Tag: EndemolShine India

  • 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. 

  • EndemolShine India dives into branded entertainment, teams up with Mediascope

    EndemolShine India dives into branded entertainment, teams up with Mediascope

    MUMBAI: EndemolShine India, the content behemoth under Banijay Entertainment, is stepping into the branded entertainment arena, forging a strategic partnership with marketing agency Mediascope. This move is all about turning brand integration and advertiser-funded programming (AFP) into must-watch storytelling.

    In a world where brands crave authentic connections, EndemolShine India’s creative might meets Mediascope’s brand partnership expertise to build content that isn’t just about visibility — it’s about narrative. Branded entertainment will now be baked into original IPs, creating stories where brands play leading roles.

    Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India group chief operating officer Rishi Negi (pictured above) summed it up: “As the media landscape evolves, brands are seeking more organic, immersive ways to connect with audiences. Branded entertainment sits at the intersection of storytelling and strategy — and that’s where we thrive. With our strong creative engine and Mediascope’s expertise in brand partnerships, we’re excited to build a powerful branded content ecosystem in India.”

    EndemolShine India  EVP & head of content strategy Trevellyn Fynn added: “Branded entertainment allows us to design narratives that audiences choose to engage with while giving brands a compelling, purposeful role in the story. With this partnership, we’re bringing together strategic thinking and creative ambition to tell stories for and with brands in India.”

    For Mediascope, the partnership is a chance to harness EndemolShine’s storytelling prowess. Mediascope CEO & founder Marzban Patel noted:  “Branded entertainment lies at the heart of how brands build emotional resonance in the current media landscape. This isn’t just about visibility; it’s about creating stories that audiences genuinely seek out, where the brand plays a meaningful and lasting role in the narrative. EndemolShine India brings world-class storytelling and scale, and at Mediascope, we see this as a powerful opportunity to help Indian brands forge deeper, more nuanced connections with audiences.”

    The tie-up also syncs with Banijay Entertainment’s global push in branded entertainment, fuelled by its Banijay Branded Entertainment (BBE) division, which is already crafting brand-led content across markets. Expect a slate of original branded IPs from this powerhouse duo, blurring the line between storytelling and strategy.

  • BB Marathi is most talked about in Maharashtra after politics & cricket: Endemol Shine’s Ketan Mangaonkar

    BB Marathi is most talked about in Maharashtra after politics & cricket: Endemol Shine’s Ketan Mangaonkar

    Mumbai: In the vibrant realm of Bigg Boss Marathi, where drama meets cultural resonance, the latest season has captivated audiences like never before. With a commitment to simplicity and relatability, the show’s creators have masterfully intertwined Marathi sentiments into every twist and turn, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. This season introduces groundbreaking elements like the Dilemma Room and the game-changing Pay to Stay, pushing contestants to their limits and elevating the stakes. As social media buzz amplifies viewer engagement, the innovative hosting of Riteish Deshmukh added a refreshing energy that connects deeply with audiences.

    Indiantelevision’s Suman Baidh caught up with EndemolShine India project head and creative director Ketan Mangaonkar to discuss the innovative strategies behind the latest season of Bigg Boss Marathi, exploring how they’ve enhanced viewer engagement, integrated cultural elements, and introduced exciting twists that keep audiences eagerly anticipating each episode.

    On specific strategies that you use to maintain viewer engagement and excitement throughout each episode of the season

    We try to maintain simplicity and relatability in every task or activity keeping in mind Marathi sentiments and culture. Also, what gives each episode the extra edge is the twists and turns that we bring into the mix. In short, it’s the unpredictable factor of “What is going to happen next?”, that has helped us get viewer engagement.

    On some key surprises or unexpected elements that have been particularly well-received by the audience this season

    This season we introduced a new room i.e. The Dilemma Room, where the contestant was put into a conundrum of choosing between a benefit for the house or gaining an advantage for themselves which not only kept the contestants second guessing our every move but also the viewers. Another factor that has had the biggest impact this season is the concept of ‘Pay to Stay’, wherein the contestants had to pay for basic essentials such as usage of beds, bathrooms and groceries as these had been taken for granted in the previous seasons. ‘Pay to Stay’ made the game tough for the contestants as they had to make compromises between the luxury of having a comfortable bed to sleep on or having a decent meal by being able to buy groceries.    

    On the role of digital platforms evolving in the promotion and interaction for this season compared to the previous season

    We believe that in Maharashtra, after politics and cricket the most talked about topic is Bigg Boss Marathi. All thanks to the social media platforms like Facebook, X and Instagram. This season though has seen a growth in the fan pages, be it the personal fan pages of the contestants or public fan pages about Bigg Boss Marathi. Due to the discussions and polls held on these pages, Bigg Boss Marathi has become a top trending topic not only on social media but a vast number of households across India. Also, the huge number of memes and reels posted by the fans of the show has been a driving factor in promoting the show further.    

