ITV

Category: Television

  • EndemolShine India’s Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 achieves record-breaking viewership

    EndemolShine India’s Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 achieves record-breaking viewership

    Mumbai: EndemolShine India’s Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8, which launched on 1 September 2024 on Star Maa and Disney+ Hotstar, has achieved a record-breaking viewership in its launch week. With superstar Nagarjuna returning as the host for the sixth consecutive time, the premiere episode garnered an impressive 18.9 TVR (Hyderabad), solidifying the season’s place as a record-breaking hit. In its first week, the show saw a remarkable 5.9 billion minutes of viewing, setting a new benchmark in the history of Bigg Boss Telugu.

    Commenting on the overwhelming success of the launch,  EndemolShine India EVP and head of content, Telugu and Kannada Tabassum Jalib said: “We are thrilled by the phenomenal response to Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8. The numbers speak for themselves, and it’s a testament to the deep connection the format has with audiences across Telugu-speaking markets. Nag sir’s charisma and the show’s dynamic format, featuring unexpected twists and turns, continue to captivate viewers, making this season’s launch our most successful to date.”

    She further added, “With the continued partnership between EndemolShine India, Star Maa and Disney Hotstar,  we are confident that this season will continue to push boundaries and deliver extraordinary entertainment week after week. We look forward to sustaining this momentum and engaging audiences with fresh & dramatic content as the show progresses.”

    Bigg Boss (an adaptation of Big Brother) remains one of the most successful reality franchises of EndemolShine India. In India, Bigg Boss has established itself as a cultural phenomenon, with multiple regional versions such as Bigg Boss Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Telugu—each with its unique fanbase and regional appeal, achieving milestones year after year.

    As Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 continues, viewers can expect more surprises, drama, and engaging entertainment that has kept the franchise thriving for years.

  • KBC dominates non-fiction TV shows with top viewer engagement

    KBC dominates non-fiction TV shows with top viewer engagement

    Mumbai: Hosted by the iconic Amitabh Bachchan, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) in its 16th edition continues to captivate audiences nationwide. According to BARC data (HSM Urban 15+, Week 37, 2024), KBC holds the top spot with an average viewing time of 37.8 TSV.

    In a time of short attention spans, KBC’s success in maintaining high engagement is a testament to its enduring appeal and compelling storytelling. The show’s ability to connect with viewers of all ages and demographics, along with its focus on personal stories and intellectual challenge, ensures that it consistently holds the audience’s attention longer than other non-fiction shows.

    In comparison, other shows such as India’s Best Dancer Season 4 and Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi have average viewing times of 31.2 TSV and 34.3 TSV, respectively.

  • Zee TV launches three distinct shows in September

    Zee TV launches three distinct shows in September

    Mumbai: Zee TV has launched three distinct shows in September— Sa Re Ga Ma Pa on 14 September followed by Vasudha and Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah on 16 September. Each show taps into fresh, innovative marketing strategies, creating multiple touchpoints for viewers to engage with. Whether through influencer-driven digital content, on-ground activations, or clever tech integrations, Zee TV is once again setting the benchmark for audience engagement across platforms.

    Innovative Collaboration with Orry for Vasudha

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Orhan Awatramani (@orry)

    For the launch of Vasudha, Zee TV partnered with popular influencer Orry to introduce Vasu, the lively, spontaneous and very desi lead character in a light-hearted, engaging video. The spunky interaction of these two very contrasting prototypes, shared on Orry’s and Zee TV’s Instagram handles, perfectly captures Vasu’s essence— lovable, rooted, full of heart but far from disciplined. The video, packed with charming moments, ends with Vasu declaring her mission to win over the boss lady, the  formidable matriarch – Chandrika Singh Chauhan. Orry’s vibrant personality, paired with Vasu’s innocence, has created a shareable moment that’s already generating buzz online.

