ITV

Tag: Colors

  • Kunal Gaur takes the leap from JioStar to launch his own digital venture

    Kunal Gaur takes the leap from JioStar to launch his own digital venture

    MUMBAI: From streaming giants to star power, Kunal Gaur has played the numbers game across India’s biggest media houses – and now, he’s ready to bet on himself. The seasoned executive has stepped down from his role as Business Commercial Lead at JioStar to launch his own digital marketing enterprise.

    Armed with over 20 years of experience across media, entertainment, and finance, Gaur’s career reads like a who’s who of the industry. At Viacom18, he spent four years as Chief Commercial Officer, steering spends for channels like Colors, MTV, Sports18, Cineplex, and OTT platform JioCinema. Before that, he was Netflix India’s Director of Production Finance, working on 17 series, 14 films, and 20 development projects, from Sacred Games to Extraction.

    Nearly a decade at Star India and Hotstar saw him negotiating content deals, licensing formats, and even leading commercial talks for Star Sports’ sprawling 12-studio project. His early years at PwC sharpened the financial rigour that has since underpinned his media journey.

    At JioStar, Gaur oversaw commercials across Digital, Creator, Marketing, Talent, and Technology driving efficiencies and shaping strategic partnerships. Now, with his new venture, he’s blending that financial expertise with media know-how to build a future-focused digital marketing company designed for India’s evolving landscape.

    “Finance may have been my foundation, but creativity and innovation are my growth engines,” Gaur quipped while announcing his entrepreneurial leap.

    As the industry braces for another wave of digital disruption, all eyes will be on whether Gaur can turn his decades of boardroom wins into startup success.
     

  • Namma Desha, Namma Hemme: Colors Kannada observes I-Day with cultural campaign

    Namma Desha, Namma Hemme: Colors Kannada observes I-Day with cultural campaign

    MUMBAI: Colors Kannada turned this Independence Day into a state-wide celebration of culture, pride and patriotism with its campaign “Namma Desha, Namma Hemme” (Our Country, Our Pride).

    For the second year running, Karnataka’s acclaimed general entertainment channel (GEC) went beyond the screen, sending its artists back to their roots. From schools in Mysuru to temples in Mangaluru, flag-hoisting in Bidar to cultural activities in Kodagu, the initiative united communities across all 31 districts.

    Artists including Bigg Boss Kannada fame Trivikram, Bhavya Gowda, Manoj Kumar, Shilpa Kamath, Sukrutha Nag and many more took centre stage in their hometowns, weaving together tradition, performance and local pride.

    “For us, Independence Day is not just a celebration, but a reminder of what binds us together as a nation. With Namma Desha, Namma Hemme, we wanted to go beyond the screen and truly connect with people across every district of Karnataka,” said a Colors Kannada spokesperson. “With Namma Desha, Namma Hemme, we wanted to go beyond the screen and truly connect with people across every district of Karnataka. This campaign is a reflection of Colors Kannada’s deep cultural rootedness taking our artists back to the communities they come from, sharing in their pride, and celebrating our unity in diversity. The overwhelming response reinforces that when entertainment is rooted in culture and community, it creates lasting impact.”

    And the numbers echo that sentiment. The campaign drew 5 million views on Colors Kannada’s social platforms, while on-ground celebrations reached over 1 lakh viewers and 30,000 households. On Instagram alone, the six promos pulled in a cool 13k–18k views each.

    By mixing patriotism with local flavour, the GEC once again proved that Independence Day isn’t just about hoisting the flag, it’s about hoisting community spirit too.
     

  • Bigg Boss 19 gets a full house of sponsors before drama even begins

    Bigg Boss 19 gets a full house of sponsors before drama even begins

    MUMBAI: Before a single fight erupts or a tear is shed, Bigg Boss 19 has already pulled off its first big win, a full house of nine heavyweight sponsors, proving its unmatched pull in India’s reality TV arena. Premiering Sunday, 24 August 2025, across JioHotstar (9 pm) and Colors (10.30 pm), the Salman Khan-hosted show enters its 19th season with the theme “Gharwalon Ki Sarkaar”, where for the first time in the franchise’s history housemates hold the power to make decisions. The Parliament-inspired house promises a cocktail of people politics, power plays and unpredictable twists, all with unfiltered consequences.