    On specific feedback from viewers led to significant changes or enhancements in the show’s content this season

    A lot of viewers in the past felt that the contestants were having an easy time because they were living a lavish life, with access to all the luxuries in the house. Some even went far enough to state that the contestants seemed like they were on a picnic. Hence, we decided to change direction moving away from the classic format and introducing new elements that would be seen as obstacles for the contestants making the show more exciting.    

    On integrating Marathi cultural elements into the show’s format and storytelling to make it resonate more with local audiences

    We design our tasks and activities based on a lot of Marathi folklore, children’s stories, songs and culture which makes the show relatable to the Marathi audience. Also, themes from our day-to-day routine like using the ‘Chul’, and trying to get a ticket for the ST bus during the Ganapati festival to reach their home town are just a few examples of the themes that we have used that have resonated with the viewers.

    On most challenging tasks or activities designed for the contestants, this season and these challenges influence the show

    This season we reduced tasks and activities that involved endurance and physical activity and focused more on tasks that tested the contestant’s mental fortitude. Activities like ‘The Dilemma Room’ and tasks like ‘Lie Detector’ and ‘Guess the Animal’ are just a few examples that tested the contestant’s patience and intelligence. This shift broke the monotony and brought on board a lot more viewers in comparison to the previous seasons.  

    On Riteish Deshmukh’s approach to hosting differed from past hosts and new elements that he brought to the show

    Working with Mahesh Manjrekar for the previous four seasons was a humbling experience but this year we decided to change the host as we were moving away from the classic format to a new format. Having Riteish Deshmukh as the current host has brought in new energy and freshness to the show. He not only understands the essence of the show but also the pulse of the audience. Riteish maintains sophistication and elegance while hosting the show and has been brilliantly addressing critical situations and mistakes of the contestants on ‘Bhaucha Dhakka’ (Weekend Episodes).      

    On innovative concepts or themes are being explored to ensure the show remains fresh and engaging for future seasons

    This year we introduced a new theme ‘Chakravyuh’ with the tagline “If you know the game, you don’t”. We not only incorporated the theme in our tasks and activities but also in the house design which made the house look different from the previous seasons giving it a more modern look and feel. This season we have set a benchmark wherein we delivered content that exceeds our audience’s expectations which has set a tone for future seasons.  

    On selecting contestants and this selection process’ evolution over the seasons

    This show showcases different personalities and searching for the right mix of people is the biggest task while making the show. There is a tremendous amount of research and interview processes that a single celebrity must go through to become a contestant on the show.  

    On methods that you employ to keep the production smooth and efficient while adapting to the continuous demands of a daily show

    More than three hundred people working in shifts over a period of a hundred days, making it possible to ensure the smooth running of the show. We are lucky to have a skilled and technically proficient team which makes it easy to meet the continuous demands of this daily reality show. But all this has been possible due to the continuous support and backing of the group leaders Deepak Dhar and Rishi Negi.

  • Bigg Boss Kannada 11 to premiere on 29 September

    Bigg Boss Kannada 11 to premiere on 29 September

    Mumbai: Colors Kannada is launching season 11 of Bigg Boss, one of India’s biggest reality shows. The premiere will air on 29 September at 6 pm, with daily episodes following at 9:30 pm and on Jio Cinema. This season features a ‘Hell and Heaven’ theme, where contestants are divided into two groups—one enjoying luxury and the other facing challenges without basic amenities.

    For the first time, contestants will be revealed before the show’s launch during the Raja Rani Reloaded Grand Finale on 28 September, where viewers will decide who goes to hell and who enters heaven. Kiccha Sudeep will return as host, bringing his experience and leadership to the show. This season will feature a diverse mix of celebrities and influencers, with a larger Bigg Boss house designed for elaborate games and tasks, promising drama and unexpected moments.

    Kiccha Sudeep said, “Ten seasons has been an incredible journey. Stepping into the 11th season is altogether an additional responsibility. With a refreshed format and a new concept, this season is not just another chapter—it’s a legacy we’re all building together. I’m excited for the newer lot.”