    Enlisting public support for Jagriti’s movement via #JagritiSeBadlaav 

    For Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah, Zee TV has launched a multi-layered grassroots campaign designed to spark conversations on social change and raise awareness around the plight of marginalized communities. Live performances of a nukkad natak have been organized across five cities—Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, and Patna based on an evocative poem that encapsulates the show’s core theme of fighting social injustice. The poem, recorded in Shweta Tripathi’s voice with visuals created using AI technology, captures the spirit of Jagriti’s struggle. Zee TV has also enlisted inspiring personalities like Mirabai Chanu, Hima Das, and Sumit Antil, who will share their personal journeys of overcoming societal barriers, reflecting the same spark of resilience seen in Jagriti’s character. Along with Shweta Tripathi, they are joining the movement under the hashtag #JagritiSeBadlaav. Additionally, 100 influencers will amplify the campaign on social media by sharing their own #JagritiSeBadlaav stories, ensuring the message resonates both online and offline.

    Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Teams Up with PhonePe for a Creative Digital Push

    In the lead-up to its launch, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has introduced several innovations to engage audiences in fresh and creative ways. During the auditions phase, the show partnered with Bobble AI to leverage AI and intent-based marketing, serving anyone discussing singing or auditions with details of its auditions. Additionally, the channel roped in Jaggu Dada (Jackie Shroff) to playfully nudge viewers into channelling their judgments into constructive action—helping Sa Re Ga Ma Pa select the best talent from over 50 videos posted on the show’s Instagram page. In its latest push, through a collaboration with PhonePe, Zee TV has seamlessly integrated the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa logo into the circular ‘wait’ button that appears during online payment processing. This high-attention moment ensures that users engage with the show’s campaign just as their transaction completes, creating a smart and non-intrusive way to stay top-of-mind with viewers.

    Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni said, “Our marketing innovations for the new show line-up are customized to bring alive the essence of each show. For Vasudha, the quirky influencer collaboration perfectly captures the fun, impulsive spirit of the lead character. With Jagriti, we’ve taken a more socially conscious route by blending powerful on-ground activations and evocative poetry with AI-led visuals. For Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, we’ve integrated tech in a smart, seamless way that keeps the show top of mind for viewers. With Hamara Parivar, our audience feedback initiative, we continue to drive consumer centricity, ensuring our content aligns with their evolving expectations. These new launches are a result of actively listening to their preferences and delivering stories that resonate”

    ZEEL CMO, Content – SBU, Kartik Mahadev said, “At ZEE, we are obsessed with the customer in a platform-agnostic manner and we’re always exploring innovative ways to connect with our viewers—whether through their digital devices or phygital experiences. The Sa Re Ga Ma Pa integration with PhonePe leveraged a behavioural insight to create a meaningful brand interaction. Our collaboration with Orry developed organically, as Vasudha’s character is in a fun and charming contrast to Orry’s persona. Jagriti as a character needed to convey purpose, and #JagritiSeBadlaav became an expression of solidarity, serving as a beacon of hope for marginalized communities within the Zee TV digital community”

     

  • Zee Marathi announces ‘Savalyachi Janu Savali’

    Zee Marathi announces ‘Savalyachi Janu Savali’

    Mumbai: Zee Marathi has announced new show, ‘Savalyachi Janu Savali’, celebrated with a 25-hour bhajan marathon at the revered site of Pandharpur. This event not only broke the records but also etched a new chapter in the World Records Book of India.

    On 12 September, at 11:30 AM, the atmosphere in Pandharpur, Maharashtra was alive with harmonious melodies as devotees and music enthusiasts gathered to partake in this spiritual celebration. The Bhajan marathon, which continued until 1:00 PM on 13 September, was a vibrant expression of faith, community, and the inherent beauty within every individual. As the melodious chants filled the air, the voices of 15 dedicated bhajan groups, each contributed to a vibrant tapestry of devotion. In this harmonious confluence of sound and spirit.

    The uninterrupted 25-hour bhajan was performed by talented bhajan groups, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Following this remarkable marathon, the ‘Savalyachi Janu Savali’ team was honored with a certificate and medal from the World Records Book of India, generating substantial buzz around the show.

    In a heartfelt homage to tradition, the star cast, led by Prapti Redkar and Sainkeet Kamat, transformed the launch event into a sacred pilgrimage, as they adorned the ancient Pandharpur Temple with Tulsi leaves symbolizing their devotion and intertwining the essence of the show. This poignant gesture not only honoured the spiritual essence of the narrative but also united the cast with the community, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were present.

