Drama Series

Experience Pracchand Ashok’s grandeur on COLORS

Published

2 years ago

February 6, 2024

Mumbai: The greatest love stories are not without their trials, but what happens when fate writes a timeless saga that changes the course of history? Witness the colossal power of love as COLORS takes the audience back in time to the glory of the Mauryan and Kalinga dynasty with its magnum opus ‘Pracchand Ashok’. Making a stellar edition to its library of riveting love stories, the channel treats the viewers to the royal odyssey of Samrat Ashok and Princess Kaurwaki whose thirst for power and yearning for affection collide. After curating iconic franchises that were household favourites, COLORS and Balaji Telefilms unite to raise the bar of storytelling yet again with the historical romance that shaped destinies of empires. Starring actors Adnan Khan and Mallika Singh in the roles of Samrat Ashok and Princess Kaurwaki respectively and produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, ‘Pracchand Ashok’ premieres on 6 February, 2024 and airs every Monday – Friday at 10:00 pm only on COLORS.

‘Pracchand Ashok’ recounts the tale of Samrat Ashok and Princess Kaurwaki, two legends who are as different as day and night. While Kaurwaki dreams of a partner with a heart of gold, cherishing family values above all, Ashok is a relentless conqueror who thinks of family as a chink in one’s armour and unafraid to spill blood for power. However, deep within, he harbours a burning desire to create a legacy, earning respect for his mother, who’s been treated no less than a maid in the kingdom and securing a place for himself in his father’s heart. Kaurwaki seeks a noble companion while Ashok wants to be feared, craving dominion over everyone. Amidst conflicting ideals and aspirations begins a love story that alters the history of Bharatvarsh.

Popular actor Adnan Khan said, “Getting the chance to essay the role of Samrat Ashok is like living out a childhood fantasy. Joining the COLORS family, especially with a grand show like Pracchand Ashok, is an incredible opportunity to connect with its massive set of viewers across the country. I’m grateful to COLORS and Balaji Telefilms who have trusted me to embody a legend, whose life spans from the conquest to compassion. I promise that this show will enliven the historical romance on Indian television screens.”

On essaying the role of Princess Kaurwaki, Mallika Singh said, “Working with COLORS, a channel loved by many, and the incredible Ektaa R Kapoor is a dream come true. Princess Kaurwaki’s huge role in Samrat Ashok’s life and how she shaped history is a story that deserves to be told. I believe my calling as an actor through this show is to pay tribute to the legendary woman, who knew the power of love. I am beyond excited for my collaboration with COLORS and Balaji Telefilms and hoping that our hardwork pays off.”

‘Pracchand Ashok’ navigates the historical romance of Samrat Ashok and Princess Kaurwaki. Growing up with an unwavering belief in the potency of love, Kaurwaki stands in stark contrast to Ashok, who fosters hatred and animosity, oblivious to his destined path. She serves as a beacon of hope in his life. Additionally, a myriad of emotions intricately weaves Samrat Ashok’s journey. From his indelible connection with his father to his relentless pursuit of respect and justice for his mother, every emotion is explored with depth and nuance, further adding layers to the narrative. Joining the stellar cast are seasoned actors such as Rakshanda Khan as Helena, Chetan Hansraj as Bindusar, Surendra Pal as Chandragupta Maurya, Manoj Kolhatkar as Chanakya, Aarush Shrivastava as Sushim, Dinesh Mehta as Subhandhu, Ankit Bhatia as Bhadrak, Shalini Chandran as Dharma, Leena Balodi as Salukkhavati, Manish Khanna as Padmanabhan.

Get ready for a historical love saga in ‘Pracchand Ashok’ premiering at 10:00 pm on the 6 February 2024 and airing every Monday to Friday only on COLORS.

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Drama Series

Four More Shots Please! to bow out with final season on December 19

Published

3 months ago

December 5, 2025

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: The ladies are back for one last round. Prime Video will premiere the fourth and final season of Four More Shots Please! on December 19, closing out a decade-long journey for the International Emmy-nominated series that helped redefine women-led storytelling in India.

