Noida, India, 10th June, 2025 – The Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) marked a significant milestone with the grand convocation ceremony of its 124th batch at Marwah Studios. The event was graced by the dynamic Founder-President, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, whose heartfelt address stirred emotions and ignited inspiration among the graduating students.

In a powerful and emotionally charged speech, Dr. Marwah emphasized the values that have been the bedrock of AAFT’s success — trust, hard work, and continuous learning. “We are proud to say that today, AAFT ranks among the top five film schools in the world, and in three categories, we are number one,” he declared confidently. “We hold records for the highest number of student-led film productions, the most cultural and educational events hosted, and we continue to be the most economical film school globally in terms of our comprehensive, industry-aligned curriculum.”

Highlighting 32 years of relentless dedication to education, Dr. Marwah called the 124th convocation a testament to AAFT’s commitment to nation-building through creative education. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the faculty, management, and administration for their unwavering support and contribution to the institution’s global stature.

“AAFT is not just an institution — it is a global brand in creative education, proudly representing the cultural values of over 90 countries that have nominated us as their cultural representatives,” Dr. Marwah added.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of key academic and administrative leaders including directors, deans, heads of departments, and faculty members, who joined in honoring the graduating students. A total of 165 students were awarded the prestigious Diploma of AAFT across various disciplines such as: Film & TV Production and Direction, Editing and Sound Recording, Camera and Lighting Techniques, Acting and Presentation, Still Photography, Bakery and Culinary Arts, Fashion and Makeup, Music and Singing and Digital Marketing.

This convocation not only marked the culmination of rigorous training and creative exploration but also celebrated the beginning of new journeys for the students stepping into the global media and creative industries.

AAFT continues to lead as a pioneer in media education, nurturing talent and shaping future leaders in the creative world. The institution remains committed to providing world-class training while promoting cross-cultural exchange and innovation.

 

AAFT Celebrates Convocation Of Its 124th Batch At Marwah Studios

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10 – 16 June 2025

“Y Ū N  B H Ī “

So too…

Solo Show of Paintings

By

Renowned artist Amitabh Ashesh

VENUE:

Jehangir Art Gallery

161-B, M.G. Road, Kala Ghoda,

Mumbai 400001

11am to 7pm

https://istarah.art

+91 98459 56328

Amitabh Ashesh’s ‘Yufism’ – A New Compositional Platform for Painting presented at the Jehangir Art Gallery

Acclaimed artist Amitabh Ashesh’s innovative art exhibition titled “Yun Bhi” is being held at the Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda. The exhibition will be open to the public from June 10 to June 16, 2025.

In this exhibition, Amitabh presents prototypical art based on conceptual tenets of Yufism. A former student of the art department at Stanford University, Amitabh has trained under modern masters, including Frank Lobdell of the Bay Area Figurative Movement.

‘Yufism’ reimagines the visible, the invisible, and the affective, imbuing them with new characteristics. For example, raindrops become strings of beads, ocean waves resemble skirts, and windows transform into structures of light. Developed over a decade, Amitabh’s unique experiments seek to introduce a new visual logic and a conceptual tool set of wide applicability.

Amitabh’s paintings carry the imprint of his personal experiences—swimming, tennis, gardening, and friendships across different cultures. Each painting has a titular poem inviting access through a literary lens. His subjects include scenes such as the bustling Brigade Road of Bengaluru, plants in rain and feeding of street dogs.

According to senior artist Vanidas Mangathil, “Yufism is a completely new, innovative, and inspiring visual language. It presents a fresh vision that deserves to be understood and explored.”

Amitabh Ashesh’s ‘Yufism’ – A New Compositional Platform For Painting Presented At The Jehangir Art Gallery

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~Celebrating India’s smart causal gamers, the campaign rolls out across TV, Radio, and Digital in high-growth markets.~

India’s real-money gaming scene just got a turbocharge of fun and desi flair. Rush, the leading skill-based casual gaming platform from Hike, has unveiled its first-ever brand campaign, #ChaloJeetKiChaal, starring none other than actor-comedian Krushna Abhishek. Brimming with humour, hustle, and classic everyday jugaad, the campaign celebrates the sharp-minded, quick-footed players of Bharat who turn life’s curveballs into game-winning moments.

Marking Rush’s most ambitious communications push yet, the five-week campaign goes live across TV, radio, and digital starting June 10, aiming to reach over 20 million users in India’s fast-growing Hindi-speaking markets.

At its core, #ChaloJeetKiChaal celebrates everyday champions, those who navigate life’s plot twists with skill, hustle, and heart, turning daily challenges into moments of victory. With Rush’s flagship game, Ludo, as the hero, Krushna Abhishek brings his signature high-energy charm and street-smart comedy to the forefront, proving that in both life and gaming, bold moves and smart thinking are the ultimate power combo.

“#ChaloJeetKiChaal is our way of turning the spotlight on India’s sharpest gamers – people who play smart, hustle hard, and know that strategy & skill always wins over chance. We wanted the campaign to be as fun and fast-paced as the platform itself and bring gaming into the mainstream conversation with a smile,” said Manish Kumar, CFO, Hike.

