40 & 00.00 The Dilemma (3D) [TBA].

(II). 10.30, 12.30 & 14.30 Sammy’s Adventures (3D) [G], 16.30, 19.00, 21.30 & 23.50 Green Hornet (3D) [15].

(III). 10.00, 12.35, 15.20, 18.10, 21.00 & 23.50 Carlos (Master of International Terrorism) [18].

(IV). 10.15, 12.30, 14.45, 17.10, 19.25, 21.30 & 23.45 Casino Jack [TBA].

(V). 10.30, 12.30, 14.30 & 16.45 Morning Glory [15], 19.00, 21.30 & 23.55 Asal Aswad [G] (Arabic).

(VI). 11.00, 13.00 & 15.10 The Big Bang [18], 17.20, 19.30 & 21.40 Season of The Witch [PG].

GRAND AL MARIAH (I) Tel: 6785000.

10.00, 12.20, 14.40, 17.00, 19.20, 21.40 & 00.00 The Dilemma (3D) [TBA].

(II). 10.00, 12.35, 15.20, 18.10, 21.00 & 23.50 Carlos (Master of International Terrorism) [18].

(III). 10.15, 12.30, 14.45, 17.10, 19.25, 21.30 & 23.45 Casino Jack [TBA].

(IV). 10.10, 12.30, 14.50, 17.15, 19.35, 21.50 & 00.10 Green Hornet (3D) [15].

(V). 11.00, 13.30, 16.00, 18.30, 21.00 & 23.35 The Way Back [PG].

(VI). 10.00, 14.50, 19.40, 21.50 & 00.00 Dhobi Ghat [G] (Hindi), 12.10 & 17.00 Yamla Pagla Deewana [G] (Hindi).

(VII). 10.20, 12.40, 15.00 & 17.20 Asal Aswad [G] (Arabic), 19.50, 22.00 & 00.10 Alkeet Moot [G] (Arabic).

(VIII). 10.00, 14.00, 18.00 & 22.00 The Big Bang [18], 12.00, 16.00, 20.00 & 00.00 Ondine [PG].

(IX). 11.00, 15.20, 19.40 & 00.00 Morning Glory [15], 13.10, 17.30 & 21.50 The Dilemma [TBA].

NATIONAL (I) Tel: 6711700.

14.30, 17.30, 20.30 & 23.30 TBA.

(II). 12.30, 15.30, 18.30 & 21.30 TBA.

(III). 13.00, 15.00, 17.00, 19.00, 21.00 & 23.00 TBA.

(IV). 14.00, 16.30, 19.30 & 22.30 TBA.

AL AIN

GRAND ROTANA (I) Tel: 03 7544447.

10.00, 12.20, 14.40, 17.00, 19.20, 21.40 & 00.00 The Dilemma (3D) [TBA].

(II). 11.00 & 13.00 Sammy’s Adventures (3D) [G], 15.10, 17.20, 19.30, 21.40 & 23.50 Casino Jack (3D) [TBA].

(III). 11.15, 13.15, 15.15 & 17.15 The Big Bang [18], 19.20, 21.35 & 23.55 Ondine [PG].

(IV). 10.15, 12.30, 14.45 & 17.00 Green Hornet (3D) [15], 19.15, 21.40 & 00.10 Asal Aswad [G] (Arabic).

GRAND CINEPLEX (I) Tel: 03 7511228.

10.30, 12.45, 15.00, 17.15, 19.30, 21.45 & 00.00 The Dilemma (3D) [TBA].

(II). 11.00 & 13.00 Sammy’s Adventures (3D) [G], 15.10, 17.20, 19.30, 21.40 & 23.50 Casino Jack (3D) [TBA].

(III). 11.15, 13.15, 15.15 & 17.15 The Big Bang [18], 19.15, 21.30 & 23.45 Ondine [PG].

(IV). 12.00, 14.30 & 16.45 Green Hornet (3D) [15], 19.00, 21.30 & 00.00 Asal Aswad [G] (Arabic).

Kaavalan

Annual Star Screen Awards on Star Plus at 6.30pm on Jan 22

The 17^th Annual STAR Screen Awards airing on Jan 22 at 6.30pm will be full of surprises this year! Living the promise of ‘Is baar hoga wohi, jo socha nahi’.

Complete with the most unique performances, the most spectacular stunts, the most baffling awardees and the newest of gossip, the awards ceremony honors the best talent in Hindi and Marathi cinema in 2010. The eminent jury at the awards this year chose to put a number of commercially successful and critically acclaimed movies through the litmus test and award only true talent in cinema. It’s not surprising that only the most deserving of movies and actors walk away with the golden trophy this year.

