ITV

Category: Television

  • Zeel CHRO Dheeraj Jaggi resigns

    Zeel CHRO Dheeraj Jaggi resigns

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) has announced the resignation of Dheeraj Jaggi, chief human resources officer and senior management personnel, citing personal reasons. His resignation will take effect from 31 January 2025. The company made this public through a regulatory filing with the Bombay stock exchange on 31 January. 

    In a communication to company CEO Punit Goenka or PG, Jaggi expressed gratitude for his nearly six-year journey at Zeel, describing it as one of the most transformative phases of his career. He highlighted his contributions to the company’s internal transformation, culture, and capability-building agenda, as well as the honour of being entrusted with the responsibility of the CHRO role by  PG.

    Said Jaggi: “I have my deepest gratitude for the journey we have shared. From handling the HR agenda for the largest, diverse and complex businesses across Zeel and leading the internal transformation, culture and capabilities agenda, my journey at Zeel has been one of my career best. The opportunity to reimagine and drive your vision forward through strategy and robust execution, has been an honour and a privilege. The organization’s choice, helmed by you, to recognise my commitment by rewarding me with the responsibility of the CHRO position, is the one I will always have the deepest gratitude for. 

    dh

    Jaggi assured the company of his commitment to serving his full notice period and facilitating a seamless transition. Zeel extended its appreciation for his contributions and wished him success in future endeavours.
     

  • Zee5 celebrates Netaji’s legacy at Kolkata’s Subhas Mela festival

    Zee5 celebrates Netaji’s legacy at Kolkata’s Subhas Mela festival

    MUMBAI : Zee Entertainment Enterprises streaming platform Zee5, honoured the 128 birth anniversary of the iconic Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, “the undefeated son of Bengal,” with a series of exciting initiatives. Partnering with the vibrant Subhas Mela in Kolkata, Zee5 is bringing the spirit of this legendary freedom fighter to life, celebrating his lasting legacy through engaging content and special on-ground experiences.

    Running from 23 January to 23 February 2025, Subhas Mela attracts around three and a half lakh attendees each year. Zee5 has strengthened its presence through venue branding and is offering a Rs 50 discount on its monthly HD plan via a special promo code.

    As part of the celebration, Zee5 is showcasing patriotic and historical narratives, including the 2.5-hour special Subhaser Chokhe Khudiram, which highlights the bravery of Khudiram Bose through Netaji’s perspective. The initiative also features regional content and interactive sessions at the mela, with appearances from Zee Bangla artists engaging the audience through live discussions.

    Zee5 vice president of marketing – SVOD & global, Shresth Gupta expressed pride in celebrating Netaji’s enduring legacy, emphasising that these efforts aim to engage audiences with stories of patriotism, sacrifice, and resilience. The platform is also spotlighting iconic films like Binay Badal Dinesh, Mukti, and Panther. 

    Through its partnership with Subhas Mela, Zee5 has created a heartfelt tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, blending history, patriotism, and entertainment. By offering engaging content, interactive experiences, and special showcases, the platform continues to honour the legacy of India’s freedom fighters while deepening its connection with audiences.  

  • How CNBC-Awaaz managing editor Anuj Singhal sees Budget 2025 panning out

    How CNBC-Awaaz managing editor Anuj Singhal sees Budget 2025 panning out

    MUMBAI: Hindi business news channel CNBC-Awaaz  has budgeted oodles of programming and innovations as it seeks to give its viewers a simplified rendition of the Union  Budget when it is presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. 

    The channel’s managing editor Anuj Singhal shared his views on the upcoming Budget 2025 and detailed the channel’s comprehensive programming strategy to decode its impact on the economy and markets.

    Reflecting on the previous year’s budget, Singhal noted, “The 2024 Budget was essentially a vote-on-account, but significant announcements like the rationalisation of capital gains tax stood out. We expect the government to continue streamlining the tax structure and closing existing loopholes.”

    Singhal emphasised CNBC-Awaaz’s audience-focused approach under the theme Make or Break, aimed at day traders and investors closely tracking budget announcements. He highlighted the inclusion of expert panels, such as the Budget Editors, featuring CEOs and market specialists dissecting budget impacts on stocks and investments. The Budget Jury will cover tax, mutual funds, and broader market trends from both common investor and market perspectives. Additionally, a Tech Panchayat  will provide real-time stock trading insights based on budget developments.

    Addressing the challenge from digital-first competitors, Singhal revealed plans for a digital-exclusive stream featuring prominent anchors and experts on YouTube and other platforms. “We are fully leveraging our position as the number one digital business news platform in terms of reach,” he said.

    Singhal assured viewers of CNBC-Awaaz’s capability to track market reactions in real-time. “Our anchors live and breathe markets. We’ll keep one eye on the budget and the other on live stock movements, ensuring our audience doesn’t miss a single detail.”

