Vijender Singh to Host ‘The Contender’ in India

The first ever reality show in Action Sports
International content and production company, Bulldog Media & Entertainment (Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? - Paanchvi Pass) and leading media & entertainment conglomerate, Percept Picture Company announced the action sport reality television show franchise “The Contender” in India.  Bulldog & Percept have roped in Vijender Singh, Olympic bronze medalist and 2nd ranked boxer in the world,  as the face of ‘The Contender’ first ever reality show in Action Sports.
Bulldog will bring this exceedingly successful and popular television series produced and owned by Mark Burnett Productions (The Apprentice, Survivor) to be adapted in the Indian format. In conjunction with Bulldog, Percept Picture Company will co-produce the show and will focus on providing a cutting edge quality entertainment to discerning Indian audiences and will concentrate on ACTION SPORTS as a new genre.
Mr. Akash Sharma, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Bulldog Entertainment commented “At Bulldog, it has been our constant endeavor to bring the highest quality formats of international programs to India. Reality Television has long since arrived in India and is here to stay. The Contender is a rage around the world and we are planning to create an even bigger success here in India. This is our first initiative in co-production, and re-associating with Mark Burnett again this time for The Contender merely affirms our conviction to provide the Indian audience with only those shows which will make them anticipate more fun, action, healthy competition and drama in each episode. “
The Contender is a reality show that follows a group of boxers competing with each other in a single elimination style competition. The show encompasses much more than boxing, it gives viewers a first hand look into the real-life hopes, triumphs and defeats of the contestants.
 Speaking on this initiative, Mr. Shailendra Singh, Jt. MD Percept Limited, said, “The venture with Bulldog is another first. We are confident that our relationship with them will grow from mutual strength and reach its goal of offering the finest in ACTION SPORTS and ENTERTAINMENT to the Indian audiences. With Vijendra Singh as ambassador...we are confident that Indian audience would get a taste of the Real Action Hero”
 Bulldog and Percept will also launch a unique promotional ground activity called FIGHT NIGHTS, a platform, wherein amateur and upcoming boxing talent will have the opportunity to try their hand against a professional opponent in the boxing ring. Fight Nights will take place across the country on a regular interval.
  On being associated with this show Vijender Singh addressed the crowd “Boxing as a sport is very popular across the world, however the situation is not the same in India. Cricket has always been the lifeline here and hence the association with the sport in terms of liking as well as participation is naturally more. It’s high time we realize the enormous talent India has to offer as far as other sports are concerned.  Contender will promote Boxing in India and take it to another level by providing platform to the deserving candidates. It will be another vehicle for boxers to drive right into the heart of International Competition. Associating with Contender is just like going back to old days where I had rigorous training
 sessions and stiff competition to face. I am glad I will be able to guide and counsel the participants. I hope to bring in my international experience to use for the eager contenders. “
Mark Burnett is a leading innovator in unscripted television programming and game shows, responsible for such hits as Survivor, The Apprentice, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader, and Eco Challenge. He commented “Our production of The Contender has enjoyed much success, both in the US and around the world.  With the format currently being produced in Australia, we are excited to bring this Emmy nominated show to India.  After the great success of Paanchvi Pass, we looked for the best way to continue our relationship with Bulldog.  Their passion for The Contender coupled with their ability to produce quality programming made the decision simple”.
About Bulldog Media & Entertainment
Promoted by Akash Sharma and Ramit Mittal, Bulldog prides itself for being one of the leading content acquirers, producers, and go-to Company to launch quality international television content in India. With the success of Paanchvi Pass behind them and upcoming Indian versions of global smash hits such as The Contender (Mark Burnett Production), and America’s Next Top Model (CBS Paramount) Bulldog continues to provide quality programming to the Indian marketplace.
 About Percept Picture Company
Established in 2002, Percept Picture Company (PPC) is India’s fastest growing and fully integrated Content Creation, Aggregation and Distribution Company. PPC expertise’s in producing Motion Pictures, Television Software, Film Distribution and Marketing, Ad Film Production, Corporate Films, Live Events and Special Projects. PPC produces innovative and quality films through an efficient film making process, by integrating content production, distribution, tie-ups for exhibitions, broadcasting and music rights. Through innovative marketing, content quality and distribution techniques, PPC has succeeded in securing long-term relationships with its clients. Percept Picture Company is a part of Percept Holdings, a strategic holding company that promotes, owns and manages a spectrum of marketing communication companies. Percept Holdings has a capitalized billing of INR 10.33 billion and employs over 900 people across 3 continents with 61 offices.
 About Mark Burnett Productions
Mark Burnett Productions is a leading production company for primetime television, cable and the internet, and has produced over 1,100 hours of television programming which regularly airs in over 70 countries around the world.  Mark Burnett (President of Mark Burnett Productions) has revolutionized television with continuing hits such as Survivor (CBS), The Apprentice (NBC), the now syndicated Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? (FOX), which is currently being produced in 55 countries, the daytime syndicated hit Martha, and the new hit series Shark Tank (ABC); giving Mark different series on each of the four major networks. MBP has garnered other current hit cable series in 2009 with Bully Beatdown (MTV), StarMaker (MTV), and How’d You Get So Rich (TV Land). In the summers of 2007, 2008, and 2009, MBP entered the world of award shows, when Mark Burnett served as executive producer for the MTV Movie Awards. Since 2001, MBP has garnered a total of 60 Emmy nominations with Mark receiving 2 wins, along with 4 People’s Choice Awards.  Mark Burnett has been named one of the most influential people in the world by TIME magazine and named TV Guide’s most valuable player.  He has won both BRANDWEEK’S Marketer of the Year Award and the prestigious ROSE D’OR FRAPA Format Award.  In 2007, Mark Burnett was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. In July of 2009, Mark was honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce when he was presented with a star on the Hollywood walk of fame.