    On the advertiser side, the line-up is as eclectic as the show’s contestants: Vaseline, Appy Fizz, Danube Properties, Flipkart, Citroën, Silver Coin Atta, Manforce, Lakmé Peach Milk, and Haier. From FMCG giants to auto brands, the mix underscores the show’s rare ability to capture consumer attention across categories.

    “Bigg Boss remains the top choice for brands seeking unparalleled reach,” said JioStar head of revenue for entertainment Mahesh Shetty adding that its seamless integrations deliver “unmatched value for both audiences and advertisers.”

    Returning sponsor Vaseline is back as co-presenting partner, with HUL’s Pratik Ved calling the association “a platform to showcase its upgraded product portfolio while staying India’s official skincare partner.” Meanwhile, Appy Fizz’s Nadia Chauhan dubbed the show “culturally relevant rocket fuel” for brand engagement, while Danube Group’s Rizwan Sajan highlighted last season’s “record-breaking global viewership” as reason to double down.

    Auto major Citroën, rolling out its India 2.0 strategy, sees the show’s raw energy as the perfect match for its refreshed product line-up, with Citroën MD Shailesh Hazela saying it allows the brand to “embed itself into the rhythm of Indian lives.”

    With 18 years of dominance, a 24×7 live feed, and its enduring power to spark conversation across 240 plus countries via JioHotstar, Bigg Boss 19 isn’t just a show, it’s India’s biggest pop culture juggernaut. And this year, the nation’s “gharwalas” get the gavel.

  • Shaadi, shots and showdowns as colors serves up a spicy new reality dish

    Shaadi, shots and showdowns as colors serves up a spicy new reality dish

    MUMBAI: Move over roses and violins Colors is gatecrashing dinner with a side of drama, as it unveils its first ever real-ationship reality show, Pati Patni Aur Panga – Jodiyon Ka Reality Check. Premiering on 2nd August, this shaadi-meets-showdown series will air every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 pm, promising a generous dollop of laughter, love, and ludicrous household fights.

    Fresh off the finale of Laughter Chefs, the channel has traded spoons for squabbles, roping in seven celebrity couples to bring their private quirks to primetime. These aren’t rehearsed roles, they’re raw, real, and ready to air their laundry (possibly quite literally) in front of the nation.

    The show features a power-packed lineup of couples, Debinna Bonnerjee–Gurmeet Choudhary, Hina Khan–Rocky Jaiswal, Rubina Dilaik–Abhinav Shukla, Avika Gor–Milind Chandwani, Swara Bhasker–Fahad Ahmad, Geeta Phogat–Pawan Kumar, and Sudesh Lehri–Mamta Lehri. From love to laughter and every little panga in between, these jodis bring their quirks, chaos and chemistry to the screen.  

    The show’s glossy, high-energy finish owes much to the behind-the-scenes crew that stitched it all together. Director of photography Tribhuvan Babu lends a vibrant visual grammar to the episodes, while Swapnil Patole, Chief Colourist at the Independent Colourists Guild (ICG), ensures every frame carries emotional weight and tonal harmony. Technical finesse is handled by DI Technician Sachin More, Line Producer Sameer Shaikh, and DI Colour Assistant Kiran Gulgule, with Famous Studios Ltd leading post-production duties. Together, the team brings a cinematic sheen to the dinner-table chaos that unfolds in every episode.

    On the brand front, the show has attracted a wide swathe of consumer-facing names as sponsors each with a strategic reason to align with a format rooted in everyday intimacy and relatability. Nivea, as presenting sponsor, ties in seamlessly with themes of care, comfort, and authenticity, reflecting the emotional subtext of the show. Sugar Free Green, Rajdhani Besan, Cadbury Dairy Milk, and Pour Home Air Fresheners are all brands woven into the domestic fabric of Indian households just like the show’s celebrity couples navigating real-life love and laundry. Supporting brands like Envy Perfumes, Vikram Tea, Colgate, and Catch Masale see the high-engagement, weekend primetime slot as a direct route to the hearts and kitchens of Indian families. For these partners, ROI isn’t just about impressions or TRPs; it’s about cultural salience, brand recall, and showing up where the emotion is most real right between a laugh, a fight, and a plate of hot pakoras.

    Hosting this panga-packed party are Sonali Bendre, bringing poise and patience, and Munawar Faruqui, the designated “towel crime” police and chaos coordinator. Dubbed The Sonu-Monu Show by the crew, their repartee is already the stuff of reality-TV legend, a mix of zingers, comebacks, and cringe confessions.

