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Tag: Ekta Kapoor

  • Balaji Telefilms makes two senior management changes

    Balaji Telefilms makes two senior management changes

    MUMBAI: There were further changes at Balaji Telefilms over the weekend. The company redesignated  long running group CFO and COO  Sanjay Dwivedi as group CEO. He continues to hold the CFO portfolio as well. Then, Balaji Motion Pictures EVP distribution & syndication Vimal Doshi was promoted as the COO – motion pictures. 

    With 30 years of experience covering media, entertainment and FMCG, Sanjay joined the group in 2013 as the CFO of Balaji Telefilms, functioning as a member of the core management team.. He works closely with managing director, joint managing director and the board. During his journey with the group, he has led the fund-raising activities; obtained sanction from private banks for business initiatives; saved substantial amount in tax benefits through several initiatives, including clearing of old tax claims; and manages treasury corpus, in addition to other tasks as assigned from time-to-time.  

    Prior to joining Balaji, he held senior management positions at Nimbus Communications and Entertainment Network India Limited (Radio Mirchi, part of the Times Group). He earlier worked with GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (India) and Tata Steel in the finance functions.

    In his current role, Sanjay  will be responsible for the group’s overall growth and success, will lead the company’s operational strategies, and will continue to head the finance function. 

    As  COO – motion pictures, Vimal will be entrusted with the entire operations of the movie division for existing films, new film project development, marketing operations, distribution and syndication. As in his previous role, he will continue to head revenue for distribution and syndication of films.  

    Vimal has a total work experience in the film industry of about 26 years.. He joined Balaji in 2007 as assistant manager for theatrical distribution and has distributed several films since. In 2015, he  started heading all sales for films. He has done slate deals with major OTTs, music labels and buyers like Netflix, Tips, SaReGaMa and has scripted and maintained strategic partnership with media behemoth, Zee. In  the past three years, Vimal has also looked into various co-Productions and actively manages relationship with co-producers and talents. 

    Says Balaji Telefilms managing director  Shobha Kapoor:“I am delighted that Sanjay has been promoted as the CEO. His exceptional leadership track record, deep strategic expertise, profound experience in the M&E sector and overall understanding of our business makes him an excellent fit for leading the group as the CEO and setting higher standards.   We are also excited to elevate Vimal as the COO – motion pictures to lead our films division. With exciting movies in pipeline, his extensive experience and visionary approach will foster our growth in the entertainment industry. Sanjay and Vimal have been with Balaji Group for over decades and under their leadership and guidance, I am confident that Balaji will achieve new milestones and add value for all our stakeholders.”  

     

  • zingbus teams up as official brand partner for Dream Girl 2

    zingbus teams up as official brand partner for Dream Girl 2

    Mumbai: zingbus, the largest tech-based intercity bus service provider in India, has proudly announced its captivating collaboration as the official brand partner for the movie Dream Girl 2. The sequel to the blockbuster sensation, Dream Girl (2019) is poised to unleash its magic on the silver screen, captivating audiences nationwide on 25 August 2023.

    Dream Girl 2, an upcoming Hindi comedy-drama is helmed by the visionary director Raaj Shaandilyaa and produced by Ekta Kapoor and  Shobha Kapoor under the dynamic banner Balaji Motion Pictures. The movie showcases a diverse ensemble cast, including Ayushmann Khurrana, Ananya Panday, Paresh Rawal, Annu Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Vijay Raaz, Asrani, Abhishek Banerjee, Manjot Singh and Seema Pahwa. This cinematic marvel promises to be a journey through emotions, laughter, and life’s quirks, all interwoven in a tapestry of entertainment.

    Speaking on the partnership, zingbus CEO and co-founder Prashant Kumar said – “Seizing the role of the official brand partner of a fantastic movie – Dream Girl 2, provides us with a wonderful opportunity to engage a larger audience throughout India. This partnership ignites our passion and propels us to explore new horizons. zingbus team is truly excited about this affiliation and we are looking ahead to numerous such remarkable collaborations in the times to come.”

    The strategic partnership will increase the likelihood of zingbus gaining a more significant presence in people’s thoughts and perceptions. By combining the visionary approach of the brand – zingbus with the compelling narrative of the movie, this partnership will carve an enduring mark on the hearts and minds of a diverse and widespread audience.

  • Star Plus brings back ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ after 14 years

    Star Plus brings back ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ after 14 years

    Mumbai: Star Plus has decided to stir nostalgia among its viewers this February. The broadcaster has announced that its popular family saga ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ is set to return to the television screens after close to 14 years.

