ITV

Tag: Ashish Sehgal

  • Networks like ZEE have successfully upheld linear TV’s relevance by focusing on family-oriented programming: Ashish Sehgal

    Networks like ZEE have successfully upheld linear TV’s relevance by focusing on family-oriented programming: Ashish Sehgal

    Mumbai: ZEE Network unveiled its latest campaign, ‘Dilfluencers’, celebrating the connection its beloved TV characters share with audiences across Bharat. Far beyond the fleeting appeal of social media influencers, ZEE’s characters have become steadfast companions to millions, touching hearts and inspiring lives every single day.

    The campaign is rooted in the message of #SachTohYehiHai, emphasizing the authenticity and deep emotional resonance these characters have cultivated since ZEE’s inception in 1992.

    ZEE’s characters have become symbols of resilience, empowerment, and hope. Today, they stand as a daily presence in the lives of 174 million viewers, shaping conversations and fostering connections that go far beyond the screen.

    The ‘Dilfluencers’ campaign also presents a unique opportunity for brands to harness the deep-rooted trust and authenticity these characters command. Unlike transient social media trends, ZEE’s characters are woven into the fabric of everyday life, offering brands an avenue to create meaningful and enduring connections with audiences.

    On traditional TV continuing to remain relevant in India despite the digital boom, ZEE chief growth officer, digital & broadcast revenue, Ashish Sehgal said, “Linear TV continues to play a vital role in the modern media landscape, even as digital and connected TV platforms grow in prominence. Its mass reach remains unparalleled, drawing over 100 million viewers daily—a scale that digital platforms often find challenging to replicate for a single piece of content.

    One of linear TV’s defining characteristics is its ability to provide a shared experience through appointment viewing. Audiences come together at specific times to watch popular shows, fostering communal moments with family and friends that are less common in the fragmented world of digital media. Additionally, linear TV excels at creating emotional connections with viewers, making it an ideal platform for building impactful brand narratives and delivering memorable advertising campaigns.”

    On the question of innovating, he further opined, “To stay competitive, linear TV must continuously innovate and produce high-quality, engaging content that keeps audiences invested. The rise of Smart and connected TVs has further enhanced the traditional viewing experience, offering seamless integration of digital content with linear programming. Rather than replacing linear TV, these advancements complement its offerings, broadening its appeal and strengthening its ability to engage viewers.

    Networks like ZEE have successfully upheld linear TV’s relevance by focusing on family-oriented programming that resonates with diverse audiences, fostering loyalty across demographics. While digital platforms continue to evolve, linear TV remains a key medium due to its extensive reach, emotional resonance, and capacity to create shared viewing experiences. The integration of digital features into traditional TV formats underscores its adaptability and enduring importance in the media ecosystem,” he concludes.

  • ZEE Network announces their new campaign ‘Dilfluencers’

    ZEE Network announces their new campaign ‘Dilfluencers’

    Mumbai: ZEE Network is set to announce the launch of their new campaign ‘Dilfluencers’.

    The latest campaign emphasizes that its most loved TV characters are far more than just social media stars but are a daily companion to the millions of viewers whose hearts they touch on a daily basis, therefore dubbing them as ‘Dilfluencers’. A campaign film featuring Jackie Shroff humorously shifts the focus from conventional social media shoutouts to the powerful everyday influence ZEE’s characters wield. The messaging for ‘Dilfluencers’ is rooted in #SachTohYehiHai, underscoring how ZEE’s characters have, since 1992, evolved into symbols of resilience and empowerment, producing over 5 lakh episodes and 3 lakh+ hours of content. Serving as a daily companion to 174 million people, ZEE’s characters capture the evolving aspirations of viewers, championing themes like equality, reverse parenting, and second chances. ‘Dilfluencers’ creates an opportunity for brands to leverage the authenticity and deep-rooted trust these characters command, making connections that extend beyond social media into the everyday lives of audiences across Bharat.

    ZEE chief growth officer, digital & broadcast revenue, Ashish Sehgal said, “In a culturally diverse country like India, our ‘Dilfluencers’ resonate with viewers across multiple demographics. With a network reach of 859 million viewers, including 439 million females, ZEE connects with the key decision makers of every household. Our weekly organic cumulative reach on social is 960 million which makes ZEE’s characters indispensable for brands to influence household choices. These characters are more than on-screen personas—they are deeply relatable figures in viewers’ lives, offering brands a unique opportunity to tap into their trust and loyalty. Television has built these iconic characters, while digital media has amplified engagement, adding new dimensions. Branded content leveraging ZEE Influencers has already delivered impactful results, and with this launch, we aim to scale this success, offering partners an unmatched connection with households across India.”