    Viacom18 president- general entertainment Alok Jain said, “Bigg Boss has always been a trailblazing property in the media and entertainment landscape, consistently breaking through the clutter with its dynamic, engaging content that resonates across languages and regions. As one of the most impactful franchises on television, it captivates millions with its high-voltage entertainment and unmatched viewer connection. Our aim is to always delight audiences and keep our promise of bringing new and exciting content to our viewers in Karnataka. This season of Bigg Boss Kannada introduces the exciting ‘Hell and Heaven’ theme, foretelling a thrilling experience for our audiences. We’re also thankful to our brand partners for being part of journey. Their association is a testament to the show’s reach and success across the region.”

    Banijay Asia and EndemolShine India founder and group CEO Deepak Dhar said, “We are excited to bring the 11th season of Bigg Boss Kannada to our viewers, packed with high-energy entertainment and drama, with the iconic Kiccha Sudeep returning as host. The overwhelming love and support from our audience year after year has driven us to raise the bar for the show once again. Our continued partnership with Colors Kannada and JioCinema promises another successful season to our beloved audiences in India & beyond. At EndemolShine India, our focus is to tailor engaging formats like Bigg Boss to resonate with linguistic & cultural preferences across regions. We are confident that this season will not only entertain but engage and thrill viewers, as Bigg Boss Kannada continues to grow stronger each year.”

    Bigg Boss Kannada Season 11 is co-powered by Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil, with special partners Sadguru Ayurveda Gram Flour Soap, Sudarshan Silks, Haier, Nirantara Divine Puja Oil, India Gate Basmati Rice, A23 Rummy, associate partner Hangyo Ice Cream and Amrutanjan, along with prize partner Confident Group and digital partner Vimal Elaichi and Sharief Bhai Biryani.

    Viewers can enjoy Bigg Boss Kannada episodes for free on Jio Cinema the day after they air, catching all the action free of cost.

  • EndemolShine India’s Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 achieves record-breaking viewership

    EndemolShine India’s Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 achieves record-breaking viewership

    Mumbai: EndemolShine India’s Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8, which launched on 1 September 2024 on Star Maa and Disney+ Hotstar, has achieved a record-breaking viewership in its launch week. With superstar Nagarjuna returning as the host for the sixth consecutive time, the premiere episode garnered an impressive 18.9 TVR (Hyderabad), solidifying the season’s place as a record-breaking hit. In its first week, the show saw a remarkable 5.9 billion minutes of viewing, setting a new benchmark in the history of Bigg Boss Telugu.

    Commenting on the overwhelming success of the launch,  EndemolShine India EVP and head of content, Telugu and Kannada Tabassum Jalib said: “We are thrilled by the phenomenal response to Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8. The numbers speak for themselves, and it’s a testament to the deep connection the format has with audiences across Telugu-speaking markets. Nag sir’s charisma and the show’s dynamic format, featuring unexpected twists and turns, continue to captivate viewers, making this season’s launch our most successful to date.”

    She further added, “With the continued partnership between EndemolShine India, Star Maa and Disney Hotstar,  we are confident that this season will continue to push boundaries and deliver extraordinary entertainment week after week. We look forward to sustaining this momentum and engaging audiences with fresh & dramatic content as the show progresses.”

    Bigg Boss (an adaptation of Big Brother) remains one of the most successful reality franchises of EndemolShine India. In India, Bigg Boss has established itself as a cultural phenomenon, with multiple regional versions such as Bigg Boss Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Telugu—each with its unique fanbase and regional appeal, achieving milestones year after year.

    As Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 continues, viewers can expect more surprises, drama, and engaging entertainment that has kept the franchise thriving for years.

  • Sony LIV to adapt Emmy-nominated series ‘Million Dollar Listing’ for Indian Audience

    Sony LIV to adapt Emmy-nominated series ‘Million Dollar Listing’ for Indian Audience

    Mumbai: Sony LIV, a pioneer in delivering innovative unscripted content with hits like Shark Tank India and MasterChef India, is now venturing into another unique groundbreaking format: the Indian edition of the Emmy-nominated series Million Dollar Listing. As per the press release, this new show will shine a spotlight on India’s most desirable homes and provide an inside look at the creation and acquisition of the country’s dream properties.

    Produced by Banijay Asia, Million Dollar Listing: India marks the second international version of the format and joins the ranks of successful editions of cities such as LA, New York, Miami, San Francisco, and Dubai. In each of its editions, the series follows the lives of cities’ best and most aggressive real estate professionals as they navigate the high-stakes world of selling multi-million-dollar properties in exclusive neighbourhoods. Each episode keeps up with the savvy realtors, as they juggle multiple demands and keep their professional lives afloat trying to secure the next big deal. The first city to get highlighted in the India edition is New Delhi.

    As India rapidly rises to become one of the world’s top consumer markets, luxury living is now a reality for many, driven by the aspirations of the affluent population. The show highlights a previously unseen side of modern India, appealing to all demographics and age groups.

