ITV

Category: Reality

  • Cooking up a storm: Celebrity MasterChef India on Sony LIV drives 2x subscription growth!

    Cooking up a storm: Celebrity MasterChef India on Sony LIV drives 2x subscription growth!

    MUMBAI: Sony LIV is serving up an irresistible culinary treat with the much-celebrated Celebrity MasterChef India, now streaming on the platform. A celebration of creativity, skill, and gastronomic excellence, this season takes the iconic format to new heights by bringing India’s favorite celebrities into the competitive cooking arena. Under the expert guidance of Chef Vikas Khanna, Chef Ranveer Brar, and host Farah Khan, these stars tackle high-stakes challenges to win hearts and claim the coveted title.

    This season of Celebrity MasterChef India has seen remarkable traction, registering a 13% growth in user base and a 26% increase in viewership. With watch time per user and subscriptions doubling, the show has firmly cemented its place as a fan favorite. A significant driver of this success is its high female skew, with 43% of the viewership being driven by female audiences.

    Adding to the grandeur of the show is a stellar lineup of sponsors who share a passion for quality and innovation. Veeba, as the Co-Presenting Sponsor, inspires culinary creativity. Joining the journey are ACKO, GI’s of India and Fortune Chakki Fresh Atta as Co-Powered Sponsors, with BSH Home Appliances stepping in as the exclusive Appliances Partner and Vinod Intelligent Cookware as Partner to elevate the cooking experience on Sony LIV. 

    These partnerships make Celebrity MasterChef India an inspiring journey where celebrities step out of their comfort zones, refine their culinary skills, and compete for glory under expert guidance.

    Comments

    Ranjana Mangla – Head Ad Revenue, Sony LIV

    At Sony LIV, we are dedicated to crafting extraordinary and immersive experiences, and Celebrity MasterChef India exemplifies this commitment. This season, we’ve partnered with visionary brands that share our passion for quality, innovation, and excellence—elevating the iconic MasterChef format to celebrate the love for food while delivering world-class entertainment. Food is more than just ingredients—it’s a cultural cornerstone that connects people across traditions and industries. Celebrity MasterChef India seamlessly integrates brands from diverse sectors, including BFSI, Consumer Durables, and Healthcare, offering a dynamic platform for meaningful collaborations. This season, we welcome an exciting mix of visionary brands driving innovation, thriving homegrown enterprises, and government initiatives that spotlight India’s rich heritage on a global stage. With a highly engaged, digitally savvy audience that values premium experiences and authentic storytelling, Celebrity MasterChef India creates impactful brand narratives that resonate deeply and leave a lasting impression.

    Viraj Bahl, Founder and MD, VRB Consumer Products (Veeba & Wok Wok) 

    We are delighted to collaborate with Celebrity MasterChef India once again. Cooking is an act of love and creativity, and great taste is the reward for that effort. Our endeavor is to empower our consumers to experiment fearlessly and bring their unique flavors to life—because life tastes better with Veeba. 

    Ashish Mishra, CMO – ACKO

    MasterChef India continues to inspire today’s audience to make informed, healthier choices, aligning perfectly with ACKO’s ethos of care, simplicity, and innovation. Our collaboration with MasterChef bridges the gap between healthy cooking and stress-free living, sharing mindful tips that show we genuinely care about our customers’ overall well-being.  With the show airing on Sony LIV, a platform renowned for its engaging and premium content, this partnership provides an excellent opportunity to amplify our message and drive meaningful connections with our audience.

    Shri Karan Thapar, Director – DPIIT

    The DPIIT values its partnership with SonyLIV’s MasterChef India, which aims to promote GI tag products. This collaboration is anticipated to elevate public consciousness regarding the cultural significance and inherent value imbued in these products due to their geographic origins. Furthermore, GI tagging facilitates the preservation of our country’s diverse geography, environmental conditions, and traditional practices – all of which contribute to the distinctiveness of these valued products.

    Celebrity MasterChef India streaming Monday to Friday at 8 PM on Sony LIV!

  • Fremantle secures global rights to Japanese game show Ants

    Fremantle secures global rights to Japanese game show Ants

    MUMBAI: Fremantle has acquired worldwide distribution rights to Ants, a novel Japanese competition format where contestants tackle supersized challenges while pretending to be ant-sized humans.

    The format, originally created by Nippon TV and further developed by Fremantle North America, transforms contestants into ant-sized competitors who must navigate enormous everyday objects and work together to complete physical challenges. Tasks include transporting oversized food items across a giant kitchen against the clock, with prize money increasing based on successful collections.

