Category: TV Channels

  • Bigg Boss Malayalam season 7 to storm Asianet with Ezhinte Pani

    Bigg Boss Malayalam season 7 to storm Asianet with Ezhinte Pani

    MUMBAI: Asianet has pulled out all the stops for the launch of Bigg Boss Malayalam season 7, which is to be unveiled on 3 August at 7pm with superstar Mohanlal at the helm. The reality behemoth returns with the fiery tagline Ezhinte Pani, a clarion call for a season built on grit, guile and unrelenting competition.

    The premiere episode will showcase a vibrant, eclectic mix of contestants—actors, influencers, professionals and mavericks—ready to test their mettle inside the Bigg Boss house. Mohanlal, in trademark style, will set the tone for a season that promises power plays, unpredictable twists and no shortage of fireworks.

    Breaking from the familiar, Asianet has constructed its own custom-built set for the first time: the most spacious and opulent Bigg Boss house yet. It features sweeping lawns, a sprawling dining hall, a gleaming kitchen, plush bedrooms, a grand living room and the ever-enigmatic confession chamber, where strategy and emotion collide.

    Season 7 also raises the stakes with tougher tasks, more complex strategies and sharper audience engagement. The new format pivots on public opinion as much as on smart gameplay, ensuring that no contestant can rest easy.

    Episodes will air Monday to Friday at 9.30pm and weekends at 9pm. For die-hard fans, every unfiltered moment is available round the clock on JioHotstar.

    With Ezhinte Pani, Bigg Boss Malayalam promises not just entertainment, but a test of endurance, wit and resilience—cementing its place as Asianet’s crown jewel in reality television.

  • She power surge as Sheshakti makes its maiden move to Mumbai

    She power surge as Sheshakti makes its maiden move to Mumbai

     MUMBAI: Bharat’s builders wear bangles and they mean business. News18’s flagship platform Sheshakti, in partnership with Lions Clubs International, is back with its third edition and this time, it’s taking a regional route. The first-ever Mumbai chapter of News18 SheShakti 2025 rolls out on 31 July, spotlighting Maharashtra’s women trailblazers who are breaking barriers and building Bharat.

    Titled “From Breaking Barriers to Building Bharat,” this year’s theme shifts the focus from token celebration to structural transformation. The summit will culminate in a grand finale in Delhi on 21 August, but the Mumbai edition is poised to set the tone with a power-packed line-up of policymakers, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and change-makers.

    Leading the charge are dignitaries like Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Ashwini Bhide, and Sujata Saunik, alongside global voices such as Ambassadors Chavanart Thangsumphant (Thailand) and Mateja Vodeb Ghosh (Slovenia), offering an Indo-global dialogue on leadership and inclusion.

    From boardrooms to Bollywood, Sheshakti’s guest list reads like a who’s who of women who’ve redefined the game:

    .  Naiyya Saggi (founder & CEO, Edition)

    .  Laxmi Iyer (group president, Bajaj Finserv)

    . Dr Neerja Birla (chairperson, Aditya Birla Education Trust)

    .  Priti Rathi Gupta (founder, Lxme)

    . Harsha Mundhada (partner, Inflexor Ventures)

    . Roshi Jain (sr. fund manager, HDFC Mutual Fund)

    .  Chitralekha Patil (director, PNP Group)

    .  Olympian Anjali Bhagwat and para-badminton star Manasi Joshi

    . Actors Nimrat Kaur, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Renuka Shahane

    Also joining are popular radio voices RJ Malishka, RJ Archana, and RJ Stutee, and Sarita Sonawale, recipient of the Savitri Bai Phule Award, for her grassroots advocacy.

    The event will not just echo inspiration, but also actionable impact. With over two chapters across two months, SheShakti 2025 seeks to mobilise ideas, incubate collaborations, and inspire the next generation of women leaders. It also positions Maharashtra as a microcosm of India’s inclusive growth, celebrating how women are influencing sectors from urban infrastructure to wellness startups.

    Network18 Group chief strategy officer, Puneet Singhvi summed it up: “Sheshakti is not just an event. It’s a movement. And we’re thrilled to bring it to Mumbai for the first time.”

    Network18 (Broadcast) CEO Avinash Kaul added, “This regional expansion is a testament to the influence women wield in shaping India’s social, economic and cultural blueprint.”

    As the country prepares to celebrate Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day, Sheshakti offers a timely reminder that true progress is built on the shoulders of those who don’t just smash glass ceilings, but raise the roof for everyone else.
     