    ZEE CMO, content SBU, Kartik Mahadev said, “At Zee, our storytelling is consumer inspired, it reflects the evolving aspirations of our audiences, feels authentic and creates emotional resonance required to propel change. Our characters today take on roles as bankers, bakers, entrepreneurs, and teachers, they spark cultural conversations and foster a deep sense of community. It isn’t enough for influencers to just wear a product. Through ‘Dilfluencers’ we are going further, enabling brands to harness the halo of our most trusted TV characters and their unique ability to shape life choices, coupled with a digital video delivery that feels personal. This initiative brings the best of two worlds, the equity building power of TV personas and the flexibility of digital delivery that can be targeted to hyperlocal audiences, creating empathy at scale.”

  • L’Oréal Paris and &TV collaborate to inspire hair care during festival celebrations

    L’Oréal Paris and &TV collaborate to inspire hair care during festival celebrations

    Mumbai: L’Oréal Paris announced a new initiative in collaboration with &TV, designed to emphasise the significance of a daily hair care routine during Indian festivals when everyone desires beautiful hair. In today’s challenging environment, prioritizing hair health amidst stress and fluctuating weather conditions has never been more essential. Since its launch last year, L’Oréal Paris has garnered significant appreciation and is now deepening its connection with the Uttar Pradesh market. To cultivate a loyal consumer base, L’Oréal has selected Angoori Bhabhi from &TV’s cult comedy Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai as its brand ambassador. This unique partnership will showcase a remarkable twist, as Angoori Bhabhi unveils her veil for the first time, revealing her long, shiny hair—a well-kept secret shared exclusively with viewers.

    The campaign features Angoori Bhabhi, celebrated for her relatable charm, confidently flaunting her beautifully hydrated hair, and sharing the benefits of the L’Oréal Paris Hyaluron Moisturise Shampoo, Conditioner, and Night Cream, with a focus on raising awareness about the importance of hair hydration, especially during the festive season. With her light-hearted appeal, she emphasizes the importance of regularly using this product trio to maintain soft, shiny, and vibrant hair. To amplify the campaign’s cultural relevance, L’Oréal Paris and &TV have woven this haircare routine into the storyline of the popular show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai.

    Following this you will see, Anita and Angoori Bhabhi exchange hair care secrets in a special Karva Chauth episode, emphasizing L’Oréal’s Hyaluronic Moisturise haircare range as essential components of their festive self-care rituals while showcasing how hydrated, beautiful hair elevates their overall festive look.

    This integrated campaign will be promoted across Zee’s Channels. L’Oréal Paris reinforces its message of achieving healthy, hydrated hair while encouraging Indian women to embrace a daily haircare routine. The campaign empowers women to ‘unveil their true beauty with effortlessly natural, beautiful hair’ with L’Oréal Paris, underscoring the power of content-driven marketing to connect brands with their audiences.

    Commenting on the partnership, Ashish Sehgal, Chief Growth Officer – Digital & Broadcast Revenue, ZEEL, said, “Every character on Zee possesses a unique charm and narrative that fosters a loyal following over time. Among them, &TV’s Angoori Bhabhi stands out as one of our most beloved figures, wielding undeniable influence over millions across the HSM belt. Our collaboration with L’Oréal, featuring Angoori Bhabhi, allows us to weave a compelling story that resonates deeply with our audience, seamlessly integrating the brand’s message into the cultural landscape. With the strength of the Zee Network and our character-driven marketing approach, we aim to inspire millions of women to embrace hydration and consistency in their haircare routines with L’Oréal Paris. This initiative not only drives brand affinity and consumer engagement but also highlights the significance of self-care during festive celebrations.”

