Category: GECs

TV storytelling needs same passion as films, says Sooraj Barjatya; to launch four shows in ’17

MUMBAI: After a year, Rajshri Production is venturing again into television but this time not just with a single show. Rajshri plans to produce four shows in 2017 for Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs). Celebrating the courage and pride of a strong willed mother with which she empowers her daughter, Sooraj Barjatya recently launched its new offering with Colors, Ek Shringaar.. Swabhimaan.

Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Barjatya said, “I firmly believe that television needs the same passion as film-making. It is just that we all were busy with Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. So now, we are back to storytelling on television.”

He further added, “This show on Colors is one of ours most progressive shows, in which we are trying to show the part of the society which all parents face. This is a story of a middle-class Indian mother, who wants to prove through her daughters, who are IIM and IIT toppers, that today’s girls can be chairmen of companies and also run their household with equal pride and prowess. It’s time we encouraged them.”

The story of the finite show has been written by Sushil and Shilpa Choubey, the screenplay is by Nishikant and Pranjal and dialogues are Manu Sharma’s. The music has been directed by Udbhav and Dony while lyrics have been penned by Raghvendra Singh.

Produced by Rajshri, the show will start from 19 December at 9.30pm time slot from Monday to Friday. The show is replacing Rashmi Sharma Telefilms’ Swaragini which was launched in March 2015.

The show highlights a mother’s determination in not only providing the best education for her daughters, but also in finding a suitable match for them in a family that values upbringing over materialistic pleasures. A household that will allow her daughters’ careers to flourish rather than tie them down to domesticity. Swabhimaan traces the story of two sisters as they pledge to fulfill their mother’s dream of becoming self-reliant and society’s expectations of being married at an acceptable age.

According to a source, the estimated per episode production cost of the show is in the range of Rs 9 -10 lakh. On the ad rates, Swabhimaan commands Rs 1 lakh for a 10-second slot, the source said.

Speaking about this new offering, Colors CEO Raj Nayak said, “We, as a society, often do not give enough credit to the women for the value they add to our lives. Though now we have opened up about educating the girl child, but still, when it comes to marriage, we find people wanting to clip their wings and confine them to a measly role. Our latest offering attempts to change that mindset. The show highlights the importance of being self-reliant and at the same time uphold the tradition and values of our culture. With Sooraj Barjatya’s magical touch and a platform such as Colors, Ek Shringaar…Swabhimaan with its vibrant backdrop is sure to strike a chord with the viewers.”

Further Colors programming head Manisha Sharma added, “The concept is unique simply because it questions the contrasting principles of our society. We are all about educating our daughters but how many households are actually open to letting their daughter-in-law’s pursue their careers? Here’s a strong willed mother who just has one request to the world – Allow my daughters to work. Don’t let their education go to waste. The show addresses this thought head-on by laying focus on values like self-respect and self-worth which have been inculcated through a mother’s upbringing. The show marks our first collaboration with Rajshri Productions whose penchant for beautiful storytelling and powerful narratives has gripped audience attention on television and in films; we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”

“The show looks promising and the storyline is good but the critical question to get ratings, do they have what it takes? Ratings comes only with certain things or you cut across emotionally with the audience. That connections needs to be there and they might change the track halfway down the line when they realize that something is not working. Also, Colors has struggled a lot between 9- 10pm time slot. They are doing extremely well in 8-9pm and 10-11pm time band,” said a senior media planner on the condition of anonymity.

On other Hindi GECs, Colors’ new show Swabhimaan at 9.30 pm slot will be pitted against &TV’s Badho Bahu which airs at 9.30 pm from Monday to Friday, Zee TV’s Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani, Star Plus’ one of the longest running show Yeh Rishta Kya Khelta Hai, Life OK’s May I Come in Madam and Sab’s Trideviyaan. On the other hand, Sony Entertainment Television airs its one of its rated show Kuch Rang Pyaar ke Aise Bhi.

December 14, 2016
&TV’s innovative affair with The Voice India S2

MUMBAI: Have you ever seen a promo of a new show on television which is actually a video but not a video. Confused? ZEEL’s year-old Hindi general entertainment channel &TV has come up with the unique campaign ‘Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi’ to promote the second season of ‘The Voice.’