    Under the distribution agreement, Nippon TV will retain rights for most of Asia, while Fremantle will handle the rest of the world. The show has already proven successful in Japan, where it launched as a special on Nippon TV.

    “It is so rare to find a format that makes you say to yourself ‘I have never seen anything like this,’” said Fremantle EVP of Unscripted Jimmy Fox. He noted that Nippon TV has a strong track record in format creation, having developed both Dragons’ Den (known as Shark Tank in America) and Sokkuri Sweets, which sparked the ‘cake or not cake’ trend.

    Fremantle’s EVP global acquisitions and development Vasha Wallace, said the company has already received significant interest in the format, citing its unique blend of humour and physical challenges that appeals to viewers of all ages.

    Nippon TV  head of formats Tom Miyauchi described the show as highlighting “the power of unity and teamwork, much like the ants themselves.” The format features distinctive themed characters and larger-than-life set designs to create its miniaturised world.

    The deal marks another significant format export from Japan, following Nippon TV’s previous international successes with shows like Dragons’ Den and Old Enough!, the latter of which streams on Netflix in over 190 countries.

  • Bigg Boss Season 18 shatters records with 205+ million viewers across TV & digital

    Bigg Boss Season 18 shatters records with 205+ million viewers across TV & digital

    MUMBAI: Another season of drama, strategy, and nail-biting eliminations has come to a close, and Bigg Boss Season 18 has done it again—breaking records, dominating screens, and keeping millions glued to their couches. The reality TV juggernaut raked in a mind-blowing 205+ million viewersh  across TV and JioCinema, with a total of 112 billion viewing minutes (yes, you read that right!). And if that wasn’t enough, social media went into overdrive, racking up 5.6 billion views across platforms, with 2.9 billion views on JioCinema alone. Now, that’s what you call a blockbuster

    JioStar head of revenue – entertainment & international, Ajit Varghese summed it up perfectly, “Year after year, Bigg Boss continues to redefine entertainment, offering brands the ultimate platform to forge deep audience connections. The response to this season has been phenomenal, and we’re excited to push the boundaries even further.”

    Bigg Boss, the crown jewel of JioStar’s entertainment empire, continues to strike gold with its regional editions in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, and Bengali. With each passing season, the show mirrors society’s evolving dynamics, proving that nothing beats the thrill of watching strangers fight, form alliances, and occasionally (just occasionally) find friendship.

    This year, Bigg Boss Jaante Hain took unpredictability to the next level, with the all-seeing Bigg Boss predicting contestants’ futures. The “Time Ka Tandav” theme was a masterstroke, amplifying the mind games, shock twists, and pulse-racing moments that had fans hooked. Who knew reality TV could be this deliciously dramatic?

    When you pull in numbers like these, it’s no surprise that brands are lining up to be part of the magic. Season 18 had the backing of some of the biggest names, including co-powered partners Belavita, Vaseline, and Parle Hide & Seek, and special sponsors like Ching’s Schezwan Chutney and Berger Paints.

    The sponsorship lineup also featured beauty partner Blue Heaven, hygiene partner Harpic, and home decor partner My Trident, alongside Go Cheese, Macho Sporto, Good Knight, and Galaxy Chocolate as associate sponsors. On the digital front, major players like Vimal, Housing.com, Oppo, LG Hot and Cold AC, and Rapido Cabs amplified the show’s reach, with First Games, Manyavar, Manforce, Kellogg’s Muesli, Roff, Streax, and Swiss Beauty adding to the mix.

    Love it or hate it, you just can’t ignore it. Bigg Boss 18 was an unstoppable force across YouTube, Meta, and X, fueling heated debates, meme storms, and endless discussions. Whether it was contestants’ fiery showdowns, jaw-dropping twists, or unexpected evictions, social media lived and breathed every moment.

    With record-breaking numbers, insane engagement, and a growing fanbase, Bigg Boss has once again proved why it remains India’s most-loved reality show. And if Season 18 was this explosive, we can only imagine what’s in store for next year. Buckle up, because the drama is far from over!

  • Clapstore Toys makes big splash with all shark deal

    Clapstore Toys makes big splash with all shark deal

    MUMBAI: In a world dominated by screens, two young entrepreneurs are redefining playtime! Yash Thombare (22) and Vedang Nalawade (21) from Pune are on a mission to bring the joy of real-world play back to children. With their brainchild, Clapstore Toys, launched in 2020, they’ve created educational toys designed to engage kids aged till six years while fostering essential skills. Already impacting over 50,000 families across India, their success story is gaining momentum.