    L’Oréal Paris India general manager Dario Zizzi added, “At L’Oréal Paris, we believe that everyone deserves to have beautiful, healthy hair and flaunt it especially during festive occasions. This exciting partnership with &TV and Angoori Bhabhi allows us to connect with our consumers in Hindi Speaking markets on a deeper level, sharing the importance of a daily haircare routine with L’Oréal Paris Hyaluron Moisture range. Angoori Bhabhi’s unveiling of her ghunghat is a symbolic gesture, made in the spirit of empowering women through beauty backed by science, a cause that L’Oréal Paris has always been deeply committed to. We’re thrilled to be a part of this cultural moment, empowering women to be their best and celebrate their beauty with confidence.”

    Wavemaker chief client officer & office head, West, North & East, Shekhar Banerjee said, “Through this collaboration, L’Oréal Paris continues to empower women reminding them that self-care is not just a ritual but a celebration of beauty, especially during special occasions and encouraging them to embrace their natural beauty. This execution beautifully embeds L’Oréal Paris Hyaluron Moisturise range part of Angoori Bhabhi’s charm, we are not only connecting with viewers emotionally but also educating them about the benefits of consistent hair hydration.”

     

  • Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2024 attracts 23 brand partners on Zee TV & Zee5

    Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2024 attracts 23 brand partners on Zee TV & Zee5

    Mumbai: Celebrating nearly three decades, Zee TV’s music reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has made a grand return with a new season, featuring mentors Sachin-Jigar, Sachet-Parampara, and Guru Randhawa alongside hosts Vipul Roy and Salman Ali. Contestants’ performances have captivated audiences and received praise from visiting celebrities, including Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Tripti Dimri, Shilpa Shetty, Annu Kapoor, and Kumar Sanu.

    Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2024 has attracted 23 sponsors across various industries, making it a key platform for advertisers. This season’s title sponsor is Birla Opus Paints, with Chocolate Horlicks and Cadbury Celebrations as co-presenting sponsors, and Smith & Jones Pasta Masala, Catch Masale, and Clinic Plus Shampoo as co-powered by sponsors. Additional sponsors include Vicks Double Power, Garnier Super UV Sunscreen, India Gate Basmati Rice, Dish TV, BKT Tires, Yamaha Racing, Mastercard, Voltas Beko, and Merino Laminates.

    On Zee5, the show has partnered with Birla Opus Paints, Catch Masale, Dish TV, Manyavar Mohey, Lux Lyra, Luxor Writing, Airtel, and Saudi Arabia Tourism, featuring brand integrations during festive showcases. The show’s 360-degree media strategy ensures high visibility across television, digital, and social media:

    ●    Television: Sponsors are featured in live performances, judging segments, and contestant stories.

    ●    ZEE5: Interactive ads and branded content connect with younger, digital audiences.

    ●    Social Media: Campaigns on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube drive engagement with viewers, enabling sponsors like HUL, Capital Foods, Yamaha, and BKT Tyres to reach targeted demographics effectively.

    Zee Entertainment Enterprise chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue Ashish Sehgal said,  ‘We are proud to have driven the return of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa with an impressive lineup of 23 esteemed sponsors this season. Our innovative approach to integrating brand partnerships across television, digital, and social media platforms enables us to create meaningful connections between brands and audiences. By strategically aligning our sponsors with the emotional journeys of the contestants, we not only amplify viewer engagement but also provide our partners with standout opportunities in a competitive marketplace. Securing such a diverse range of sponsors underscores our team’s commitment and ability to deliver impactful solutions. We are glad that the new season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is reigniting musical passion among millions of viewers while delivering significant value to our partners.”

    Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni added, “The 2024 season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has truly struck a chord with audiences, thanks to the fresh panel of mentors who bring their unique musical styles, and the exceptional caliber of talent that graces our stage week after week. The format has evolved with thoughtful content innovations, ensuring that each performance resonates deeply with viewers. This captivating blend of music, emotion, and storytelling has not only delighted our viewers but also attracted a strong lineup of advertisers who recognize the power of our platform. I’d like to thank both our viewers as well as sponsors for their continued faith and support towards Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Going forward, it will remain our constant endeavour to create significant value for our partners through creative brand integration strategies.”

    With a powerful combination of musical brilliance, content innovation, and a robust 360-degree media strategy, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa continues to set the bar higher for music reality shows in India. 

