Sunburn festival was a cracker!

With top DJs, lots of jamming and an estimated 15-20,000 screaming EDM fans, the first NCR edition of the Sunburn festival was a cracker. After seven years of the capital's EDM fans making their annual Christmas-time pilgrimage to Goa, Sunburn finally came to them!
The first local edition of Asia's largest electronic music festival was held in Noida on Sunday, with approximately 15-20,000 screaming fans dancing in front of two brilliantly lit up stages. Starting at 2pm, fans began to trickle in, as Nishant Technoboy started the day. As the evening wore on, the crowd kept swelling, in anticipation of Sunburn Noida's headliner, Dutch DJ Afrojack, DJ Mag's no 7 on its list of top 100 DJs last year.

Merchandise sold like hot cakes as coloured light sticks, neon afros and Afrojack T-shirts were donned. Many people closed their eyes and moved to the music, oblivious to the crowd around them. Cameras, from fancy DSLRs to phone cameras, remained raised through the evening. Festival organizer Shailendra Singh's son, 17-year-old DJ Shaan, played just before Bobby Brown, and together, they builtup the tempo so when Afrojack finally came on stage, the screaming just got louder. Having been part of that pulsing, screaming experience, all that the capital's EDM fans could ask for was at least one more day, if not two, and a beach!

Emraan Hashmi plays a crime reporter in the film “Rush” produced by Percept Picture Company. Inordinately delayed among other things because of the death of its writer-director Shamim Desai, the Neha Dhupia-Sagarika Ghatge-Aditya Pancholi movie has music by Pritam. The film was completed by Shamim’s wife Priyanka, who also rewrote the 2010 film and was present at the event Oct.8 at the J.W.Marriott and was cheered by the audience. Showman International are the co-producers. The lead artistes and Shailendra Singh of Percept Pictures were all present at the press-con where more queries (of the sensible kind) were asked by Emraan Hashmi of the real crime reporters who had been called on the panel on the dais. The actor asked probing questions about their lives and the risks attached to them along with the scary experiences. Emraan Hashmi told the audience after interacting with the real crime scribes that he was glad he had not taken up the profession, given the dangers they faced. While the reporters also praised the cops for protecting them, Hashmi, when asked whether he had hobnobbed with them to learn how to play the role, quipped that he was in constant touch with scribes (the film variety) and did not really need to do that! “Besides the journalist I play also kisses!” he remarked with a smile.

Refuting a scribe’s query about why he loved to play negative characters, he stated that he preferred to call his screen essays as “normal human beings” who, “like everyone of us” went wrong, but “somewhere there was redemption.” He did not believe in the classic paragon who got everything right, he said. In “Rush,” he portrays a young and honest crime reporter who, tempted by Mammon, ends up as a criminal, thanks to the machinations of two tycoons (Neha Dhupia and Aditya Pancholi).The funniest-cum-weirdest remark of the evening came from Aditya, now 26 years into films, who stated that he was never as involved in any film as this. Why? Does it mean he sleepwalked through all his solo/multi-hero leads and gray roles? We will never know. After this, the film’s music was launched by the team. Pritam’s soundtrack was released on the same day as “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” and is said to have been far better received.

Olympic wrestler Sushil Kumar signed a high value association with a leading Indian brand today. His associations with blue chip brands have equaled his endorsement kitty to that of the leading sportsmen in India.After making India proud second time around, Sushil Kumar - India’s Olympic Glory has proved himself yet again. Olympic wrestler Sushil Kumar signed a high value association with a leading Indian brand today. His associations with blue chip brands have equaled his endorsement kitty to that of the leading sportsmen in India.Sushil Kumar, is the first Indian to win back to back individual medals at the Olympics. Post London 2012 brands are coming forth to pledge their support. These brands are now open to non – cricket sportsmen as endorsers.

London Olympic Games silver medal winning pistol shooter Vijay Kumar has been signed up by sports marketing firm, ‘Percept’, which would manage the Army marksman’s brand image and endorsements. The media release did not mention the period of the deal or the signing amount.

The 27-year-old Subedar Major, hailing from Harsaur village of Himachal Pradesh and a triple gold medalist in the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, bagged the silver medal in the 25m rapid fire pistol event at the London Games. He is currently World No. 2 in this event. Percept also represents London Games silver medal winning wrestler Sushil Kumar, Beijing Games bronze medal winning boxer Vijender Singh and many other sportsmen, the release added.

