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Tag: Deepak Dhar

  • Rise and Fall rises to the top on Amazon MX Player

    Rise and Fall rises to the top on Amazon MX Player

    MUMBAI: Talk about a reality check! Rise and Fall, Amazon MX Player’s latest digital blockbuster, has done everything but fall. The show has stormed into the record books as the most-watched series ever on the platform, amassing over half a billion views and holding its ground in India’s top OTT reality charts for six straight weeks.

    Produced by Banijay Asia, Rise and Fall threw 15 familiar faces including Pawan Singh, Dhanashree Verma, Kubbra Sait, and Kiku Sharda into a 42-day showdown of power, ambition, and strategy. Hosted by Ashneer Grover, the series saw audiences cast more than 11 million votes before crowning Arjun Bijlani as the ultimate winner.

    But the show’s real victory played out online, sparking over 10 billion social media views and a flood of memes, reactions, and fan edits. Hindi cinema and cricket stars from John Abraham to Ishan Kishan jumped on the bandwagon, amplifying the frenzy and turning the series into a cultural talking point.

    In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Rise and Fall aired daily on both Amazon MX Player and Sony Entertainment Television, bridging the gap between traditional TV and digital fandom. The result? Record-breaking engagement and a prime showcase for brands like Lux Cozi, Haier, and McDowell’s, which integrated into the narrative through clever placements and sponsorships.

    “The success and cultural impact of Rise and Fall have been phenomenal,” said Amazon MX Player director and head Karan Bedi. “It’s proof that entertainment and brand storytelling can converge powerfully to capture the nation’s imagination.”

    Banijay Asia founder and group CEO Deepak Dhar added, “This show redefined the scale and storytelling potential of Indian reality television. We wanted to blend ambition, strategy, and emotion in a format that feels fresh and globally resonant, and audiences have embraced it wholeheartedly.”

    Licensed through All3Media International and originally created by Studio Lambert in the UK, Rise and Fall has cemented itself as more than just another reality show, it’s a pop-culture phenomenon and a symbol of India’s evolving entertainment landscape.

  • Banijay Asia shoots for the stars with Thailand’s first space reality show

    Banijay Asia shoots for the stars with Thailand’s first space reality show

    MUMBAI: Space just got a primetime slot. Banijay Asia, in collaboration with SERA (Space Exploration & Research Agency) and Truevisions Now, has unveiled Race to Space Thailand, a genre-bending reality format that will see one Thai citizen catapulted from dreamer to astronaut.

    Produced by Deepak Dhar’s Creasia Studio, the show marks the first time Thailand will select and send a citizen into orbit. SERA, which partners as the backbone of the mission, will work hand in glove with Creasia to turn this ‘out-of-the-planet’ spectacle into a reality.

    “As an Indian creator, it fills me with pride to see our ideas travelling beyond borders,” said Creasia Studio Banijay Asia Endemol Shine India Founder & Group CEO Deepak Dhar. “Thailand is just the beginning. The format will soon resonate in India as well as across South East Asia.”

    For Banijay Asia, the mission goes far beyond entertainment, it’s a milestone in exporting Indian-born creativity to global frontiers. The series blends science, aspiration, and showbiz, democratising space travel and inviting ordinary citizens, regardless of background, to compete for an extraordinary chance.

    Truevisions Now’s Ongard Prapakamol called it “a gateway to global-scale content and a new frontier for Thailand,” highlighting how, for the first time, everyday Thais will be in contention for a shot at space.

    Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India Group CDO Mrinalini Jain described it as “a landmark concept that embodies aspiration, innovation, and inclusivity.” SERA co-founder Joshua Skurla added that the project would “inspire an entire nation” while confirming India is next in line for lift-off.

    With Season One ready for launch in Thailand and India’s chapter waiting on the launchpad, Banijay Asia’s Race to Space could well be reality TV’s boldest leap yet proof that the sky is no longer the limit.

  • Banijay Asia and Collective Artists Network collaborate to script India’s biggest creator-led universe

    Banijay Asia and Collective Artists Network collaborate to script India’s biggest creator-led universe

    MUMBAI: In a major move to redefine the creator economy in India, Banijay Asia, one of India’s leading content powerhouses, has joined hands with Collective Artists Network, the country’s premier talent and creator company, to launch a first-of-its-kind creator-led content and IP engine.

    This landmark collaboration will conceptualize, develop, and produce creator-first and creator-controlled properties across scripted, unscripted, branded, and digital-first formats — spanning long-form shows, short-form skits, micro-dramas, and vertical social content.