  • Zee Café unveils ‘Just Talk Sneakers’ show

    Zee Café unveils ‘Just Talk Sneakers’ show

    Mumbai: Just Talk Sneakers, a new feature show on Zee Café, will explore sneaker culture and its rising influence in India. The series will include engaging conversations with celebrities, highlighting subcultures, personalities, and trivia related to sneakers. Each episode will provide an immersive experience as celebrity guests share personal stories and insights from the “sneakerverse.” Hosted by sneaker enthusiast and talk show host Mihir Joshi, the show premieres on 6 October (Sunday) at 8:30 pm, with new episodes airing every Sunday.

    The series features a lineup of celebrities, including Tanuj Virwani, Manav Chabbra, Unnati Malharkar, Akash Dodeja, Simran Dhanwani, Malini Agarwal, Sangeet Paryani, and Nisha Lulla. The show will provide a platform for viewers to learn sneaker lingo, facts, and explore the growing sneaker market in India.

    Chief cluster officer – East, North & premium cluster, Samrat Ghosh expressed his excitement about the launch, “At Zee Café, we prioritize understanding our youth-driven audience by identifying key subcultures and creating tailored content that truly resonates with them. By tracking evolving interests and cultural shifts, we deliver engaging experiences that captivate our viewers. This approach has positioned us as pioneers in introducing innovative concepts that connect with niche communities ahead of the competition.”

    Chief channel officer – English and zest, Rishi Parekh said on the launch, “As part of our English cluster, we’ve identified and tapped into emerging subcultures within our target audience. Our Anime Fan Fest attracted over 20,000 attendees across two cities, showcasing the immense interest in this genre. Building on this momentum, we’re thrilled to introduce Just Talk Sneakers with Mihir Joshi. The aim is to further expand Zee Café’s footprint in vibrant, youth-driven communities.”

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises’ chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue, Ashish Sehgal expressed his excitement on the launch, “Shows like Just Talk Sneakers provide a unique platform to engage with today’s youth by tapping into their passions and interests. Zee continues to focus on bringing content for every type of audience by identifying key subcultures and this show has been curated to resonate with the youth and create targeted and impactful experiences for them. We believe such refreshing content is a perfect fit for brands and sponsors where they can create stronger connections with this demographic and boost their visibility by integrating their messaging in an authentic way.”

    Zee – national sales head – brand works sales, youth cluster & influencer marketing – Sonal Shah: “This collaboration with Hell Energy and Ather is a perfect match for Just Talk Sneakers. Both brands exude energy, spontaneity, and a sense of movement, making them ideal partners for a show that celebrates youth culture and staying on the go. We’re confident this partnership will create long-lasting connections and elevate the experience for the youth community.”  

    Just Talk Sneakers will have eight episodes with new episodes airing every Sunday. The show will also be available on Zee Café’s YouTube channel.

  • Zee TV presents ‘Hamara Parivar’ show

    Zee TV presents ‘Hamara Parivar’ show

    Mumbai: Over the past three months, Zee TV’s first-of-its-kind audience feedback mechanism ‘Hamara Parivar’ reached nearly 50 crore individuals across the country, gathering candid suggestions on its shows and characters. With an overwhelming response from viewers through calls and messages, Zee TV is now taking this engagement to the next level by transforming the audience’s feedback into a daily interactive show. Starting 3 October at 6:30 PM, ‘Hamara Parivar’ will give viewers a unique opportunity to see their opinions shape the very stories they watch, making them an integral part of the creative process.

    This series introduces an all-new genre of television, where a family called ‘Hamara Parivar’ conveys the audience’s thoughts directly to the channel’s kutumb of actors and show-makers. But the new show goes beyond just entertainment feedback—it will also touch upon everyday concerns and pain points faced by Indian families. Through candid conversations among its members, the show will explore home truths, impart family values, and emphasize positivity through practices like meditation. Fans will witness their favourite stars responding to real-time feedback, bringing them closer than ever to the content they love!

    The Hamara Parivar family, led by the warm and ever-engaging Sakshi, includes her husband Vijay, kids Vedika and Veeru, sister Mandy, and brother-in-law Abhay. Together, they will share their views on Zee TV’s shows and characters, speaking on behalf of viewers and discussing relatable family challenges. “Being chosen as the sutradhar between the audience and Zee TV has been an incredible opportunity,” says Sakshi. “Voicing the audience’s sentiments, whether it’s suggestions, critique, or praise, is something my family and I are passionate about. It’s inspiring to see how committed Zee TV is to listening and evolving with its viewers.”

