ITV

Tag: Danish Khan

  • Sony takes audiences to the crossroads with new show

    Sony takes audiences to the crossroads with new show

    MUMBAI: After being a leader in introducing mythological shows, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) is taking a different route. The channel’s latest offering is Zindagi ke Crossroads, a 39-episodic interactive show where the studio audiences will put forward their opinions on the challenges faced by the protagonists of the show.

    Produced by Shabina Khan, it will premiere on 6 June 2018, every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8.30 pm. Television actor Ram Kapoor will be the host who will not just encourage the audience to share their views but will also delve into the ‘whys’ of their decision making to bring alive the melting pot of opinions in the audience for the narratives showcased. The question thrown open to the audience will be “what would you have done if you were at this crossroad?” The idea is to get families to sit tight on the couch.

    Mahadev, who is the concept and screenplay writer of the show, narrated the concept to Khan after which she realised it is an appropriate show for the times. It has been in planning mode for two years.

    The investment for the show is close to Rs 75-80 lakh. Sony head of non-fiction Ashish Golwalkar said, “There is no amortisation. Generally, you have one set and you’ll shoot everything in that, but that is not possible. This story demands different locations and places and that is why the cost goes up as far as fiction shows are concerned.”

    Commenting on the promotional and marketing strategy, Sony EVP and business head Danish Khan said that SET will be using digital and multimedia platforms to promote the show. “The important thing is to convey to the people what the format is and it is very difficult to convey the format unless we sample it, so what we are communicating is, this is the story, this is the protagonist and this is the crossroad, what would you do if you are in the protagonist’s place?”

    Golwalkar said that the format of the show is very tough to explain and since it is a chat show, people will typecast it very soon. “Our focus will obviously be on airing it on our channels, also Dus ka Dum will air on Monday and Tuesday, so we will run promos there as well.”

    Given the other fast-paced and action-oriented shows on air today, it will be worthwhile to see how the audience will react to such a programme.

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  • Sony gamifies ‘Dus ka Dum’ with dedicated app

    Sony gamifies ‘Dus ka Dum’ with dedicated app

    MUMBAI: After a successful season of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), Sony Pictures Network is reviving Dus Ka Dum, another big reality show with superstar Salman Khan. The show is coming back on air for its third season after 2009. Since its initial airing, the entertainment landscape has changed dramatically. The show now has the opportunity to leverage the power of digital.

    Dus Ka Dum is getting its own game application on Sony Liv, the network’s digital platform that will go live from 18 March 2018. The show will launch on 4 June 2018 at the 9 pm time slot, twice a week.

    With interaction with users one of its primary goals, the app will challenge the participants’ power of observation about India and its people in separate phases like a survey leading up to the auditions and play along once the show is on air. Sony Entertainment Television SVP and head insights and programming strategy Amogh Dusad said, “As long as the audiences keep on answering the questions, the level will increase and they will earn points. The more points an individual scores, the closer they are to auditions.” Selections will be at random from amongst the top-scoring people.

    After downloading the app, users will have to answer simple questions, reflecting on their life, relationships, experiences, opinions and much more. These questions will be customised and gamified across 40 levels. The app will bring alive the show host Salman Khan via special fun video messages and give users an opportunity to record a ‘velfie’ (video selfie) with him.

    In the previous season, the channel had a difficult time in surveying because everything was done physically and the hope is that digital will take it to greater heights this time.

    The meteoric rise in smartphone usage is leading to profound changes in how consumers today engage with content across multiple screens. There are 780 million television viewers and 359 million total number of smartphone users in India at present. It remains to be seen whether Sony can really unleash the power of 10.

    Also Read :

    Salman Khan takes Sony to 3rd spot

    ‘Porus’ finds an audience in more countries

  • ‘Porus’ viewership soldiers on

    ‘Porus’ viewership soldiers on

    MUMBAI: Sony’s magnum opus Porus has been the talk of the town–first for being the first show wherein the IP is with the creator and later for its not-so-spectacular viewership. In fact, rumour mills were abuzz that the show would struggle to shrug off its sluggish start and build on its viewership. Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) data for the show, however, paints a different picture.