    Behind all the glam, the show peels back layers of public personas to reveal unfinished sentences, kitchen fails, love languages, and one-word replies that spark weeklong sulks. Viewers are invited to peek behind the velvet curtains of celebrity marriages from ridiculous pet names to strategic foot rubs and witness the delicate art of surviving, thriving and occasionally fighting in love.

    To up the stakes, family members and housekeepers also chime in with their versions of truth bombs, making this not just a couples show but a full house of fun and friction.

    Speaking about the channel’s pivot to deeper emotional territory, Alok Jain of JioStar said, “We’ve always led from the front in non-fiction formats, and Pati Patni Aur Panga is our next big bet. This isn’t just content, it’s connection, showing the real, raw parts of celeb relationships that mirror our own homes.”

    Shweta Dalal, Marketing Director of Nivea India, added, “This show mirrors the same values we believe in care, trust, and authenticity. We’re thrilled to be part of a format that speaks so honestly to everyday companionship.”

    Sonali Bendre, returning to TV in a more emotionally hands-on avatar, shared, “This is not just about tasks or points. It’s about catching those in-between moments the real stuff that makes or breaks a relationship. And Munawar brings the madness to my method!”

    Munawar Faruqui, never one to hold back, quipped, “Main hoon yahan ka certified panga maker. I say what most husbands are thinking but are too scared to say out loud and I love every awkward second of it.”

    So if you’re ready for a hearty laddu of shaadi reality, not just the goals, but the gaffes too mark your calendars. Pati Patni Aur Panga is not your average reality show; it’s reality in all its messy, mushy, magnificent glory. Premieres 2 August, Saturdays & Sundays at 9:30 pm only on Colors.

     

  • Ghosted with benefits as Noyontara haunts prime time on Colors

    Ghosted with benefits as Noyontara haunts prime time on Colors

    MUMBAI: Just when your TV schedule was mourning the end of IPL madness, Colors is summoning the spirits with Noyontara, a supernatural thriller that slips between the living and the dead with all the finesse of a ghost through a locked door.

    Premiering 9 June at 8:30 PM and airing daily, Noyontara centres on a 23-year-old ghost-whisperer who marries into a family with more secrets than skeletons in the closet and that’s saying something. The titular Noyontara (played by Shruti Bhist) steps into the lavish yet ominous Pari Mahal as Dr Surjo’s new bride, only to discover that her real in-laws might be the ones lurking beyond the veil.

    With a cheeky ghost sidekick named Hasiram and two very much dead women claiming to be her mother-in-law (cue Narayani Shastri in a dual role that’s all shade and secrets), Noyontara must untangle love from manipulation, science from the supernatural, and figure out whether she’s being guided… or gaslit.

    “Noyontara isn’t your typical ghost story,” says Shruti Bhist. “She’s not afraid of the dead she speaks their language. What drew me in was the idea of a saviour, not a victim. And yes, the ghosts here are more guardian angel than ghoul.”

    For Narayani Shastri, it’s a dual debut her first collaboration with Colors and her first time playing two emotionally conflicting characters on the same canvas. “One thrives on power, the other on protection. And the viewer never quite knows which one’s which.”

    Also making his Hindi TV debut is Bengali heartthrob Arjun Chakrabarty as Surjo, a rational man grappling with very irrational hauntings. “It’s less about fearing the supernatural,” he explains, “and more about wrestling with buried grief and emotional truths we hide from ourselves.”

    With its blend of paranormal drama, human vulnerability, and a haveli that’s practically a character in itself, Noyontara promises to be the gothic escape viewers didn’t know they needed. Expect blurred lines, chilling twists, and a heroine who’s got one foot in this world and one firmly planted in the next.

    So, if your evenings have been missing drama post-IPL, prepare to get possessed. Noyontara is here to haunt your heart and your remote.

  • DD Free Dish concludes Mpeg 2 e-Auction, securing 60 television channels for 2025-26

    DD Free Dish concludes Mpeg 2 e-Auction, securing 60 television channels for 2025-26

    MUMBAI: Pubcaster Prasar Bharati  has successfully concluded its annual DD Free Dish MPEG-2 slot e-auction, allocating spaces to 60 television channels for the period of 1 April 2025, to 31 March 2026. Major broadcasters securing slots include: Sony, JioStar,  Zee, Sun TV. Some of the prominent channels on FreeDish include  names such as Colors Rishtey, Sony Pal, and several leading news channels including Aaj Tak, ABP News, and Republic TV Bharat.

