ITV

Category: Television

  • This festive season Sony YAY! unveils multi multi-multi-genre, multi-platform extravaganza

    This festive season Sony YAY! unveils multi multi-multi-genre, multi-platform extravaganza

    Mumbai: Sony YAY! has consistently captivated millions of young fans across the country through its multi-genre content offerings with engagements across multiple platforms and multiple screens. Its multi-genre offerings make it the preferred destination for kids, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry with a weekly reach of over 12.3 million viewers in HSM urban markets.

    The channel continues its commitment to delivering a diverse lineup of multi-genre content this festive season. Young audiences can look forward to an exciting blend of brand-new shows and fan favourites YAY! classics that span across chase comedy, family drama, anime and many more.

    “Oh my Lallan” – A heartwarming chase comedy series features Lallan, a lovable stray dog on a quest for food, as he encounters cunning house pets.

    Ninja Boy Rantaro – A brand-new anime series that follows the adventures of Rantaro and his friends as they embark on ninja training.

    “Honey Bunny Ka Jholmal” – The channel’s longest-running pet comedy primetime show, featuring non-stop banter and witty jokes presented by the OG Jholers.

    “Oggy and the Cockroaches” – The show will star the nation’s foremost animated character and the ultimate YAY! showstopper, Oggy, the blue cat. This series promises to offer a fresh and exhilarating take on the classic chase, all thanks to his relentless arch-nemeses, the clever cockroaches.

    Sony YAY! remains at the forefront of innovation with its commitment towards a multi-screen approach. In a groundbreaking move in the category, the channel introduces an AR game – “Oggy and the Cockroaches.” this game promises Oggy fans an experience like never before. The game developed in collaboration with Superfan Studio allows young audiences to immerse themselves in Oggy’s world, setting a new entertainment standard that has the potential to revolutionize how audiences interact with their favourite shows.

    Sony Pictures Networks India, Kids’ Genre! business head  Leena Lele Dutta commented “At Sony YAY!, our mission is to continuously redefine kids’ entertainment by delivering fresh storylines, toons, and immersive experiences, across multiple platforms. The ‘Oggy and the Cockroaches’ AR game showcases our commitment to delivering unparalleled, inspiring adventures for the kids who have shown love to our beloved characters.”  

  • Debut alert: Ansh Duggal in ‘Nakhrewaalii’ by Jio Studios & Colour Yellow Productions!

    Debut alert: Ansh Duggal in ‘Nakhrewaalii’ by Jio Studios & Colour Yellow Productions!

    Mumbai: Jio Studios and Aanand L Rai’s production house, Colour Yellow Productions, are all set to light up the Indian film industry with their latest project, “Nakhrewaalii,” featuring the promising talent Ansh Duggal in the lead role.

    Known for providing opportunities to emerging talent in the world of cinema, Colour Yellow Productions has chosen Ansh Duggal as the leading star of this exciting adventure, marking the beginning of a journey that guarantees to captivate audiences with its innovation and creativity. The film will be directed by Rahul Shanklya and goes on floors today. The movie will be produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma.

    This film promises to be a complete entertainer, offering a plethora of emotions that will strike a chord with audiences across India. A glimpse of the film’s theme can be seen in the introductory video, which will pique your interest in this romantic comedy.

    Ansh Duggal, the lead actor, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “I am thrilled and honoured to be making my acting debut with Anand sir and our director Rahul Shanklya. It is truly a dream come true and I’m looking forward to this incredible journey. Today is the beginning of an exciting chapter in my life. With utmost gratitude, I’m ready to give it my all.”

    For a taste of the announcement, watch the video here:

    This film also marks the second collaboration between Aanand L Rai’s Colour Yellow Productions and Jio Studios, following their recent announcement of the Marathi franchise “Jhimma 2.” As production begins for “Nakhrewaalii,” fans and movie lovers eagerly anticipate the exciting partnership between Colour Yellow Productions and Jio Studios. The journey of creating “Nakhrewaalii” promises to be an extraordinary one, filled with creativity, entertainment, and laughter.

    Colour Yellow Productions has a rich history of crafting endearing and unforgettable characters that have impacted Indian cinema. Films like “Shubh Mangal Saavdhan,” “Tanu Weds Manu,” and “Raanjhanaa” have achieved iconic status, and “Nakhrewaalii” is poised to continue this tradition.