    According to the data, the ratings (U+R) of the show are significantly higher than the ratings of the channel’s prime time daily soap Rishta Likhenge Hum Naya (Rishta Likhenge) and another prime-time show Vighnaharta Ganesh. While Porus is aired at 8.30 pm, Vighnaharta Ganesh precedes it at 8 pm, whereas Rishta Likhenge is shown at 9 pm on weekdays.

    Porus’ launch week bagged it 3.6 million impressions in week 48 of 2017’s BARC data. The second week saw a drop of 0.6 million impressions. After 10 weeks of being on air, the latest ratings of week 5 for 2018 show Porus at a consistent 3.3 million impressions.

    On the flip side, the week 48 of Vighnaharta Ganesh garnered 3.4 million impressions and Rishta Likhenge got 1.9 million impressions. There was no impact of Porus on Vighnaharta Ganesh’s ratings that was apparent in week 49, whereas Rishta lost 0.1 million impressions from week 48.

    Swastik Productions founder Siddharth Kumar Tewary says, “Porus has been consistent in its ratings since its launch and this was our plan to be consistent in the beginning and then grow slowly. We held on to our ratings from the beginning to now. The first episode was a one-hour content and now we are showing 22 minutes content.” He says that comparing the current 3.3 million figure with the initial 3.6 million one shows that the show has actually grown. “We have made Porus with a huge amount of conviction. People have really appreciated us for keeping the promise of giving them differentiated concept and the way of storytelling,” he adds.

    “Porus is a premium product. We have been happy with the viewership we have got and we are expecting it to grow up by 20 percent from February onwards,” said Sony Entertainment Television EVP and business head Danish Khan. During the ten weeks, the highest impressions that Vighnaharta Ganesh holds is 3.8 million impressions, Porus has 3.6 million impressions, and Rishta has 2.1 million impressions.

    SonyLiv EVP & digital business head Uday Sodhi says, “Porus is very popular and among the best performing shows like Taarak Mehta, Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai and Super Dancer on SonyLiv. The scale and impact of the show is amazing. It is perfect for digital audiences and it is able to capture the scale & the size fruitfully. We are seeing significant consumption of the show on SonyLiv. There is a huge jump in the month of January over December. The viewership of Porus has grown 30 per cent in January as compared to December.” 

    Porus has successfully travelled to Sri Lanka with a new name Digvijaya. The buyer for the 260-episode series is Maharaja Television (MTV) and the show will be dubbed in Sinhala. Earlier, Porus was acquired by Workpoint Entertainment of Thailand for exclusive TV and non-exclusive digital rights.

     

    Weeks

    VIGHNAHARTA GANESH

    PORUS

    RISHTA LIKHENGE HUM NAYA

    Week 48

    3.4 million Impressions

    3.6 million Impressions

    1.9 million Impressions

    Week 49

    3.4 million Impressions

    3.0 million Impressions

    1.8 million Impressions

    Week 50

    3.6 million Impressions

    3.3 million Impressions

    1.9 million Impressions

    Week 51

    3.3 million Impressions

    2.8 million Impressions

    1.7 million Impressions

    Week 52

    3.8 million Impressions

    3.1 million Impressions

    1.7 million Impressions

    Week 1

    3.3 million Impressions

    3.1 million Impressions

    1.7 million Impressions

    Week 2

    3.8  million Impressions

    3.4 million Impressions

    2.1  million Impressions

    Week 3

    3.8 million Impressions

    3.2 million Impressions

    1.8 million Impressions

    Week 4

    3.3 million Impressions

    3.0 million Impressions

    1.7 million Impressions

    Week 5

    3.4 million Impressions

    3.3 million Impressions

    1.8 million Impressions

     

    Also Read :

    ‘Porus’ launched as ‘Digvijaya’ in Sri Lanka

    Thai broadcaster Workpoint acquires TV rights for Porus

    ‘Porus’ will alter the economics of the ecosystem, says SET’s Danish Khan 

  • ‘Prithvi Vallabh’ is 20% history, 80% mystery: Anirudh Pathak

    ‘Prithvi Vallabh’ is 20% history, 80% mystery: Anirudh Pathak

    MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television (SET) is unearthing more lores of the yore. Not too long after the launch of the much-anticipated Porus, SET is taking you back in time with another historical show Prithvi Vallabh premiering on 20 January at 9.30 pm, every Saturday and Sunday. This is the first production to premiere under the sub-brand SET Originals.