The 17^th annual STAR Screen Awards is complete with never-seen-before performances as Bollywood Superstars come forward with the best hits of the year. While Katrina Kaif mesmerises audiences with belly dancing moves in her first stage performance of ‘Sheila Ki Jawaani’, Shahid Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan showcase spectacular performances in their signature styles. Aishwarya Rai stuns audiences by levitating mid air at the opening of her performance and Shahid Kapoor wows everyone with his infinite image act! Catch Salman Khan doing his rendition of Sheila Ki Jawaani for the first time ever!

While the newest twosome from tinsel town, Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh, display sizzling chemistry as hosts of the show, the audiences are treated to a hilarious battle of wits between Bollywood heart-throbs Shahrukh Khan and Shahid Kapoor. Known for his quick-wit and sense of timing, SRK also throws open some of the most talked about rumors in Bollywood and manages to pull some skeletons out of the closet. The awesome twosome also take the opportunity to pay a tribute to yesteryear’s Bollywood divas such as Hema Malini, Rekha, Zeenat Aman and Asha Parekh.

Asianet honours Amitabh Bachchan

Big B’s love for Kerala and its superstars reflects in each word that he wrote on his blog and tweets that he posted during his recent visit to the state to be part of the 13th Ujala-Asianet Film Awards.

Terming the Asianet Lifetime Achievement honour accorded to him at the function held at Kochi as ‘a humbling experience’, Amitabh Bachchan said, “I thought it would be just another presence they were asking, but they had a surprise in store and gave me a Lifetime Achievement, with an incredible presentation of my work through all these years. Such a moving and truly humbling moment for me… an evening I shall never forget.”

Words of praise were also showered on the richness of the show and on the talented participants of Idea Star Singer.

“As I arrived, I spent time with the Star Singer competitors…Such a wonderful bunch of young singers and so talented. They sang songs from my films, even though they are Malayalis and would have problems speaking Hindi, with such confidence and aplomb. Fascinating.”

From the Kerala attire to the time spent with stalwarts of Malayalam film industry, Mammootty and Mohanlal, Bachchan was especially appreciative of the ambience.

“The ‘dhoti’ and the top were a gift from the organisers, which I thought appropriate to wear and the ‘Angavastra’, the gold-lined silk draped over the shoulders are the respectful presentations from Mohanlal and Mammootty, as an honoured gift. The respect and dignity that they accord me humbles me to an extent that I’m unable to fathom or understand. I am but an ordinary individual that gets glorified through the medium that I work in. My medium needs recognition, dignity and respect. Not me. If there had been no medium there would have been no me. So I respect the profession that has given me the opportunity to be a part of it, and created for me a vehicle that I am privileged to ride from time to time,” Bachchan wrote.

He was honoured by Asianet MD K Madhavan and the two Big Ms, Mammootty and Mohanlal.

Shiva or Parvati: Veebha’s confused!

Watch new show Sanskaar Laxmi on Zee TV for Veeba's interesting performance.

Sanskaar Laxmi is a Saga of a young, innocent, partially literate Gujarati girl, who gets married into a joint family in Vile Parle, Mumbai and her trials and tribulations as she adjusts in this big family and also a husband who never wanted to marry her. Vibha Anand, Vivan Bathena, Aamir Dalvi, Anisha Kapoor and Rohit Purohit plays the important roles in Sanskaar Laxmi.

Starting on January 18, 2011, Every Sunday to Wednesday at 10.30pm (UAE).

Veebha Anand, the lead protagonist of Zee TV’s new show Sanskaar Laxmi performs a dance that was based on the story of Shiva as the ardhanarishwara. 

Veebha Anand as Ardhnareshwar

“The ardhanarishwara is the best example of the perfect union of the complementary pairs that form the world. Since I am playing the role of Laxmi who is a devout Shiv Bhakt on the show, I was asked to dance on the Shiv Taandav music and sing a melodious stuti in praise of Lord Shiva and offer prayers on the Shivling,” said Veebha.

She adds, “I am a Bhangra and Bollywood type of girl so you can imagine my plight at having to attempt two very different styles of dancing and that too within just two days!! The make-up and hair too was exhaustive but at the end of the day I hope I was able to do justice to the expectations that were placed on me.”