    ZEE chief growth officer – digital and broadcast revenue Ashish Sehgal said, “At ZEE, we’ve always strived to innovate and create content that resonates with our audience’s evolving preferences. With Hamara Parivar, we’re opening up an entirely new genre of entertainment that brings viewers closer to the heart of our stories, not just as spectators, but as active contributors. This daily show goes beyond traditional formats, addressing real concerns and values that matter to Indian families. It offers a one-of-a-kind engagement experience for direct, real-time interactions between our viewers, actors, and creators. For brands, this is a phenomenal opportunity to strike meaningful conversations with their target audiences. The show’s ability to connect deeply with viewers over shared values, family-centric themes, and life lessons provides a rich canvas for brands to build long-term relationships with their consumers in a context that truly resonates”

    In each episode, apart from reading letters and messages from fans across India, Hamara Parivar will offer audiences a glimpse of upcoming high points and plot twists lined up for that evening’s primetime shows across Zee TV, keeping viewers engaged and hooked. In an initial episode, Sakshi and her family will visit the set of ‘Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye’ to convey the audience’s pulse directly to the actors. In other episodes, viewers will witness actors like Yesha Rughani and Seerat Kapoor, seen as Ibaadat and Mannat from ‘Rabb Se Hai Dua,’ visiting the Hamara Parivar residence to hear firsthand what their fans think of their performances and storylines. Fans will also have the opportunity to visit the Hamara Parivar family at their home, and at other times, even host Sakshi and her family at their own homes.

    Sriti Jha, known for her role as Amruta in Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye, expressed her gratitude for the initiative: “It’s refreshing to hear real-time feedback on our work. ‘Hamara Parivar’ allows us to reflect on the audience’s perspectives and evolve accordingly.”

    Yesha Rughani, who plays Ibaadat in Rabb Se Hai Dua, shared her excitement: “To hear directly from the audience through Hamara Parivar is both empowering and humbling. Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in our characters, but when you hear firsthand how your role affects viewers emotionally, it grounds you and makes you appreciate the impact of what we do. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with them more deeply.”

    Zee TV’s ‘Hamara Parivar’ isn’t just lip service but a genuine, ongoing effort to ensure that viewer feedback actively shapes future stories and episodes. This daily show stands testament to Zee TV’s unwavering commitment to listening, evolving, and honouring the voices of its viewers.

  • DP World ILT20 season three unveils new signings and retained players

    DP World ILT20 season three unveils new signings and retained players

    Mumbai: The DP World International League T20’s season three, to be broadcasted by Zee Entertainment, promises to be a high-octane cricket experience with the addition of the biggest names to the six franchises. The window to sign new players began in June and concluded on Sunday, 15 September.

    Season three of DP World ILT20 will feature international T20 stars like Jason Roy (Sharjah Warriors), Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Shai Hope (Dubai Capitals), Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Matthew Wade (Sharjah Warriors), Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants) and Romario Shepherd (MI Emirates) making their debut in the tournament. Fans will be treated to exciting action as these cricketers showcase their skills in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

    Some of the world’s most prominent cricket stars are slated to play in season three, including Australian powerhouse, David Warner and Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka. They will be joined by West Indian legends like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Rovman Powell, who will bring their dynamic all-round abilities to the tournament. The league will also feature some more talents from the previous seasons, including Sikandar Raza, Chris Jordan, James Vince, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran. Other key retained players include, Kusal Mendis and Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

    Commenting on the announcement, Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue – Ashish Sehgal said, “Zee is delighted to unveil the impressive line-up for Season 3, featuring some of the world’s finest players. With iconic locations like Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, world – class infrastructure and six powerhouse franchises, our aim is to build on the success of the last two seasons and solidify the league as one of the most-widely followed global cricket events. As it continues to attract international interest, we are excited to present this thrilling cricketing spectacle to fans across the world.”

    Other season three signings include New Zealand quick Adam Milne, seasoned wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert (New Zealand), Australia left-arm spinner Ashton Agar (Australia squad member – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024), Afghanistan all-rounder Karim Janat (Afghanistan squad member – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Gulf Giants season two) West Indies all-rounder Keemo Paul, Sri Lanka duo of Avishka Fernando and Bhanuka Rajapaksha (Dubai Capitals Season 1, MI Emirates season two), Australia all-rounder Daniel Sams (rehired for season three), USA left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh and Malaysian all-rounder Virandeep Singh.