Percept Activ recently conceptualized and executed the launch of Krrish Square, the ultra luxurious real estate property and the first property launch in Sri Lanka of Krrish Group on September 26, 2012 at Hotel Cinnamon Gran, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Krrish Square, a prestigious high-rise project spread over a massive 4.3 acres is a mixed-use complex, brought to Sri Lanka by the Krrish Group. Architecturally and technologically superior, Krrish Square has been envisaged as a vertical city. Made up of four statuesque towers, it will house commercial office spaces, elite residences, high-end retail and super deluxe hotel accommodation. This landmark development will include the refurbished heritage hotel in the existing Transworks Square building. The launch celebrated the architectural brilliance of Krrish Square with its all encompassing grandeur and elegance. Percept Activ designed a customized launch film with a series of 3D mapping animations that revealed the building. The entire venue was draped in golden fabric and golden yellow light washes. The carefully prepared guest list, included business tycoons, media barons, embassy officials, Sri Lankan cricketers, Cabinet Ministers of the Sri Lankan government, Investors, socialites and fashionistas. The launch event was a feast for all present as they got to witness an array of performances. Zenith Dance Group, performed on 3 contemporary numbers throwing up a colourful mélange on the stage. A unique UV light act was staged next. Another wow act was the laser ensemble by the yogis angels.

The emcees for the event were, Suresh Oberoi and Kamaal Siddhu, who stitched the entire evening into delightfully engaging conversations. However, the most awaited performance of the night was undoubtedly by Nargis Fakri, who left the crowd speechless with her grace, beauty and the hard to miss Bollywood jhatkaas. The evening concluded with a electrifying performance from Niladari Kumar. The maestro who plays the sitar like and electric guitar enthralled the audience with his fusion piece.  Commenting on the successful execution of the event, Sanjay Shukla, Chief Operating Officer, Percept Activ Said. “It is a matter of great pride for us to have gotten the opportunity to execute an event for the Krrish Group. The challenge was to craft a perfect platform for such a high profile event and to implement perfection from the beginning to the end. It’s safe to say that the event was a big success. We skillfully showcased the attributes of the Krrish Square through the event which epitomised luxury with and finesse” he added.     

Percept Live' multi-genre music festival 'GOD'

For the very first time international sensation Beardyman will perform in India. Percept Live, announces the first edition of 'Go On...Discover' (GOD), a unique multi genre music festival on October 27, 2012 at the sprawling landscape arena of Cocopara, Pune. The festival is a great ensemble of LIVE music put together by renowned bands across the globe. For the very first time international sensation Beardyman will perform in India.The festival will have multiple stages that will showcase & play different genres of music brimming with a pax capacity of over 1500 people. This day long festival that will start at 3pm will showcase performances by Indian bands like Junkyard Groove, Whirling Kalapas, Zedde, Madrobe Walfunction, Bandish Projekt, Modern Mafia & Blek sharing stage with Tom Middleton & Beardyman. GOD will provide its patrons not only the best of the music and artists from all over the world but also state of the art technology & effects that will make it a visual delight par excellence.

The festival will have spectacular highlights with illusionists bringing out the flavor of magic, nestled in the forest of the Gods of music at Cocoparra and a special limited edition rock merchandise store along with a flea market."Festivals always have a unique vibe in comparison to tours and one-off gigs. I am honored to be a part of the very first edition of the GOD festival!" - Bandish Projekt. "We've been hearing only good things about Cocoparra. So we can't wait to get consumed by the place and it's magic. We're also stoked to be on the same bill as our heroes Uday Benegal and Mahesh Tinaikar. More at the show." - 2Blue [Lead Singer, Zedde]. Mr. Shailendra Singh, Joint Managing Director of Percept Ltd says, "Percept is eager to continue introducing festivals that affect the cultural dimensions of the country. There is no better feeling than to give our crowds an ultimate music experience; we are excited to take it to the next level. You have nothing but full power entertainment to look forward to at Go On... Discover Music Festival".

