MUMBAI: Viacom18 Motion Pictures? COO Vikram Malhotra has resigned from the organisation.

Having spent a little over two years at Viacom18 Motion Pictures, Malhotra has decided to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations. He will, however, continue in his current capacity till July, to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. Malhotra also headed Viacom18?s strategic distribution alliance with Paramount Pictures International.

Viacom18 Media Networks Group CEO Sudhanshu Vats said, "Vikram has admirably led the reboot of this business to put Viacom18 Motion Pictures amongst the top players in the industry. Over the last two years, we have had tremendous success, stretched the envelope and redefined the rules of Hindi Cinema, making critically acclaimed films that were commercial successful as well. We have an impressive lineup ahead with movies like Chashme Badoor, Bhag Milka Bhag, Madras Cafe and Boss."

Commenting on the development, Malhotra added, "I have had a personally fulfilling and proud time at Viacom18 Motion Pictures and am privileged to have lead a talented team that redefined many a things in both production and distribution of Hindi as well as Hollywood films (marketing and distribution of Paramount movies)."

Over the last two years, Viacom18 Motion Pictures has had hits like Tanu Weds Manu, Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Shaitan and superhits like Kahaani, Gangs of Wasseypur, OMG - Oh My God!, Son of Sardaar and the recently released Special 26 and Saheb Biwi Gangster Returns.

Through its strategic alliance with Paramount Pictures, Viacom18 Motion Pictures also released some of the biggest Hollywood grosses in India like Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol.

NEW DELHI: Doordarshan spent a sum of Rs 3.9 million on its New Year?s eve programme ?Dhoom 2013?, aimed at honouring the vamp as a tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema.

The telecast of the programme had been put off in view of the demise of the gang rape victim in Delhi, but was later telecast on 13 January.

Parliament was informed that of the total amount, Rs two million was paid to the artistes while the rest was for infrastructure including set, light, audio, venue hiring, decoration etc.

The pubcaster claimed that the programme recorded good viewership rating, as reflected in the Television Audience Measurement (TAM).

This included All India Market: 0.98 among (All 4+years) viewers.

ii) Market (Hindi Speaking Market): 1.02 (All 4+years) viewers.

iii) Hindi Speaking Market in Non Cable & Satellite: 11.84 iv) All India 2013 in Non Cable
Satellite: 13.43

Produced by Mumbai Doordarshan, it showcased the lost vamps of the Indian Cinema.

With Choreography and performance from Madhushree, Rekha Vishal Bharadwaj, Kavita Seth, Mamta Sharma, Tochi Raina, Vikas Bhalla, Ritu Phatak and Sanjivani Belande, the programme took the viewer back in to the glorious world of the vamps of Indian Cinema.

The scripting of the show was done by Deepti Mishra (of Tanu Weds Manu fame). Manini Mishra and Raju Nigam compered the programme. The voice over for the specially created AV for Dhoom 2013 had been done by Arvind Mehra.

The sets had been designed by Johnny Lever Company. The programme was supported by Johnny Lever and the cine star Jeetendra.

Dhoom 2013 felicitate the vamps of yesteryears - Bindu, Helen, Aruna Irani, Jayashree T, Padma Khanna and others.

Dhoom 2013 was conceived and designed by the Additional Director General of Mumbai Doordarshan, Mukesh Sharma.

MUMBAI: With competition among the Hindi movie channels heating up and Star Network acquiring majority of films, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) has gone ahead and acquired some big labels after it went on an aggressive movie buying spree lately.

Zeel will be premiering the movies on its flagship Hindi movie channel, Zee Cinema. Some of the released and yet-to-be released movies that Zeel has acquired recently include Don 2, Agneepath, Agent Vinod, Barfee, Heroine, Players, Joker, Michael and My Friend Pinto.

Zeel MD and CEO Punit Goenka said, "We are happy to have augmented our vast library to bring these films to the Indian audiences. We will soon be bringing the biggest blockbusters to the small screen. These films will give us a golden opportunity to showcase some of the most awaited films on TV. We have already drawn a very positive advertiser response for the films."

Last year, Zeel had acquired films like Double Dhamaal, Tanu Weds Manu, Shaitan, Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap, Chalo Dilli, Shagird and Pyaar ka Punchnama, among others.