    Jio Studios, the media and content arm of Reliance Industries Ltd was set up in 2018 to build a pure-play content studio focused on developing, producing, and owning intellectual property in films, web series and other content in Hindi and all other major Indian languages. It is the largest studio by far in terms of the number of content assets produced, with critical acclaim not far behind with 16 films and web series of Jio Studios sweeping over 100 awards in India and internationally in the last five years. Jio Studios is designed to be the key catalyst that powers Jio’s distribution platforms and services with world-class entertainment content.

  • Anuj Singhal – Fuelling CNBC Awaaz’s Unrivalled Success

    Anuj Singhal – Fuelling CNBC Awaaz’s Unrivalled Success

    Mumbai: CNBC Awaaz is a prominent Indian business news channel that primarily broadcasts in the Hindi language. It is a subsidiary of CNBC, which is known for its comprehensive coverage of business, finance, and economic news.

    CNBC Awaaz focuses on delivering business and financial news in a format that is accessible to Hindi-speaking audiences in India. The channel provides real-time updates on the stock market, business developments, economic trends, and investment insights. It features discussions, interviews with industry experts, and analysis of market conditions to help viewers make informed decisions regarding their finances and investments.

    The channel also covers a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship, personal finance, and consumer-related issues. CNBC Awaaz’s programming is designed to cater to both seasoned investors and individuals looking to enhance their financial literacy. CNBC Awaaz plays a vital role in keeping viewers informed about the ever-evolving world of business, finance, and economics.

    Anuj Singhal, the managing editor of CNBC-Awaaz, reflected on the journey of being a pioneer in the Hindi business news segment 18 years ago and discussed the opportunities as well as challenges in the genre today.

    In the early days, CNBC was one of the few serious players in the field, with English channels like NDTV Profit attempting to enter the market. The decision to launch CNBC-Awaaz, a Hindi business channel, was based on the belief that Hindi was a growing and potentially significant market. While English was the primary language for business, the management seemed to foresee the increasing domestic investment in the market. What started as a hopeful endeavour has now become a major trend.

    In terms of expansion into regional languages, CNBC-Awaaz has already established a foothold in the Gujarati language. Singhal mentioned that business news in vernacular languages will likely evolve over time, and regions like Kerala could represent a significant market. However, the decision to launch a channel in a new language would be made at the network level, considering the market’s size and potential.

    When asked about what sets CNBC-Awaaz apart as the biggest player in the market, he highlighted the network’s strong reach and leverage as part of India’s top news network. “CNBC-Awaaz benefits from the research and management interviews conducted by CNBC TV18. Moreover, CNBC-Awaaz’s consistent leadership in the field and its legacy have contributed to its continued success.”

    Singhal also stated that CNBC-Awaaz has a Hindi-specific strategy and a top-tier Hindi team. “Our team excels in covering policies and is among the first to report breaking news. While they may pick up some reports from CNBC TV18, they produce substantial original content, particularly related to markets.”

    Regarding the influx of new investors and influencers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anuj emphasized the importance of accuracy over speed. “CNBC-Awaaz prioritizes verification and ensures that all of the channel’s investment advisors are SEBI-licensed. This adds a level of accountability and trust for viewers,” he added.

    He also noted that Mumbai is the biggest market for CNBC-Awaaz, which also includes suburban regions of the city. The channel serves traders in various parts of the city, and its viewership extends to the southern regions where Hindi business news is consumed.

    Singhal highlighted the importance of the channel’s role, which includes providing feedback on industry responses to policies, which may influence government decisions.

    In conclusion, Anuj Singhal’s reflections on CNBC-Awaaz’s remarkable journey in the Hindi business news segment over the past 18 years underscore the network’s pivotal role in shaping and catering to the evolving needs of India’s diverse and dynamic business landscape. With a growing interest in regional languages and the potential for further expansion, CNBC-Awaaz is poised to continue its journey of informing, educating, and influencing the business community in India. Its role in providing valuable insights and facilitating policy discussions underscores its importance as a trusted source of information and a key influencer in the realm of business news in the country.

  • Manorama News Conclave 2023 – An Assembly of Influential Visionaries

    Manorama News Conclave 2023 – An Assembly of Influential Visionaries

    Mumbai: Union Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated the Manorama News Conclave 2023, held at the Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre at 9.45 am. The central theme of this edition was “India: The Future Story,” and it featured a distinguished lineup of speakers who shared their insights on various facets of India’s future, ranging from politics and space exploration to cinema and artificial intelligence.