  • First FIH-certified hockey field unveiled in Tripura

    First FIH-certified hockey field unveiled in Tripura

    Mumbai:  In an exciting development, the Agartala Sports Department, in collaboration with Gallant Sports, will unveil a FIH-certified hockey ground in Agartala, marking a significant advancement for the region’s sports infrastructure. This state-of-the-art facility, developed under the Khelo India Scheme, is expected to transform the landscape of hockey in Tripura by offering world-class amenities for athletes to train and compete.

    The project, initiated in December 2023, faced early challenges with uneven ground levels, some areas being more than a foot higher than others. However, Gallant Sports rose to the occasion by meticulously leveling the ground to meet international standards. This upcoming hockey ground will not only be standard-sized but also certified by the Federation of International Hockey (FIH), ensuring it complies with the highest global benchmarks.

    Gallant Sports CEO Nasir Ali commented, “We are thrilled to be part of the Agartala Hockey Project, which has culminated in the creation of a hockey ground meeting international standards, now certified by the FIH. This facility is more than just a venue; it’s a platform designed to inspire and nurture young talent. With world-class infrastructure, we aim to motivate and encourage the next generation of athletes. By enhancing local sports facilities, we’re cultivating a culture of excellence in Indian hockey. Our vision is for this ground to become a premier training hub where passion and potential unite, enabling local talent to shine on the global stage.”

    The hockey ground, designed to meet international standards, will provide aspiring athletes in Tripura with a professional environment where they can prepare for national and international competitions. This development, scheduled for completion soon, aligns with the government’s broader vision to boost sports participation through the Khelo India Scheme, aiming to nurture grassroots talent and create a vibrant sports culture across India.

    The facility will serve as a resource for schools, local sports clubs, and future hockey stars, ensuring long-term benefits for the community and contributing to India’s growth in the sport on the global stage. This hockey ground is set to be a pivotal point for developing young talent who will compete on international platforms.

  • Catch the world TV premiere of Kho Gaye Hum Kahan on &pictures

    Catch the world TV premiere of Kho Gaye Hum Kahan on &pictures

    Mumbai: Friendship is the bond that ties our lives together. This 21 September at 9 pm, join &pictures for the world television premiere of Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, a film that beautifully captures this special connection. 

    Known for delivering ‘On Nahi, Full On’ entertainment, &pictures presents a heartfelt film that delves deeper than just friendship. With its vibrant, relatable content, &pictures continues to resonate with today’s youth, reflecting their dreams, challenges, and aspirations. Kho Gaye Hum Kahan follows an emotional journey of love, self-discovery, and the clash between the reel and real worlds. 

    Featuring the dynamic trio of Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Adarsh Gourav, and directed by Arjun Singh, the story unfolds in the vibrant city of Mumbai as three close friends navigate the ups and downs of life. As the characters experience moments of joy, heartbreak, and self-realization, they ultimately rediscover the true essence of friendship. Kho Gaye Hum Kahan also highlights the importance of staying rooted and embracing authenticity, no matter where life takes you.

    Enthusiastic about the world television premiere, Adarsh Gourav said, “I’m excited for the World Television Premiere of Kho Gaye Hum Kahan on &pictures. This film is a touching exploration of friendship, loss, and the enduring power of human connection. I believe that everyone who watches it will find a part of themselves in this story, and it will remind them of the importance of staying true to who they are and cherishing the relationships that they have.”

    Don’t miss this beautiful narrative of friendship and self-discovery.

  • NDTV ropes in Alok Paranjpe to lead marketing for NDTV Profit and NDTV Marathi

    NDTV ropes in Alok Paranjpe to lead marketing for NDTV Profit and NDTV Marathi

    Mumbai: Alok Paranjape has been roped in to lead marketing for NDTV Profit and NDTV Marathi. With extensive experience across English and regional markets, Paranjape is expected to strengthen the brands.

    Before joining NDTV, Paranjape served as vice president of marketing at ZEE’s Premium Cluster, where he managed marketing for the company’s English and Marathi channels.

