Category: Television

  • Zee TV to premiere new fiction show ‘Vasudha’ on 16 September

    Zee TV to premiere new fiction show ‘Vasudha’ on 16 September

    Mumbai: Through its audience feedback mechanism, ‘Hamara Parivar,’ Zee TV is reshaping its programming to align with the evolving preferences of today’s viewers. From this feedback comes ‘Vasudha,’ a unique concept on Indian television. The story explores the dynamics between two women from contrasting worlds, whose encounter sparks a clash of ideologies, temperaments, and socioeconomic backgrounds, offering a distinctive narrative. Produced by Arvind Babbal Productions, Vasudha is all set to premiere on 16 September and will air Monday to Friday at 10:30 pm on Zee TV.

    Nausheen Ali Sardar plays Chandrika Singh Chauhan, a woman both respected and feared. A self-made leader in Udaipur, Chandrika runs her business with a strict set of rules. Committed to justice, she stands for what is right and expects strict discipline and integrity from those around her, viewing them as keys to success. She prioritizes order over emotions, commanding respect as a formidable leader.

    In contrast, Priya Thakur takes on her first lead role as Vasudha, a carefree young woman unfamiliar with urban life’s rigid structures. With a trusting nature, Vasudha’s efforts to impress Chandrika often lead to conflict, creating a dynamic interaction between their opposing personalities.

    Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma takes on the lead role of Devansh Singh Chauhan, the ideal son of the Chauhan family and an embodiment of the best qualities of his parents – his father’s empathy and his mother’s discipline. He deeply respects his mother and believes in giving people a second chance. The story explores how two women, seemingly fire and ice, with precious little in common come together and impact each other’s lives in unimaginable ways.

    Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni said, “Earlier this year, we embarked on an initiative of actively listening to our viewers via Hamara Parivar, a direct line to their preferences. This has enabled us to craft stories that resonate with their evolving desires and expectations. One such show is Vasudha—an exciting new addition to our slate that complements our existing lineup with a fresh perspective. Vasudha explores the dynamic interplay between two women from contrasting worlds—one steeped in disciplined tradition, the other embodying carefree optimism. Through this heartwarming narrative of joy and determination, we are confident that Vasudha will offer a refreshing and engaging dimension to our programming. Our collaboration with the visionary Arvind Babbal ensures this story will captivate our audience, as it seamlessly integrates into the rich diversity of content Zee TV proudly offers.”

    Producer Arvind Babbal said, “After presenting audiences with heart-warming narratives like Kyun Rishton Mein Katti Batti and Mithai on Zee TV, we’re excited to collaborate once again with the channel on bringing viewers Vasudha, an engaging narrative of two women from very different worlds and how they profoundly impact each other’s lives. We’ve assembled a talented cast and crew, ensuring a rich tapestry of cultural nuances. We recently completed an extensive outdoor shoot in Udaipur, immersing ourselves in the local atmosphere and we hope audiences connect with Vasudha’s journey and embrace her with love. I’m thrilled to have Nausheen, Priya, and Abhishek bring these characters to life.”

    Nausheen Ali Sardar said, “When I was approached for the show, I found the concept very different from what one generally comes across on TV and I couldn’t refuse a role that offers tremendous scope for an actor to showcase their range. My character of Chandrika Singh Chauhan is truly unlike any character I’ve portrayed before. She is the epitome of strength, a self-made woman, the ultimate boss lady. I hope my fans enjoy seeing me in this new avatar!”

    Priya Thakur said, “Vasudha holds a special place in my heart as it is my first lead role. Vasudha’s innocence and optimism are endearing, making viewers root for her. Her attempts to impress Chandrika often lead to humorous situations, but she remains a devoted admirer, hoping she will win her over some day. I hope audiences will embrace her as much as I have.”

    Abhishek Sharma said, “Playing Devansh, a beautifully written character, truly helps me showcase my acting abilities like never before.  The overwhelming love and support that I have got after the first promo truly makes all the hard work and struggle over the years worth it. The excitement for the show is palpable, and we can’t wait to see the audience’s reaction.”

  • Shahat Gill takes on love’s dark side in ‘Who Was With You’

    Shahat Gill takes on love’s dark side in ‘Who Was With You’

    Mumbai: Shahat Gill returns with a new single titled “Who Was With You”. Hot on the heels of her recent release, “Everyday”, Shahat shifts gears with this emotionally charged track, offering a raw exploration of betrayal, loss, and the strength that comes from facing heartbreak head-on. Shahat’s deep and resonant vocals bring these feelings to life, making the listener feel every ounce of pain and uncertainty.