    The event commenced with a warm welcome address from Jayant Mammen Mathew, Executive Editor and Director of Malayala Manorama. He underscored the pivotal role that India’s future plays, especially with the general election on the horizon.

    Mammen Mathew, Chief Editor of Malayala Manorama, added a unique touch by presenting gold medals to the accomplished winners of the Hangzhou Asian Games. Notably, these athletes received recognition before their official government recognition, marking a significant milestone in their sporting achievements.

    In her keynote address, Smriti Irani highlighted the striking divisions among opposition parties, despite their formation of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) with the aim of challenging the BJP in the forthcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

    The Conclave hosted a series of thought-provoking sessions:

    India in the Perspective of Kashmir: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, discussed the unique status of J&K and questioned the temporary nature of Article 370.

    Yechury on ‘India – The Future Story’: CPM General Secretary, Sitaram Yechury, outlined his party’s vision for the 2024 general elections, emphasizing the ‘INDIA’ alliance’s pivotal role.

    Kerala Politics in 2024: A spirited debate featuring Kerala’s Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan and CPM state secretary M. V. Govindan delved into the intricacies of Kerala politics and their respective alliances.

    India’s Space Dreams: ISRO Chairman, S. Somnath, shared his optimism regarding Chandrayaan-3 and the remarkable scientific contributions it promises to deliver.

    Future of Cinemas & Theatres: A discussion on the challenges faced by the film industry was led by Malayalam film personalities, including Basil Joseph, Jude Anthany Joseph, and Nikhila Vimal.

    Widening Space for Women in Politics: Notable women leaders in politics, including K. K. Shailaja (CPM), K. K. Rema (RMP), and Shoba Surendran (BJP), explored the imperative of enhancing female representation in politics. They addressed diverse issues, including women’s entry at Sabarimala and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

    Possibilities of Artificial Intelligence: Google DeepMind research director, Dileep George, delved into the potential of AI and whether it could surpass human intelligence.

    Reverse Brain Drain: Ashok Mani and Vivek Venugopal discussed solutions to counteract the brain drain issue in Kerala, focusing on the identification of strengths and the enhancement of social and entertainment infrastructure.

    The Conclave incorporated unique and engaging activities, including a digital “hope wall,” where dignitaries like Smriti Irani, Omar Abdullah and Basil Joseph penned well-wishes for India’s future. In a unique pre-event activity, college students were invited to pose impactful questions about India’s future. These students were subsequently given the opportunity to ask their questions directly to the experts at the Conclave.

    Notable mentions at the Conclave included Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who shared insights about the ‘INDIA’ front’s plans for the upcoming general elections. He noted the growing anti-incumbency sentiment, particularly in the Hindi belt, and emphasized the importance of a well-crafted manifesto for the Congress party.

    The Conclave concluded on a thoughtful note with a session featuring spiritual guru and orator Gaur Gopal Das, who explored “The yardstick of happiness in the era of Artificial Intelligence.” Gaur’s philosophy emphasized that happiness is unrelated to possessions, and the key lies in how one lives, not what one has.

    In the valedictory address, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D. K. Shivakumar, acknowledged the indispensable role that media plays in Indian democracy. He expressed appreciation for Malayala Manorama’s significant contributions to India’s progress over its 130-year history.

    The Manorama News Conclave 2023 offered a platform for enlightening discussions and unique activities, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives on the future of India.

     

  • Gopal Bhar spotted at Pujo pandals in Kolkata

    Gopal Bhar spotted at Pujo pandals in Kolkata

    Mumbai: Sony AATH, one of the most loved Bengali entertainment channels, is adding a dash of colour to the Pujo celebrations with Gopal Bhar visiting Durga puja pandals. The iconic and much-loved character of Bengal is engaging with fans, giving them exciting giveaways and adding to the festive cheer.

    Gopal Bhar, known for his wit and humour, is being spotted in the city, making trips to select Pujo pandals. The legendary court jester began his pandal trail with Thakurpukur S B Park pandal on Panchami along with planned visits to Dakshin 41 Pally, Hindusthan Park Sarbajanin and Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha on the rest of the days. The audiences were in for a treat to meet their favourite icon and click photos with him. To soar the excitement level, a special Gopal Bhar quiz was conducted giving people a chance to win exciting Gopal Bhar merchandises.