    Prithvi Vallabh narrates a tale of two arch-rival warriors; Prithvi and Mrinal. Prithvi, the heir of the Malwa dynasty, is an advocator of the ‘philosophy of humanism’, while Mrinal, the princess warrior of Manyakhet, is ‘born out of pure vengeance’. It is a unique story that starts with hatred on a battlefield and ends up becoming a grand love story.

    In 1943, the Indian movie Prithvi Vallabh was released, based on the book written by writer Kanhaiyalal Munshi. Writer and producer Anirudh Pathak clarified that the show is not entirely based on the book. “We do not claim that the show is based entirely on history. Prithvi Vallabh is 20 per cent history and 80 per cent mystery, in which, the 80 per cent includes dramatisation and alteration in the story. We have cleared the fact in our tagline ‘Itihaas bhi, Rahasya bhi’.”

    The show marks the debut of Pathak of Writers’ Galaxy as a producer. His first attempt at the weekend primetime slot took him six to eight months to write. The finite series has 80 episodes which will be aired across two seasons of 40 episodes each.

    Sony Entertainment Television EVP and business head Danish Khan said, “Sony’s strategy is variety. Our motto is to give variety in every half hour. All the 14 shows we have can be watched with family.”

    SET and Pathak have picked both Indian and international locations to shoot the series. The show has captured the scenic beauty of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Goa and the team will be travelling to Gulmarg in February and Poland in March. Around 200 people are perspiring heavily on the sets to make this show a reality.

    Comparing the show’s production cost with the recently-launched historical show Porus, Khan said, “The economics and structure of Porus and Prithvi Vallabh are different. Porus is 260 episodic half hour show whereas Prithvi Vallabh is 80 episodic one hour show. Both are high budget as well as high archival value shows.”

    The set is designed by art director Chokas Bharadwaj who is currently designing the look for the shows Mahabharat and Chandrashekhar Azad. Mythological show sets cost a bomb at Rs 10 to 12 crore.

    Pathak has two more historicals up his sleeve for 2018 – Chandrashekhar Azad and Shankaracharya. Star Bharat will launch the former soon while the other is still in the developing stage.

    SET is cashing in on India’s history, literature and culture under SET Originals. Khan said, “Indian stories have a universal appeal and are extremely relevant to the world if told well. SET Originals is a step in that direction. With SET originals, we take a brave and visionary leap to define the content for the ever-evolving global audience.” The channel will continue its spree of mythological shows this year too.

    The show’s stellar star cast includes Ashish Sharma as Prithvi, Sonarika Bhadoria as Mrinal, Pawan Chopra as Singhdant, Shalini Kapoor as Rajmata, Alefia Kapadia as Savita, Jitin Gulati as Tailap, Piyali Munshi as Jakkala, Surendra Pal as Vinayaditya, amongst others.

  • ‘Porus’ will alter the economics of the ecosystem, says SET’s Danish Khan

    ‘Porus’ will alter the economics of the ecosystem, says SET’s Danish Khan

    MUMBAI: Gone are the days when high budget would only indicate stellar Bollywood movies. Today, even the Indian television industry is not leaving any stone unturned to give its audience the same feel and quality.

    Letting viewers time travel to a centuries-old story, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) is all set to launch its latest mythological show Porus. Starting from 27 November, the show is produced, written and directed by Swastik Production’s Siddharth Kumar Tewary. With the intellectual property (IP) rights in the hands of Swastik, rumours are that it is one the most expensive TV shows at a production value of nearly Rs 400-500 crore.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, SET EVP and business head Danish Khan says, “Sony is a big company and we could have bought the IP but big shows are not just made because you have big money. We underrated a large part of the money. The idea of giving the IP was to get Siddharth’s skin involved. It’s his show as much as it’s ours.”

    Shot in multiple global locations with an enormous set spread over acres of land in Umargaon, Porus will offer viewers a complete visual extravagance by recreating the different worlds of ancient India and Macedonia, in addition to water transport routes of the yore. Six months ago, shooting was on in Thailand and in the pipeline are Greece and Turkey.