“The dance had to be performed in an exclusive manner where Veebha plays both Shiva and Shakti and wears a costume that is half of Shiv Shankar and half of Parvati (Shakti). With the make-up requiring Veebha's face to be painted half in blue representing Shiv Shankar's anger and the other half to be that of Parvati ji's serenity and calmness; it took approximately four hours to finish the makeup and another two hours to do the hair, But the effort was totally worth it!! She danced with such energy and grace that I am sure the gods must be smiling down on her.” said a source from the sets.

Veebha Anand turning Gujarati!

Veebha’s preparations to play the lead of Zee TV’s new show Sanskaar Laxmi

What does it take to get an actress into the skin of her character? For Veebha Anand, the lead actress of Zee TV’s new show Sanskaar Laxmi, an exhaustive workshop was arranged by the writer cum producer, Raju Bhai. Veebha, is all gung-ho about playing the role of Lakshmi and was insistent about leaving no stone unturned when it came to lending credibility to the character that she portrays on screen.

Veebha Anand

“Having been brought up in the small town of Dehradun, I empathize with the small town mentality of Lakshmi but for a month before we started shooting, I felt that there was more to be done to become Lakshmi on screen. Moreover my producer Raju Bhai has placed such immense faith in me so I did not want to disappoint him. I began watching Guajarati movies and plays to understand the essence of the region, language and the mannerisms of its people. Raju Bhai was kind enough to take time out to give me lessons so that I could learn to speak the language well and pick up the accent that would lend authenticity to my portrayal of Laxmi. I play a girl who is full of life, innocent and makes a difference wherever she goes.” said Veebha. The actress has even learnt some Gujarati folk songs owing to the long Dandiya and Garba lessons that she has been taking from her Gujarati friends in Mumbai.

Seems that this lovely lass will soon be walking and talking with the panache of the native Guajarati with all the preparation that she has been putting into the role! We wish her all the very best in her endeavour.

Raju Bhai said, “Yes I did hold workshops for Veebha and other actors of the show to groom them to enact their Gujarati characters. All of them were very co-operative. With Veebha, in particular, it was not very tough as she has already portrayed a similar character on Indian Television. Her dedication is seen to be believed and I’m hoping she endears all with her performance.”

Ujala-Asianet 2011 film Awards distributed in Cochin

The 13th Ujala-Asianet Film Awards 2011 were distributed in a glittering function held recently at the Port Trust Stadium, Willington Island, Cochin. The event was witnessed by 25,000 strong crowd. Several prominent persons from the film industry and socio-cultural spheres were present on the occasion.

Mohan Lal presented the life time achievement award to the epic hero of Indian Cinema, Amitab Bachchan. Asianet MD, K Madhavan and mega star  Mammootty also honoured Big B for his outstanding contributions to Indian Film Industry.

The event was attended by a cross section of stars from South Indian film industry and have colourful programmes performed by leading Malayalam artistes along with a mix of stars from Kollywood and bollywood. Jayaram, Ilaya Thalapadhi Vijay, Karthi, Sneha, Sheela Devi, Rehman, Jagathy Sreekumar, Manoj K Jayan, Lakshmi Gopalaswami, Babu Antony, Menaka, Ranjini, Ambika, KPAC Lalitha, Sukumari, Annop Menon, Siddique, Narain, Maniyanpillai Raju, Rekha, Soniya Aggarwal, Dhanya Mari, Amala Paul, Mithra, Sarayu, Shafna, Ranjith Menon, Munna, Fazal Gaffur, Sabu Cheriyan and B Unnikrishnan  are some of the personalities who were present at the function.

Pranjiyettan and The Saint won the award for the best film, which was accepted by its producer and Director Ranjith. Lal received the award for the best director for the movie In Ghost House Inn. Mohan Lal was honoured  as the Asianet Golden Star Award for his outstanding performance in various movies. Mammootty bagged the best actor award for his role in Pranjiyettan and The Saint and Kuttisranku. Nayanthara was presented the best female actress award for the her female lead in Body Gaurd. Dilip and Mamtha Mohandas was on hand to collect the popular awards for her outstanding performance in various movies.

Lakshmi Rai, Meghna Raj, Meera Nandan, Remya Nambeesan, Anuya Bhagavath, Teja Sree, Reema Kallingal and other comedy artistes from TV/ Film industry, playback Singers Hariharan, Shreya Ghoshal, KS Chithra, MG Sreekumar, Suvi Suresh, G Venugopal entertained the audience with dance and songs. Other attractions of the event was Attakalari, Salsa Dance and Classical dance performance.