    Special formats, including interactive charts and live market check-ins, will further enrich the coverage.
    On anticipated policy changes, Singhal was cautious: “We do not foresee a significant policy shift. The government’s prudent fiscal approach has served it well. Any major change would indeed be surprising.”

    With a robust line-up of expert opinions and digital innovations, CNBC-Awaaz aims to provide unmatched coverage of Budget 2025, empowering traders and investors with actionable insights.

  • Sony MAX Premieres Saale Aashiq – A Paradigm Shift in the Movie Industry

    Sony MAX Premieres Saale Aashiq – A Paradigm Shift in the Movie Industry

    Building on the success of their supernatural thriller “Adbhut” released last September, Sony MAX is once again breaking ground with the direct-to-TV release of “Saale Aashiq”. This movie offering signals our commitment to delight linear TV viewers with compelling and exclusive content.

    “Saale Aashiq” will Premiere on Sony MAX on February 1, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Set against the backdrop of a small town in Madhya Pradesh, the film narrates the captivating love story of Shatru (Tahir Raj Bhasin) and Gudia (Mithila Palkar) as they navigate challenges to stay together. The star-studded cast also includes veteran actors Chunky Pandey and Darshan Jariwala.

    With its unmatched reach and viewership potential, Sony MAX’s direct-to-TV release initiative is a smart, consumer-first response to the shifting viewing preferences. It seeks to reignite the tradition of families gathering around the Television at a set time to enjoy a shared experience.

    Makarand Palekar, EVP, Head – Distribution Sales, Marketing and Operations, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI)

    “Direct-to-TV releases leverage the broad reach of linear television to maximise audience engagement while catering to evolving content consumption trends. This strategic approach strengthens distribution, ensuring wider accessibility and driving viewership growth. Sony Pictures Networks India remains committed to innovative distribution initiatives that enhance content reach and impact.”

    Sony MAX’s direct-to-TV initiatives boldly bridge the gap between viewing preferences, delivering high-impact content directly to TV and capturing young audiences. The strong audience desire for fresh content has made watching new releases at home rival the appeal of a theatrical experience.

  • Shah Rukh Khan lights up DP World ILT20 with his cinematic glamour

    Shah Rukh Khan lights up DP World ILT20 with his cinematic glamour

    MUMBAI: The DP World ILT20 just got its biggest blockbuster moment yet—Shah Rukh Khan made his grand return, sprinkling his signature cinematic charm over cricket’s most exciting T20 showdown. As if the electrifying matches weren’t thrilling enough, the ‘Badshah’ of Indian cinema added a touch of cinematic magic, making his third consecutive appearance at the tournament.

    SRK was spotted at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, passionately cheering for his team, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, during their clash against the Dubai Capitals. With his trademark charisma, he turned up the energy both on and off the field, proving yet again that cricket and cinema are a match made in entertainment heaven.

    The DP World ILT20 has rapidly become the second-most watched T20 league globally, boasting a stellar lineup of cricket’s finest. Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Sam Curran, Andre Russell, and Nicholas Pooran have delivered knockout performances, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. But let’s be honest—when SRK walks into the stadium, the decibel levels go off the charts!

    With world-class facilities, perfect weather, and the vibrant hospitality of the UAE, ILT20 has evolved into a cricketing carnival. It’s no wonder the tournament is drawing a global audience, cementing Dubai as a premier sporting destination.

    This high-octane fusion of cricket and Indian cinema glamour has turned the DP World ILT20 into more than just a tournament—it’s an entertainment extravaganza. Whether it’s the on-field action or the off-field star-studded spectacle, the league continues to redefine sports entertainment.

    Indian fans can watch the adrenaline-pumping tournament live across Zee’s 15 linear TV channels, including &Pictures, Zee Cinema, Zee Action, Zee Telugu, Zee Tamil, Zee Kannada, &Flix, and more. Not near a TV? No worries! Zee5, one of India’s top OTT platforms, is streaming the event for fans on the go.

    With more epic clashes on the way, the DP World ILT20 is far from over. So, the real question is—are you ready for more cricket, more entertainment, and maybe another SRK grand entrance?

    Watch SRK’s electrifying stadium moment here: 

  • ET Now & ET Now Swadesh bring the budget blitz—Facts, figures & fireworks!

    ET Now & ET Now Swadesh bring the budget blitz—Facts, figures & fireworks!

    MUMBAI: The Union Budget 2025 is around the corner, and India’s economic future is about to get a big reality check. As the nation tunes in for the finance minister’s grand reveal, ET Now and ET Now Swadesh are rolling out an electrifying lineup of in-depth analyses, expert insights, and high-powered discussions under the theme ‘Budget for Viksit Bharat.’