    “Who Was With You” is unlike anything Shahat has released before. With nostalgic beats, dreamy visuals, and sorrowful lyrics, the song captures the raw emotions of a lover confronting betrayal. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of late-night suspicions and the heartache of realizing that trust has been broken. Yet, even as she navigates this emotional storm, Shahat’s words carry a sense of dignity and amplify her inner strength, making it clear that this is not just a song about loss, it’s about rising above it. 

    When asked about the song, Shahat Gill shared, “This track reflects one of the most challenging emotions we face in a relationship—betrayal. It’s about confronting those toughest moments in life with grace and strength. I wanted to create something that not only resonates with those who’ve been hurt, but also inspires them to move forward with their heads held high. Music has always been my way of processing and expressing emotions, and with ‘Who Was With You’ I hope listeners find both solace and strength.”  

    Following the success of songs like “Hulaare”, “OG”, and “Pagal Ay”, in addition to her recent release, “Everyday”, Shahat continues to push the envelope with “Who Was With You”. Whether you’re going through a tough breakup, navigating the complexities of love, or simply enjoy music that captures raw human emotions, Shahat’s latest release offers an emotionally captivating experience that stays with you long after the last note.   

  • Arm wrestling excitement returns with Pro Panja League Season 2

    Arm wrestling excitement returns with Pro Panja League Season 2

    Mumbai:  Arm-wrestling fans around the world are all set to witness some of the best arm-wrestlers live in action as India’s very own arm-wrestling league, Pro Panja League, returns for the second season from 4 October 2024 to 20 October 2024. The league is continuing its partnership with India’s leading sports broadcaster, Sony Sports Network ensuring extensive live coverage of the tournament on Sony Sports Ten 3 SD and HD channels every day from 7 00 pm onwards.

    As part of the pre-launch buzz, Pro Panja League and Sony Sports Network had launched its campaign featuring superstar John Abraham championing the league and his film, Vedaa.

    This season will feature a total of 180 arm-wrestlers from all parts of the country across 6 teams, competing against each other in the men’s, women’s and specially abled categories for the coveted trophy.

    Pro Panja League, co-founded by Bollywood actors & producers Parvin Dabas and Preeti Jhangiani along with Bollywood Legend Mr Suniel Shetty as partner, previously held two editions of ranking tournaments, multiple mega matches along with several promotional events before the first season in 2023, which turned out to be a huge success with 32 million unique viewers (BARC CS 2 + Live + Non-live). The Pro Panja League has helped catapult the sport of arm wrestling to a wider audience in India.

    Expressing his thoughts ahead of Season 2, Pro Panja League co-owner Mr. Parvin Dabas said, “The first season proved that there is a huge audience for the sport of Panja if presented in the right way and we are grateful for the audience’s love. This season promises to be even more electrifying, with players realising the huge stakes involved and having prepared now on a different level altogether. We are committed to showcasing the best talent to bring Panja as Sports Entertainment to Bharat and are excited to be partnering with the Sony Sports Network again in this endeavour.”

    Talking about the partnership, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “We believe in supporting home-grown leagues and are glad to continue our partnership with Pro Panja League as the broadcasters for the second season. We believe that the audience for arm-wrestling as a sport is growing in India and we are excited to be a part of driving up this momentum.”

  • OML Entertainment elevates Tusharr Kumar to chief executive officer

    OML Entertainment elevates Tusharr Kumar to chief executive officer

    Mumbai:  OML Entertainment, a cultural and creative powerhouse in branded content, advertising and entertainment, has elevated Tusharr Kumar as its new chief executive officer (CEO). Tusharr brings over 15 years of experience across the new-media, automotive and FMCG industries. He has been associated with OML Entertainment since 2012 in various capacities across different businesses.