    In the latest season of Shark Tank India 4,  Thombare and  Nalawade took centre stage with their innovative product – the portable busy boards. A first in India, these boards aim to captivate young minds with hands-on, screen-free learning. The Sharks were initially intrigued but skeptical until they saw the product in action. After a heartwarming live demo with kids, the duo’s pitch gained traction. Seeking Rs 80 lakh for four per cent equity, the founders struck a sweet deal: Rs 1 crore for 10 per cent equity, backed by all five Sharks!

    “The Sharks’ feedback was invaluable,” said Thombare and Nalawade. “Their mentorship will accelerate our growth and help us make our innovative toys more accessible to families across India.” Their victory on Shark Tank is a testament to their unwavering belief in the power of real play and their mission to enrich childhood development through screen-free toys.

    So, what’s next for Clapstore? With the support of the Sharks, this dynamic duo is ready to scale up and take their vision even further.

  • Sony LIV’s Shark Tank India 4 nets record sponsors and high viewer interest

    Sony LIV’s Shark Tank India 4 nets record sponsors and high viewer interest

    MUMBAI: Buckle up, entrepreneurs and dreamers! Shark Tank India 4 is back on Sony LIV, and this season isn’t just swimming in talent—it’s making waves with a powerhouse lineup of sponsors. The much-loved reality show, now streaming, continues to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences by shining a spotlight on India’s most ambitious and innovative business minds. With bold pitches, high-stakes deals, and cutting-edge ideas, this season is set to redefine entrepreneurship for the country.

    The show’s impressive sponsor roster includes Acko, Pokerbaazi, and Swiggy Instamart as co-presenting sponsors, along with Adani and Jaguar as co-powered sponsors. Partner sponsors Rayzon Solar, Icici Direct, Lenskart, and Sofy have also joined the entrepreneurial bandwagon, leveraging Shark Tank’s wide reach to connect with India’s ever-growing startup ecosystem.

    This season, a star-studded panel of sharks leads the charge. Returning favourites like Anupam Mittal (People Group), Aman Gupta (boAt Lifestyle), Namita Thapar (Emcure Pharmaceuticals), Peyush Bansal (Lenskart), and Vineeta Singh (Sugar Cosmetics) are joined by new faces, including Ritesh Agarwal (OYO), Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal), and Varun Dua (Acko). Each brings their unique expertise to enrich conversations and inspire India’s next wave of entrepreneurs.

    Sony LIV head of ad sales revenue Ranjana Mangla highlighted the show’s success, “Shark Tank India has redefined reality TV in the country, blending inspiration with entertainment to captivate viewers. It offers brands a unique platform to showcase impactful campaigns and connect with a diverse audience. Partnering with the show taps into the entrepreneurial spirit, fostering meaningful connections and leaving a lasting impression. The show’s phenomenal success, driving 40 per cent growth on CTV and 27 per cent growth in engagement, is fuelled by great content. This season also features a wide range of business pitches, from traditional ventures to cutting-edge tech.”

    Acko CMO Ashish Mishra, explained their commitment to the show, “Acko’s association with Shark Tank India has always celebrated change. We want to continue putting a spotlight on changemakers – the entrepreneurs who have the vision to drive positive change in society. Our changemakers have always had bold ideas and creative solutions and used their skills for the betterment of our country. With the Changemaker Wall, we have taken this spotlight to the next level. We worked with talented artists from across the country and asked them to express their interpretation of positive change. These incredible pieces of art, along with the talented entrepreneurs from Shark Tank, come together to showcase our commitment towards positive change. Together, we are championing a future where innovation meets purpose.”

    Baazi Games CEO Navkiran Singh shared a unique perspective, “Both Poker and entrepreneurship thrive on strategy, risk management, and adaptability. The skills required to build a business, such as making calculated decisions and staying resilient, are equally vital in Poker, making the two deeply interconnected. That’s why we are thrilled to continue our partnership with Shark Tank for its third season. This platform is a celebration of the ‘Make in India for the World’ vision and a catalyst for empowering entrepreneurs to build exceptional businesses. Its growing popularity perfectly aligns with the spirit of innovation and strategy that we at Baazi Games deeply value.”

    Swiggy Instamart CEO Amitesh Jha expressed his excitement about the collaboration, “We’re just a week into the launch of Shark Tank 4, and already, we’re witnessing some incredible products and promising entrepreneurs. This partnership is particularly exciting for us at Swiggy Instamart, as we’re always looking for ways to bring exciting new D2C brands to users and it aligns with our core value of making innovation both a reality and easily accessible to consumers. What’s also exciting is that we get to offer these debut products to our customers through Swiggy Instamart, delivering them within minutes giving a great boost to these brands.”