    Porus was initiated two years ago with payments being doled out to actors and the production team even before the show was officially announced. “Considering the show’s ambition, we had to redefine certain things such as the structure and process. The show required creative investment two years prior to the launch. Unless you get the economics right you won’t get creativity,” he shares.

    Khan believes that this business model will be the future of television industry. He explained that in the US, a big production gets 40 per cent of revenue from the domestic market and the rest from global/ digital market. India also has to move in that direction to tell compelling stories while raking in profits.

    Four sponsors have bet their money on the show till now – Pantanjali Dantkanti as presenting sponsor, Raymond and Macho as co- powered by sponsors and PCJ as the jewellery partner. “There is huge amount of curiosity among advertisers. The response has been fantastic and we signed these sponsors long back. They are convinced with the product and wanted to be associated with us,” says Khan.

    A senior media planner says that the channel is likely to close more names just before launch but others will wait for initial viewership numbers. A 10-second slot for Porus is being pegged between Rs 1.5-2 lac per episode.

    The marketing strategy of before was to create show awareness but with the ascent of the digital platform, a new thing called ‘fear of missing out’ has crept in. “Our marketing presence is not just to be present in the media but focus on having conversations. Our digital push is very strong and we are pushing out content, character and the vision very strongly,” he shares. TV, print and radio ads are also included.

    The 30-minute show will be aired at 8.30 pm from Monday to Friday. It will depict the untold story of the greatest conqueror of the world, Alexander and the most spirited defender of India, Porus. Set in 350 BC, the story will trace its roots to a time when India was at its glorious best and Porus resisted the first attack on Indian soil by the Macedonian legend. The chronological narrative will trace the journey from birth to the epic battle between these two warriors born on the same day but raised with completely different upbringings.

    The star cast includes Laksh Lawani, Rohit Pareek, Rati Pandey, Aditya Redij, Suhani Dhanki, Praneet Bhatt, Vishal Patni, Amandeep Singh, Chirag Jani to name a few. National award winner Chinni Prakash has choreographed an intriguing dance sequence with 400 dancers, a first on Indian TV screens.  Renowned action director, Tinu Verma will not only train but also design the action sequences. International action director of Bang Bang and Ready movie fame, Nung will oversee action sequences shot abroad. Dialogues have been penned by Vinod Sharma while Kabir Lal is the director of production.

    “We spent a lot of time on pre-production such as diction, training and recreating the golden era. A lot is riding on us given that we own the IP entirely, a first in the history of Indian television,” says Swastik Production’s Tewary. Shooting commenced in May and a bank of 15 episodes is done.

    Recently, the production house also participated in the global market for entertainment content – MIPCOM 2017 where Tewary says the response was good.

    The production house is in the talks with some international broadcasters for Porus. An announcement is expected in the coming days. It is likely that there will be a battle to grab the digital rights for Porus too.

    Both the channel and the production house have gambled big amounts on this epic narrative and it is just a matter of days before we see the product and whether it manages to blow away the minds of Indian audiences.

  • Hindi GECs don’t see many blockbuster shows today: Sony’s Danish Khan

    Hindi GECs don’t see many blockbuster shows today: Sony’s Danish Khan

    MUMBAI: The folks at Sony Entertainment Television are popping bottles of champagne! The channel has garnered the first position in the Hindi GEC urban market in week 40 of BARC data.

    Sony Entertainment Television EVP and business head Danish Khan expresses, “We are happy. We have been working towards this and KBC has been accepted very well and so have “Yeh Un Dino Ki Baat Hai” and Ganesha. We’ve lined up four-five new shows, and the calendar is filled to the brim.”

    Two years ago, Khan rejoined Sony as the business head. Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Khan shared the changes and developments he has seen in the network. He says, “The focus has primarily been to work with the right kind of people in both, the internal team and production team outside.”

    He further says, “There are three pillars of our programming mantra — the first one is novelty. Our shows must have a new element. The second aspect is to have variety. Every half an hour should capture various genres like love story, family drama and mythology, etc. Lastly, we are extremely careful about the quality of the shows. Around one to two years are given to make the best.” To encourage writers to come up with extraordinary scripts, the channel invests in this area first.