    At the heart of this alliance lies the powerful convergence of creators, content, and commerce — leveraging Collective Artists Network’s expansive creator and brand network, and Banijay Asia’s expertise in content creation and production at scale.

    The collaboration has already onboarded leading creators like Aisha Ahmed, Dolly Singh, and Kashish to develop brand-friendly content. Collective is also in active conversations with large FMCG and E-commerce advertisers to co-create high-impact, culturally resonant content that merges entertainment with brand purpose.

    Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO, Banijay Asia &EndemolShine India said: “This partnership marks a bold new chapter in content creation — where creators are no longer just participants but become the driving force behind the narrative. By joining forces with Collective Artists Network, we’re building a powerful ecosystem at the intersection of content, creators, and brands. Together, we’re setting the blueprint for the future of entertainment.”

    Mrinalini Jain, Group Chief Development Officer, Banijay Asia &EndemolShine India added: “We see this as a creator-powered revolution. The future lies in content that’s authentic, scalable, and culture-shaping — and creators are at the center of it. With Collective Artists Network’s unmatched access to talent and brands, and Banijay Asia’s storytelling DNA, we’re launching a next-gen engine that’s built for today’s platforms and tomorrow’s audiences.”

    DhruvChigopekar, Co-Founder, Collective Artists Network, said: “This partnership marks a meaningful step forward for both traditional and new-age content. Banijay has built some of India’s most iconic shows, and to see that scale and storytelling depth now extend to the creator space is exciting. What’s changing is how stories are being told, creators are becoming part of the process instead of just the output. This collaboration allows us to explore that shift thoughtfully, combining structure with spontaneity, and legacy with a fresh lens. We believe it’s a strong foundation for what the next decade of entertainment could look like.”

    What this collaboration unlocks:

    –  Launching a new destination for Collective Artists Network’s creators to tell their stories spanning scripted, unscripted, and branded formats, which are genre and platform-agnostic.

    – Talent integration into Banijay Asia’s existing IPs, opening new doors for creators to host, act, write, or contribute creatively to Banijay Asia’s broad content slate.

    –  Co-creating digital-first, short-format content, micro-dramas, skits, sketches, vertical stories, and social-first formats specifically with Collective Artists Network creators.

    –  Leveraging Collective Artist Network’s expertise to lead brand integration and sponsorship across all joint content initiatives.

    –  Developing a creator-driven content universe across Instagram, YouTube and Facebook, which then potentially expands into other platforms.

    The partnership reflects Banijay Entertainment’s global vision of aligning with creators to modernise brands, bridge the gap between creators and creatives,  and reach new audiences through culturally-resonant formats. 

  • Scripted to scale Banijay boss Deepak Dhar backs India’s big format future

    Scripted to scale Banijay boss Deepak Dhar backs India’s big format future

    MUMBAI: He may have started as an “outside classroom student,” but today Deepak Dhar is scripting the biggest chapters of Asia’s content boom. At a fireside chat during the 9th Content Hub Summit 2025, the Group CEO of Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India unpacked what it takes to run one of the most prolific content machines in the region and why India is finally poised to export formats, not just import them.

    With a staggering 800 production days of Bigg Boss alone across languages like Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bangla and Marathi, Dhar highlighted the scale and stamina needed to keep pace. “Even I don’t know how we manage to shoot 800 days in 365,” he quipped. “But that’s the opportunity India presents.”

    From reality juggernauts like Bigg Boss, MasterChef, and Fear Factor, Dhar has now set his sights on fiction with shows like The Night Manager, The Good Wife, and Trial. His move from Endemol to launching Banijay Asia stemmed from a need to detox from the “reality king” tag and reinvent. “I wanted to unlearn and start again. What excites me is the fear of the unknown,” he said.

    In Dhar’s view, the Indian content ecosystem has evolved dramatically from hyperlocal, broadcast-first formats to stories that now aim for global resonance. “Streaming has been the biggest shake-up in a good way. It’s democratised content and shrunk the world,” he said, citing the rise of global formats from countries like Israel, Korea, and Scandinavia. “Now it’s India’s turn.”

    But why haven’t Indian formats gone global yet? Dhar believes the answer lies in legacy TV habits. “Twenty years ago, we weren’t designing shows for export. Now, with OTT, that’s changing. It’s the right time,” he asserted. His goal? To see an original Indian format go global. “We’ve imported so many shows successfully. Now we need one of ours out there and we’re working on it.”