    The iconic TV show which made actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani a household name for her portray of Tulsi Virani will re-run on Star Plus at 5 pm daily, starting 16 February. It will also be available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, the broadcaster announced on Twitter on Tuesday.

     

     

    Getting all nostalgic, producer Ekta Kapoor took to Instagram to share the old promo of the serial, which features Irani opening the gates of the Virani household to welcome audiences into the world of the show. Reminiscing the earlier days, Kapoor wrote, “Today, as I look back, I recall every memory, every moment that made this show a most loved one! Usi pyaar ke saath judiye is safar se dobaara. Budhvaar se, harr roz, shaam 5 baje, sirf StarPlus par.”

     

     
     
     

     
     
     
     
     

     
     

     
     
     

     
     

    A post shared by Erkrek (@ektarkapoor)

     

    The soap opera aired first aired on Star Plus on 3 July 2000 and ran till 6 November 2008 becoming one of the longest-running TV shows at that time. Set around the day-to-day affairs of the Gujarat-based Virani family, the TV show that aired between 10-11 pm on weekdays struck a chord with the masses.

    During the eight years of telecast, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi became one of the most-watched Hindi GEC shows in India, after Kaun Banega Crorepati. Featuring actors like Ronit Roy, Amar Upadhyay, Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan Tejwani, it also won the ‘Best Continuing Series’ at the Indian Telly Awards for six consecutive years (2002-2007) 

    The show took a leap in story three times including 20 years leap in February 2002, a three years leap, and again a 20 years leap in June 2006, before finally going off air in 2008.

  • Colors bolsters programming lineup with two new shows

    Colors bolsters programming lineup with two new shows

    Mumbai: Colors and Balaji Telefilms have joined hands for the sixth edition of the fantasy fiction show “Naagin” that will premiere on 12 February starting at 8 p.m every Saturday and Sunday. The channel has also announced a new fiction property called “Parineetii” set for the 14 February premiere and will air from Monday to Friday at 10 p.m.

    “I am excited to continue my long-standing relationship with Colors and strengthen it further with the launch of two new shows,” said producer Ekta Kapoor. “We began the journey of ‘Naagin’ more than six years ago and have come a long way to bring the epic story of our serpent queen in five enthralling seasons and I am elated to announce the next one. With an incredibly captivating theme, this season is going to be grander than ever. Along with Naagin, we are also launching ‘Parineetii,’ a show that depicts a beautiful yet complex hue of friendship.”

    “At Colors, it is our deep-rooted commitment to introduce variety entertainment through stories that connect with the audience,” said Viacom18 head Hindi mass entertainment and kids TV network Nina Elavia Jaipuria. “After adding an exhilarating romantic thriller ‘Fanaa- Ishq Mein Marjawaan’ to our fiction line-up, we are delighted to announce the new season of our most coveted fantasy fiction franchise ‘Naagin’ and a brand-new drama ‘Parineetii.’ With these unique new concepts, we continue with our promise to provide unlimited entertainment and hope that the viewers will connect with our stories and characters.”

    The new season of “Naagin” will feature an ensemble cast including Tejasswi Prakash, Simba Nagpal, Sudhaa Chandran, Mahekk Chahal, Urvashi Dholakia and Manit Joura. 

    “After witnessing an action-packed start to the year, we are set to raise the momentum with two new shows – ‘Naagin 6’ and ‘Parineetii’,” said Viacom18 chief content officer Hindi mass entertainment Manisha Sharma. “We are delighted to strengthen our long-standing relationship with Balaji Telefilms with these two shows helmed by none other than Ekta Kapoor.”

  • Zee Live announces fourth edition of ‘Arth – A Culture Fest’

    Zee Live announces fourth edition of ‘Arth – A Culture Fest’

    Mumbai: Zee Live, the live entertainment and IP vertical of Zee Entertainment Enterprises has announced the fourth edition of Arth – A Culture Fest. Celebrating 75 years of Indian independence, Arth will bring to its platform distinguished and globally acclaimed personalities to celebrate India’s rich culture and heritage.

    The festival can be watched Live on the YouTube and Facebook pages of Arth – A Culture Fest from 18-20 February.