    Displaying excitement and confidence in the new shows and the team working on it, he explains the backdrop of a show. “Shooting outdoors requires planning more than finance. Show budgets have increased over the years owing to better technology — giving scale to the shows, skilled technicians and artwork,” he adds.

    Khan admits that the Hindi GEC space is very competitive. “The success percentage in Hindi GECs has gone down and there is heterogeneity in the market. Blockbuster shows that appeal to all audiences will be scarce. Ten per cent of shows are for mass viewership while the remaining 90 per cent will have its own sectored viewership.” He gives the example of “Un Dino Ki Baat,” which is a show based on the 90s and appeals to the set of audience, which grew up in that decade. Though, it is micro-targetting, the quality and variety will make a difference.

    The network has launched a number of new shows in last month that include Mere Sai, Vighanharta Ganesh, Super Dancer, KBC, Yeh Un Dino Ki Baat Hai and Kuch Rang Pyar ke Aise bhi season 2.

    The 730pm time slot was reopened, after a long hiatus, to Sai Baba. Ganesh was given the slot after that. Byhadh is aired at 830 pm, and is slated to be replaced by Porus in November. A new show “Likhenge Rishta Hum Naya” will make its way to the prime time followed by Haasil. In the pipeline are — Dus Ka Dum and Prithvi Vallabh.

    Dentsu Aegis Network South Asia chairman and CEO Ashish Bhasin vouches for Sony’s seasoned attitude in the GEC space. “Customers don’t watch channels, they watch content. If a channel can create content that resonates with the audience, it will attract eyeballs. Viewers switch between channels, which is why there are ups and downs.”

    Success rates don’t resemble what they were earlier is because of the choices available to people. But, Bhasin sees this only as a boon.

  • Sony nets 11 KBC sponsors, ad inventory almost sold out

    Sony nets 11 KBC sponsors, ad inventory almost sold out

    MUMBAI: Five days from now, when Kaun Banegi Crorepati (KBC)  fans tune into the iconic Amitabh Bachchan-hosted long-running millionaire game show)  on Sony Entertainment Television (SET) from 9 pm to 10:30 pm, they will come across quite a few innovations.

    For one, they will notice that KBC in its ninth season has been shortened to just 35 episodes with each one having a duration of between 50-60 minutes of content.  

    Then they will observe that lifelines that are provided to contestants  – when they are stumped by the quiz question put to them by Mr Bachchan – are refreshingly different.

    Instead of phone a friend,  they will be able to video a friend. A new lifeline Jodidaar (companion) has been introduced – wherein the participant can bring along a partner to join him/her on the coveted hot seat. The iconic large-sized cheques are also being replaced with digital currency which will be  transferred directly into the winner’s account via Axis Bank, keeping in mind prime minister Narendra Modi digital financial  transaction directive.

    Of  course, the show will air Monday to Friday of each week. And it’s coming on air three years after it was aired the last time in 2014.

    Produced  by the ever so loveable team of Siddharth ‘Babu’ Basu and Anita Kaul Basu for Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI),  an interesting twist has been introduced in the KBC narrative, which is likely to add a lot of excitement and drama for both participants and viewers.

    A jackpot question, which will make the contestant richer by a mouth-watering Rs 70 million – should he or she answer it correctly after he has gone past the 15 quizzing rounds successfully and won Rs 10 million – has been brought in. This will be an all or nothing deal, wherein the quizzer’s remaining lifelines will terminate. Should the contestant fail to answer the jackpot question, his or her earnings will evaporate from Rs 10 million to Rs 3,40,000.

    Says SET  EVP and business head Danish Khan: “We wanted to make KBC  pacier, with innovations being thrown in so that viewers stay engaged. People don’t have too much patience. They want a lot of action packed into one hour.”

    The  team has also paintstakingly worked on contestant selection. Says Khan: “The aim is to live up to the promise of celebrating the common Indian and his/her exemplary contribution to the society.”

    Bachchan will also invite real-life-heroes in special episodes which are to be aired every Friday. These individuals will not only be given an opportunity to play the game, but also be provided a platform to reach out to the country in support of their cause. Among the contestants who are slated to take part include  Indian women’s cricket heroes Mithali Raj and  Harmanpreet Kaur.