    Dhar also shared an anecdote that captures how dramatically content consumption has changed. “One Sunday, I asked my 15-year-old daughter to watch a movie. I picked up the TV remote, she picked up her laptop. That was the moment it hit me my business model was evolving in my own living room.”

    Despite the shifts, Dhar is clear-eyed about the fundamentals. “None of us knows what will click. But what we can control is the process find the right story, the right people to shoot and edit it, and the right home for it.”

    In a fragmented world of content, formats and platforms, Dhar’s formula is refreshingly simple: trust the team, stick to the process, and don’t overthink. The only real script for success, it seems, is being ready to rewrite it again and again.

     

  • APOS 2025: Banijay Asia and its grow-grow urge

    APOS 2025: Banijay Asia and its grow-grow urge

    BALI: Banijay Asia, the formidable content producer, is strategically expanding its reach into Southeast Asia, with a sharp focus on Indonesia and a ground breaking reality series that will propel contestants into space, according to a report in Variety. Group chief executive Deepak Dhar, speaking at the APOS conference, revealed the company has “already locked a couple of deals in Jakarta” for both scripted and unscripted ventures.

    This expansion includes an enhanced version of Banijay Asia’s previously announced cross-border reality show, which initially sought one Indian participant but will now search for “one Indian and finding one Indonesian who we can send to space in a Blue Origin rocket.”

    The move comes as Banijay Asia continues to scale its substantial operations in India, a market with a “voracious content appetite,” according to Dhar. He noted the company produces “800 days of Big Boss [the local version of Celebrity Big Brother] in our calendar year of 365 days,” highlighting the sheer volume of content generated.

    “The timing is right for us personally, because we’re happy in the position that we are at in India, and now we can focus our bandwidth into the rest of the region,” Dhar explained. “We are really doubling down on Indonesia and then subsequently in Thailand.”

    Banijay Asia has built a strong reputation for successfully localising international formats while also developing successful Indian originals. Its  adaptation of The Night Manager for the erstwhile Disney+ Hotstar garnered massive viewership, with a second season currently in production. The company also recently rebooted the long-running crime procedural CID, which delivered “massive strong results on Sony television” before its subsequent windowing to Netflix.

    Dhar articulated the company’s broader regional ambition: “It’s really time that an Indian story catches the fancy and attention of global audiences as well. So that’s really something that we’re excited and working towards.”

  • Level up: Banijay Asia and Nodwin Gaming partner to power up India’s youthverse

    Level up: Banijay Asia and Nodwin Gaming partner to power up India’s youthverse

    MUMBAI: In a match made in gamer heaven, Banijay Asia and Nodwin Gaming have teamed up to turbocharge India’s youth entertainment and gaming landscape. The two powerhouses have inked a strategic partnership that will see Banijay Asia take the reins of Playground — Nodwin’s flagship gaming reality show — and co-create a slew of fresh, disruptive content across gaming, esports, and influencer-led formats.

    With gaming now a full-blown lifestyle, this collaboration aims to tap into India’s ever-evolving Gen Z mindspace by fusing Banijay’s storytelling muscle with Nodwin’s pulse on the gaming community. And they’re not stopping at one franchise — the duo plans to unleash an entire ecosystem of new scripted and reality IPs.

    “This collaboration with Nodwin Gaming is an exciting extension of our vision to create content that resonates with evolving youth audiences. Gaming is not just a sport; it’s a culture, a lifestyle, and a massive content opportunity. With Playground and our upcoming IPs, we aim to redefine engagement and storytelling in this space. I look forward to the creative collaboration with Akshat Rathee, and Joost Roset who we previously worked with, in bringing iconic global IPs to India. This is an invaluable opportunity to create clutter-breaking formats in the youth and gaming space,” said Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India founder & group CEO Deepak Dhar. 

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder & managing director Akshat Rathee added, “”Youth entertainment is evolving rapidly, and our partnership with Banijay Asia positions us perfectly to lead that change. With Playground, we’ve just begun to explore what’s possible. Backed by Banijay’s global expertise, we’re now set to scale the IP across multiple languages and markets, with the ambition of building an international format. At the heart of our approach is our philosophy of ‘timeshare of mindshare.’ We’re not just creating content, we’re creating cultural moments. This is just the beginning of a bold new chapter in gaming and youth content.”

    The Rusk Media creative team — original minds behind Playground — will stay involved as the format evolves from a single show into an annual line-up of five to 10 marquee IPs. Expect more drama, more battles, and more screen time as the series expands.