    The auction process, initiated on 9 January, introduced a structured categoriastion system comprising six distinct buckets, each tailored to specific channel genres and languages. The pricing strategy implemented a two-round system, with initial reserve prices ranging from Rs 3 crore for regional channels to Rs 15 crore for Hindi/Urdu general entertainment channels. The second round saw these figures increase incrementally, with the highest bracket reaching Rs 16 crore.

    To ensure quality content delivery, Prasar Bharati has instituted a new 75 per cent alignment rule, mandating that three-quarters of a channel’s content must align with its declared genre and language. The broadcaster maintained its standard eligibility criteria, requiring participating channels to possess valid ministry of information and broadcasting permits for Indian distribution.
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    The auction’s participation structure included a Rs 1.50 crore fee for MPEG-2 slots, while MPEG-4 slots commanded Rs 3 lakhs. Notably, the framework extended participation rights to international public broadcasters operating under relevant guidelines.

    This auction follows a successful 2024 edition which generated Rs 1,156 crore through the sale of 64 slots, indicating the platform’s sustained commercial viability in India’s broadcasting landscape. The slight reduction in allocated slots from 64 to 60 suggests a possible strategic recalibration of the platform’s capacity utilisation.
    The successful conclusion of this auction reinforces DD Free Dish’s position as a significant distribution platform in India’s television market, particularly for reaching audiences in regions where paid television penetration remains limited.

  • Sameer Gogate returns to Viacom18 as Colors business head

    Sameer Gogate returns to Viacom18 as Colors business head

    MUMBAI: When general manager Sameer Gogate put in his papers at BBC Studios, it was not clear why and where he was headed. Why would someone give up a plum secure job working with the Beeb which many an executive joins with a retirement plan in mind?

    That clarity came in mid-this week, when whispers started that he was actually heading back to his alma mater – Viacom18 – now called JioStar, followed the merger  with Disney Star India. 

    But what would he be doing there, was the question? Isn’t the company extremely top heavy with so many bosses that not even department executives know who is reporting to whom and who has the responsibility for a particular function?

    That clarity too came when Gogate’s responsibility was leaked. He would be in charge of the business of Colors, Viacom18’s star channel.  In his new role, Gogate will report to Alok Jain, head of cluster entertainment at JioStar.

    For the record, Gogate joining Viacom18 is like returning home for him  as he was once deeply embedded in its ecosystem. He was director of commercial and syndication, overseeing content syndication, film acquisitions, and co-productions for Viacom18 Motion Pictures and he also had a position at Colors, where  he managed music and format licensing, talent management, and group commercial strategy a few years ago.

    Gogate brings a wealth of experience from his time at BBC Studios, where he played a pivotal role since 2019 in producing local adaptations of popular BBC formats, including multiple seasons of Criminal Justice and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (Dancing with the Stars). He also oversaw the creation of original series such as Highway Love, Ishq in the Air, School of Lies, and Tujhpe Main Fida. Among his recent successes was the IMDb top-ten hit, The Shekhar Suman Show.

    Prior to BBC Studios, Gogate worked at Vuclip as Head of Monetisation, Commercial, and Distribution, where he managed revenue operations and key content partnerships. He also held senior roles at Eros International Media, Endemol India, Viacom18, and EY. 

    Meanwhile, following Gogate’s departure, BBC Studios India has announced an interim leadership arrangement. Deepa Nair, head of business and legal affairs, and Sachin Mahajan, head of finance, will jointly oversee the production team in India. Stanley Fernandes will continue leading the channels & streaming and content sales divisions for India and South Asia. The company has yet to announce a permanent successor for Gogate.

  • Govind Shahi set to exit Indiacast after a 12 year stint

    Govind Shahi set to exit Indiacast after a 12 year stint

    Mumbai: Highly placed sources have revealed that Govind Shahi, the International Business Head at Indiacast, is stepping down after an impressive 12-year run. Known for his leadership in steering Viacom18’s international channels to major growth, Govind is likely to explore new opportunities. While there was strong speculation about him taking the reins of international operations at Jiostar, it seems that he could be charting a different course.