    Sony Pictures Networks India CEO NP Singh points out:   “KBC truly does go beyond the ordinary to touch the lives of people from all walks of life. This show has always exemplified attainment via the power of knowledge.”

    Kaun Banega Crorepati will bring the game closer to  viewers by taking the engagement a notch higher. Jio – which is title sponsoring KBC this year – subscribers can participate daily in the Ghar Baithe Jackpot Jeeto contest and stand a chance to win a Datsun redi-GO car every day. For the first time ever Jio subscribers will have the opportunity to ‘Play Along’ with the on-air game and match their knowledge with the contestants on the hot seat.

    KBC, like earlier years, has managed to appeal to a wide array of sponsors even before the show has gone on air. Which speaks volumes for its pedigree.

    11 of them, including Vivo, Jio, Ching’s, Datsun, Raymond, Axis Bank, Akash Tutorial, Big Bazar and Quick Heal have signed on the dotted line.

    “The complete inventory has been sold out. This is one of the best seasons we have had so far because we have been completely sold out before the start of the show,” says SPNI network sales president Rohit Gupta.

    Gupta revealed that only five per cent of the air time has been kept aside for advertisers wanting to get on board as the season progresses and the show gathers momentum and grows its viewership.

    “We might sell this during the Diwali  festive season to get a higher premium,” he says.

    Gupta refused to go into detail about the amount of revenues and the ad rates that have been pegged this year.

    Says he:  “Comparing  this season and the last one would be unfair as this time the number of episodes is different. But you can say that the ad rates have gone up by 15-20 per cent this year.”

    According to industry experts, Gupta and his  sales team have priced a 10 second TV spot at ₹3.5 lakh to start with, which is a growth of 20 per cent over what it was when KBC went  on air in the last season.

    Says Singh:“The new avatar you are seeing for KBC  has been guided by audience insights. The show truly does go beyond the ordinary to touch the lives of people from all walks of life. It  has always exemplified attainment via the power of knowledge.”

    Adds Big Synergy creative producer Siddharth Basu: “The huge number of registrations for a crack at the hot seat is one pointer to the enormous anticipation for the show. Along with much-loved features of the classic format, viewers can look forward to expect the unexpected this season, a turbo-charged version, with novel features, engaging contestants, and vibrant conduct by the host who’s the most – Amitabh Bachchan.”

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  • KBC’s new season crosses 19.8 mn registrations

    MUMBAI: The fervour and popularity of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), hosted by the biggest superstar Amitabh Bachchan, can be seen from the number of entries received this year.

    The whole nation went into a frenzy from the moment the first announcement was made by Big B himself on micro blogging website. Within minutes of registration lines opening, fans of the show hauled to various platform in anticipation to get a chance to be on the hot seat.

    With entries crossing 19.8 million, this season broke records of previous ones making it a maximum number of registrations made in the history of Kaun Banega Crorepati. And that’s not all! Over 51 lakh entries were received on last day, making it highest single day registration.

    Talking on the development, Sony Entertainment Television EVP and business head Danish Khan said, “The record breaking registration numbers reinforces the immense popularity KBC enjoys in our country. Year after year, the show celebrates power of knowledge with the biggest superstar of India — Amitabh Bachchan. With these astounding numbers, we are extremely bullish for this season which will be a six week, Mon-Fri season.”

  • Sony Entertainment launches historical series ‘Peshwa Bajirao’

    Sony Entertainment launches historical series ‘Peshwa Bajirao’

    MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television is bringing to television viewers the glorious life of India’s only undefeated warrior/commander — Peshwa Bajirao, his unconventional ways, his principles in life, his passion and his ideologies.

    A warrior such as him is not born; he was nurtured and raised with values& principles by his mother Radhabai and the astute strategies of war with a fearless approach to life were ingrained into him by his father Balaji Vishwanath. It was in the court of Maharaja Shahu where he learned the art of politics and diplomacy which made him a conqueror of both land and heart.

    Peshwa Bajirao’s short but impactful life makes for a riveting story.