The format of ‘The Voice’ franchise is unique, and, unlike any other singing reality show. The focus is solely on the vocal talent of the contestant. Taking the thought of the ‘voice trumps all’ transcends all barriers, the channel designed the proposition of ‘Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi’. This was befitting to address the cultural diversity of India and beyond, surpassing all boundaries.

The channel created invisible promos emphasising on the singing talent and not the appearance or visuals. This first of its kind promo features no video but only the voice of a singer.

A unique tribute to five living or posthumous legends — Asha Bhosle, R D Burman, Kishore Kumar, Mohd Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, who have risen above the cult of religion and language with their voice that inspired generations of singers, through a Wall Project executed in Mumbai.

Taking the campaign a step further, &TV designed interesting radio spots across stations stressing that music does not differentiate between regional or cultural divide driving home the thought ‘Jaati insaan ki hoti hain, awaaz ki nahi’.

Furthermore, just as cricket unites the country, the channel has rolled out contextual promos emphasizing the format of the show across the sports bulletin of news channels.The idea was to capitalise on the current events by repackaging the product /communication and reaching the message in the space of the viewer. Hence, the channel designed contextual promos by smartly integrating cricket with music to connect with sports enthusiasts.

The campaign is an apt concept yet disruptive for a medium which is used to watching a visual. The channel is throwing a powerful voice and communication which the viewer will relate to. It is an evolved concept but in line with the product. In this case, the format USP which is blind audition and the proposition of Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi, it doesn’t matter who one is; only a good voice can resonate with the audience.

Without involving models, designers or locales, the channel has given enough thought to see how the idea can be extended to a television promo to excite the audience. It may be not be due to cost-efficiency as they have had the best coaches and talent on the channel. The idea was formalised so to strike the right chord with the audience, and get noticed. The message itself is so powerful, that the channel felt there was no need to use other means of communication.

&TV is geared up to premiere the second edition of The Voice India. Mentoring these musical exponents in their journey towards excellence are none other than musicians extraordinaire — the effervescent Shaan, the winner of The Voice India Season 1, Neeti Mohan, the winner of The Voice India Kids, and joining them will be the uber cool Benny Dayal, and the most sought-after singer-composer Salim Merchant as coaches.

Starting on 10 December, the show will be aired on Saturday and Sunday at 9pm.

The idea was to play the promos, using a healthy mix of channels to disrupt the mediums and excite the audience to S2 on &TV. The channel has used a mix of talent, celebs and moment-led promos that will give the viewer a taste of the content.

&TV business head Rajesh Iyer said, “The Voice India has struck a chord with the audience with its unbiased and transparent format where the participants are judged only on the basis of their vocal talent. The thought of the campaign – Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi — was inspired by the format itself and we aligned all our ideas towards breaking barriers of media usage. From radio to outdoor, digital and TV, we have some key innovations that are in sync with the campaign thought and will resonate with our audience.”

From the house of Talpa Media and produced by Endemol Shine India, The Voice is a popular global format that has received a thunderous response from the audience and critics alike. It will be interesting to see the coaches fight it out for their favourite singers as they groom and nurture their teams. However, the final power lies in the hands of the audience to determine who will be The Voice of the nation.

December 10, 2016
&TV’s innovative affair with The Voice India S2

MUMBAI: Have you ever seen a promo of a new show on television which is actually a video but not a video. Confused? ZEEL’s year-old Hindi general entertainment channel &TV has come up with the unique campaign ‘Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi’ to promote the second season of ‘The Voice.’

The format of ‘The Voice’ franchise is unique, and, unlike any other singing reality show. The focus is solely on the vocal talent of the contestant. Taking the thought of the ‘voice trumps all’ transcends all barriers, the channel designed the proposition of ‘Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi’. This was befitting to address the cultural diversity of India and beyond, surpassing all boundaries.

The channel created invisible promos emphasising on the singing talent and not the appearance or visuals. This first of its kind promo features no video but only the voice of a singer.