    After a successful nine-year tenure with OML Entertainment including the last five years as CEO, Gunjan Arya is moving on from the company. Gunjan, outgoing CEO of OML Entertainment, said, “I couldn’t be more proud to announce Tusharr as our CEO. It has been an incredible journey at OML Entertainment, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such talented and passionate individuals. Together, we’ve pioneered new forms of entertainment, expanded globally, and driven cultural change through innovative content. While moving on is a bittersweet decision, I am confident in the bright future that lies ahead for OML Entertainment with Tusharr at the helm. Tusharr has been a driving force at OML Entertainment, and I couldn’t be more confident in his ability to lead the company as the next CEO. His deep understanding of the content and creator landscape, and our revenue ecosystems, combined with his strategic vision and acumen, make him the ideal leader to steer OML Entertainment during the company’s next phase of growth. ”

    Under Gunjan’s leadership, OML Entertainment has transformed into a leading global player in digital media and entertainment; seen two successful businesses spun out to merge with strategic partners; expanded the company’s international footprint to 20 countries; and launched Hypothesis the global influencer marketing tech platform, among significant growth milestones. She focused on expanding the company’s key leadership across branded services verticals, original content studio and tech-enabled influencer marketing, resulting in the creation of successful shows, new IPs and partnerships with top artists and brands.

    As CEO, Tusharr will ensure the company’s growth across businesses and markets. In his most recent role as COO since 2021, he oversaw the company’s operations and successfully spearheaded initiatives that have further strengthened the company’s position as one of India’s largest independent branded content, advertising and entertainment companies. With diverse experience across new media, automotive and FMCG industries, Tusharr has worked at brands like Ducati, Royal Enfield and Parle-Agro.

    Speaking about his new role, Tusharr said, “I’m really excited about what the future holds for OML Entertainment and am confident that the upward trajectory we’ve been on will continue. This confidence comes from our biggest asset, our incredible teams along with trusted partnerships with artists, clients and investors. We have always been at the forefront of creativity and cultural innovation. I’m looking forward to leading OML Entertainment as we push boundaries and build on the solid foundation laid by Gunjan. As we build what we’ve dreamed of, we will continue to ask ourselves – are we shaping culture? Are we bringing voices to life? Most importantly, are we creating and not just following? ”

    Over the last few years, OML Entertainment has strategically streamlined and consolidated various businesses to arrive at the company’s focus areas of creator tech, artist representation, advertising, and long-form content production. This flywheel is the perfect mix of independent yet symbiotic businesses that feed into each other’s growth.

    OML Entertainment investor and Emerald Media managing director Rajesh Kamat added, “Tusharr’s elevation to CEO is a testament to his exceptional leadership and his unwavering commitment to excellence. Under his guidance, OML Entertainment has achieved remarkable milestones, and I have no doubt that he will continue to build on this momentum. Tusharr’s vision for OML Entertainment aligns perfectly with our goals as investors, and we are thrilled to support him as he leads the company to new heights.”

    OML Entertainment’s key focus areas will include expanding its fast-growing advertising and branded content businesses, doubling down on its long-form original content productions, and driving the global growth of its influencer marketing platform, Hypothesis. These initiatives will continue to build on OML’s mission of bringing creators’ stories to life and innovating at the intersection of entertainment and technology.

  • Kerala’s Biggest Onam Celebration is at Thriuvananthapuram

    Kerala’s Biggest Onam Celebration is at Thriuvananthapuram

    Mumbai: This Onam, ensure your brand stands out at Onakkoottayma 2024 — Kerala’s premier Onam festival! From September 13th to 22nd at Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram join thousands of Malayalees for vibrant entertainment, captivating performances, exciting competitions, and diverse cultural showcases.

    With guaranteed footfalls of minimum 2.5 lakhs, this is the best opportunity to showcase your brand and connect with a wide audience during the Onam festivities. Don’t miss this chance to make a lasting impression!

    Entry Fee of Rs 50 will be collected, a part of which will be contributed to Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund for Wayanad.

    For brand associations:          98460 61164  /  97428 88438

  • Basketball Federation of India and Skyesports bring eFIBA India Qualifiers to select Team India

    Basketball Federation of India and Skyesports bring eFIBA India Qualifiers to select Team India

    Mumbai: The Basketball Federation of India (BFI), the governing and controlling body for basketball in India, has unveiled the eFIBA India Qualifiers, with Jet Skyesports as the esports partner, to determine Team India for Season 3 of the tournament.

    The eFIBA, played on NBA 2K24, is an esports tournament organized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the world governing body for basketball. Over 60 national federations from around the world will be participating in the competition. Through the eFIBA India Qualifiers, a 12-member Team India will be selected to represent the nation at the Regional Finals for Asia/Oceania.

    A victory in the Regional Finals will secure a spot for Team India in the World Finals in December, where they will compete for the ultimate title and a share of the €50,000 prize pool.