    Meanwhile the teams can add more players or replacements to their squads upon clearance from the ILT20 Technical Committee. Teams can also add additional UAE players to their squads via a Draft which will take place after the conclusion of the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament next month. Details of the tournament will be shared in the coming days.

    Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts in India and around the world can watch the live action exclusively on ZEE’s 15 linear TV channels, OTT platform ZEE5 and its syndicate partners’ TV and digital networks across the world. Aiming to capture a viewership of 230-million for the upcoming season, ZEE will expand its reach by including South Indian channels, offering a month-long cricket carnival experience.

    Earlier this year, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) reported that the league’s second season reached 221 million viewers. The channel’s extensive distribution strategy ensured widespread accessibility in India and across the globe.

    The six DP World ILT20 season three squads as of 19 September 2024:

    Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

    New signees: Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Gudakesh Motie, Hassan Khan, Roston Chase and Terrance Hinds.

    Retentions: Aditya Shetty, Ali Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Andries Ghous, Charith Asalanka, David Willey, Joe Clarke, Laurie Evans, Micheal Pepper and Sunil Narine.

    Desert Vipers

    New signees: Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Fakhar Zaman, Lockie Ferguson and Max Holden

    Retentions: Adam Hose, Alex Hales, Ali Naseer, Azam Khan, Bas de Leede, Luke Wood, Micheal Jones, Muhammad Amir, Nathan Sowter, Sherfane Rutherford, Tanish Suri and Wanindu Hasaranga.

    Dubai Capitals

    New signees: Adam Rossington, Brandon McMullen, Garuka Sanketh, Gulbadin Naib, Jeffery Vandersay, Joe Burns, Joe Weatherly, Najibullah Zadran, Obed McCoy, Scott Kuggeleijin, Sharafuddin Ashraf and  Shai Hope.

    Retentions: Dasun Shanaka, David Warner, Dushmantha Chameera, Haider Ali, Raja Akif, Rovman Powell, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, Zahir Khan, Jake Fraser McGurk and Oliver Stone.

    Gulf Giants

    New signees:  Adam Lyth, Dominic Drakes, Daniel Worrall, Ibrahim Zadran, Mark Adair, Tom Curran, Tymal Mills and Wahidullah Zadran.

    Retentions: Aayan Afzal Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Chris Jordan, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gerhard Erasmus, Jamie Overton, James Vince, Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox, Mohammad Zohaib Zubair, Rehan Ahmed, Richard Gleeson and Shimron Hetmyer.

    MI Emirates

    New signees: Alzarri Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton, Farid Malik, Thomas Jack Draca, Ben Charlesworth.

    Retentions: Akeal Hosein, Andre Fletcher, Daniel Mousley, Dwayne Bravo, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jordan Thompson, Kieron Pollard, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Nicholas Pooran, Nosthush Kenjige, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Waqar Salamkheil.

    Sharjah Warriors

    New signees: Adam Milne, Adil Rashid (played for Warriors in season two as a Wildcard pick), Ashton Agar, Banuka Rajapaksha, Gus Atkinson, Jason Roy, Karim Janat, Keemo Paul, Jason Roy, Matthew Wade and Tim Seifert.

    Retentions: Dilshan Madushanka, Johnson Charles, Junaid Siddique, Muhamad Jawadullah, Kusal Mendis, Luke Wells, Peter Hatzoglou and Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

  • ZEE and Birla Opus Paints unveil content integration across diverse markets

    ZEE and Birla Opus Paints unveil content integration across diverse markets

    Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment has announced a partnership with Birla Opus Paints, marking a key deal in the Indian media and advertising space. Birla Opus Paints, a new player in the paints industry, is focused on building a strong brand presence across various markets. ZEE Network, with its wide reach in India and globally, offers the brand a platform to connect with its target audience.

    Birla Opus Paints has come on board as the co-title sponsor for ZEE’s flagship singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa across Hindi, Telugu and as a co-powered sponsor in Tamil – further expanding its footprint across multiple regions. The collaboration goes beyond traditional sponsorships, as ZEE’s sales and brand integration teams have devised a unique and creative set of brand placements within Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. In line with the Opus brand’s creative ethos, ZEE has executed a unique network-wide innovation that cuts across both GECs and movie channels, ensuring that the brand’s presence is impactful and widely recognised.