By blending aspirational storytelling with colloquial flair, the campaign hits the sweet spot for young, ambition-driven India especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where value, status, and entertainment converge in one super app.

“India’s real-money gaming industry is rapidly evolving into something far more aspirational, rooted in skill, culture, and mass accessibility,” said Manish Kumar, CFO, Hike. “Krushna was a natural choice for this campaign. He embodies the spirit of Bharat — quick-witted, endlessly relatable, and driven by hustle. His energy captures the heart of our vision: a gaming experience that’s skill-first, deeply inclusive, and unmistakably fun. This is what the future of gaming in India looks like.”

Backing the Buzz with Big Moves, Rush is pulling out all the stops to take this campaign to the next level:

• 360° media rollout spanning television, radio, and digital to build omnichannel visibility.
• High-impact performance marketing across Meta and Google aimed at quality user acquisition via celebrity integrations with Manisha Rani, Sunny Singh, and Nitish Rana.
• Driving deeper market penetration through targeted vernacular campaigns and culturally-rooted storytelling, led by regional influencers who bring local flavor and authentic relevance to the Rush narrative.
• In-app and social media contests to fire up community participation and competitive spirit.

At the heart of the campaign is the Leedo Champions League, Rush Ludo’s flagship tournament offering high-value rewards such as cash prizes, gadgets, and vehicles, reinforcing the platform’s promise of skill-based play and real-world gains.

As India’s online gaming market evolves, Rush is taking a stand with the message gaming success should be earned, not lucked into. The campaign reinforces that Rush Ludo is 100% skill-based, with gameplay that rewards smart decisions and strategic thinking. Reinforcing this stand, the platform continues to invest in user education around game mechanics and transparent matchmaking systems, ensuring that every win is a true reflection of the player’s skill.

So, get ready to play smart and win big. As Krushna Abhishek brings the heat with #ChaloJeetKiChaal.

 

Rush By Hike Unveils Its Maiden Campaign #Chalojeetkichaal With Krushna Abhishek To Champion Skill-Based Gaming In India

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Mumbai. Thousands of girls come to Mumbai every day to become models, but they do not know how to get work in this field. Mumbai-based agency “Vpcraft models management” is a company that has so far made a career for thousands of girls in the field of modeling. Vaibhav Parashar is the owner of this company, who is a resident of Gopalganj district of Bihar. After getting an engineering degree, he came to Mumbai and after a lot of hard work and struggle, he achieved this position and earned a lot of name. His company is considered to be the most established agency in Mumbai in the print media sector since 2016.

Vpcraft models management is a trusted media/advertising agency based in Mumbai. Vpcraft usually gets artists work for projects, provides important guidance in building their career.

Vaibhav Parashar is the owner of Mumbai based media/advertising agency and model management company Vpcraft models management. This company mainly works with artists and models, and provides model management services. Countless girls became models by joining this company and then moved beyond modeling and are working in TV serials and films.

50 percent of the models in the hoardings across the country are from Vpcraft models management which is a great achievement. Many big brands are working with this agency. Models for many big jewellery brands including Manubhai Jewellers, MJR Jewellers, Divyam Jewellers and Ivana by Jindal are also managed by Vpcraft.

This agency, which has been working for the last 8 years, is number one and provides placements to models wherever they are needed. This company manages models not only in Mumbai but also in many other cities of the country. The company provides work to the models from states like Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh in their own areas which is its unique feature.

  

Vaibhav Parashar’s Agency “VPCRAFT Models Management” Is At The Top In Mumbai, Working In Print And Catalogue Media

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New range of Fortified Rice, Basmati, and Wheat Atta launched in Chandigarh aims to improve everyday nutrition and support India’s national health goals

Chandigarh, June 9, 2025 –  In a significant stride toward India’s nutritional transformation, Jindal Rice Mills announced the official launch of Nourifyme, a new consumer brand offering a range of Fortified Rice, Fortified Basmati Rice, and Fortified Wheat Atta. The launch took place at the Taj Chandigarh during a high-profile industry event titled “Unlocking Market Potential: Advancing Fortified Rice in Punjab.”

Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Shri Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Hon’ble Minister, Industry & Commerce, Rural Development & Panchayats,  Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Investment Promotion, Hospitality, and Labour, Government of Punjab, delivered the keynote address. In his remarks, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to food fortification as a national priority.

“Rice fortification is a crucial component of India’s battle against hidden hunger. As we scale up fortified rice distribution across government schemes, initiatives like this are essential to extend these benefits to retail consumers. I commend Jindal Rice Mills for taking this forward-looking step toward public health,” said Shri Tarunpreet Singh Sond.

Nourifyme is a response to India’s growing need for nutrient-rich, affordable staple foods, aimed at addressing widespread micronutrient deficiencies. The brand draws on decades of milling expertise, now aligned with national nutrition goals.

“By combining our legacy in rice milling with science-backed fortification, Nourifyme brings together quality, taste, and health in one plate,” added Vishal Gupta, Co-Founder at Jindal Rice Mills.