  • TKR ropes in Stake as title sponsor in multi-year global partnership

    TKR ropes in Stake as title sponsor in multi-year global partnership

    MUMBAI: The Trinbago Knight Riders just hit a sponsorship sixer. Caribbean Premier League’s most decorated franchise has inked a multi-year title partnership with Stake, the world’s leading online casino and sportsbook adding some serious global firepower to its off-field playbook. With four CPL titles under its belt (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020), TKR’s winning legacy now aligns with a brand that’s betting big on cricket. Stake already has marquee partnerships across the sporting spectrum, including UFC, Everton FC, and the Stake F1 Team. Its latest Caribbean swing follows recent forays into cricket with the Paarl Royals, European Cricket Championships, and Major League Cricket.

    “This partnership marks a significant milestone for us,” said Knight Riders Sports Group CMO Binda Dey. “Bringing together two globally recognised brands, we aim to elevate fan engagement through innovation and technology.”

    And innovation is already in motion. The announcement was hyped with a teaser campaign starring Knight Riders legends Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Dwayne Bravo alongside Stake-backed athletes from across the world. The result? A viral buzz building up to the big reveal, with cross-sport fandom fuelling the fire.

    “TKR’s success and passionate fanbase make them the perfect addition to our cricket portfolio,” said Stake’s CMO Akhil Sarin. “Our aim is to build immersive, tech-driven fan experiences that channel the thrill of T20 cricket.”

    This partnership is more than a logo swap, it’s a play for deeper, digital-first engagement. Expect gamified fan zones, interactive content drops, and a Stake-powered edge to TKR’s growing global fanbase.

    In the high-stakes world of franchise cricket, this Knight–casino combo could be a jackpot move.
     

  • Jhingan joins IOS in a new defensive strategy off the pitch

    Jhingan joins IOS in a new defensive strategy off the pitch

    MUMBAI: From boots to brand play, Sandesh Jhingan is lining up a new formation. Indian football’s defensive rock, Sandesh Jhingan, is now dribbling into new territory brand management. The 31-year-old centre-back has signed with IOS Sports and Entertainment, marking a strategic off-field move aimed at amplifying his brand presence and widening his impact beyond the beautiful game.

    Jhingan, currently with FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL), brings over a decade of international experience to the IOS stable. Since making his debut for India in 2013, the Chandigarh-born defender has racked up more than 50 caps for the national side, captained India in marquee tournaments like the AFC Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and has become a household name in Indian football.

    Known for his no-nonsense defending, aerial dominance, and vocal leadership, Jhingan has turned out for ISL heavyweights such as Kerala Blasters, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and Chennaiyin FC. His brief but landmark stint with Croatian club HNK Šibenik in 2021 made him one of the rare Indian players to play in Europe, adding an international edge to his résumé.

    He was named the AIFF Men’s Player of the Year for 2020–21, further cementing his status as one of Asia’s top defenders.

    On signing with IOS, Jhingan said, “I’m excited to join the IOS Sports and Entertainment family and work with a team that has such an impressive track record with India’s top athletes. Their expertise feels like the perfect assist as I look to amplify my story and connect with more people at a deeper level.”

    IOS, known for managing India’s sporting icons like Vijender Singh, Mirabai Chanu, Anju Bobby George, Lovlina Borgohain, and Manpreet Singh, sees Jhingan as a valuable addition to its football playbook.

    “Sandesh represents everything we look for in an athlete exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and the ability to inspire others,” said IOS COO Rahul Trehan. “His addition strengthens our commitment to supporting India’s sporting heroes across all disciplines.”

    The partnership aims to elevate Jhingan’s brand through holistic management from endorsement deals and media visibility to community initiatives and content-driven storytelling. With football gaining ground as a serious sport-business in India, Jhingan’s play with IOS could be just the pivot the sport needs.

    After all, he’s long been the last line of defence now, he’s ready to be the face of a new offensive.

  • Zee TV heads back to the heartland with Chhoriyan Chali Gaon

    Zee TV heads back to the heartland with Chhoriyan Chali Gaon

    MUMBAI: Zee TV is shaking up its daily primetime with Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, a high-energy, rooted reality format that promises equal parts laughter, drama, and cultural discovery. Premiering 3 August at 9 PM, and airing daily from 9:30 PM, the show is an adaptation of Zee Marathi’s hit format Jau Bai Gavat and is produced by Zee Studios.

    In this social experiment, 11 celebrity contestants leave behind their urban comforts for 60 days of rural living — no gadgets, minimal luxuries, and a crash course in village life. From milking cows to cooking on chulhas, the show blends raw challenges with genuine bonds, under the watchful eye of host Rannvijay Singha.

    The line-up includes Anita Hassanandani, Krishna Shroff, Aishwarya Khare, Sumukhi Suresh, Anjuum Faakih, Rameet Sandhu, Reha Sukheja, Erika Packard, Surabhi Mehra, Samriddhi Mehra and Dolly Javed — each swapping high heels for muddy fields.