    Jet Skyesports has tied up as the esports partner to facilitate the qualifier process, host grassroots-level qualifiers, and help identify the top 12 NBA 2K24 players India has to offer.

    Commenting on the tournament, Jet Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy said, “We are thrilled to partner with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) as the esports partner for the India Qualifiers in FIBA’s official eFIBA competition. Skyesports was founded with a vision to help aspiring players represent the country internationally, and partnerships like these allow us to stay true to that vision for the gaming community of India. With the recent announcement of the Olympic Esports Games by the IOC, the world is increasingly recognising esports as a legitimate competition on par with traditional sports, and we are proud to contribute to this global movement.”

    Registrations for the eFIBA India Qualifiers will be open until September 5, 2024 (LINK HERE). Registered players will compete in the Prelim Rounds, Playoffs, and Grand Finals to select the best 2K players in the country. The schedule for these events is as follows:

    . Prelim Rounds: September 6 to 8

    .  Playoffs: September 9

    . Grand Finals: September 10

  • Swastik makes key hires in digital team

    Swastik makes key hires in digital team

    Mumbai: Swastik announced the expansion of its digital leadership team with the appointment of Jitendra Joshi as the head of digital monetisation and brand partnerships and Smita Roy as the head – digital operations. While Jitendra will oversee content monetisation through strategic partnerships and ad revenue initiatives to drive the company’s digital growth, Smita Roy will be responsible for driving the focus on expanding digital presence across medium and content absorption in order to deliver exceptional content to a broader audience.

    Jitendra brings valuable experience, stretching over 17 years in media and advertising sales. He has been at the forefront of creating and executing strategic solutions for client partners on some of the largest properties in TV broadcasting space such as Kaun Banega Crorepati, the Kapil Sharma Show, Indian Idol, and many more. His expertise spans across diverse genres including GEC, sports, Hindi movies, regional, English niche, and music channels. In his most recent role at Sony Pictures Networks (CulverMax Entertainment), Jitendra led the Hindi movie channel – Sony MAX 2. Over the past decade as a leader, he has built and retained top-tier teams where he achieved a stellar retention rate, and fostered a culture of innovation.

    With over 17 years of experience across banking, media and entertainment, Smita started her career with J P Morgan Chase as a Financial Service Advisor and then moved on to CNBC TV18 as a part of Focus18 where she handled corporate events and marketing. Following this, she joined Qyuki Digital Media as a brand solutions Lead and then Eros Now as a lead for brand alliances and partnerships. Prior to joining Swastik, Smita was associated with Hungama Digital as Lead for Content Syndication and Brand Partnerships.

    Speaking on the appointment, Swastik founder and chief creative, Siddharth Kumar Tewary said, “We welcome Smita and Jitendra to our Swastik family, I believe both of them will drive our journey towards telling stories to newer audiences through the digital medium. With our experience and understanding of Indian history and culture for over a decade now, we are really excited about this journey as it enables us to tell stories of our past to our future.”

    Speaking on his appointment, Swastik head of digital monetisation & brand partnerships, Jitendra Joshi expressed, “I am honoured to join Swastik and contribute to its dynamic growth. With a significant presence built in television, we look forward to growing the franchise of our content on digital platforms too.”

    Swastik head – digital operations, Smita Roy further added, “I am thrilled to be part of Swastik Group, a company that has consistently set benchmarks in content creation. I look forward to leveraging my experience to enhance our digital footprint in content & music and deliver captivating content that resonates with audiences across platforms.’’

    Jitendra Joshi and Smita Roy’s appointments are with immediate effect. They both are based out of Mumbai and will report into Siddharth Kumar Tewary.

  • Pro Kabaddi League season 11 to commence on 18 October

    Pro Kabaddi League season 11 to commence on 18 October

    Mumbai: Mashal Sports, organisers of Pro Kabaddi League, announced that PKL season 11 will begin on 18 October 2024. After successfully completing ten seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League earlier this year, the world’s biggest kabaddi league will embark into a new phase in October.

    In season 11, the Pro Kabaddi League will return to the three-city caravan format. The 2024 edition will commence at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad on 18 October, before moving to the Noida Indoor Stadium for the second leg from 10 November. The third leg will take place at the Balewadi Badminton Stadium in Pune, from 3 December onwards.

    The dates and venue for the playoffs will be announced at a later date.