A unique tribute to five living or posthumous legends — Asha Bhosle, R D Burman, Kishore Kumar, Mohd Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, who have risen above the cult of religion and language with their voice that inspired generations of singers, through a Wall Project executed in Mumbai.

Taking the campaign a step further, &TV designed interesting radio spots across stations stressing that music does not differentiate between regional or cultural divide driving home the thought ‘Jaati insaan ki hoti hain, awaaz ki nahi’.

Furthermore, just as cricket unites the country, the channel has rolled out contextual promos emphasizing the format of the show across the sports bulletin of news channels.The idea was to capitalise on the current events by repackaging the product /communication and reaching the message in the space of the viewer. Hence, the channel designed contextual promos by smartly integrating cricket with music to connect with sports enthusiasts.

The campaign is an apt concept yet disruptive for a medium which is used to watching a visual. The channel is throwing a powerful voice and communication which the viewer will relate to. It is an evolved concept but in line with the product. In this case, the format USP which is blind audition and the proposition of Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi, it doesn’t matter who one is; only a good voice can resonate with the audience.

Without involving models, designers or locales, the channel has given enough thought to see how the idea can be extended to a television promo to excite the audience. It may be not be due to cost-efficiency as they have had the best coaches and talent on the channel. The idea was formalised so to strike the right chord with the audience, and get noticed. The message itself is so powerful, that the channel felt there was no need to use other means of communication.

&TV is geared up to premiere the second edition of The Voice India. Mentoring these musical exponents in their journey towards excellence are none other than musicians extraordinaire — the effervescent Shaan, the winner of The Voice India Season 1, Neeti Mohan, the winner of The Voice India Kids, and joining them will be the uber cool Benny Dayal, and the most sought-after singer-composer Salim Merchant as coaches.

Starting on 10 December, the show will be aired on Saturday and Sunday at 9pm.

The idea was to play the promos, using a healthy mix of channels to disrupt the mediums and excite the audience to S2 on &TV. The channel has used a mix of talent, celebs and moment-led promos that will give the viewer a taste of the content.

&TV business head Rajesh Iyer said, “The Voice India has struck a chord with the audience with its unbiased and transparent format where the participants are judged only on the basis of their vocal talent. The thought of the campaign – Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi — was inspired by the format itself and we aligned all our ideas towards breaking barriers of media usage. From radio to outdoor, digital and TV, we have some key innovations that are in sync with the campaign thought and will resonate with our audience.”

From the house of Talpa Media and produced by Endemol Shine India, The Voice is a popular global format that has received a thunderous response from the audience and critics alike. It will be interesting to see the coaches fight it out for their favourite singers as they groom and nurture their teams. However, the final power lies in the hands of the audience to determine who will be The Voice of the nation.

December 10, 2016
SAB TV revenue grew nine-fold under Sony umbrella

NEW DELHI: Sab TV, which claims to be the country’s sole channel beaming only comedy series, claims to have grown its revenue nine times since it came under the Sony fold.

When pointed out that another channel being beamed to India from overseas was also showing comedy series, Sony SAB senior EVP and business head Anooj Kapoor was quick to point out to indiantelevision.com that SAB TV had a TRP of 119 at last count while that channel had only two.

Furthermore, all the series on SAB TV were Indian and not dubbed, he added. He said the channel broadcast seven comedy series every evening during the prime time from 7.00 pm and 11.00 pm.

Kapoor was speaking to indiantelevision.com on the sidelines of a press meet to introduce the new comedy series ‘Khatmal-e-Ishque’ slated for telecast from 13 December, Monday to Friday at 10:00 pm.

Marketing head C M Mehra added that the new series was being publicised through print, radio, social media, and channels within the Sony network and other news and music channels.

As the marketing of this series was part of the overall marketing of all series on SAB, Mehra said, it was difficult to reveal any figure. Furthermore, he said that the marketing would also depend on how the series was received. At present, Sony has had press meets only in Ahmedabad and Delhi, and there is no plan for any more press meet but there may be one later in Mumbai.

Content head Devika Shivdasani told indiantelevision.com that the series comprised different love stories and not just one that would go on, endlessly.