    This season will witness intriguing discussions on Indian art, culture, cinema, sports, politics, and faith with eminent panelists such as Bharatiya Janata Party national vice president Baijayant Jay Panda,
    Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor and other noted personalities like Abhinav Prakash, Anand Ranganathan, Anupam Kher, Ashwin Sanghi, Avani Lekhara, Ekta Kapoor, Gautam Chikermane, Harsh Gupta Madhusudan, Hindol Sengupta, J Sai Deepak, Meenakshi Jain, Rahul Easwar, Rajat Sethi, Rajeev Mantri, Sanjeev Sanyal, Shefali Vaidya, Shubhrastha, Tusshar Kapoor, and Vivek Agnihotri, said the statement.

    This year’s edition will have topics like The evolution of Indian Cinema, Sports over the years: Cricket and beyond, Story of India’s national carrier: Air India, Indic spirituality and its role in keeping our civilization alive, and India’s role in current geopolitics etc.

    A special TV broadcast of Arth season 4 will be telecasted on close to 20 channels of Zeel including Zee TV, &TV, Zee Punjabi, Zee Marathi, Zee Café amongst others. It will showcase the brilliance of Indian culture and heritage through an ensemble of Indian dance, shayari by Kumar Vishwas, musical performances by Aman & Ayaan Ali Khan, B Praak and the team of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.

    Arth – A Culture Fest founder and Saat Saath Arts Foundation’s co-director Shreyasi Goenka said, “The main objective of Arth – A Culture Fest has always been to re-connect Indians to their roots and help them re-discover the rich legacy that our country has to offer. As India enters her 75th year of independence, we at Arth wanted to celebrate and pay homage to the various unique aspects that set our country apart from the rest of the world. In the fourth season of Arth, we have an incredible line-up of industry stalwarts coming together to discuss what gives India her true meaning.”

    “The last two years have been nothing but a learning curve for all of us. We have pivoted ourselves and come out even stronger,” stated Arth – A Culture Fest’s festival director, author and historian Vikram Sampath. “Fueled by the success of the third season of Arth – A Culture Fest, we have come back with a unique theme of celebration – A Celebration of India’s 75 years of freedom. Viewers can look forward to brilliant discussions by distinguished personalities who have represented India on a global platform in this specially curated fourth season of Arth.”

    Travelling to Kolkata and Delhi the first three seasons of Arth saw the presence of eminent leaders and speakers like union home minister Amit Shah, minister of road transport and highways of India Nitin Gadkari, union minister for women and child development Smriti Irani, and other noted personalities like Subramanian Swamy, Asaduddin Owaisi, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Gaur Gopal Das, Imtiaz Ali, Raveena Tandon, and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

    The previous editions also hosted eminent personalities from the media and advertising fraternity like Piyush Pandey and Prasoon Joshi. Manoj Muntashir, Amish Tripathi, Aanchal Malhotra, Ruskin Bond, Sudha Murthy, Ashwin Sanghi, and Mandira Bedi were also present.

     

  • Ekta Kapoor and Roposo launch creator-led consumer brand EK

    Ekta Kapoor and Roposo launch creator-led consumer brand EK

    Mumbai: Entrepreneur and entertainment industry personality Ekta R Kapoor and Glance-owned Roposo on Wednesday announced the launch of home decor, home furnishing and wellness brand, EK. This is the first label to be launched by Roposo through Glance Collective, a joint venture company between Glance and Collective Artists Network.

    EK’s catalog includes home furnishings (bed linens, cushion covers, drapes, table runners), home decor (wall art, vases, serving ware), and spiritual and wellness products (dhoop burner, hamsa, evil eye jewellery) reflecting Ekta Kapoor’s unique style.  

    “EK is my way of empowering local artisans, who are striving to preserve Indian heritage and culture through their art,” said Kapoor. “The partnership with Roposo is very exciting since it will ensure that their work reaches consumers in every corner of the country through the technology, scale, and distribution backbone of platforms such as Glance and Roposo. It will also help in amplifying the deep knowledge of wellness our country possesses, making it relevant and accessible in today’s world.”

    The EK collection is inspired by India’s rich cultural heritage and wellness traditions and has signature products that incorporate both traditional and contemporary design elements. Crafted with the intent of filling the buyer’s home with positive energy, these products are made with soothing materials, fabrics, motifs, fragrances, and colors that are known to have positive emotional effects on their users, said the statement.

    Many of EK’s products are created in collaboration with local artisans across the country, as part of the mission to promote and preserve the legacy of India’s fine craftsmanship, it added.

    “Our intention is to partner with celebrities and creators in the creation of brands that reflect their unique persona, and that is what we are doing with EK. We are delighted to be associated with Ekta Kapoor and to be launching the first label in this vertical,” said InMobi Group (which owns Glance) founder and CEO Naveen Tewari. ”Through the combined user base and live commerce technology of platforms like Glance and Roposo, EK will reach millions of consumers in India.”   