    Backed by its success with Comic Con India, BGMI Masters Series, and NH7 Weekender, Nodwin Gaming is already a big player in the youth space. Now with Banijay — whose global playbook includes brands like MasterChef, Peaky Blinders, and Black Mirror — the stage is set for a full-blown format revolution in Indian gaming content.

    From stream to scream, it’s into the playground for the two. At least for now!

    (Deepak Dhar – left – and Akshat Rathee -right- pictured above. source: Banijay Asia)

  • Forensic foodie drama to simmer on Indonesian screens courtesy Deepak Dhar’s & Banijay’s CreAsia

    Forensic foodie drama to simmer on Indonesian screens courtesy Deepak Dhar’s & Banijay’s CreAsia

    MUMBAI: An unlikely pairing of forensic science and gastronomy is set to tantalize Indonesian viewers as CreAsia Studio cooks up My Chef in Crime, an eight-part drama commissioned by local streaming platform Vision+.

    The series—equal parts CSI and MasterChef—follows a disgraced forensic investigator turned chef who must clear his name after being fingered for his rival’s murder. His unorthodox application of forensic techniques to food science catches the eye of a female detective who happens to be his old school crush, setting the stage for a sizzling mix of crime-solving and culinary chemistry.

    CreAsia Studio, the brainchild of television veteran Deepak Dhar and television giant Banijay Entertainment, has assembled a pan-Asian creative team that boasts Thai producer Pornmanus Rattanavich and scriptwriter Nitikarn Pinmuangngarm, with Indonesian director Sondang Pratama stirring the pot.

    “This show is a testament to our commitment to championing innovative narratives from South East Asia,” gushes CreAsia Studio executive vice-president Jessica Kam clearly delighted with her menu of talent.  “We couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with the talented Thai and Indonesian creators as well as Vision+ to bring this groundbreaking concept to life.”

    The production appears designed to blend local flavours with global appeal—a recipe becoming increasingly fashionable in streaming circles.

    Vision+ managing director Clarissa Tanoesoedibjo seems equally gung-ho about the offering: “My Chef in Crime is exactly the kind of high-quality, engaging content that excites us,. We believe this show will set new benchmarks in the crime genre, and we are delighted to be partnered with CreAsia Studio to make it a reality ” she declares, perhaps hoping the show will help her platform gobble up market share in Indonesia’s competitive streaming landscape.

    Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India founder & group CEO Deepak Dhar added: “At Banijay Entertainment, we are always looking to push creative boundaries and redefine storytelling. My Chef in Crime is a bold, original concept that reflects our commitment to delivering premium entertainment across the region. We are confident that this unique mix of crime, food, and romance will resonate with audiences and  reinforce CreAsia Studios  position as a powerhouse of compelling storytelling.”

    Production is set to begin this summer, with the series expected to land on screens early next year. Whether audiences will develop an appetite for this unusual concoction remains to be seen, but CreAsia Studio is betting that viewers are hungry for something that breaks free from formulaic crime dramas.

    For Banijay Entertainment, which has been steadily expanding its Asian footprint, the stakes are high. Dhar calls the concept “bold” and “original”—adjectives that rarely describe television these days. But in a region where food and entertainment are cultural obsessions, combining forensic investigation with culinary artistry might just prove a recipe for success.

  • Banijay Asia secures BBC Studios’ format rights in India

    Banijay Asia secures BBC Studios’ format rights in India

    MUMBAI: The Deepak Dhar-headed Banijay Asia has been appointed as the exclusive production partner for BBC Studios’ formats in India, following BBC’s exit from local production in the market.

    The multi-year agreement gives Banijay Asia exclusive rights to BBC Studios’ catalogue of scripted and unscripted formats, including The 1% Club, Dancing with the Stars, The Office and Ghosts.

    Banijay Asia has established itself as a leading format adaptor in India, having successfully produced local versions of global hits like MasterChef, Big Brother, and more recently, The Night Manager and Call My Agent: Bollywood.

    The deal strengthens Banijay Asia’s format portfolio as BBC Studios shifts its India strategy from direct production to licensing partnerships.

     And it brings Dhar closer to his long cherished  dream and vision of making Banijay the largest format licensing and production studio  in India. 

  • Bigg Boss18 used to reveal IPL team Punjab Kings’ skipper Shreyas Iyer

    Bigg Boss18 used to reveal IPL team Punjab Kings’ skipper Shreyas Iyer

    MUMBAI: There are many synergistic benefits that the merger between Star India and Viacom18 under Reliance can  -and will-  bring. And this was  an obvious one – the low hanging fruit –but it was not expected.  An IPL team announcing its captain on an entertainment reality show.