When pointed out that another series on the channel had also experimented with different stories under the same title, she said those were real stories sent in by viewers but the new series has fictional stories.

The show highlights how people can fall in love when they least expect it, the importance of patience and determination, and how one learns life’s lessons while in love. The experience becomes even more interesting as the stories depict how the journey of life takes unprecedented comical twists in the quest for love.

Khatmal-E-Ishque is a compilation of short love stories, designed to extend to 15 to 20 episodes. The stories are such that they involve various instances where viewers can connect to their real-life situations. Each love story is a testament to how love conquers all, and shows the audience how to deal with various complications in their love lives.

One such story, the first in the series, is about Kapildev Dinkar (Vishal Malhotra), a traffic cop in Mumbai, and Lovina DeMello (Umang Jain), a physiotherapist from Goa, who fall head-over-heels in love with each other. The story will witness their struggle to convince their families to let them be together for the rest of their lives.

Apart from Malhotra and Jain, the first story will feature actors — Sulbha Arya, Sharat Saxena, and Akhilendra Mishra, among others.

Well-known television producer Ashwni Dhir of ‘Chidiyaghar’ and ‘Lapataganj’ fame has once again joined hands with Sony SAB to produce the series.

December 10, 2016
SAB TV revenue grew nine-fold under Sony umbrella

NEW DELHI: Sab TV, which claims to be the country’s sole channel beaming only comedy series, claims to have grown its revenue nine times since it came under the Sony fold.

When pointed out that another channel being beamed to India from overseas was also showing comedy series, Sony SAB senior EVP and business head Anooj Kapoor was quick to point out to indiantelevision.com that SAB TV had a TRP of 119 at last count while that channel had only two.

Furthermore, all the series on SAB TV were Indian and not dubbed, he added. He said the channel broadcast seven comedy series every evening during the prime time from 7.00 pm and 11.00 pm.

Kapoor was speaking to indiantelevision.com on the sidelines of a press meet to introduce the new comedy series ‘Khatmal-e-Ishque’ slated for telecast from 13 December, Monday to Friday at 10:00 pm.

Marketing head C M Mehra added that the new series was being publicised through print, radio, social media, and channels within the Sony network and other news and music channels.

As the marketing of this series was part of the overall marketing of all series on SAB, Mehra said, it was difficult to reveal any figure. Furthermore, he said that the marketing would also depend on how the series was received. At present, Sony has had press meets only in Ahmedabad and Delhi, and there is no plan for any more press meet but there may be one later in Mumbai.

Content head Devika Shivdasani told indiantelevision.com that the series comprised different love stories and not just one that would go on, endlessly.

When pointed out that another series on the channel had also experimented with different stories under the same title, she said those were real stories sent in by viewers but the new series has fictional stories.

The show highlights how people can fall in love when they least expect it, the importance of patience and determination, and how one learns life’s lessons while in love. The experience becomes even more interesting as the stories depict how the journey of life takes unprecedented comical twists in the quest for love.

Khatmal-E-Ishque is a compilation of short love stories, designed to extend to 15 to 20 episodes. The stories are such that they involve various instances where viewers can connect to their real-life situations. Each love story is a testament to how love conquers all, and shows the audience how to deal with various complications in their love lives.

One such story, the first in the series, is about Kapildev Dinkar (Vishal Malhotra), a traffic cop in Mumbai, and Lovina DeMello (Umang Jain), a physiotherapist from Goa, who fall head-over-heels in love with each other. The story will witness their struggle to convince their families to let them be together for the rest of their lives.

Apart from Malhotra and Jain, the first story will feature actors — Sulbha Arya, Sharat Saxena, and Akhilendra Mishra, among others.

Well-known television producer Ashwni Dhir of ‘Chidiyaghar’ and ‘Lapataganj’ fame has once again joined hands with Sony SAB to produce the series.

December 10, 2016
Malhotra’s Alchemy to launch five shows in ’17

MUMBAI: One show old in the television industry, the name Alchemy Productions might sound new to the world but the person leading the production house is definitely not new. His production house plans to launch five show in 2017.

Director-producer Siddharth P Malhotra has been in the industry for over a decade now.