“With Nourifyme, we are not just launching a product line—we are launching a mission to put better nutrition in every Indian kitchen,” said Ankit Jindal, Co-Founder at Jindal Rice Mills.

The Nourifyme range is enriched with a scientifically chosen blend of essential micronutrients aimed at addressing widespread nutritional deficiencies in India. Each product is fortified with Iron to combat anemia and support cognitive development, Folic Acid to aid in cell growth and maternal health, and Vitamin B12 for nerve function and red blood cell formation. In addition, Zinc is included to strengthen immunity and aid healing, while Vitamin A supports vision and overall immune health. Together, these nutrients play a vital role in promoting better health outcomes for individuals and families across age groups.

“Malnutrition affects 37% of children under 6 yrs of age and these children in particularly girls grow into adolescence with protein and micronutrient deficiency, contributing to the problem of anemia in reproductive ages.  Anemia affects 57% of women in reproductive ages and 52% women suffer anemia during pregnancy (NFHS-6). Malnutrition and deficiency of micronutrients in particularly iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12 – are major concerns among women of reproductive age.  These contribute to rising anemia among women in reproductive age during pregnancy,” Dr. Neena Malhotra, Prof. & Head, Deptt. of Obstetrics & Gynecology, AIIMS, New Delhi.

Despite National programmes on Anemia Prevention, the prevalence of anemia has not shown a decline. There is therefore a strong need to go beyond supplementation with iron and Folic acid tablets. Staple food fortification with micronutrients is a good option with proven benefits improving anemia on a large scale. Fortifying staple foods, wheat flour, rice or edible oils with essential micronutrient will improve nutrition and well – being of women in India.  I strongly advocate the inclusion of fortified foods in everyday diets to reduce risks of anemia and support healthy pregnancies,” added Dr. Neena Malhotra.

The event also showcased Nourifyme’s strong collaboration with global nonprofit TechnoServe, which leads the Millers for Nutrition – Asia program. This program supports rice millers across South Asia in adopting fortification best practices to improve public health outcomes.

Opening the event, Mr. Abhishek Shukla, Country Program Manager, Millers for Nutrition – India, outlined the importance of private sector innovation in solving national nutrition challenges.

“Millers are at the heart of India’s food system. When they step forward to fortify, they don’t just shift business—they shift lives. We are proud to support millers like Jindal Rice Mills in expanding the reach of fortified staples,” said Abhishek Shukla.

The Nourifyme range will be made available through key retail and distribution channels, with plans to expand across northern and eastern India in the coming quarters. A launch video showcasing the vision and product portfolio was screened during the event, followed by a product showcase where guests could experience the look, feel, and packaging of the full Nourifyme lineup.

White Spoon Fortified Basmati Rice, developed by Anand Agro Industries, was also launched today alongside Nourifyme. Fortified with Iron, Zinc, Folic Acid, B3 and B12 Vitamins, White Spoon is crafted to support better nutrition outcomes across communities. With a focus on both consumer markets and welfare distribution, it reinforces the commitment to combating hidden hunger through everyday staples.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Shubham Mishra, Food Fortification Manager, Millers for Nutrition India, who reiterated the importance of joint action.

“India’s fight against malnutrition needs both scale and innovation. It’s partnerships like this—between committed entrepreneurs and enabling institutions—that make change possible,” said Shubham Mishra.

The event was attended by leading millers from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, along with members of the food processing industry, nutrition advocates, and development sector professionals.

With Nourifyme, Jindal Rice Mills aims to position itself as a trusted household brand for fortified staples, contributing to the national goal of a malnutrition-free India.

About Jindal Rice Mills

Jindal Rice Mills is a trusted name in India’s rice milling industry, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and nutrition. With decades of experience in sourcing, processing, and supplying premium grains, the company is now leading the charge in fortified food solutions through its new brand, Nourifyme. Rooted in Punjab and serving markets across India, Jindal Rice Mills is dedicated to building a healthier, well-nourished nation.

About Millers for Nutrition

Millers for Nutrition is supported by Strategic Fortification Partners: BASF, BioAnalyt, Bühler, dsm-firmenich, Mühlenchemie, SternVitamin; Regional Strategic Fortification Partners: Hexagon Nutrition, Piramal, Sanku; and a growing group of local technical partners that share a common vision of improving food processing practices and fortification excellence to benefit society and enhance business sustainability. Millers for Nutrition is powered by TechnoServe with funding support from the Gates Foundation. Millers, food fortification stakeholders, and others interested in joining the coalition can learn more at http://www.millersfornutrition.com/

(L to R) Vishal Gupta, Shubham Mishra, Punjab Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Ankit Jindal, Abhishek Shukla.

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(L to R) Bharat Bhushan Bansal, Ankit Jindal, Dr. Neena Malhotra, Vishal Gupta, and Deepti Gulati

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Jindal Rice Mills Launches Nourifyme – A Fortified Nutrition Brand To Fight Malnutrition In India

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