    Gopal Bhar has been an integral part of Bengal’s cultural heritage. Over the years he has amused families through stories that connect them to their roots. The channel aims to bring these timeless tales to life along with sharing the joy of laughter during the festival.

    Keep an eye out for Gopal Bhar’s appearances at Pujo pandals and stay tuned to Sony AATH for more updates throughout the festive season.

  • Zee TV’s Kundali Bhagya welcomes the Zee Kutumb for a Diwali extravaganza

    Zee TV’s Kundali Bhagya welcomes the Zee Kutumb for a Diwali extravaganza

    Mumbai: Zee TV is gearing up to bring special content for its viewers this Diwali. A time of new beginnings, Zee TV invites its audience to join in a grand celebration during its primetime lineup. Channel’s popular show, Kundali Bhagya, has consistently captivated viewers with its compelling story and memorable characters, such as beautiful Shraddha Arya a.k.a Preeta, the charismatic Shakti Anand as Karan, Manit Joura as Rishabh, and Anjum Fakih as Shrishti and the new generation Paras Kalnawat as Rajveer, Sana Sayyad as Palki, and Baseer Ali as Shaurya, Kundali Bhagya that have become household names.

    In the recent episodes, viewers are eagerly following Karan’s quest to locate Preeta, who disappeared from his life two decades ago. On 7 November, the excitement will reach its peak as the Luthra family will welcome Preeta after twenty long years. The Luthra House will be the epicentre of this spectacular event as the channel will light up the television screens with a grand Diwali celebration in its popular show Kundali Bhagya. A night brimming with entertainment, thrill, and a succession of surprising turns that will keep you gripped from 9:30 PM onwards till midnight.

    What sets this Diwali celebration apart is the coming together of some of the most beloved families from the Zee Kutumb. The stage will be set on fire with electrifying performances from your favourite actors. Their fiery performances are guaranteed to dazzle and entertain you thoroughly.

    Zee TV business head Aparna Bhosle, “The entire country is in festive fervour during Diwali and spending quality time with family becomes the top priority. Hence, we have planned a lot of exciting offerings during this period for our viewers to bond with their loved ones and enjoy a shared viewing experience at home. Along with the dramatic high points across our shows, we’re also bringing a special event of Kundali Bhagya filled with a lot of entertainment and dance performances by the Zee Kutumb artists.”

    As the anticipation for this grand Diwali event builds, the Kundali Bhagya family promises an evening full of heartfelt emotions, surprises, and joy, a celebration that cannot be missed.

    Watch the extraordinary Grand Diwali celebration on Zee TV’s Kundali Bhagya on November 7th, 2023, starting 9:30 PM!

  • Star Pravah’s ‘Aata Hou De Dhingaana’ returns for season 2

    Star Pravah’s ‘Aata Hou De Dhingaana’ returns for season 2

    Mumbai: Star Pravah, Maharashtra’s channel is all set to enthral its audience with the launch of the much-anticipated season 2 of ‘Aata Hou De Dhingaana’ (Let the Fun Begin). This sensational celebrity musical game show, hosted by the beloved Siddharth Jadhav, is ready to bring forth a unique blend of entertainment, music, and fun, starting 21 October 2023.

    The inaugural season of ‘Aata Hou De Dhingaana’ took Maharashtra by storm, earning recognition as the region’s most prominent non-fiction show. It beautifully captured the essence of Marathi culture and music. The numbers are a testament to the show’s resounding success, with a staggering 41.7Mn* viewers watching the first season.

    “The success of the first season of ‘Aata Hou De Dhingaana’ demonstrated our commitment to offering distinctive and engaging content to our viewers. The upcoming season promises to be even more entertaining and captivating, as we persist in celebrating the heart and soul of Marathi culture and music. With the unbeatable combination of Siddharth Jadhav’s energy, our talented celebrity guests, and innovative rounds, we look forward to yet another season of Maharashtra’s biggest non-fiction show and hope to set new benchmarks in Marathi entertainment,” said a Star Pravah spokesperson.