Goa Super Sixes launches its fourth edition

Percept Ltd. held the fourth edition of its annual inter corporate cricket tournament called Goa Super Sixes from Oct. 14 to 16 at the Taj Exotica, Goa. The tournament offered a unique, action-packed, fun-filled version of the game of cricket that aims to combine the passion for the sport along with the serene yet festive ambience of Goa. Launched in 2009, Goa Super Sixes is an annual corporate cricket tournament and a property of Percept. Since the past three years, this tournament has grown bigger in stature, popularity and success. Players comprised of business leaders from the corporate world along with renowned personalities from Bollywood and cricket. This season had two renowned international teams which added to the flavour. This year also witnessed a ramp walk for corporates, alongside professional ramp models to determine ‘Mr. Goa Super Sixes 2012.' This was followed by an exhilarating Hawaiian theme party. On the first day, there was a pre-event press conference at Taj Exotica, Goa, to commemorate the fourth season of Goa Super Sixes, which was attended by the media fraternity of Goa. In the evening, there was a fashion show followed by a cocktail dinner. Apart from the tournament, participants also played beach cricket and lawn cricket over the trip. There was also a Hawaiian themed party. On the last day, the participants celebrated the birthday of Shailendra Singh, Joint Managing Director, Percept Ltd.Goa Super Sixes 2012 witnessed a host of celebrities and legends playing alongside leading corporates including Mohinder Amarnath, Dilip Vengsarkar, Jayantilal Kenia, Vijender Singh, Nilesh Kulkarni, Varun Badola, Manav Gohil, Lalchand Rajput and Ayaz Memon. The eight participating teams included New Indians led by Hiren Bhanu of New India Bank, XXX Energisers led by Sachin Joshi of JMJ Group, Sameena Stallions led by Shirish Saraf of Sameena Capital, Provogue Pashas led by Nigam Patel of Provogue, DB Conquerors led by Vinod Goenka of DB Realty, Veling Vikings led by Uday Nayak of Veling Aero, Zee Zorros led by Balaraj Naidu of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. and Bombay Bombers led by Harindra Singh of Percept.

Each game was played between two teams of six players each and each team got to play three matches and earn two points on each win. The matches comprised of five overs per inning to be played with green MRI balls. To give each player an opportunity to bat, the batsman must retire 'not out' on reaching a personal score of 31 runs. Each team comprised two players between the ages of 30-40 years and four players over the age of 40 years.Commenting on the event, Harindra Singh, Vice-Chairman and MD, Percept, said: "Goa Super Sixes is a great corporate getaway that offers a fantastic networking opportunity for business leaders to take some time off to indulge in their favourite sport of cricket and party in one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. It's become bigger and better, and in its fourth season we have two renowned international teams joining in which adds to the flavour. Though the concept of Super Sixes is quite popular internationally, the uniqueness and novelty of the Goa Super Sixes is that it involves India's biggest corporate honchos coming together on the idyllic beaches of Goa over a period of three days to celebrate the popular sport of cricket and engage in a friendly yet competitive bout of games to vie for the coveted championship title." The Percept Sports team pitched the concept of Goa Super Sixes to corporate houses and accordingly two groups were formed, each comprising of four teams. Each team got an opportunity to have a celebrity from cricket or Bollywood playing on their team. These celebrity cricket aficionados were brought on board by Percept and were chosen as per a lucky draw at a press conference.Commenting on the stay at Taj Exotica, Singh added: "Located on the southwest coast of Goa, overlooking the Arabian Sea, this Mediterranean-style resort has a way of slowing down time to a tranquil tempo. Taj Exotica showcased relaxation with tropical-inspired design for a memorable stay. Now that's luxury at its peak. The serene yet festive ambience of Goa is ideal and goes well with the mood of Goa Super Sixes."

Allied Media bags new business worth Rs. 150 Crores

Over the last two months Allied Media has bagged a sleuth of clients. The new clients include DB Realty, Sahara Q Shop, Baskin-Robbins India, Just Dial, Italy Tourism, and DSK Hyosung. The marketing spends of these brands is a good Rs.150 Crores. Allied Media will offer these clients a 360 degree media service, which would encompass strategic planning, media buying and implementation.With this the capitalized billing of Allied Media has scaled up to Rs. 1,200 Crore. Allied media has set up a new special business cell and a core strategy cell supported by Data Centre. This initiative has resulted in Allied Media bagging these key clients. Geared to meet the emerging market scenario, the strategy cell promises to offer its clients consulting, modeling and easy-to-use customisable software solutions for communication planning, ROI modeling, targeting and segmentation. The newly introduces business cell and strategy cell will give the clients a competitive advantage in the media and communications domain. Some of Allied Media’s esteemed clientele include brands like Future Group, Sahara Group, Panasonic, Canon, and Toyota, to name a few.