    Yes, that did happen. And it’s kudos to JioStar vice-chairman Uday Shankar and his band of merry executives. Can’t forget our man from Endemol, Deepak Dhar and his creative bunch. And to the team which ventured to do it.

    The 12 January weekend  episode of Bigg Boss18 saw, for the first time in IPL history, the Punjab Kings unveiling their captain in a way that’s never been done before—on the Bigg Boss18 stage, hosted by none other than Salman Khan! And of course the Punjab Kings skipper was revealed to be Shreyas Iyer, the swashbuckling batsman and leader.

    “We are breaking barriers between sports and entertainment. This iconic collaboration between cricket and entertainment celebrates innovation and ambition, setting the tone for IPL 2025. Shreyas Iyer, our leader, is ready to guide PBKS to new heights,” said the Punjab Kings in a post.  

    It went to congratulate “the visionary teams at Punjab Kings and Endemol for making this happen. Satish Menon (CEO) and  Saurabh Arora (CCO).”

    Added  London-based sports consultant Anduhav Roda on Linkedin: “This unprecedented move not only captured the attention of cricket fans but also showcased a brilliant marketing strategy that leverages one of India’s largest entertainment platforms By choosing Bigg Boss18 as the stage for their announcement, Punjab Kings effectively tapped into the show’s massive viewership, reaching millions of potential fans in a single broadcast The involvement of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and the involvement of players with housemates added a layer of excitement to the announcement, making it a memorable moment for both cricket and reality TV fans This approach allowed for a more personal connection with fans, as they witness their favorite players in a familiar entertainment setting. This not only sets a new precedent for how sports franchises can engage with audiences but also highlights the growing intersection between sports and entertainment in India.”

    However, a senior media planner who was not willing to be identified said this was only possible as both the streaming and television telecast rights for the IPL are now  under one roof –that of JioStar. Says she: “Earlier it was not possible as both Viacom18 and Disney Star had to be on tenterhooks in case one objected to the other’s innovation.”

    Let’s hope the merger gives us a lot more surprises – like the one Punjab Kings did. 

  • A powerhouse move: Deepali Handa joins Endemol Shine India

    A powerhouse move: Deepali Handa joins Endemol Shine India

    MUMBAI: What does it take to lead commercials and production at one of India’s most prominent content powerhouses?

    Endemol Shine India, part of Banijay Entertainment’s global empire, seems to have found the answer in Deepali Handa.

    After an illustrious 15-year journey at BBC Studios as its commercial head, Handa steps into her new role as executive vice president with unmatched expertise in both scripted and unscripted genres.

    This move not only signals a new era for Endemol Shine India but also cements Deepak Dhar’s leadership vision of bringing in seasoned industry stalwarts to drive innovative storytelling and production excellence. With over two decades of experience in shaping content strategies, Handa’s appointment promises to redefine the creative and commercial blueprint for the company.

    Who better to steer the helm at one of the industry’s most dynamic production houses than someone who’s been a cornerstone in scripted and unscripted success stories?

    Handa’s journey and her next chapter at Endemol Shine India are stories waiting to unfold.

    Before joining Endemol Shine India, Handa played pivotal roles at BBC Studios India, where she served as head of commercials, production, and executive producer. Her extensive portfolio includes leading large-scale production operations, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving profitability through innovative strategies.

    Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India group COO, Rishi Negi expressed confidence in Deepali’s capabilities, “Deepali’s expertise and insights in both production and commercials make her a valuable addition to our leadership team. We look forward to her playing a pivotal role in ensuring we stay at the forefront of delivering quality and cutting-edge content to our partners and consumers.”

    Handa’s addition reflects Endemol Shine India’s commitment to staying ahead in the dynamic world of television and entertainment. Known for producing iconic formats such as Bigg Boss and MasterChef India, Endemol Shine continues to innovate and adapt to meet evolving audience preferences.

    Excited about her new role, Handa commented, “Endemol Shine India has made its mark and held its own, be it in big-scale unscripted format production or scripted content. I’m excited to join the bandwagon and contribute to its legacy of producing world-class content.”

    Her career showcases versatility across diverse formats, including television, films, and documentaries, underscoring her deep understanding of storytelling across mediums.

    Handa’s strategic leadership is expected to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining the high-quality benchmarks Endemol Shine India is known for. She will oversee both scripted and unscripted projects, ensuring the company continues to set industry standards.