    With over three decades of experience in media, including top roles at Zee and Colors, as well as various entrepreneurial ventures, Govind has made a mark in global broadcasting. He’s credited with launching key channels and events, such as Zee Russia, Zee Carnival, Zee Cine Awards, Colors Gujarati, and Colors Rishtey along with digital products like Voot, while spearheading a range of successful global initiatives.

    Govind will be leaving Colors at a time when the network is at its peak, dominating several international markets. Under his leadership, Colors became the only Indian broadcaster with a unified FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) presence internationally -an achievement largely driven by his strategic vision and ability to adapt quickly to market needs.

  • Superb Ideas Trending’s ‘Pati Patni Aur Baby’ moves to Colors

    Superb Ideas Trending’s ‘Pati Patni Aur Baby’ moves to Colors

    Mumbai: As 2024 comes to a close, Colors presents Pati Patni Aur Baby, the popular YouTube series from Superb Ideas Trending, bringing its family humour to television. This series, featuring relatable marriage and family sketches, showcases Chhavi Mittal as the demanding Rohini, Karan Veer Grover as her loving husband Rishi, Pracheen Chauhan as Abhimanyu, Pooja Gor as his wife Meera, and Shubhangi Litoria as Baby, the mischievous house-help. Every family can see their day-to-day life come alive in ‘Pati Patni Aur Baby’, premiering on 18 November and airing at 12:30 pm every day only on COLORS.

    With Colors’ wide audience and Superb Ideas Trending’s signature humour, Pati Patni Aur Baby captures the chaos of Indian households and fits seamlessly into Colors’ lineup of relatable and engaging content. The series’ portrayal of daily family life has gained millions of fans, and its move to Colors will bring families together with laughter, extending the show’s reach and impact.  

    Superb Ideas Trending founders Chhavi Mittal & Mohit Hussein jointly said, “We’re thrilled to join hands with Colors to bring our popular YouTube series to television with Pati Patni Aur Baby. At Superb Ideas Trending, our goal has always been to tell stories that every family member can connect with, stories that make you laugh and think about the peculiarities of life. Moving to Colors feels like an exhilarating progression for the show, and we’re excited for more families across India to enjoy the entertaining rollercoaster of Pati Patni Aur Baby in their living rooms with their loved ones. We hope that families across India will find their own stories in the fun and relatable characters of the show. A huge thanks to Colors for welcoming our content into its programming, making it accessible to a larger audience base.”

  • Charuta Saoji joins Viacom18 as Colors marketing head, leaving L’Oréal

    Charuta Saoji joins Viacom18 as Colors marketing head, leaving L’Oréal

    Mumbai: In a notable move within the marketing and media landscape, Charuta Ambardekar Saoji has joined Viacom18 as the vice president and head of marketing for Colors, the network’s flagship entertainment channel. Saoji’s transition from L’Oréal, where she served as marketing director, marks a strategic shift in her career towards the dynamic world of television.

    Saoji brings with her a wealth of experience in brand management, having successfully spearheaded campaigns for several high-profile brands at L’Oréal. Her appointment at Viacom18 comes as Colors continues to seek innovative ways to engage audiences and strengthen its market position in the highly competitive television space.

    Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Saoji stated, “I am thrilled to join the Viacom18 family and look forward to shaping the future of Colors’ brand strategy. It’s an exciting time for the channel as we explore fresh approaches to content and audience engagement.”

    This move comes at a crucial time for Viacom18, as the company aims to further consolidate its leadership position in the entertainment industry. Saoji’s expertise in consumer insights and her ability to craft compelling marketing narratives are expected to play a pivotal role in driving Colors’ growth trajectory. The channel, known for its wide range of popular shows, stands to benefit from her leadership in enhancing brand communication and expanding its reach across diverse audience segments.

    Prior to this, Saoji made significant strides at L’Oréal, where she led campaigns that bolstered the brand’s presence in the Indian market. Her experience in navigating the complexities of consumer behavior and brand loyalty will be instrumental in crafting Colors’ future marketing strategies.

    Industry insiders view Saoji’s appointment as a strategic hire that will add considerable depth to Viacom18’s leadership team. With her track record of executing successful marketing strategies, she is well-positioned to elevate the brand’s market presence.

    “Charuta’s appointment reflects our commitment to bringing on board marketing leaders who can drive brand growth through innovation and consumer focus,” said a Viacom18 spokesperson. “Her ability to understand consumer trends and create impactful brand stories aligns perfectly with our vision for Colors.”