    In the show’s initial season, Star Pravah successfully onboarded over 15 brands as sponsors, featuring a mix of both national and locally rooted brands from Maharashtra. 100+ advertisers included the show in their Maharashtra campaigns. Dabur, a Joint-title sponsor in the first season, has renewed its association for the upcoming edition. Similarly, Hindustan Uniliver, Amrith Noni and several other sponsors from the previous season have chosen to collaborate with the show once again, recognizing the extensive reach it provides for their brands.

    Amrith Noni CEO  Narayan said, “We have been associated with Pravah for many years now, with the reach we get through the channel, this platform works wonderfully for us.  We partnered with Aata Hou De Dhinagaana, one of the biggest shows of Maharashtra last year as well and saw a great response, we are delighted to be part of this journey again this year. We are sure that this season would also break all the records in Maharashtra.”

    Multiple homegrown brands of Maharashtra who are looking to expand their presence in the market have also extended their association with the show. Speaking about the brand’s association with the upcoming season of the show, Siddha Pharma MD Dr. Abhijit Phutane said “Dhouti Yog is a 50-year brand, I am very happy and excited to be associated with Aata Hou De Dhingaana 2.”

    One standout aspect of the show lies in its creative and captivating segments, with the beloved “Saade Maade Shintode”(Get Set Spray) being a crowd favourite. In the forthcoming second season, the show promises an abundance of new and engaging segments, many of which will be making their debut on Marathi television.

    Siddharth Jadhav, a renowned actor and comedian with a vast portfolio spanning both Hindi and Marathi movies, is all geared up to host the mesmerizing world of music and entertainment. His infectious energy and wit have won the hearts of audiences across Maharashtra, making him the perfect host for this remarkable show.

    The upcoming season is expected to elevate the show’s entertainment quotient, featuring Tejashree Pradhan, Apurva Nemlekar, Sharvari Jog and many more who will be engaging in exciting musical games, and engaging challenges. As the show kicks off its second season, audiences can look forward to an even more spectacular and entertaining journey with Star Pravah.

    Get ready for an exhilarating and fun musical ride like never before as “Aata Hou De Dhingaana” season 2 takes centre stage on Star Pravah. Tune in starting October 21, 2023, and join Siddharth Jadhav and a galaxy of celebrities as they set the stage on fire with their vibrant performances and Dhingaana-style entertainment.

  • Sony Sports Network to showcase the highly anticipated UFC debut of Anshul Jubli live at UFC 294

    Sony Sports Network to showcase the highly anticipated UFC debut of Anshul Jubli live at UFC 294

    Mumbai: The leading broadcaster in India, Sony Sports Network will bring all the world-class Mixed Martial Arts action of UFC 294 Live from the Etihad Arena, on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The event is set to be a historic affair headlined by the UFC lightweight championship in which current UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will take on UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski for the second time. Volkanovski steps in on short notice in a rematch that follows their epic clash from earlier this year at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, where Makhachev defeated Volkanovski via unanimous decision.

    In the co-main event, UFC fans will be treated to a spectacular clash of two well-known middleweights as former UFC champion Kamaru Usman steps in to face surging contender Khamzat Chimaev.

    UFC 294 is stacked with compelling storylines: a light heavyweight bout between top contenders Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker; middleweight prospect Ikram Aliskerov welcomes back Warlley Alves to the division, and Said Nurmagomedov and Muin Gafurov will battle to earn a top-15 bantamweight ranking.

    UFC 294 holds immense significance for UFC in India as India’s very own Anshul Jubli makes his UFC debut. Anshul, born and trained in Uttarakhand, became the top MMA prospect in India by winning the ROAD TO UFC tournament in 2022. His signing to UFC instantly raised the profile of India in the sport of MMA. Anshul will be looking to add another victory to his flawless record of seven wins and zero losses when he faces Mike Breeden in a lightweight bout on the early prelim card.

    Sony Sports Network’s coverage for UFC 294 will be kicked off by their flagship studio show before the event, the Ultimate Guide to UFC 294, which features experts Somesh Kamra and Arjun Chipalkatti. The broadcast starts at 7:30 pm IST with a pre-show leading up to Anshul Jubli’s bout. There will also be a review show of Anshul’s bout where the experts will analyze the bout in depth, and provide technical insights into the results. The show will then lead into the Main Card which begins at 11:30 pm IST.

