GECs
Enjoy the ultimate musical experience at home with &PrivéHD
Mumbai: &PrivéHD is the home to nuanced cinema, bringing critically acclaimed films to Indian audiences. To take its offerings a notch higher, the channel had previously introduced Privé Theatre; a creative collaboration with Zee Theatre which has been mainstreaming premium theatrical content and teleplays to a worldwide audience since 2018. The synergistic aim was to keep the love for theatre alive amongst audiences, and now continuing the same legacy, the channel has announced Privé Musicals, another collaboration with Zee Theatre. Through the new property, the channel and Zee Theatre will co-present musical plays that are timeless classics and some even have been inspirations for blockbuster Hollywood films.
Privé Musicals offer a form of entertainment that appeals to those seeking high-quality performances, refined storytelling, and a sophisticated theatre experience. It creates its relevance in the present time by incorporating contemporary themes, modern music styles, and relevant storylines. Musicals are a treat for those who enjoy music in all its forms. These include classics like ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Peter Pan Live!’, ‘Billy Elliot: The Musical’ and ‘Hairspray Live!’.
Speaking about this new initiative, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chief channel officer – English cluster Rishi Parekh shared, “Since its inception, we at &PrivéHD, have been committed to delivering differentiated and niche content to the TV-viewing audience and after introducing World Box Office and Privé Theatre, our next step in this direction is Privé Musicals. This new IP will host some of the most renowned musical plays on the channel, which must be on the bucket list of both music and theatre lovers. Musicals like ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Peter Pan Live!’, ‘Billy Elliot: The Musical’ and ‘Hairspray Live!’ are some evergreen classics that will be a part of our programming and our aim is to give viewers a chance to witness these masterpieces from the comfort of their homes.”
‘The Sound of Music’ is based on an original 1959 Broadway production which was inspired by Maria von Trapp’s, ‘The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.’ In 1965, came the iconic film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. This version stars Grammy winner Carrie Underwood as Maria.
‘Peter Pan Live!’ is based on Scottish novelist and playwright J. M. Barrie’s story about a boy with a never-ending childhood. Academy award winner Christopher Walke plays Captain Hook while Critics’ Choice Award nominee Allison Williams stars as Peter Pan.
‘Hairspray Live’ was watched by over nine million viewers and went on to win three Emmy awards in 2016 and revolves around Tracy Turnblad, a small-town girl who becomes an overnight success after appearing on a TV dance show. The musical boasts a dream cast including marquee names like Ariana Grande and EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson.
‘Billy Elliot: The Musical,’ is an aspirational story set to Sir Elton John’s tunes. Set in a dreary English mining town, it traces the journey of a young boy who chooses ballet shoes over boxing gloves. It stars Elliot Hanna, Ruthie Henshall and Deka Walmsley.
Privé Musicals resonate with the interests and sensibilities of all generations including the modern GenZs. This is a golden chance for all to enjoy the brilliance of world-renowned presentations, from the comfort of their homes, musicals that are certainly on every theatre lover’s bucket list.
Stay tuned for more information on Privé Musicals.
GECs
Aparna Ramachandran joins Zee as EVP and head of network digital
MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited has appointed Aparna Ramachandran as EVP and head of network digital, signalling a sharper focus on strengthening its digital and streaming ecosystem.
Ramachandran joins Zee from Balaji Telefilms, where she served as head of digital originals, leading content strategy and production for the company’s digital platforms. She announced the move on LinkedIn, marking a new chapter in her career spanning more than 15 years across media, entertainment and technology.
Her professional journey includes senior roles at Viacom18 Media, Viu, FremantleMedia, Miditech, BigSynergy, BBC Worldwide, CNBC-TV18 and Bloomberg UTV. She began her career in 2005 as a software engineer at Infosys before transitioning into media and digital content leadership.
With experience across streaming media, broadcast television, content development, digital strategy, project management and video production, Ramachandran is expected to play a key role in shaping Zee’s network-wide digital growth and content innovation.
GECs
Zee TV launches on Samsung TV Plus with live German subtitles
London: Zee Entertainment has launched its flagship Zee TV as a live FAST channel on Samsung TV Plus across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, marking a first for South Asian television in Europe with round-the-clock live German subtitles.
The move takes Zee TV beyond its core diaspora audience and into the German-speaking mainstream, offering dramas, reality shows and family entertainment without subscriptions or language barriers. For FAST platforms, it sets a new benchmark in accessibility and scale.
Amit Goenka, president, international and digital businesses at Zee Entertainment, said the launch marked a turning point in the company’s global strategy.
“Zee TV Germany is a flagship launch and a defining moment in our journey to make entertainment truly borderless. By going live on Samsung TV Plus with 24/7 German subtitles, we are breaking language barriers and setting a new international benchmark for FAST streaming,” he said, adding that the partnership reflects Zee’s ambition to lead the FAST revolution through innovation and technology.
The rollout builds on the strong regional presence of Zee One and Zee5, both of which have cultivated loyal audiences across the DACH markets. The live FAST model now closes long-standing access gaps, particularly for younger diaspora viewers and first-time German-speaking audiences.
Samsung TV Plus said the partnership deepens its content portfolio in the region. Benedict Frey, country lead DACH and Benelux at Samsung TV Plus, said the addition strengthens its South Asian offering while widening appeal.
“Launching flagship Zee TV on Samsung TV Plus brings even more premium South Asian entertainment to our customers. Making this content available with live German subtitles is a meaningful step in serving diverse audiences and enriching the viewing experience,” he said.
Samsung TV Plus is Samsung’s free ad-supported streaming service, offering hundreds of live channels and on-demand titles across Samsung TVs, Galaxy devices and smart monitors.
Zee already commands a strong digital following across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with social platforms engaging hundreds of thousands of viewers. The live FAST launch is expected to amplify reach and drive appointment viewing at scale.
Zee TV is now available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus in Germany on channel 4210. With this launch, Zee TV Germany becomes the group’s ninth channel in Europe.
The signal is clear: FAST has gone mainstream—and Zee has arrived early, translated and ready to scale.
GECs
Sri Adhikari Brothers officially rebrands itself as Aqylon Nexus
MUMBAI: Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network has formally adopted a new corporate identity, rechristening itself Aqylon Nexus Limited after receiving clearance from the ministry of corporate affairs.
The company has informed the Bombay Stock Exchange that the MCA has approved the change of name, with effect from January 23, 2026. The update was disclosed in compliance with Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015.
Confirming the approval, the company said the ministry had cleared the transition from Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network Limited to Aqylon Nexus Limited following the necessary regulatory process.
Aqylon Nexus said it has begun the formal exercise of replacing the old name across statutory filings and regulatory records. The broadcaster added that it is coordinating with relevant authorities and departments to complete the transition.
Under Section 12 of the Companies Act, 2013, the MCA has directed the company to continue displaying its former name alongside the new one for a period of two years.
Founded in 1994 and based in Mumbai, the company has been a long-standing presence in India’s television and content ecosystem. The rebrand reflects a repositioning effort as the media and entertainment sector undergoes rapid consolidation and structural change.
The legacy name remains on paper—for now. The business, however, is clearly turning the page.
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