    From decoding fiscal policies to tracking market movements and corporate strategies, ET Now and ET Now Swadesh promise a 360-degree budget deep dive, with cutting-edge AR graphics, real-time data insights, and expert takeaways that will leave no stone unturned. Helmed by editor-in-chief Nikunj Dalmia, the editorial teams will bring clarity to the complexities of the Budget—so you can decide if it’s time to pop the champagne or tighten the belt.

    Starting with live coverage of the budget speech on 1 February, ET Now will deliver expert-backed insights on what’s in it for businesses, investors, and the ‘aam aadmi’.

    1    The economist’s verdict: Veteran economist Swaminathan Aiyar will dissect the Budget’s vision with sharp, data-driven insights into India’s fiscal trajectory.

    2    Market masterclass: Experts Kunal Bothra, Nooresh Merani, and Anshul Saigal will craft winning stock market strategies to navigate post-Budget market swings.

    3    Multibagger mania: Want to spot the next big wealth creator? Nilesh Shah, Sandeep Tandon, Porinju Veliyath, Hiren Ved, Raamdeo Agrawal, Samir Arora, Sunil Singhania, Vijay Kedia, Saurabh Mukherjea, and Sandip Sabharwal break down the hottest investment picks.

    4    Macro moves: Economic heavyweights R Gopalan, Ashok Tyagi, Yashish Dahiya, Rajnish Kumar, and Rohinton Sidwa will provide insights into India’s economic roadmap.

    5    Corporate insights: Top business leaders including Sanjiv Puri, Rajiv Memani, R Mukundan, Harsha Vardhan Agarwal, Anant Goenka, Keki Mistry, and Sanjeev Bikhchandani will share industry expectations and reactions.

    6    FII watch: Global investors Timothy Moe (Goldman Sachs) and Gautam Chhaochharia (UBS India) will weigh in on India’s attractiveness on the global stage.

    The budget in Hindi, simplified and supercharged:

    1    ‘Viksit Bharat Ka Budget’ (7 am- 4 pm): Live budget coverage, dynamic market programming, and exclusive insights from Radhika Gupta, Atul Chaturvedi, Yashish Dahiya, Pankaj Tibrewal, Abhay Soi, A. Balasubramanian, Niranjan Hiranandani, and Mihir Vora.

    2    ‘Budget Darbaar’ (4 pm): A no-nonsense breakdown of personal finance, tax implications, and investment takeaways from Feroze Azeeze, Anthony Heredia, Alok Agarwal, and Nilesh Shah.

    3    ‘Budget & Markets’ (5 pm): Market mavens Gurmeet Chadha and Amit Jeswani decode how the Budget will move the markets.

    4    ‘Gaon-Kisaan Ka Budget’ (7 pm): Rural India takes center stage as experts Siraj Hussain, G. Chandrashekhar, G.K. Sood, Gunwant Patil, and B.V. Mehta analyse the budget’s impact on agriculture, farmers, and rural businesses.

    To make budget-watching even more rewarding, ET Now and ET Now Swadesh will run contests from 8 am to 4 pm, where lucky viewers can win vouchers for premium smartphones—because who says finance can’t be fun?

    With ET Now and ET Now Swadesh bringing the biggest names in economics, business, and markets together, this budget season promises insights, action, and a whole lot of drama. Will this be the budget that fuels India’s march toward prosperity, or will it leave businesses and investors wanting more? Tune in on 1 February, and let’s find out!

  • GoQuest gets new distribution deals for Turkish Drama Kuma going

    GoQuest gets new distribution deals for Turkish Drama Kuma going

    MUMBAI: It’s quest to go further global has met with more success. Indian content distribution firm GoQuest Media has secured licensing deals in additional territories for it first co-production, the Turkish family drama Kuma (The Other Wife): Latvia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and Kenya.

    These new agreements build on earlier sales announced at Mipcom 2024, which included Hungary, Romania, and India. The series, produced by Stellar Yapim, completed production in October 2024 and has since debuted on television.

    Further distribution deals were recently closed by co-producers VIP 2000 TV, extending Kuma’s reach to Paraguay, Peru, and Panama.

    Set against the rugged landscapes of eastern Turkey, Kuma (The Other Wife) tells the gripping story of Ceylan, a woman falsely accused of murder. Forced into becoming the second wife of Karan — the brother of the man she is accused of killing — Ceylan navigates a complex family dynamic while fighting to clear her name. The drama explores themes of love, redemption, and resilience.

    GoQuest Media, headquartered in Mumbai with offices in the UK and Vietnam, specialises in the global distribution of high-quality international dramas and scripted formats. The company’s curated catalogue includes titles featured on major platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar, Globoplay, SBS, Voyo, and Telemundo. It has a sales presence in Istanbul and the Central and Eastern Europe region.     

