No more Nandu! End of an era as CBFC discontinues Akshay Kumar’s anti-smoking ad after more than 6 years

In 2012, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare along with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting mandated that films depicting smoking scenes need to play anti-smoking ads before the beginning of the film and after the intermission point. The first ad that came into play involved a man named Mukesh Harane who died at a young age due to cancer caused by tobacco consumption. The ads changed at regular intervals and in 2018, the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) instructed that an ad, featuring Akshay Kumar and Ajay Singh Pal, be shown in films with smoking scenes. This ad proved to be an exception as unlike other previous ads, this ad wasn’t taken down after a certain point in time. Sadly, after six years, the much popular ad has been replaced.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that last month, a decision was taken to discontinue Akshay Kumar’s anti-smoking ad by CBFC. It was replaced by a new ad, showing how quitting tobacco can lead to positive changes in your body within 20 minutes. The recently released films like Jigra and Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video had scenes of smoking and they were released without the Akshay Kumar ad.

The ad featuring Akshay Kumar was first shown during the release of his 2018 Independence Day film, Gold. It shows Akshay Kumar telling a man named Nandu to stop smoking and use the money saved to buy a sanitary pad for his wife. The ad also helped promote his earlier 2018 film Pad Man. Interestingly, this ad was only mandatory for Hindi films by CBFC.

Nandu in this ad was played by an actor named Ajay Singh Pal. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama in March 2020, he revealed that people used to recognize him on the streets thanks to the ad. He said, “Out of 100, 20-25 people on average realize that I am Nandu. Most people however feel that Nandu must be a big star staying in Mumbai and that he can’t be seen in Bhopal! A few remark that I look like that guy from the anti-smoking ad! Haan, bacche bade sharp hote hai; bacche pehchaan lete hai mujhe!”

An official at a multiplex told Bollywood Hungama on the condition of anonymity, “It was my favourite anti-smoking ad as it gave out an important message without any disturbing visuals. It also used to be amusing to see moviegoers repeating the dialogues from the ad. After all, they were watching the ad for 6 years. The moviegoers had memorized all its lines! I am sure I am and many other moviegoers will surely miss the ad.”

Also Read: Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna named as Top celebrity couple: TAM AdEx Report 2024

source https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/no-nandu-end-era-cbfc-discontinues-akshay-kumars-anti-smoking-ad-6-years/

इस हसीना को करीना कपूर ने कहा था ‘काली बिल्ली’, तीन एक्टर संग चलाया चक्कर, फिर को-स्टार की बनी तीसरी बीवी

इस हसीना को करीना कपूर ने कहा था ‘काली बिल्ली’, तीन एक्टर संग चलाया चक्कर, फिर को-स्टार की बनी तीसरी बीवी

from पहली ही फिल्म में ऋतिक रोशन को सताने लगा था ये डर, फिर इस सुपरस्टार मांगी मदद तो मिला सुपरहिट फॉर्मूला! https://ift.tt/jlcnUGR

What Reliance Industries Limited’s interest means for Dharma Productions – A look at the financial Ups and Downs at the production house

Dharma Productions, one of India's leading film production houses, has caught the attention of Reliance Industries Limited, which is reportedly in talks to take a stake in the company. This possible acquisition comes at a time when Dharma Productions has experienced significant financial fluctuations over the past few years.

In FY 2021-22, the company faced a sharp decline in net profits, down by 59% to Rs. 11 crores. This drop was largely driven by high operational expenses, which reached Rs. 1,028 crores. Despite this, the company managed to generate Rs. 19 crores from distribution, Rs. 167 crores from the sale of digital rights, Rs. 34 crores from satellite rights, and Rs. 21 crores from music rights, making up a total revenue of Rs. 278 crores.

Fast forward to FY 2022-23, Dharma Productions saw a substantial recovery. Its revenues soared to Rs. 1,044 crores, driven by Rs. 656 crores from distribution rights, Rs. 140 crores from digital rights, Rs. 83 crores from satellite rights, and Rs. 75 crores from music rights. This strong performance led to a notable after-tax profit of Rs. 27.1 crores. Borrowings during this period amounted to Rs. 82 crores, slightly down from Rs. 92 crores in FY22.

However, in FY 2023-24, the company’s net profit dipped again to Rs. 10.70 crores, signaling ongoing volatility in its financial performance. With the company stabilizing revenue streams through the sale of digital, satellite, and music rights, a potential partnership with Reliance Industries Limited could be a strategic move to further capitalize on growth opportunities.

Reliance Industries Limited’s interest in acquiring a stake in Dharma Productions highlights the increasing value placed on content-driven businesses. Such an acquisition could pave the way for expanded distribution networks and diversified revenue streams, ultimately strengthening Dharma’s financial standing in the competitive entertainment industry.

Also Read: Mukesh Ambani eyes Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions: Will Reliance secure a stake in Bollywood’s top Studio?

source https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/reliance-industries-limiteds-interest-means-dharma-productions-look-financial-ups-downs-production-house/