    ZEEL chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue, Ashish Sehgal shared his excitement about the partnership: “Partnering with Birla Opus Paints, one of the most anticipated new entrants in the market, has been an incredible opportunity. With Birla Opus Paints joining us as the co-title sponsor on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa across Hindi and regional markets, we are amplifying their brand visibility with our initiatives. We’ve pushed the boundaries of creativity with a unique innovation, integrating their mascot into our content across multiple languages, ensuring that the brand’s presence is not only visible, but unforgettable. We look forward to collaborating with them in the future as well and hope the brand rises and shines.”

    ZEE CMO Kartik Mahadev emphasised the power of content in driving brand narratives: “At ZEE, we believe that content has the ability to create meaningful connections between brands and their consumers. Our partnership with Birla Opus Paints is a testament to this belief. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa connects cultures through the power of music with its presence across 8 language markets. By seamlessly incorporating engaging touchpoints on our iconic singing reality show, we’ve crafted a richer brand experience for Birla Opus across markets. We’re excited to collaborate with a brand that shares our vision for innovation and storytelling.”

    Birla Opus Paints CMO Inderpreet Singh spoke on the strategic importance of this partnership: “Birla Opus Paints wants to add beauty & colour to life of every Indian. ZEE Network, with its unmatched reach and content innovation, is a perfect partner to create meaningful connections with our consumers.”

    Speaking on the collaboration, Wavemaker India chief client officer & office head – West, North & East, Shekhar Banerjee said, “At Wavemaker, our commitment is to forge distinctive brand experiences for Birla Opus Paints and we’ve crafted something truly special in partnership with Zee Network. We thank Zee Network for breaking some well-established norms of television to create a partnership that delivers beyond standard sponsorship and also leverages their diverse portfolio of channels. This collaboration is the result of dynamic creative synergy, meticulously designed to be impactful and resonate deeply with our audience, ensuring Birla Opus achieves the visibility and impact.”

  • Zee TV’s Birla Opus Paints Sa Re Ga Ma Pa embarks on a new journey with fresh voices

    Zee TV’s Birla Opus Paints Sa Re Ga Ma Pa embarks on a new journey with fresh voices

    Mumbai: India’s iconic singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has been a launchpad for emerging talent, helping aspiring singers release singles on Zee Music Co week-by-week in the previous season. Over nearly three decades, the show has discovered and nurtured notable voices. Now, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa returns with a fresh format titled “Nayi Aawaaz, Naye Andaaz,” premiering on 14 September 2024, and airing Saturdays and Sundays at 9 pm. This season features mentors Guru Randhawa, Sachin-Jigar, and Sachet-Parampara Tandon, with Vipul Roy as the host.

    The new season, Birla Opus Paints Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, promises engaging performances and powerful renditions of popular songs. Contestants will be mentored closely by experts, who are dedicated to shaping their musical journeys. With top music composers competing, audiences can expect significant musical moments as mentors guide their protégés towards excellence.

    At a media event in Mumbai, Zee TV unveiled the upcoming season in the presence of prominent music stars. The evening featured a sneak peek of the talent and musical performances by the mentors. The music fraternity’s consensus was clear, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2024 is poised to make a significant impact with its new talent and mentor panel.

    Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni said, “For nearly three decades, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has been one of Zee TV’s most beloved and enduring properties, a testament to our unwavering commitment to discovering India’s finest singing talent. This season, the idea is to take the show to new heights with a stellar panel of mentors whose melodies have captured every emotion of India and some incredible new voices that have the power to touch your soul. What makes this season truly special is our deeper connection with the audience—earlier this year, we launched ‘Hamara Parivar’, a direct line to our viewers, allowing us to listen to their feedback and preferences. Our new season is a product of this active listening. The audition process itself saw our viewers participating directly via social media, choosing talent that they believe in. With this approach, we’ve crafted a season that is more interactive and engaging than ever.”

    Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue, Ashish Sehgal expressed his excitement about the new season, “The remarkable legacy of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa lies not just in its ability to discover exceptional musical talent, but also in the deep-rooted trust it has cultivated over the past 3 decades with its audience and partners alike. This purity and authenticity associated with the show have been instrumental in attracting top-tier brands such as Birla Opus Paints, Chocolate Horlicks, Smith & Jones Pasta Masala, Clinic Plus Shampoo, Garnier and Vicks Double Power to the new season, for whom we have curated some remarkably innovative solutions. The overwhelming advertiser interest we’re witnessing is a testament to the platform’s consistent ability to reinvent itself and stay relevant in an ever-evolving landscape. We look forward to creating memorable partnerships this season and deliver a power-packed season that resonates with our viewers and advertisers alike.”

    Birla Opus Paints CMO Inderpreet Singh spoke on the strategic importance of this partnership, “Birla Opus Paints wants to add Beauty & Colour to life of every Indian. ZEE Network, with its unmatched reach and content innovation is a perfect partner to create meaningful connections with our consumers.”

  • ZEE Entertainment scales up DP World ILT20 goals

    ZEE Entertainment scales up DP World ILT20 goals

    Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, content and entertainment powerhouse and the official broadcasting partner of the global cricket league, DP World International League T20 (ILT20), has unveiled its plans for an exciting third season, set to take place from 11 January 2025. The 34-match tournament will run for a month and culminate on 9 February 2025. The plans include creating a memorable month-long cricket carnival experience for cricket lovers, especially from India, expanding its viewership base by including South Indian channels and targeting 230 million viewership in the upcoming league. Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts in India and around the world can exclusively watch the LIVE action on ZEE Entertainment’s 15 linear channels as well as stream it for free on its OTT platform ZEE5, every evening.

    As the third season approaches, ZEE Entertainment promises to deliver captivating action engagingly and dynamically across its linear channels and OTT platform, ZEE5. Commenting upon this announcement, Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue Ashish Sehgal said, “We aim to offer our cricket lovers a sporting carnival experience that combines high-class cricket at a comfortable, luxurious venue. This month-long event will offer an innovative and immersive experience for cricket fans across the globe. We are particularly focused on inviting Indian travellers to visit Dubai, offering them a chance to enjoy cricket in the UAE. This event also allows advertisers to connect with their premium customers and promote their premium brands.”

    Talking about the tournament known to be the second-most popular league outside of the Indian Premier League (IPL), DP World ILT20 CEO David White said, “Firstly, the uniqueness of the DP World ILT20 lies in the fact that we can have nine international players vis-à-vis the standard four. What also sets ILT20 apart from other leagues is that it does not have a home-and-away format. With three venues – Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi every team feels at home. We need to cultivate strong team loyalty now.  The UAE as a destination boasts of fantastic stadiums, ideal weather in the early part of the year and a comfortable environment for players. The Emirati people are renowned for their warm hospitality, welcoming visitors from around the world. The presence of top players from international teams lends an international flavour to the event. We are working closely with ZEE to establish Dubai as a premier sporting destination and are open to considering an alternative window to make sure that there is no clash in the future.”

    DP World ILT20, in its second season, drew an impressive 200,000 attendees across over 30 games. The league is the second most-watched T20 cricket league globally, with a total of 348 million unique viewers from around the world, including a staggering 221 million viewers from India. This success was fueled by ZEE Network’s broadcasting strategy, which leveraged a combination of ZEE’s 10 Linear TV Channels and its OTT Platform ZEE5. With a notable 46 per cent share of female viewership and 55 per cent share of youth viewership, the league’s broad appeal in India underscores its status as household entertainment.

    The tournament is aiming for an even larger audience in its third season, targeting 230 million viewers. The strategies being employed to increase its footprints are multifaceted, focusing on the Indian market, which includes cricket lovers, advertisers, and the addition of South Indian channels.

    The matches generated a massive response last season from markets like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat and Maharashtra. This year the tournament’s on-air promotion will take place across 40 channels. DP World ILT20 Season 3 will also focus on South Indian channels as part of its strategy to expand viewership.

    The league plans to announce new signings next month on 15th September. The existing roster continues to be strong with the presence of players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, David Warner, Jack Fraser McGurk and Shimron Hetmyer, among others. The league, on the whole, boasts of 60,000 registered cricketers.

    The franchise-style tournament DP World IPL T20, comprises six teams and 34 matches that are played across the UAE. The league’s six franchise teams feature Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global).