  • DD partners with Dilli Gharana Prodns for new classical music talent show

    DD partners with Dilli Gharana Prodns for new classical music talent show

    MUMBAI: In a bid to promote India’s rich musical traditions, Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan’s  Dilli Gharana Productions has partnered with Doordarshan to launch Wah Ustad, a classical and semi-classical music talent hunt reality show.  

    The initiative is part of the Create in India Challenge under the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (Waves) 2025, organised by the ministry of information and broadcasting.

    The show aims to provide a global platform for young, classically trained vocalists aged 18 and above, with basic training in Hindustani, Carnatic, or Sufi music. Participants will be selected through a multi-phase process, including online registrations via the Dilli Durbar portal, video-based shortlisting, regional auditions, and a grand national finale at the Waves 2025 event in Mumbai.

    With 26 episodes to be aired on Doordarshan, Wah Ustad will feature innovative rounds such as fusion performances and self-compositions, focusing on themes like Sufi, devotional, and semi-classical music. Dilli Gharana Productions has Mohd Imran Khan and Vusat Iqbal Khan listed as the co-founders. A panel of renowned musicians and cultural icons, including members of Dilli Gharana, will judge the competition.

    The winner will receive a cash prize, while other finalists will gain mentorship opportunities, recording contracts, and recognition from dignitaries. By blending traditional expertise with modern technology, Wah Ustad seeks to inspire the next generation of musicians and preserve India’s musical legacy for years to come.

  • Robin D’Silva gets group account director role at ABP Network

    Robin D’Silva gets group account director role at ABP Network

    MUMBAI:  Robin D’Silva has been appointed as group account director at ABP Network. With over a decade of experience in media sales, market research, business development, and marketing strategy, D’Silva brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.

    Prior to this appointment, D’Silva served as group account manager at CNN-News18, where he was instrumental in driving client engagement and business growth. He has also held key positions at Zee Media Corp, National Geographic Traveller India, and Bennett Coleman & Co.

    D’Silva expressed enthusiasm about contributing to ABP Network’s continued growth and innovation in the media landscape.

    A postgraduate in marketing from Welingkar Institute of Management, D’Silva has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to manage client relationships, negotiate contracts, and deliver impactful business solutions.

  • JioStar taps ad sales powerhouse Anuradha Mathu Agrawal to lead the charge

    JioStar taps ad sales powerhouse Anuradha Mathu Agrawal to lead the charge

    MUMBAI: When it comes to advertising, the battle for consumer attention is fierce, and JioStar has just enlisted a powerhouse to take the lead. Anuradha Mathu Agrawal has stepped in as head of mid-market entertainment ad sales, armed with decades of experience in media sales and strategic revenue growth. With a career spanning top networks and ever-evolving markets, she is set to redefine JioStar’s ad sales game with fresh strategies and bold moves.

    Her appointment follows the exit of Dhruv Dhawan, who previously led digital growth for mid-tier and emerging clients. While Dhawan’s next move remains a mystery, his contributions to JioStar’s digital ad sales strategy were widely recognised.

    A career built on media mastery

    If the advertising industry had a hall of fame, Agrawal’s name would be etched in gold. She has consistently delivered market-leading ad sales strategies, built robust revenue streams, and established herself as an expert in regional content monetisation.

    Agrawal’s media journey kicked off in 1994 with Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd. (Times of India Group), back when print was still king and social media wasn’t hijacking everyone’s attention span. She later took her talents to India Today in 1998, proving she wasn’t just here to play—she was here to win.

    In 1999, she landed at Star India, where she spent nearly a decade making TV advertising a goldmine, selling ad slots that turned daily soaps, cricket matches, and reality TV into revenue machines. After an impressive nine-year run, she moved to Ndtv as senior vice president in 2008, and by 2010, she was fine-tuning brand deals at Turner Broadcasting System as an executive director (Cartoon Network, anyone?).

    Then came the plot twist—she co-founded Leomax International in 2012, running the show for nearly three years, striking e-commerce deals with Snapdeal, Fashion&You, and 99labels. Because why just climb the corporate ladder when you can build one yourself?

    By 2015, she was back in the corporate saddle as national revenue head at CNN-News18, before making a grand return to Star TV Network in 2016 as senior vice president—later rising to executive director at Disney Star post-merger, where she dominated regional ad sales in Telugu markets and the kids’ portfolio.

    The entertainment ad sales landscape is evolving faster than a binge-worthy series, and Agrawal is here to push JioStar to the forefront. With JioStar doubling down on innovation, her expertise will be pivotal in scaling revenue, optimising advertiser engagement, and creating a next-level media ecosystem.

    JioStar’s entertainment ad sales division just got a serious boost, and with Agrawal at the helm, the industry is watching closely. Will she revolutionise regional advertising? If history is any indication, the answer is a resounding YES.