New Delhi, July 30, 2013: Star India, the nation's leading media and entertainment conglomerate, will strengthen on-going efforts at rehabilitation in flood-ravaged Uttarakhand by raising funds to help bring comfort to victims of this tragedy.
Leading actors from Bollywood will join Star's fund-raiser -- a seven-hour marathon event on the occasion of Independence Day -- in what's the first such effort by the entertainment industry to alleviate the sufferings of people impacted by the floods.
The entire advertising revenue generated through the event will be channelled to not-for-profit bodies that are working diligently to restore normalcy in Uttarakhand.
“The tragedy in Uttarakhand is a solemn opportunity for every Indian to lend a helping hand,” Mr. Uday Shankar, CEO, Star India, said. "This occasion demands that people join forces to support those in need. It's heartening that people are coming together and our role is only that of a catalyst."
Indian cinema’s icons Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar, Ajay Devgn, Kajol, Anil Kapoor, AR Rahman, Boman Irani, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Pritam, Prasoon Joshi, Mukesh Bhatt, Ayushmann Khurana and celebrities from top television shows of the Star network such as ‘Diya Aur Baati Hum’, ‘Devon Ke Dev Mahadev’ and ‘Nach Baliye’, will participate in an on-ground entertainment evening.
Noted advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather has partnered Star India as the creative agency for the on-ground event that’ll be managed by Wizcraft.
Film Producers Guild, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), TV Artists Forum, Corporate Charity Trusts and several independent industrialists and donors will partner Star India’s Independence Day marathon fund-raiser that will be attended by senior leaders from the state and central governments.
“I am delighted that the Indian film industry has embraced our outreach plan and is partnering with us in this initiative to spread hope,” Mr. Shankar added.
“Both television and the Hindi film industry consider it as their primary responsibility to do their bit for the very same people who have showered us with unconditional love and affection. We hope that our efforts will sensitise millions of viewers and inspire them to contribute whole heartedly towards the daunting task of rebuilding the state,” Mr. Mukesh Bhatt, President of the Film & Television Producers Guild, said.
The gala event will be telecast live on key channels of the Star India network including flagship Star Plus, Life OK, Star Jalsha, Star Pravah, Star Utsav and Channel V. Viewers would also be encouraged to aid the mammoth task of rebuilding the hill-state.
Dharmesh Tiwari, President, FWICE & Dinesh Chaturvedi, General Secretary, FWICE said that they are happy to partner Star India in this joint initiative to raise awareness and funds.
“We are delighted to express our support and join hands with Star India and the film industry to celebrate the Independence Day, dedicated to the people of Uttarakhand", said Wiz Sabbas Joseph, Director of Wizcraft International Entertainment.
Star India’s initiative is an extension of its philosophy to use television as a tool to create awareness for the larger good of a society. This belief is reflected in the network’s refreshing and inspiring content that instils a sense of hope in its viewers and persuades them to be the change they want to see around them.
Star India had earlier this month started focused campaigns featuring renowned artistes from the network’s popular shows, urging its viewers to support Uttarakhand’s cause by making generous donations. The network had partnered renowned NGO Goonj for this initiative.
In addition, the employees of Star India also pitched in to the relief efforts and made generous donations. Star will match the contribution made by its employees and will closely monitor the proper utilisation of these funds.
About Star India:
STAR India has defined India's broadcast media for the last two decades and is today India’s leading media and entertainment company.
The STAR India network comprises of more than thirty channels in seven languages received by over 600 million viewers every week across India and 100 other countries. Its channel portfolio includes Star Gold, Channel [V], Star Jalsha, Star Pravah, Star World, Star Movies, Star Utsav, Life OK, Movies OK and Star Plus, India's No. 1 General Entertainment Channel. STAR India has a leading presence in regional broadcasting as well through a bouquet of joint venture channels i.e., Asianet channels and Star Vijay.
For further information, please contact:
Parul Sharma Assistant Vice President Corporate & Marketing Communication STAR India +91 98119 88996