    Zee chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur said, “Our original Zee Marathi format Jau Bai Gavat found success for its honest, culturally rooted storytelling that struck an emotional chord with audiences. With Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, we’ve taken that same core; the fun, the emotions, the authenticity and reimagined it for Zee TV’s wider, national audience. This show reflects our belief in going back to the roots and creating stories that are both entertaining and meaningful. It’s a fresh yet familiar narrative that celebrates the village life of India and the spirited women who call it home.”

    Zee TV chief channel officer, Mangesh Kulkarni said, “At Zee TV, we’ve always believed in formats that don’t just entertain, but spark reflection and emotional connection. With Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, we’re bringing a concept that blends the raw charm of rural India with the resilience of today’s urban woman. We’re excited to see how viewers connect with this unique journey of simplicity, struggle, and self-discovery.”

    With its daily slot, Chhoriyan Chali Gaon is set to become a primetime fixture, offering viewers nostalgia, novelty, and a taste of the simple life, one task at a time.

  • Gujarat’s unsung heroes take centre stage at ABP Asmita Sanman Puraskar 2025

    Gujarat’s unsung heroes take centre stage at ABP Asmita Sanman Puraskar 2025

    Mumbai, 29 July 2025 – ABP Asmita honoured the state’s silent trailblazers at the prestigious Asmita Sanman Puraskar 2025 in Ahmedabad. The event celebrated individuals whose grit, innovation and service have quietly reshaped Gujarat’s social, cultural, and economic fabric.

    Chief minister Bhupendra Patel, the chief guest, lauded the awardees as the true force behind Gujarat’s growth, while Shankar Chaudhary, speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, praised them for embodying the state’s resilient spirit.

    The honours spanned diverse fields from Rakesh Patel, who turned a rural government school into a model of excellence, to poet Kavi Rajendra Shukla for his enduring literary impact. Singer Bhoomi Trivedi was feted for her music, actor Siddharth Randeria for his contributions to theatre and cinema, and Paru Jaykrishna, the first woman president of GCCI, for her trailblazing leadership in industry.

    The Maha Sanman went to Dr J.M. Vyas for his groundbreaking work in forensic science and engineering, while grassroots champions like Raskibhai and the villagers of Biliaamba were recognised for reviving kho-kho at the community level.

    From unsung educators to cultural icons, ABP Asmita’s celebration was a reminder that Gujarat’s story is written not only in boardrooms and government offices but in classrooms, playgrounds, and quiet acts of service.

  • Star Gold brings Chhaava home this Independence Day

    Star Gold brings Chhaava home this Independence Day

    MUMBAI: This Independence Day weekend, Star Gold will deliver a television event of heroic scale with the World TV Premiere of Chhaava on 17 August at 8 pm. The historical blockbuster traces the extraordinary life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, blending action, emotional intensity, and sweeping cinematic grandeur.

    Backed by early sponsors Tide+ and Adani Ambuja Cement, the premiere is poised to become a magnet for both viewers and advertisers. Star Gold has a proven track record in turning TV premieres into cultural events: Stree 2 drew 41 million viewers—30 per cent of them first-time channel audiences—while Pathaan and Brahmastra pulled in 50 million and 42 million respectively, cementing Star Gold’s dominance in the high-stakes premiere space.

    Directed by Laxman Utekar and starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, Chhaava has already conquered the box office. It holds the No. 1 spot on IMDb’s “Most Popular Indian Movies of 2025” and has been declared the year’s biggest blockbuster by Ormax Media.

    With its tale of valour and sacrifice, Chhaava promises not just entertainment but a rousing television experience, bringing one of India’s most compelling historical chapters to living rooms nationwide.

    Mark your calendars: 17 August, 8 pm only on Star Gold.

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  • Apex and Baseline strike deal to boost sports investment in India

    Apex and Baseline strike deal to boost sports investment in India

    BENGALURU: Apex, a Europe-born sports investment firm backed by world-class athletes, has inked a strategic partnership with Baseline Ventures, one of India’s most prominent sports and entertainment outfits. The tie-up aims to unlock new investment opportunities in India’s booming sports ecosystem while giving Indian capital direct access to premium deals across Europe and the US.

    Baseline Ventures, founded in 2014, has carved a formidable position in Indian sport, with businesses spanning athlete management, league creation, licensing, and brand partnerships. The firm represents some of the country’s top names including Smriti Mandhana, Abhinav Bindra, PR Sreejesh, and Nikhat Zareen, and co-founded the Prime Volleyball League.