    UFC Athlete Indian Anshul Jubli commented, “I am excited for my UFC debut bout and will be looking to put in a stellar performance against Mike Breeden who is a challenging opponent. I have been preparing for this moment all my life and have been tirelessly working towards it. Even now, it seems like a dream. I believe I was built for this, and have put in a lot of hours perfecting my craft, but it still feels surreal. I do understand that I am representing India in the UFC and the crucial role I can play in popularizing the sport in our country. I also understand that aspiring combat sports athletes will look to me as a role model.”

    Watch the live coverage of UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski on 21 October 2023 on Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels at 11:30 pm IST.

    Watch the live coverage of Anshul Jubli’s debut bout against Mike Breeden at UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski on 21st October 2023 on Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels with the pre-show starting at 7:30 pm IST. 

  • Bhilwara Kings secure cricket icons Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Shane Watson

    Bhilwara Kings secure cricket icons Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Shane Watson

    Mumbai: Bhilwara Kings are set to make a resounding return in the second season of the Legends League Cricket (LLC), promising a grander spectacle for cricket enthusiasts. As a proud franchise owned by the LNJ Bhilwara Group, a multi-diversified conglomerate, the team is gearing up to compete with three other formidable contenders to seize the coveted trophy.  

    In accordance with the tournament policy, the LNJ Bhilwara Group has exercised its player retention right by securing the services of Captain Irfan Pathan for the upcoming season. The team has also retained the stellar talents of Yusuf Pathan, the Player of the Series in LLC’s inaugural season, and the formidable Shane Watson. It has brought 12 other players from the pool of more than 200 players in the auction held recently.

    Expressing enthusiasm for the team’s return, Riju Jhunjhunwala, Chairman and Managing Director of RSWM Ltd. (LNJ Bhilwara Group’s textile venture) said, “The first season of the Legends League Cricket was enthralling. We are anticipating an action-packed season and are determined to clinch the trophy. We eagerly await the upcoming tournament.”

    A total of 19 matches will be played among the four teams, commencing on 18 November. The two qualifying teams will engage in a gripping final match on December 9th. The franchise-based tournament, featuring a pool of over 200 players, will unfold across five cities− Ranchi, Dehradun, Jammu, Vizag, and Surat. Further details about the event and the comprehensive player pool will be announced by the league in the coming weeks.  

    Excited for the second season for the LLC, Bhilwara King captain Irfan Pathan, said, “I am very excited to be with Kings again. We had a wonderful time last season. We just missed out on one game, otherwise, we were pretty good throughout the season. The management is outstanding. Riju Ji, the boss, has been wonderful. We had a pretty fantastic, packed background team to make sure we had a wonderful time throughout the tournament. The support we get is outstanding. That’s why I feel like it is home. Being back with Bhilwara Kings is exciting and I am very happy about it. Looking forward to the new season, looking forward to the new team. Looking forward to a great season with everyone.”

    Bhilwara King Coach Lalchand said, “It’s been a great experience working with Bhilwara King. We were like one family and never felt that we were outsiders. The management was superb, and they never interfered in the cricketing matters and gave us a free hand. I am excited and looking forward to work together in the coming season.”

    In the maiden season, LLC achieved remarkable success, captivating millions of cricket fans globally, The LNJ Bhilwara Group secured the second position after a thrilling final against the India Capitals.

  • Why ZEE Kannada’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is a hit with audience and advertisers?

    Why ZEE Kannada’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is a hit with audience and advertisers?

    Mumbai: ZEE Kannada, the number one Kannada entertainment channel in the country seems to be getting it all right with its content and business strategy in recent times. The channel, which crossed  the significant milestone of completing 250 weeks of leadership in the Karnataka market continues to enjoy the acceptance and loyalty of its audience and advertisers alike.

    Known for its relentless efforts to craft the best fiction and grand non-fiction shows, all of the channel’s newest launches like Amruthadhaare, Seetha Rama and Bharjari Bachelors have gone on to become slot leaders and propelling the leader channel to increase the gap between them and competition. Its newest launch Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Season 20 has already got the audience rooting for their favourite singers.

    For the uninitiated, ZEE’s flagship show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has been the longest-running reality show on ZEE Kannada completing 19 seasons, successfully establishing itself as one of the best singing platforms the country has witnessed. With the new season, the channel for the first time has opened the platform to singing talents from across the globe and has already launched to become the number one Kannada Reality Show.