Zee Cine Awards 2011 to be held in Marina Bay Sands, Sands Grand Ballroom

Come January 2011 and the Singapore’s grandest hotel property, Marina Bay Sands will be all abuzz with guests who have flown in to witness the biggest names in Bollywood — Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal among many others — to be a part of Zee Cine Awards 2011. With preparations already well underway, the hotel is already a beehive of activity with people working at lightning speed to get things done in time for the grand event that is slated to be held on January 14, 2011.

The most astounding aspect in this edition of Zee Cine Awards is that the entire ceremony is not being held at a huge outdoor setting but rather indoors in the Sands Grand Ballroom which is considered to be the largest in South East Asia. It can hold a capacity of a staggering 11,000 delegates. To accommodate the larger than life set up, the stage is being custom made from scratch in a way that will ensure optimum viewing pleasure from each seat. The building designed by Moshe Safdie is grander in scale than anything that’s ever built in Singapore.

The manner in which the building interacts with the light and embraces the location it is in so that everywhere you walk, you get a view of the river, city and ocean. The sheer scale is at first overwhelming until your senses adjust and you start to appreciate the details, such as the 2561 rooms and suites, the Sands SkyPark with 150 meter infinity pool, the Art Path where Marina Bay Sands invested over tens of millions of dollars in specially commissioned art installations, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands which has 800,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space, 7 celebrity chef restaurants, the ArtScience Musuem and 2 Broadway style theatres.

With a huge Bollywood star ensemble expected at the event, the excitement in the air is palpable amongst the staff as well as they pull out all stops to ensure that it is nothing less than a runaway success! The event is sure to be one that is infused with the opulence and grandeur of Bollywood as some of the biggest names in the industry find their way to Singapore for the occasion.

The grandeur of Marina Bay Sands is evident to every guest who has visited the resort right from movie stars to businessmen. Even King Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) was mesmerised by the grandeur of the property at his recent stay at the resort. 

Even Suhashi Dhami the lead of Zee TV’s popular show ‘Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli’ also couldn’t help but be awestruck by the sheer splendor of the Ballroom and the amenities provided at Marina Bay Resort. “It’s magnificient and grand! I don’t think anyone will ever leave once they set foot inside this property. I’ve yet so much to explore and I don’t mind being one of those fairytale princesses imprisoned on this island; it will be nothing but a sheer delightful experience.”  Suhasi spent a wonderful time at the Marina Bay Sands recently when the show had a track that was shot in Singapore.

Set against such a breath taking backdrop, the Zee Cine Awards will leave no stone unturned to entertain viewers who get the opportunity of a lifetime to watch it live in Singapore and also for television audiences later.

Big Indian Wedding on Zee TV’s Ram Milaayi Jodi

Sara Khan … Bride of the Year!

The Best of Gujarati & Punjabi Bridal Couture for 
Sara Khan’s wedding on Zee TV’s Ram Milaayi Jodi.

Sara Khan's Punjabi bride look 

for Ram Milaayi Jodi

The Dandiya Look

Sara Khan's Gujarati Panetar

Bride of the Year Sara Khan who recently made a national spectacle of her wedding to boyfriend Ali Merchant on a reality show in India is all set to tie the knot on television yet again – this time for her latest fiction show on Zee TV, Ram Milaayi Jodi. With her Punjabi character Mona getting married to a Gujarati chhora Anukalp, there’s a wide array of multi-cultural bridal finery in store for Sara’s nuptials. Apparently, with both families fairly insistent on having the marriage rites performed ‘their way’, we’ll soon get to see Sara first don the garb of a typical Gujarati bride and then quickly slip into the fine threads of a Punjabi dulhan with equal aplomb! Sara in the traditional white Gujarati Panetar with red Bandhni borders … Sara in a designer lehenga with the traditional Punjabi Chuda and Kaleera, viewers can look forward to a delightful extravaganza of Sara’s varied and diverse bridal couture coming up on Zee TV’s Ram Milaayi Jodi in the coming week. And can the big, fat Indian wedding be complete without some naach gaana? Not really! So, you’ll see Sara in Garba chic at a Dandiya Raas and an elaborately sequined, embroidered Punjabi suit for the Gidda. Don’t miss Mona’s shaadi to Anukalp on Sunday January 9, at 9.30pm! With Sara Khan turning up in so many different bridal looks, young brides across the country can take a lesson or two in dressing up just right for their D-day!