    Apex brings deep experience in venture capital, growth, and private equity across the global sports and media sectors. Its athlete-led model has drawn in investors such as Formula 1 drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, and footballers Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marcelo Vieira. Earlier this year, Smriti Mandhana became the first Indian athlete to invest in Apex — a symbolic milestone in its growing Indian play.

    Apex partner & chief commercial officer Pedro Felix da Costa said the move was a “natural step” for the firm: “India is one of the most dynamic sports markets in the world. Partnering locally helps us navigate it with intent, while also offering Indian capital high-quality exposure to Europe and US deals.”

    Baseline Ventures Co-Founder & Director Vishal Jaison called the tie-up a win-win: “Sports is now one of the most lucrative asset classes, delivering strong value appreciation. With Apex, Indian investors get a gateway to some of the biggest global sporting entities.”

    The deal marks a significant moment in the convergence of global capital and India’s sports industry — one where returns and fandom are racing side by side.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • JioStar reignites the Kyunki effect, locks in eight big-brand sponsors

    JioStar reignites the Kyunki effect, locks in eight big-brand sponsors

    MUMBAI: The much-anticipated return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has sent waves of excitement across living rooms and boardrooms. Ahead of its July 29 premiere, eight marquee brands have already signed on, betting big on the enduring cultural clout of the daily prime-time juggernaut.

    On Star Plus, Tide+, Kalyan Jewellers, and Maruti Suzuki India co-present the show, with Fortune Soyabean Oil, Colgate, and Smart Bazaar joining as co-powered sponsors. Over on JioHotstar, Kalyan Jewellers and Maruti Suzuki return as co-presenters, alongside Fortune Chakki Fresh Atta, UTI Mutual Fund, and Smart Bazaar, bringing the brand tally to a powerful eight across platforms.

    The advertiser playbook spans everything from TV integrations and graphic placements to JioHotstar’s arsenal of branded feature trays, pause ads, co-branded vignettes, and even interactive quizzes, ensuring visibility from screen to stream.

    “The return of Kyunki is a full-spectrum media moment. The show is a multi-generational IP which brings together a powerful blend of nostalgia, reach and cultural depth, which helps connect family members together, each finding their own story in the same narrative. Very few properties offer that kind of intergenerational resonance today, and Kyunki delivers on that with precision.We’re thrilled to see such strong interest from brands who recognise the long-term value this property offers across both TV and digital,” said JioStar head of revenue, entertainment & international, Ajit Varghese.

    Produced by Balaji Telefilms, the reboot marks 25 years since the show’s debut, bringing back Smriti Irani’s iconic Tulsi and Amar Upadhyay’s Mihir while introducing a new generation to the Virani universe. With a seven-day-a-week schedule and a dual-platform strategy marrying Star Plus’s reach with JioHotstar’s precision targeting, Kyunki is set to be 2025’s tentpole event for viewers and advertisers alike.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • District by Zomato aces it as official ticketing partner for World Padel League Season 3

    District by Zomato aces it as official ticketing partner for World Padel League Season 3

    MUMBAI: The World Padel League (WPL) is back and it’s bigger, bolder, and now backed by a brand-new ticketing ace. ‘District by Zomato’ has been announced as the official ticketing partner for Season 3 of the WPL, scheduled from 12-16 August at Nesco Center, Mumbai. Tickets for the league stage are now live on the District app and website.

    From high-speed rallies to global talent across 6 fierce teams, the five-day spectacle promises 11 action-packed matches with two games a day to keep fans on their toes. Courtside seats start at just Rs 999, letting you dive into the drama without breaking the bank.

    Commenting on the partnership, World Padel League spokesperson said, “Our partnership with District by Zomato is a strategic move to enhance fan experience and cater to a larger attendance this season. By making the ticketing process seamless and accessible, we are ensuring that more fans can experience global padel action live, which is crucial for the growth of the sport in India. We are gearing up for an exciting season ahead and we look forward to welcoming padel-lovers courtside, soon!”

    “The impressive growth of padel among urban consumers aligns perfectly with District by Zomato’s culturally-first ethos. It is about identifying and shaping new trends. We’re excited to be the official ticketing partner of the World Padel League, ensuring every fan can easily immerse themselves in the high-energy of live, world-class padel”, said District by Zomato spokesperson.

    It’s the sport taking over social feeds and urban weekends. A sizzling blend of tennis and squash, padel is played in doubles on a glass-walled court. With its quick-fire rallies, strategic rebounds, and social-first appeal, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the fastest-growing sports globally.

    Book early. Get close. Feel the smash. This August, the World Padel League is serving up pure adrenaline and only a few seats remain.

    Book your tickets on: https://link.district.in/DSTRKT/WorldPadelLeagueSeason3