    With its growing popularity, Shark Tank India 4 promises not only to entertain but also to empower. By pairing inspiring entrepreneurial stories with top-tier brand partnerships, the show cements its role as a beacon for innovation and ambition in India.

    Catch Shark Tank India 4 every Monday to Friday at 8 pm, exclusively on Sony LIV.

  • College Vidya and Feel Filmz launch Angreji Sapne web series

    College Vidya and Feel Filmz launch Angreji Sapne web series

    Mumbai: College Vidya has collaborated with Feel Filmz to present Angreji Sapne, an inspiring web series that explores the aspirations, struggles, and determination of students from tier two and tier three cities. The series highlights the transformative power of education and the resilience needed to overcome challenges in pursuit of dreams.

    The web series follows the stories of two students with diverse ambitions. One, from a remote village, relocates to Ranchi, driven by a dream to secure a scholarship and achieve success through education. The other, from Jamshedpur, seeks independence and a life of freedom away from parental influence. Through their contrasting yet intersecting paths, Angreji Sapne sheds light on the emotional, social, and personal complexities they encounter.

    College Vidya, COO & co-founder, Rohit Gupta expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Feel Filmz on this meaningful project. It offers a unique, relatable perspective on the journeys of students in smaller cities, capturing their dreams and the hurdles they face. At College Vidya, we believe in the power of education to transform lives, and this series echoes the same sentiments by showcasing the resilience and determination of students who strive to build a better future. We hope that this story will inspire and motivate many students across India to pursue their goals, regardless of the challenges they may face”.

    Adding to the sentiment, Feel Filmz, founder & MD, Akarsh Sinha said, “We believe that stories have the power to connect and heal, and Angrezi Sapne is our tribute to the dreams that fuel so many students. Working with College Vidya has enabled us to bring authenticity to these narratives, and we’re excited for audiences to join us on this journey as we explore the beauty and resilience within India’s heartland”.

  • A+E Global Media Group & Arré Studio to bring ‘Alone’ to India

    A+E Global Media Group & Arré Studio to bring ‘Alone’ to India

    Mumbai: A+E Global Media Group has announced a partnership with Arré Studio to bring the global hit survival format Alone to India for the first time. The announcement was made by Arré Studio CEO Namit Sharma and A+E Media Group’s Asia-Pacific content sales director, Amreet Chahal.

    Alone, described by The New Yorker as ‘the best reality show ever made,’ challenges contestants to survive in the remote wilderness without any external help. Each participant must rely on their survival skills, mental resilience, and resourcefulness to source food and water, build shelter, and endure increasingly harsh weather conditions. With no camera crew, contestants self-film their journey throughout the experience.

    “Alone is an incredible, ambitious format, gripping audiences the world over. We’re excited to be bringing it to India,” said Sharma. “Our audience loves captive reality shows and Alone is a uniquely dramatic and challenging format. This partnership with A+E is a mark of Arré’s commitment to bringing the best international scripted and unscripted formats to our clients and audience.”

    “A+E is thrilled to be partnering with top producers Arré Studio,” said Chahal. “Alone is an awe-inspiring test of the power of human spirit, set in stunning unspoiled wilderness. We can’t wait to bring this to an Asian territory for the very first time”

    Alone first premiered on A+E’s The History Channel US in 2015, and has now run for eleven smash hit seasons with a twelfth season in production. Alone Denmark has aired for eight seasons, and three new European adaptations of the format are shortly to be announced. Alone Australia has been the highest rating original commission in the history of the network channel SBS, and a third season will premiere in 2025.

  • Indian Idol season 15 tops charts as highest-rated reality show

    Indian Idol season 15 tops charts as highest-rated reality show

    Mumbai: Indian Idol season 15 is hitting all the right notes as it climbs to the top, emerging as the highest-rated reality show in week 44 on Sony Entertainment Television. The singing competition, which airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM, has captivated viewers nationwide, boasting an impressive 3.0 million average viewership (TVM) in its launch week, a 1.5X increase over the channel’s previous slot average.

    Spanning over 20 years and now in its 15th season, Indian Idol has cemented itself as a cultural mainstay and advertiser’s delight, uniting diverse audiences and elevating talent from across the country. This season is co-presented by Birla Opus Paints, with co-power sponsors Smith & Jones Pasta Masala, Code Deodorants, Adani, and Vaseline, alongside associate sponsor Siyarams.