    Speaking on the announcement of the dates for PKL season 11, Pro Kabaddi League – league commissioner – Anupam Goswami said, “We are delighted to announce the start date and venues for PKL Season 11. After successfully completing 10 seasons, PKL Season 11 will mark a new milestone in the continued rise of the league. This would strengthen the growth of Kabaddi in India and elsewhere around the world.”

    The Pro Kabaddi League season 11 auction was held in Mumbai from 15-16 August 2024, with eight players going for over Rs 1 crore, a new record in the league’s history.

    Mashal Sports and Disney Star have built PKL into one of the most successful sports leagues in India. Organized and conducted by Mashal under its sanctioned agreement with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), the Pro Kabaddi League has transformed the image of India’s indigenous sport of Kabaddi and its athletes nationally as well as across the globe. After witnessing the participation of many of their players in PKL, several Kabaddi-playing nations have strengthened their domestic Kabaddi programs as well.

    The Pro Kabaddi League season 11 will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
     

  • Indian Women’s T20 cricket viewership soars as major events captivate the nation

    Indian Women’s T20 cricket viewership soars as major events captivate the nation

    Mumbai: Women’s T20 cricket in India is witnessing an extraordinary surge in popularity, with Disney Star, the official broadcaster of ICC and ACC women’s cricket events, recording a remarkable increase in viewership numbers. According to BARC, the recently concluded Women’s Asia Cup 2024 garnered an impressive 52 million viewers, marking a 126 per cent increase in reach compared to the 2022 edition.

    The surge in viewership was further highlighted by extraordinary total watch times. The Women’s Asia Cup 2024 recorded a staggering 3.95 billion minutes of watch time, a 206 per cent rise from the 2022 edition, while the 2023 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup amassed an unprecedented 6.7 billion minutes, a 18 per cent increase since the 2020 edition. These figures set a new standard for how women’s cricket is consumed in India, and nation’s growing passion and excitement for women’s cricket.

    Speaking on growth of viewership in women’s cricket, a Star Sports spokesperson said, “Women’s cricket has witnessed a tremendous surge in viewership and interest over the past few years, and these latest results are a testament to our relentless efforts in capturing and amplifying the audiences’ passion for the game. Star Sports has been an integral part of this journey from the very beginning, ensuring that our Women in Blue receive the spotlight they deserve. Through our extensive coverage of marquee tournaments and the remarkable engagement on our digital platforms, we have created a platform for our talented women cricketers to truly shine. The future of women’s cricket in India has never looked brighter, and we are excited to continue championing this incredible journey.”

    This growth is a continuation of Disney Star’s long-standing commitment to popularising women’s cricket in India. Beginning with the live broadcast of the Women’s World Cup in 2013, Disney Star has consistently led efforts to draw attention to and create deeper connections with the women’s game. Through innovative production and programming initiatives, award-winning marketing campaigns, and dynamic digital activations, the network has made women’s cricket a household sport across India.

    Viewers and fans can be guaranteed the same intensity with the upcoming broadcast of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup from 3 October 2024. The broadcaster will showcase the marquee tournament in multi-language feeds of Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada for India matches, making the tournament more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.

    Harmanpreet Kaur and Co are grouped with Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. India will get their campaign underway on 4 October against New Zealand from 7:30 pm IST. The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match is scheduled for 6 October 2024 from 3:30 pm IST. Each team will play four group-stage matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals on 17 and 18 October leading up to the final on 20 October.

  • NDTV group recruits Purva Misra as chief people officer

    NDTV group recruits Purva Misra as chief people officer

    MUMBAI: There’s change at the top at the Adani-owned NDTV group. The news organisation has roped in Purva Misra as chief people officer, replacing Gaurav Shah who headed the HR function. 

    Misra brings with her over 25 years of experience in human resource, business mmanagement and consulting. A notice to the Bombay stock exchange states that she has been a key leader in diverse industries like media, e-commerce, and healthcare. She has successfully managed teams across India and the Asia-Pacific region and has a proven track record in leadership development and organisational transformation.

    Prior to this, she has worked as a chief human resources officer (CHRO) of India Today group and chief operating officer (COO) of India Today Media Institute and has also held various significant roles at Makemytrip.com, Max Healthcare and Hewitt Associates, wherein she has led a range of HR initiatives.

    Misra holds an MBA degree from XLRI Jamshedpur and BA (Honors) in Economics from Delhi university.