    His responsibilities included overseeing brand marketing, trade engagement and growth across TV and Social Media. Notably, he led a significant increase in brand visibility for &Flix and Zee Café and received multiple awards for marketing excellence.

    A thorough content marketer, Paranjape’s career spans over 15 years, including leadership roles at Discovery Communications, Sony Pictures Networks India, Tupperware, and Ogilvy. He has been involved in key marketing operations, content development, and the launch of various intellectual properties.

    With this appointment, NDTV aims to enhance its brand presence and engage audiences across its business and regional channels.

  • NDTV YUVA announces line-up for the fifth edition of its conclave

    NDTV YUVA announces line-up for the fifth edition of its conclave

    Mumbai: NDTV presents the fifth edition of Yuva Conclave – a day-long event dedicated to exploring the hopes, challenges, and aspirations of India’s youth. Scheduled for 19 September 2024, NDTV claims this year’s conclave promises to be more engaging and impactful, featuring an impressive line-up of speakers and panellists addressing the key issues shaping India’s future.

    Building on the success of previous editions, NDTV YUVA returns with renewed energy, bringing together thought leaders and influencers from diverse sectors. From politics to sports, social media to the environment, and entertainment, the conclave is set to spark insightful conversations with India’s most prominent voices.

    As per the press release leading the conversation at NDTV YUVA, Chirag Paswan, minister of food processing industries and a torchbearer of young political leadership, is reshaping India’s future with a bold, forward-thinking vision that connects with the aspirations of millions. Alongside him, Bansuri Swaraj, MP, Lok  Sabha – a dynamic legal mind, stands out with her sharp intellect and commitment to diplomacy and public service, using her expertise to foster meaningful change. Then there’s Deepender Singh Hooda, MP, Lok Sabha; Member, CWC – a steadfast advocate for transformation, bringing his passion to policymaking, driving socio-economic reforms that uplift and empower communities across India.

    In the realm of young business icons, Zerodha, co-founder Nikhil Kamath shines as a pioneering entrepreneur, reshaping India’s fintech landscape and inspiring the next generation to challenge conventional norms and embrace disruptive solutions. Manu Bhaker, an Olympic Medallist- a prodigy in Indian sports, symbolizes precision and power, showing young athletes the heights they can reach with determination and focus, followed by Shamsher Singh, an Indian Field Hockey Player, a stalwart in  Indian field hockey, inspiring youth with his exemplary dedication to the sport, with invaluable lessons on discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Sakshi Sindwani, a celebrated content creator, model and entrepreneur, who challenges societal norms with her message of self-love and body positivity. Finally, Nikhita Gandhi, a versatile and soulful singer, is taking the music world by storm, blending her  Indian roots with global sounds and inspiring young artists to fearlessly express their creativity.

    Together, these leaders from politics, entrepreneurship, sports, entertainment, and self-empowerment will weave a rich tapestry of insights, inspiring the youth to rise above challenges,  innovate, and build a future that’s both inclusive and extraordinary. The NDTV YUVA Conclave 2024  will not just be an event but a movement, urging India’s next generation to take charge and lead with confidence, vision, and heart.

    The conclave live on NDTV 24×7 and NDTV India starting at 2:00 PM on 19 September 2024. 

  • Prez Murmu calls for action on women’s safety at News18 SheShakti Summit 2024

    Prez Murmu calls for action on women’s safety at News18 SheShakti Summit 2024

    Mumbai: In a special message at the News18 SheShakti Summit 2024, president Droupadi Murmu addressed a pack of topics surrounding women’s empowerment, their safety and struggle.

    Addressing the summit that celebrated trailblazing women propelling India to the global forefront, president Murmu said, “Women are, in fact, the true manifestation of power. The real strength of our nation lies in the empowerment of women. Our women have always demonstrated resilience, strength, and courage, moving forward despite all obstacles.”

    President Murmu’s speech at News18 SheShakti Summit 2024:

    “Greetings! In the centuries-old culture of India, our country has been given the status of the motherland. We regard our birthplace as a mother and refer to the earth as a mother. In this way, Indian soil has a tradition of holding women in the highest respect and reverence.