The show will stream exclusively on Prime Video in India and in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Produced by Pritish Nandy Communications and created by Rangita Pritish Nandy and Ishita Pritish Nandy, the new season is directed by Arunima Sharma and Neha Parti Matiyani.

Sayani Gupta, Kirti Kulhari, Bani J and Maanvi Gagroo return as the fearless foursome, joined once again by Prateik Babbar, Lisa Ray, Milind Soman, Rajeev Siddhartha and Ankur Rathee.

Rangita Pritish Nandy, president and creative director, Pritish Nandy Communications, called the finale the crescendo of a story built on friendship, flaws and fierce independence, and credited Prime Video for backing its bold voice from the start.

Nikhil Madhok, director and head of originals, Prime Video India, praised the series as the original disruptor that sparked cultural conversations and broke barriers for women-fronted narratives.

Glitz, grit and girl power: the final toast promises to go out with a bang. Cheers to one last shot.

Drama Series

Star Plus celebrates Gita Jayanti with Tulsi in spotlight

Published

3 months ago

December 2, 2025

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: Star Plus is bringing the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita to life with Gita Mahotsav: Tulsi Ki Sang, a three-episode cultural event airing from 1–3 December at 6:30 pm. The special coincides with Gita Jayanti and reimagines the sacred teachings for today’s audiences through the lens of Tulsi Virani, portrayed by Smriti Irani.

Tulsi Virani, one of India’s most recognisable and trusted characters, lends emotional depth and cross-generational appeal to the series. Her impact is legendary: even Bill Gates once greeted her with “Jai Shri Krishna” during a Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi integration, highlighting her global resonance and the soft-power potential of India’s creative storytelling.

Smriti Irani said, “Returning as Tulsi for Gita Mahotsav has been grounding and creatively enriching. Audiences, especially younger viewers, are seeking stories with meaning and introspection. The Bhagavad Gita remains a treasure trove of wisdom, and bringing it to life for a new generation has been an honour.”

Gita Mahotsav: Tulsi Ki Sang bridges tradition and modernity, reflecting India’s evolving creative and spiritual economy. By blending iconic characters, cultural heritage, and contemporary storytelling, the series highlights the power of media to ignite curiosity, inspire reflection, and nurture a thriving creative landscape.

Drama Series

Bandish Bandits season two takes top honours at IFFI 2025

Published

3 months ago

November 29, 2025

indiantelevision.com Team

GOA: Prime Video clinched a major win at the 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa, with Bandish Bandits season two bagging the Best Web Series (OTT) title—adding more shine to the streamer’s runaway momentum in India’s streaming wars.

Produced by Leo Media Collective, the Amritpal Singh Bindra and Anand Tiwari-created musical drama trumped tough competition from Prime Video’s own nominees—Paatal Lok season two and Suzhal: The Vortex season two—securing the platform’s second victory since the award was instituted in 2023. Prime Video earlier snagged the trophy for Panchayat season two.

The award was handed over by Sanjay Jaju, secretary, ministry of information and broadcasting, and L Murugan, minister of state for information and broadcasting and parliamentary affairs. A jury led by filmmaker and producer Bharatbala Ganapathy, alongside producer R Mahendran, director-producer Munjal Shroff, actor Rajeshwari Sachdev and writer-director Sekhar Kumar Das, selected the winner.

Written by Tiwari with Atmika Didwania and Karan Singh Tyagi, the second chapter deepens the show’s mix of rivalry, ambition and romance as Radhe and Tamanna chase legacy and artistic glory in an all-India band championship. The cast features Ritwik Bhowmik, Shreya Chaudhry, Sheeba Chaddha, Atul Kulkarni, Rajesh Tailang, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Divya Dutta, Rohan Gurbaxani, Yashaswini Dayama, Aaliyah Qureshi and Saurabh Nayyar.

Released on Prime Video across more than 240 countries and territories in December 2024, the musical drama hit the right notes with critics and audiences alike.

With another trophy in the cabinet, Prime Video’s orchestra shows no signs of hitting a flat note.