    “Ekta is a defining personality in pop culture and has majorly influenced trends with her content over several years. Her authentic style, backed by the scale of Glance and Roposo Platforms makes this collaboration a truly unique and exciting proposition for consumers,” added Collective Artists Network group CEO and founder Vijay Subramaniam.

    The products are available on worldofek.com, Glance Lock Screen, and Roposo.

  • ALTBalaji direct subs up 69% YoY; half-yearly revenue at 34cr

    ALTBalaji direct subs up 69% YoY; half-yearly revenue at 34cr

    Mumbai: Balaji Telefilms announced its financial results for the quarter and half year ended 30 September 2021.

    Selling 2.9m subscriptions during H1Fy22 (vs 1.7m in H1FY21) ts streaming platform ALTBalaji reached a current active direct subscriber base of over 1.45m. This excludes subs on partner apps. Direct subscription revenues stood at Rs 34cr vs Rs 24cr. ALTBalaji contributed Rs 39cr to the half-year Group revenues at Rs 141cr

    The platform added nine shows in the half-year taking the overall library to 87. Some of the hits launched in H1Fy22 include Punchh Beat Season two, Broken but Beautiful season three, and Cartel. ALTBalaji continues its strategy of driving deeper audience engagement through differentiated content targeted at mass India.

    During the half-year, the TV business produced 363.5 hours of content across seven shows for four broadcasters. Five new shows have been lined up, and should commence shortly, it said.

    Movie business also resumed production. With five projects in the pipeline, the company said it is making good progress, even as it waits for the availability of theatrical launch windows. Deals across direct to digital are also being explored. As part of its strategy, it continues to control investments in movies and pursue pre-sales and co-production deals where feasible.

    Balaji Telefilms Limited MD, Shobha Kapoor said, “ALTBalaji continues to drive subscription growth. We added 2.9m subscriptions during the half-year. We added nine shows in the half-year and now have a very strong lineup for the rest of the year. Our strategic content-sharing deals will ensure we maintain control on the cash spends while driving overall profitability.”

    Commenting further on the TV and movies business, she added, “Our TV business has shown good recovery in terms of production hours and we hope to improve this momentum as five new shows commence. In the movie business, production for some of the exciting projects are at various stages of completion and we are closely monitoring the availability for theatrical releases as well and direct to digital launches. Overall, the year has started well and we will build on this momentum through the year.”

  • ZEE TV to launch new show ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’ on 3 August

    ZEE TV to launch new show ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’ on 3 August

    Mumbai: ZEE TV is all set for the launch of its new show ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’ on 3 August. The show will air every Monday to Saturday at 8.30 pm only on ZEE TV.

    Coming from the stable of Balaji Telefilms, ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’ follows the journey of Lakshmi through the changes that come in her life on moving to Mumbai from Punjab after her parents’ demise. While Lakshmi is a true believer in God’s plan and the power of goodness and destiny, Rishi is a flamboyant and practical businessman. The story unfolds as these two completely opposite characters meet in a twist of fate. The show features actors Aishwarya Khare and Rohit Suchanti in the lead roles as Lakshmi and Rishi.

    The show launch was preceded by a social media initiative centred on the theme #NekiKiDor which is in tune with Lakshmi’s selfless character. Through the initiative, Lakshmi encouraged netizens to come forth and do a simple good deed every day by helping someone and spreading positivity.

    “Our collaboration with Balaji Telefilms is a time-tested one with some of television’s most precious gems having come out of our joint synergies. From ‘Hum Paanch’ in 1995 to ‘Kumkum Bhagya’ and ‘Kundali Bhagya’ that still continue to rule people’s hearts on our primetime, we continue to co-create content that strongly resonates with our audiences,” said ZEE TV business head Aparna Bhosle.

    Commenting further on the new launch she added, “Our latest labour of love is a story about someone selfless in a selfish world – a girl who believes in prioritising the needs of others above her own and expects little in return. The audience will root for destiny to treat her kind as we all want to see good things happen to those who live a life of good values and good karma. But is life always that simple? Viewers can tune in to find out!”

    Bhosle also shared that ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’ – the new addition to ZEE TV’s primetime – is only the first of “several exciting new content offerings coming up this festive season”.