Apart from the shows, Malhotra, who also directed “We Are Family,” is working on his second film now, with a leading production house. Malhotra is also planning to launch a new division in his company, which will produce plays for theatres.

Known for shows such as ‘Dil Mil Gaye,’ ‘EK Hazaaro Me Meri Behna Hai,’ ‘Ek Hasina Thi’ and many more, the producer has also been known for his family business Cinevistaas Productions. He is well-versed with the art and craft of creating shows, which were produced under the banner of Cinevistaas.

Talking about the split, Malhotra said, “Cinevistaas was getting into the development of land, studio and aimed at other things in life. I was more keen in the production aspect of it. My job was only to be a creative and not get into production. There comes a point when everybody needs to grow. And, if you are not ready to willingly give me those responsibilities, then bless me and free me. We are family, and I am not splitting away but i need to start of my own.”

2016 is the year when Malhotra decided to move out from Cinevistaas, and start his own production house Alchemy along with his wife Sapna. The production house launched its first show Ichhapyaari Naagin for Sab TV in September.

“I pretty much started from scratch, literally with almost nil bank balance. I have been lucky as the people I have been associated with for so long stood by me, including the channels. I went to Anooj (Kapoor) sir with the concept in Sab TV and I told him this is my concept, and I want to do it on my own. He knew me from the time Sab TV launched. He liked my concept and said, “Let’s do it.”

“Before that, we worked on ‘Lo Ho Gai Pooja Iss Ghar Ki.’ Raghuvir Shekhawat is writing all my shows, but I am unsure about his pay packet. From this, you would know the mutual trust among us,” he said. “I have with me Santram Sharma too; at present he is not doing any show but he stood by me like a rock. I am very fortunate to be working with such interesting people,” he added.

The four-month-old company, which started with a single show for Sony Pictures Network’s comedy channel Sab TV, is now working on five shows for all the leading Hindi GECs in India. “The struggle has been on how to put things together and getting the right people,” Malhotra said.

Alchemy is fully owned by Malhotra and his wife Sapna.

Talking about his upcoming shows, he said Alchemy was producing a family drama for Zee TV which was slated to be launched in January 2017. He is also producing shows for Sony which is a pure love story, which he is known for.

The next show in the offing is considered to be television’s biggest show ever on Star Plus, tentatively titled ‘Kya tu meri laage’ bringing on the small screen for the first time the Bollywood actor Minisha Lamba and a bunch of big television stars in the show. The show, written by Nina Arora, is already being talked about and published on various platforms.

December 8, 2016
Malhotra’s Alchemy to launch five shows in ’17

MUMBAI: One show old in the television industry, the name Alchemy Productions might sound new to the world but the person leading the production house is definitely not new. His production house plans to launch five show in 2017.

Director-producer Siddharth P Malhotra has been in the industry for over a decade now.

Apart from the shows, Malhotra, who also directed “We Are Family,” is working on his second film now, with a leading production house. Malhotra is also planning to launch a new division in his company, which will produce plays for theatres.

Known for shows such as ‘Dil Mil Gaye,’ ‘EK Hazaaro Me Meri Behna Hai,’ ‘Ek Hasina Thi’ and many more, the producer has also been known for his family business Cinevistaas Productions. He is well-versed with the art and craft of creating shows, which were produced under the banner of Cinevistaas.

Talking about the split, Malhotra said, “Cinevistaas was getting into the development of land, studio and aimed at other things in life. I was more keen in the production aspect of it. My job was only to be a creative and not get into production. There comes a point when everybody needs to grow. And, if you are not ready to willingly give me those responsibilities, then bless me and free me. We are family, and I am not splitting away but i need to start of my own.”

2016 is the year when Malhotra decided to move out from Cinevistaas, and start his own production house Alchemy along with his wife Sapna. The production house launched its first show Ichhapyaari Naagin for Sab TV in September.

“I pretty much started from scratch, literally with almost nil bank balance. I have been lucky as the people I have been associated with for so long stood by me, including the channels. I went to Anooj (Kapoor) sir with the concept in Sab TV and I told him this is my concept, and I want to do it on my own. He knew me from the time Sab TV launched. He liked my concept and said, “Let’s do it.”

