Aamir Khan and tha cast of Taare Zameen Par have a M.A.D. time with ROb

Media News

Mumbai, December 18, 2007

Art meets art! That’s right in a special episode of the No. 1 kids’ programme on Indian television, Pogo Original production – M.A.D. (Music, Art and Dance), the iconic ‘real’ life arts instructor and the show’s host Rob, creates magic with the ‘reel’ life art teacher – Aamir Khan. The sets of M.A.D. was buzzing with action and excitement as the charismatic and acclaimed actor Aamir Khan along with the lead actor of his directorial debut film ‘Taare Zameen Par’ – Darsheel - enjoyed an interactive and creative art session with Rob. The music and dance segments of the show were enhanced and highlighted with the presence of the famous, musical trio – Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy. You can catch this special episode of M.A.D. on December 23rd at 10:30 a.m., exclusively on Pogo.

Aamir Khan participated and created along with Rob a two-in-one fanfold image of himself and Darsheel.The stars were further fascinated by Rob as he taught them innovative art techniques like blow straw painting. Rob also got the opportunity to have a special tete-a-tete with Aamir Khan about his directorial debut, ‘Taare Zameen Par’, his experiences on playing an arts teacher, his inspiration for the film, as well as managing and acting with kids’. Aamir further, upped the fun factor by actually singing the introductory parts of one the songs from the movie called, Bum Bum Bole. Taare Zameen Par releases in cinemas worldwide on 21st Dec' 07.

Sharing his views on creativity, his film and his association with M.A.D., Aamir Khan said, “Creativity is about approaching things differently. It’s about seeing a window where others see a wall! This is best exemplified through M.A.D., which makes learning fun - as it simplifies concepts and encourages kids’ to discover their latent creative talent.” He added, “During the shooting of ‘Taare Zameen Par’, I had a great time working with kids. From their energy levels, to their enthusiasm, to their simple yet clear means of approaching situations – I learnt a lot from them. M.A.D. is the kids’ most loved show and both, Darsheel and I are very excited to co-host it with Rob.”

As a special message to all kids Aamir Khan said, “You should just be yourself, follow your heart and enjoy what you are doing.” On being questioned by Aamir Khan about his creative skills, Rob mentioned that one has to be open minded, think out of the box. He explained while giving an example of how a plain bottle could be changed into a spaceship, submarine or a plane by just exploring the possibilities beyond the obvious.

The talented musical trio Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy, excitedly talked about, shared anecdotes and even performed some of the seven distinct songs composed by them for ‘Taare Zameen Par’. They also shared their favourites from the album,like Shankar loves the emotional mother song ‘Ma’ and Loy’s personal favourite is the title song –‘Taare Zameen Par’. Rob and the M.A.D. team also received an impromptu and heartfelt compliment from Shankar, who went on to say, “I am a big fan of the show and watch it very regularly with my children. I am a big fan of Rob and have also made many things that Rob has taught on the show. In fact, what I enjoyed making the most were the submarines, Rob made with Bisleri bottles – I know all the mediums he uses. I follow the show very closely and I am really happy to be invited here. I was really looking forward to be on this set.”

M.A.D. is an award winning original production of POGO. Over the years, M.A.D. has won seven International and National awards, since its inception in April 2005. In fact, this year for the second time in a row, the show has bagged the “Best Kids’ Programme” award, at both the Indian Telly Awards and Indian Television Academy Awards 2007. The show ensures that learning is accompanied by fun and is a perfect sync with the channel’s DNA as it gives children a feeling of belonging, a sense of “It’s My TV” – through its interactive format. Infact, the popularity of M.A.D. is further reiterated by Pogo gaining the highest channel share across not only kids’ channels, but across all national channels as well, during the Sunday morning block! (C&S, 4-14, All India, Sun 1030-1100 hours, Jan – Nov 2007; Source: TAM Media Research).

Pogo, a multi-genre channel created exclusively for kids in India, launched successfully on January 1, 2004 and is distributed by Zee Turner Ltd. Broadcast via the PAS-10 satellite, POGO is available in over 17 million cable & satellite homes, and in just months of its launch became the second most popular kids’ entertainment channel in India, after Cartoon Network. Catering to kids and their families, POGO offers the best available programming from acclaimed production companies including Ragdoll Ltd., BBC and HIT Entertainment PLC, with such premium titles as: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner Of Azkaban, Takeshi’s Castle, Mr. Bean – The Animated Series, Make Way For Noddy, amongst others.

Original productions from POGO include Prime POGO, a hip, energetic hosted zone, Pogo Amazing Kids Awards, India’s first televised kids’ awards – now in its fourth year, M.A.D – India’s First Music, Art & Dance Show, Bam! Bam! Bam! Gir Pade Hum, a high energy game show, a sketch, comedy, live action show titled - It’s Alive, India’s first very own pre-school show, Galli Galli Sim Sim and a brand new adventurous series, Cambala Investigation Agency!

Turner Broadcasting System Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment products around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

For further information, please contact:

Pooja Ahluwalia

Turner International India Pvt. Ltd.

Tel: +91-11-4169 9123

Email: pooja.ahluwalia@turner.com