    Talking about Lakshmi’s character, Balaji Telefilms’ producer, Ekta Kapoor stated, “Lakshmi is one of the purest souls we have worked on as a character in a long time. She represents inherent goodness – neki, a value that’s perhaps diminished in people’s vocabulary over the years, but it shouldn’t. As mankind, we’ve been through a lot lately and some of the toughest times have a way of bringing forth shining examples of kindness and benevolence. We’ve all read stories of people who went out on a foot during the pandemic and helped others in need. Lakshmi’s a lot like that. And when you see someone like that, you fall in love with them and want to see life presenting them with good ‘bhagya’ (destiny). Aishwarya Khare with her endearing sincerity and warmth is the right fit for Lakshmi and Rohit (Suchanti) will win hearts as always with his role as the flamboyant, practical, and dashing Rishi.”

    “While Lakshmi and I are different personalities, I feel there is a very strong connection between both of us and that is our common belief in Karma,” said Aishwarya Khare. “Just like Lakshmi, I truly believe that you get what you deserve in life, and selflessness and kindness towards others always attract the blessings of destiny. Lakshmi’s story is very different from some of the characters I have portrayed until now, which makes the whole process even more exciting.”

    Rohit Suchanti remarked, “I believe Bhagya Lakshmi brings forth a very unique story, something very distinct from what we have seen on television till date. My character Rishi is a very grounded and practical person who believes in shaping his life his own way. He believes in working hard, but also knows how to celebrate those victories. There is a lot of similarity between us, and I am sure I am going to have a lot of fun exploring this character.”

  • Balaji Telefilms onboards Nachiket Pantvaidya as group CEO

    Balaji Telefilms onboards Nachiket Pantvaidya as group CEO

    Mumbai: Balaji Telefilms on Tuesday announced the appointment of Nachiket Pantvaidya as the group chief executive officer. He will be responsible for the overall growth and success of the group’s profit and loss of operations.

    Pantvaidya moves on from Asianet News Media & Entertainment, where he was the managing director. This would be Pantvaidya’s second stint with Balaji Telefilms post his brief exit in March. Before Asianet, he held the position of Balaji Telefilms’ group COO and ALTBalaji CEO.

    Commenting on the development, Balaji Telefilms’ MD, Shobha Kapoor stated, “We have an excellent camaraderie with Nachiket, and we welcome him back into the family. His proven track record of groundbreaking work is sure to continue in his second stint with us as well. I wish him all the best for this new beginning.”

    Balaji Telefilms’ joint MD, Ekta Kapoor added, “Nachiket is an experienced professional and I look forward to once again teaming up with him and doing stellar work. On the growth of the overall Group.”

    Pantvaidya said, “It’s a homecoming for me with Ekta and team, however with a larger mandate now. I am looking forward to planning a roadmap for further accelerated growth of Balaji Telefilms group.”

    Pantvaidya comes with a rich experience of over 20 years of experience in the mass and urban mass media business. His portfolio includes huge brands like Star, Sony, Disney, and BBC, to new a few. 

  • Team ‘Pagglait’ reunites for a three-film deal

    Mumbai: Following the success of “Pagglait”, Balaji Telefilms’ Ekta Kapoor and Sikhya Entertainment’s Guneet Monga have joined hands to sign director Umesh Bist for a three-film deal. The Netflix film released in March was Sikhya Entertainment and Balaji Telefilms’ first co-production.

    Commenting on their renewed partnership, Balaji Telefilms’ creative producer and executive VP Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh said, “Pagglait resonated with Indian audiences in unimaginable ways. Everyone found a connection with the story and that is Umesh’s biggest strength. Furthermore, the film established equity between Balaji and Sikhya and we’re thrilled to come together to tell stories that are both emotional and entertaining, stories that find their way to the hearts of the audience.”

    Sikhya Entertainment’s founder and CEO Guneet Monga said, “I still remember the day I met Umesh sir. His vision for his stories is unmatched and it is inspiring to see his faith and commitment to a project. Team Balaji has been a delight to work with and we at Sikhya are looking forward to this collaboration. We went through so many amazing experiences together that it feels quite natural to continue this partnership.”

    Speaking about this extended collaboration, filmmaker Umesh Bist shared, “It all started when I first met Guneet in 2018 and there’s no looking back since then. As a filmmaker, all you want is a collaborative ecosystem where the team puts all their might into doing the best for the movie and I am glad I found this in Sikhya and Balaji. The trust they put in a director is rare. As partners, they add on to each other’s strong points, I am excited to take this journey forward with them.”

    The team is soon expected to announce the first project from this deal.