“Before that, we worked on ‘Lo Ho Gai Pooja Iss Ghar Ki.’ Raghuvir Shekhawat is writing all my shows, but I am unsure about his pay packet. From this, you would know the mutual trust among us,” he said. “I have with me Santram Sharma too; at present he is not doing any show but he stood by me like a rock. I am very fortunate to be working with such interesting people,” he added.

The four-month-old company, which started with a single show for Sony Pictures Network’s comedy channel Sab TV, is now working on five shows for all the leading Hindi GECs in India. “The struggle has been on how to put things together and getting the right people,” Malhotra said.

Alchemy is fully owned by Malhotra and his wife Sapna.

Talking about his upcoming shows, he said Alchemy was producing a family drama for Zee TV which was slated to be launched in January 2017. He is also producing shows for Sony which is a pure love story, which he is known for.

The next show in the offing is considered to be television’s biggest show ever on Star Plus, tentatively titled ‘Kya tu meri laage’ bringing on the small screen for the first time the Bollywood actor Minisha Lamba and a bunch of big television stars in the show. The show, written by Nina Arora, is already being talked about and published on various platforms.

December 8, 2016
Star Plus gears up for ‘Dil Hai Hindustani’ launch in January

MUMBAI: After launching P.O.W, Star Plus is geared up to launch its yet another grand singing reality show “Dil Hai Hindustani.” Though the channel has not officially announced the launch date, but the show is slated to go on air by January 2017, and will be replacing Masterchef India at 8pm time slot.

Produced by Frames Production, the show will celebrate the popularity of Bollywood music through talent from across the globe, from different cultures and nationalities, bound together by their love for Bollywood songs.

Vivo has come on board for the show as the presenting sponsor.

Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Frames Production founder Ranjeet Thakur said, “Dil Hai Hindustani is a unique show and we are very excited. We have gone far and wide across the world in search of a good talent. People will see and realize how different it will be from the other reality shows.”

“Dil Hai Hindustani” promises to be a musical extravaganza showcasing phenomenal performances through not just solo, but also duet and group performances consisting of bands, choirs, acapella; a first of its kind on Indian television.

The talent on the show will be judged by an expert panel who India on the world map for music. The panel would consist of director Karan Johar who travelled the globe to handpick singers for the show, while Bollywood’s favourite rapper, Badshah, will be seen making a debut as a judge on television. Music sensation — Shekhar Ravjiani and Shalmali Kholgade will be seen monitoring the contestants and judging the show.

Bollywood’s finest director Karan Johar, known to create magic with every project he undertakes, said, “I am thrilled to be associated with and have an opportunity to curate performances based on talent from across the globe. It is rare to find a platform which takes Bollywood to the centrestage and with ‘Dil Hai Hindustani,’ we are ready to entertain the world with extraordinary performances.”

Asked about launching his digital platform anytime soon, addressing the media Johar replied in the negative, and said, “Digital is definitely a very strong medium and a great means to scout talent. I have always been on the lookout to hunt for talented people on the web. As for venturing into it, I am still not ready. Right now, every failed script becomes a web series or short film, but I want to wait and see how the medium moves ahead. I will let others make the stairs and happily climb on when the time is right. Digital is a kid right now, when it will grow, it will be massive.”

December 7, 2016
Star Plus gears up for ‘Dil Hai Hindustani’ launch in January

MUMBAI: After launching P.O.W, Star Plus is geared up to launch its yet another grand singing reality show “Dil Hai Hindustani.” Though the channel has not officially announced the launch date, but the show is slated to go on air by January 2017, and will be replacing Masterchef India at 8pm time slot.

Produced by Frames Production, the show will celebrate the popularity of Bollywood music through talent from across the globe, from different cultures and nationalities, bound together by their love for Bollywood songs.

Vivo has come on board for the show as the presenting sponsor.

Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Frames Production founder Ranjeet Thakur said, “Dil Hai Hindustani is a unique show and we are very excited. We have gone far and wide across the world in search of a good talent. People will see and realize how different it will be from the other reality shows.”