    Renowned for its legacy in launching new musical talent, Indian Idol is more than a singing competition—it’s an institution. This season’s ‘playfront’ philosophy presents each contestant as a complete performer, where every performance is designed to be a grand spectacle, building on its legacy of musical excellence and nationwide impact.

    Indian Idol’s influence continues to shape India’s music landscape, reinforcing its place as the country’s most beloved singing platform.

  • Shikhar Dhawan conquers the wild in Star vs Food Survival season two

    Shikhar Dhawan conquers the wild in Star vs Food Survival season two

    Mumbai: The latest episode of Star vs Food Survival S2 features cricket icon Shikhar Dhawan alongside chef Ranveer Brar as they tackle the rugged terrains of Himachal Pradesh.

    Aired on 4 November 2024 on discovery+ and Discovery Channel, the episode tests their survival skills and explores Dhawan’s personal side, revealing his love for poetry alongside his cricket warrior spirit, symbolized by his famous thigh-pat celebration.

    The weekly series not only showcases stars cooking but also facing survival challenges in wilderness settings. Upcoming episodes will feature stars like Kartik Aaryan, Munawar Faruqui, and Shriya Saran as they take on challenges in locations across India, from Maharashtra’s Western Ghats to the jungles of Meghalaya and the Himalayas.

    Shikhar stated, “Being a part of Star vs Food Survival S2 was an enriching and thrilling experience for me. Working alongside Chef Ranveer Brar, I was able to push myself out of my comfort zone in ways I never imagined. Not only was it a test of endurance, but it also deepened my appreciation for food. Chef Brar’s incredible knowledge on food opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about what we eat, and I’ve learned a lot from this journey. It’s been an adventure I’ll always cherish.”

    The episode explored deeper conversations about life and personal growth. Shikhar talked about fatherhood, reflected on his career, and how he looks at his illustrious 15-year-long career from a new perspective, from the outside.

    Ranveer stated, “Every adventure teaches you something new, and Star vs Food Survival Season 2 was no different. Cooking in the wild with someone like Shikhar, known for his fierce ‘Gabbar’ mindset on the cricket field, was a unique experience. His resilience and adaptability, both as a cricketer and a person, really shone through. It was amazing to see how he brought that same determination to our journey in the wild.”

    Ranveer and Shikhar’s expedition was more than a survival challenge; it was a heartfelt journey exploring personal growth, resilience and the beauty of life’s varied paths. But did they conquer the obstacles that nature threw their way and completed their culinary quest?

  • Kartik Aaryan & Ranveer Brar face the wild in Star vs Food Survival season two

    Kartik Aaryan & Ranveer Brar face the wild in Star vs Food Survival season two

    Mumbai: Star vs Food Survival returns for season two on 28 October at 9 pm on discovery+ and Discovery Channel. Chef Ranveer Brar challenges stars like Kartik Aaryan in Maharashtra’s western ghats, Shikhar Dhawan in Himachal Pradesh, Shriya Saran in the Himalayan foothills, and Munawar Faruqui in Meghalaya’s Mawsynram jungle. This season, they face survival challenges along with cooking.

    In a unique twist, Kartik and Ranveer start by escaping from a locked box. Kartik confronts his fear of water while rappelling into a well and uses his engineering skills to navigate north, revealing his survival instincts. The show also revisits Kartik’s college cooking days and his iconic Pyaar Ka Punchnama monologue, adding a touch of nostalgia to the adventure.

    Aaryan stated, “Stepping into the wild for Star vs Food Survival season 2 was unlike anything I have done before. From diving into a well despite my fear of water to navigating through the wilderness using survival instincts I didn’t know I had, it was an unforgettable experience. But what made it truly special was doing it alongside Ranveer. We shared some nerve-wracking moments together, and some fun ones too; especially while cooking or reflecting on life and the industry. It was an adventure in every sense!”

    Brar said, “Shooting this season of Star vs Food Survival was a wild ride like no other. Kartik was an incredible companion, and the bond we formed over survival challenges, cooking, and deep conversations were truly unique. We pushed each other out of our comfort zones, and while there were tense moments, there was also a lot of laughter, especially when we joked about my “Brar Grylls” alter ego. It’s not every day you get to share such an adventure with someone who brings both energy and heart to the table”.

    As the duo tackles challenges, their bond deepens, bringing both survival skills and meaningful conversations about personal growth to the forefront. Will they complete the challenge? Find out as Star vs Food Survival combines intense moments with thoughtful exchanges in the season’s gripping start.