    Sony Entertainment Television EVP & Business Head Danish Khan said, “The inspirational and compelling story of Peshwa Bajirao is relevant to our lives and times. His love for the motherland, his unconventional approach in tackling challenges and his upbringing makes for a delightful and motivational television watch. We are delighted to partner Sphereorigins’ Sunjoy Waddhwa, Nilanjana Purkayasstha and their young creative team to bring this story alive.”

    Sphereorigins CMD Sunjoy Waddhwa said, “We are very happy to be associated with Sony TV for the historical series “Peshwa Bajirao”. The show is based on the fierce Maratha warrior. The story focuses on the life of a legendary Peshwa, from his childhood to a great and fierce ‘yodha’. We have infused all the authenticity of the story on the sets, as well as in the costumes, jewellery, armour, furniture etc. We, at Sphereorigins, are excited at the launch of the show and are optimistic that the audience will enjoy it”.

    Rudra Soni, who will be seen as Bajirao, said, “I am extremely delighted to play the great warrior, Peshwa Bajirao. It is a moment of pride to be associated with this show as I was very fond of playing this character right from the time I did the movie Bajirao Mastani in which I played young Nanasaheb. I was really inspired after reading the story of Peshwa Bajirao and the Marathi legacy in depth.”

    Anuja Sathe, who plays the role of Radhabai, says, “It’s a huge responsibility to play the role of Bajirao’s mother, Radhabai, and I am sure people will like the authenticity we are offering. I am glad people are anticipating and expecting one of the most riveting story telling on Indian television and Peshwa Bajirao is going to be one.”

    Manish Wadhwa, to be seen as Balaji Vishwanath, says, “Given the grandness and victorious story of Peshwa Bajirao, the responsibility of parenting and making Baji a warrior was a challenge. I hope the audience connect with the show as a lot of effort has been put behind it.”

  • Sony Entertainment launches historical series ‘Peshwa Bajirao’

    Sony Entertainment launches historical series ‘Peshwa Bajirao’

    MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television is bringing to television viewers the glorious life of India’s only undefeated warrior/commander — Peshwa Bajirao, his unconventional ways, his principles in life, his passion and his ideologies.

    A warrior such as him is not born; he was nurtured and raised with values& principles by his mother Radhabai and the astute strategies of war with a fearless approach to life were ingrained into him by his father Balaji Vishwanath. It was in the court of Maharaja Shahu where he learned the art of politics and diplomacy which made him a conqueror of both land and heart.

    Peshwa Bajirao’s short but impactful life makes for a riveting story.

    Sony Entertainment Television EVP & Business Head Danish Khan said, “The inspirational and compelling story of Peshwa Bajirao is relevant to our lives and times. His love for the motherland, his unconventional approach in tackling challenges and his upbringing makes for a delightful and motivational television watch. We are delighted to partner Sphereorigins’ Sunjoy Waddhwa, Nilanjana Purkayasstha and their young creative team to bring this story alive.”

    Sphereorigins CMD Sunjoy Waddhwa said, “We are very happy to be associated with Sony TV for the historical series “Peshwa Bajirao”. The show is based on the fierce Maratha warrior. The story focuses on the life of a legendary Peshwa, from his childhood to a great and fierce ‘yodha’. We have infused all the authenticity of the story on the sets, as well as in the costumes, jewellery, armour, furniture etc. We, at Sphereorigins, are excited at the launch of the show and are optimistic that the audience will enjoy it”.

    Rudra Soni, who will be seen as Bajirao, said, “I am extremely delighted to play the great warrior, Peshwa Bajirao. It is a moment of pride to be associated with this show as I was very fond of playing this character right from the time I did the movie Bajirao Mastani in which I played young Nanasaheb. I was really inspired after reading the story of Peshwa Bajirao and the Marathi legacy in depth.”

    Anuja Sathe, who plays the role of Radhabai, says, “It’s a huge responsibility to play the role of Bajirao’s mother, Radhabai, and I am sure people will like the authenticity we are offering. I am glad people are anticipating and expecting one of the most riveting story telling on Indian television and Peshwa Bajirao is going to be one.”

    Manish Wadhwa, to be seen as Balaji Vishwanath, says, “Given the grandness and victorious story of Peshwa Bajirao, the responsibility of parenting and making Baji a warrior was a challenge. I hope the audience connect with the show as a lot of effort has been put behind it.”