“Dil Hai Hindustani” promises to be a musical extravaganza showcasing phenomenal performances through not just solo, but also duet and group performances consisting of bands, choirs, acapella; a first of its kind on Indian television.

The talent on the show will be judged by an expert panel who India on the world map for music. The panel would consist of director Karan Johar who travelled the globe to handpick singers for the show, while Bollywood’s favourite rapper, Badshah, will be seen making a debut as a judge on television. Music sensation — Shekhar Ravjiani and Shalmali Kholgade will be seen monitoring the contestants and judging the show.

Bollywood’s finest director Karan Johar, known to create magic with every project he undertakes, said, “I am thrilled to be associated with and have an opportunity to curate performances based on talent from across the globe. It is rare to find a platform which takes Bollywood to the centrestage and with ‘Dil Hai Hindustani,’ we are ready to entertain the world with extraordinary performances.”

Asked about launching his digital platform anytime soon, addressing the media Johar replied in the negative, and said, “Digital is definitely a very strong medium and a great means to scout talent. I have always been on the lookout to hunt for talented people on the web. As for venturing into it, I am still not ready. Right now, every failed script becomes a web series or short film, but I want to wait and see how the medium moves ahead. I will let others make the stairs and happily climb on when the time is right. Digital is a kid right now, when it will grow, it will be massive.”

December 7, 2016
Sheriden, Sufri emerge winners of Dance Singapore contest

MUMBAI: The second season of Dance Singapore Dance on Zee TV APAC comes to an end with a spectacular grand finale. Sheriden Newman, 29, danced her way to victory after emerging as thewinner of Season 2. Sheriden, 29, a dance graduate from Queensland University of Technology outperformed over 200 contestants in the auditions and 11 others during the grueling 10 episode journey to take home the prize money of SGD 15000 (Rs 7.2 lakh). Mohamad Sufri Juwahir and Mumtaz Angullia were the first and the second runners-up and took home cash prizes of S$3000 and S$2000 respectively.

Zee TV APAC senior vice president, international business, Tripta Singh, said, “In the second season of Dance Singapore Dance the expectations were very high from all the stakeholders including the contestants, our partners and viewers and the show surpassed all of them. We believe that Dance Singapore Dance provides a great platform for both budding and seasoned dancers across nationalities and races. We wish Sheriden good luck and hope to be back with Season 3 soon.”

‘Powered by’ sponsor on Season 2 Scoot and Tigerair chief commercial officer Leslie Thng said, “Dance Singapore Dance has proven successful in grooming new, young talent in Singapore. Beyond providing a stage for the participants to present their creativity, it has also encouraged them to follow their artistic dreams and enabled them to experience fun and joy along the way. This strongly resonates with Scoot and Tigerair’s mission to enable the young and young-at-heart to pursue their dreams through enriching travel experiences, and we are delighted to support this meaningful endeavor.”

The runaway success of the first season set the stage for an even bigger canvas for the second season of Dance Singapore Dance. There were many breath-taking moments as the level of performances soared episode after episode. Each contestant left no stone unturned to keep the audiences and judges captivated with their exceptional performances.

The season started with a new panel of judges with Bollywood ace Choreographer Master Mudassar Khan all the way from Mumbai and popular local classical and contemporary dancer Sreedevy Sivarajasingam.Guest judges on different episodes included Najip Ali (Host & Entertainer), Kavitha Krishnan (Artistic Director, Maya Dance Theatre), Daisy Irani (Creative Director & Actor, Hum Theatre), Shantha M Misra (Indian Classical Dancer and Choreographer) and Zaini Tahir, (Artistic Director and Dance Singapore Dance S1 judge) also provided their expert opinion as part of the judging panel.

Sheriden Newman, 29, winner of Dance Singapore Dance Season 2, said “I would like to thank everyone who supported me throughout this journey, especially Sahil, my mentor for constantly pushing my boundaries and helping me excel. With the prize money, I plan to establish my new dance company Soul Signature with my dancing partner, Sufri Juwahir.”

The finale night saw all the five finalists put their best foot forward but Sheriden managed to edge out other contestants with an enthralling contemporary performance.

December 6, 2016