    In our diverse nation, our goddesses have also assumed many forms. On one hand, they take on fierce forms like Kali and Durga to vanquish demons, while on the other, they bless us as Lakshmi and Saraswati, providing peace, prosperity, and knowledge. Women are considered the embodiment of power in our country.

    Women are, in fact, the true manifestation of power. The real strength of our nation lies in the empowerment of women. Our women have always demonstrated resilience, strength, and courage, moving forward despite all obstacles.

    In our country, strict laws have been made regarding women’s safety. Yet, it is unfortunate that feelings of insecurity still exist. The constant struggle of women is against the social narrow-mindedness and conservatism that consider them weak.

    Although many changes have occurred, some social prejudices remain deeply rooted, creating barriers to women’s equality.

    As a society, we all need to look within ourselves and ask some hard questions. Where have we gone wrong? What can we do to improve? The safety and dignity of women are crucial for the development and success of any nation. It has become essential for all of us to come together and pledge to protect the honour and dignity of the women in our country and ensure their progress.

    This initiative by Network18 aims to honour those women who have achieved extraordinary feats beyond the limitations of gender. These women have set incredible examples, breaking all boundaries, challenging discriminatory standards, and achieving tremendous success by shattering stereotypes.

    The time has come for us to awaken a public consciousness where respect for women is increased, and no woman feels unsafe at any time, in any place. Your She-Shakti campaign is a part of this broader public awareness effort. My best wishes for the success of your program. Thank you. Jai Hind!”

    News18 SheShakti returned with season two, under the theme ‘Breaking Barriers’. This year’s summit talked about how women are redefining success and driving transformative change. The event featured an inspiring line-up of pioneers from all walks of life — politics, science, arts, business, sports, and entertainment, who share their disruptive insights on leadership, reflecting the unstoppable momentum of women leading India’s success story.

  • Warner Bros Discovery revamps DTamil with blockbusters, superhero shows

    Warner Bros Discovery revamps DTamil with blockbusters, superhero shows

    Mumbai: Warner Bros Discovery has unveiled a major revamp of DTamil, the dedicated channel for Tamil-speaking audiences, starting Monday, 16 September 2024. With this revamp, DTamil will bring Hollywood blockbusters, top superhero series, and non-fiction shows, all dubbed in Tamil. This initiative will reaffirm Warner Bros Discovery’s dedication to offering top-tier global content in Indian languages, making DTamil the go-to destination for Tamil-dubbed Hollywood entertainment.

    Starting 16 September 2024, viewers will enjoy a star-studded lineup that includes Jackie Chan’s iconic movies, Keanu Reeves’s Matrix saga and Constantine, Ryan Reynolds’s Green Lantern, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Collateral Damage, and fan-favorite films like V for Vendetta, Ninja Assassin, The Legends of Tarzan, and Poseidon. These films, carefully curated to resonate with Tamil audiences, will bring #SemmaHollywoodCinema to homes across the region.

    Warner Bros Discovery, South Asia, head of factual & lifestyle cluster, Sai Abishek expressed his excitement: “By bringing captivating Hollywood stories and offering hit global movies and TV shows to the Tamil cinema-loving audience, we are proud to deliver a robust blockbuster slate with Warner Bros. catalogue gems, now with a brand-new flavor in language of their choice. By presenting engaging content tailored to diverse audience preferences, the revamped DTamil channel is poised to deliver premier global entertainment. We are committed to enhancing the daily viewing experience for our Tamil- audience, offering a rich mix of cinema and valuable viewing options.”

    DTamil’s new programming will feature four key strands, each hosting movies from different genres:  

    – Hollywood Saravedi for creature-feature, horror, and action  

    – Matinee Magic at 3 pm for action and comedy  

    – Blockbuster Kondattam for back-to-back action drama and comedy  

    – Superhero Sagasangal for superhero action and drama  

    DTamil will also debut globally popular superhero shows: The Flash, Supernatural, DC Legends of Tomorrow, and Arrow—dubbed in Tamil for the first time. Additionally, the channel will feature local original productions from discovery+ and Discovery Channel, such as Star vs Food: India, Star vs Food: Malaysia, Selena + Restaurant, In The Eye of the Storm, and Ghost Brothers: Lights Out S2.