    Prior to the launch, the ZEE Kannada team spent an entire month searching for the best singers in the age group of 14 and 60 years across the state and the country, and among Kannadiga NRIs between the age group was six to 60 years. Twenty precious and talented candidates were hand-picked from the record-breaking number of passionate contenders who attended the mega auditions, and they are now ready to cast a spell on the audience this season.

    The show boasts of a stellar judges panel comprising of iconic composer Naadabramha Hamsalekha as the Mahaguru along with singer Vijay Prakash and composer Arjun Janya with Ansuhree taking on the anchoring duties.

    Talking about the show’s legacy and the love of the audience ZEE Kannada & ZEE Marathi chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur said “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is our channel’s pride, and it has experienced substantial growth in its following over the years. What sets us apart is the fact that we have retained the soul of music as an art within the show and our judges panel plays a big role in it which the audience love. The show is rooted in its values while being presented with unmatchable grandeur.  This season going global is in line with our commitment to offer something new in each of our shows which I’m sure will add to the excitement of the audience.”

    What makes the show a big hit among the advertisers?  

    According to ZEEL chief growth officer Ashish Sehgal, “ZEE Network’s reality shows have a unique ability to captivate the diverse audiences in every market that they are launched, due to our profound expertise in creating content based on the cultural understanding. Leading the pack is the pioneer of music reality shows in India, ZEE’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa – an iconic brand and one of the most successful reality shows of India for more than two decades. The story is similar for our top channel from South, where ZEE Kannada’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has delivered blockbuster content for 19 seasons, discovered unique talents and created the singing stars of the future. With the launch of the 20th season this month, we have kept the promise of adding more depth and unique elements to the show to keep our viewers hooked. Complementing the popularity of the show, we have got a phenomenal response from the advertisers this season, with substantial interest from the retail market. I whole-heartedly welcome all the 14 sponsors of the show and I am extremely delighted to continue our partnership with Maruti Suzuki and White Gold, who joins us as the Co-Title sponsors. Each of the sponsors will get innovative brand engagement opportunities in every phase of the show to bring out their brands’ core propositions effortlessly and leave a long-lasting impression among the viewers in this festive season. I am certain that this new season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa will inspire millions of our Kannada viewers to sing along with the talented contestants and generate massive value for our revered partners.”

    ZEEL chief sales officer – South cluster VS Raghavan agrees with Ashish. He added, “Being a market leader for over 250 weeks, ZEE Kannada has always been the first choice platform for brands targeting Kannada heartland to build reach, TOMA or drive consideration. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, being our flagship has always been investors’ preferred destination given the distinct set of viewers it caters to, enabling brands achieve sharper connections with consumers be it for new launches, build awareness or for better engagement. In our 20th season, we have  raised our bar a notch higher by taking it global and onboarded many great brands this season with as many as 14 sponsors as part of the show, including several home grown local brands, which testify the trust and aspirations behind a talent show like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.”

    Maruti Suzuki India Ltd Sr executive officer, marketing & sales Shashank Srivastava shared his thoughts on the association saying “On behalf of Maruti Suzuki, I’d like to extend my best wishes to another year of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa on ZEE Kannada. It is exciting for all of us to partner again with the show in its 20th Season which promotes and celebrates the best of Kannada singing talents from India and across the globe.  This partnership helps us reach out to our relevant audiences in the most engaging manner making the association truly symbolic.”

    “At Amrith Noni company, we firmly believe in partnering with properties that align with our values and contribute positively to society and ZEE Kannada’s shows have been doing exactly that in the Karnataka market.  We have been closely associated with many of the channel’s marquee shows that have a strong following among our core consumers.  Our association with ZEE Kannada over the years has given us the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people, our products are aimed at making life easy and so are their shows and we see this as a harmonious marriage that go on for longer” said Amrith Noni CEO Narayan N.

    White Gold managing director Babu C J who is associating with the show for the first time said, “We are delighted to announce our collaboration with ZEE Kannada’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. White Gold aims to transform the unorganized gold-buying market in India with its organized work process and 100% transparency. We have been serving people who wanted to sell gold by providing them with liquidity for their emergency money requirements and offering a fair value for their gold. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa embarks on a parallel journey where talent converges with opportunity and has scripted many underdog-winning stories. This collaboration further enhances our brand’s positioning within the pertinent audience and together we aspire to deliver an exceptional season that resonates with all.”

    Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Season S20 airs every Saturday and Sunday at 7.30 pm, on ZEE Kannada and ZEE Kannada HD.