    Million Dollar Listing is licensed globally by NBCUniversal Formats, a division of Universal International Studios, which is part of Universal Studio Group.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

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    Sony LIV and StudioNext business head Danish Khan said, “After the runaway success of Shark Tank and Masterchef, we at Sony LIV are delighted to bring Emmy nominee ‘Million Dollar Listing’ to India. This show will offer our audience a unique glimpse into the desire, details, and negotiations involved in buying and selling the country’s most luxurious dream homes. Relevant, aspirational, and never seen before – we are quite confident that our audience will love this show.”

    NBCUniversal Formats SVP formats sales & production Ana Langenberg said, “Bringing Million Dollar Listing to India is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the aspirational world of luxury real estate in a market that appreciates success and ambition. Partnering with Sony LIV and EndemolShine India on the second international version of this format ensures the series will connect with audiences who share a passion for extraordinary properties and bold lifestyles. We can’t wait to see how this series resonates in such a vibrant and diverse country.”

    Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India group chief operating officer Rishi Negi said, “We are thrilled to bring the global success of Million Dollar Listing to India, which marks an exciting new chapter in our long-standing collaboration with Sony LIV. As we bring this award-winning series to India, we are proud to offer a fresh and dynamic portrayal of the country’s booming real estate landscape. This show will not only reflect the aspirations of a rising new India but also introduce a completely new format that resonates with the evolving tastes of our diverse audience. At Banijay Asia, we are committed to expanding our content portfolio by continuously pushing creative boundaries, and Million Dollar Listing: India is another step towards redefining reality television in the country.”

  • Nadiadwala Grandson & Banijay Asia team up for series and films

    Nadiadwala Grandson & Banijay Asia team up for series and films

    Mumbai: In a major development for the Indian entertainment industry, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment (NGE), led by the visionary filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala, and Banijay Asia (part of Banijay Entertainment), the production powerhouse led by Deepak Dhar, have created a strategic collaboration to create original series and films as well as adaptations of popular international hits, to usher in a new era of premium content for Indian audiences.

    Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment founder Sajid Nadiadwala expressed his excitement saying, “At NGE, we have` always strived to deliver top-notch entertainment to the Indian audiences and partnering with Banijay Asia to create cutting edge content across genres and formats is a thrilling venture for us. Our vision has always been to push the boundaries of entertainment, and this partnership is a significant step towards achieving that goal. This is just the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership with Banijay Asia, and we look forward to this creative synergy”.”

    Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India founder & Group CEO Deepak Dhar commented: “We are excited to partner with Sajid Nadiadwala, a visionary whose contributions to Indian cinema are unparalleled. He has given audiences hit franchises like Housefull, Baaghi, and Kick, as well as content-driven films like Chhichhore and Super 30. His dedication to filmmaking and his ability to connect with the Indian & global audiences makes this partnership an interesting one. This collaboration further reinforces our commitment to produce high-quality content that resonates with audiences across the globe. With Sajid’s creative vision and our expertise in content creation, we are poised to set new benchmarks in the world of entertainment”.”

    Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India group chief development officer Mrinalini Jain said, “Partnering with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment offers a unique opportunity to blend our strengths in content development with Sajid Nadiadwala’s cinematic vision. His unparalleled expertise and creative vision are invaluable assets in this collaboration which represents a shared commitment to creativity, innovation, and storytelling excellence. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of entertainment by delivering compelling originals and adaptations that captivate audiences in India and worldwide”.” 

  • Deepak Dhar launches CreAsia Studio and appoints Jessica Kam-Engle

    Deepak Dhar launches CreAsia Studio and appoints Jessica Kam-Engle

    Mumbai: Banijay Asia and EndemolShine India founder & group CEO Deepak Dhar today announced Banijay Asia’s strategic expansion into South East Asia, with the formation of a new entity – CreAsia Studio. With a focus on local collaborations to create local originals and produce local Banijay IP adaptations, he announced the appointment of CreAsia Studio as the EVP & business head Jessica Kam-Engle. She will report to Deepak Dhar, and be responsible for driving business strategy and growth in the key markets of South East Asia – Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. An established Film/TV producer and studio executive, Jessica has more than 20 years of experience working in the region, with brands like Disney+, HBO Asia, Warner Media Entertainment Networks, MTV Networks/Viacom, MGM Gold Network, Dow Jones Newswires, Celestial Pictures

    Talking about the development, Deepak said, “Given Jessica’s unparalleled experience in the Asian market, Banijay’s global IPs and marquee concepts, exciting local collaborations and a focus on India as a production hub for the region, CreAsia Studio is our next growth engine.” He further added, “We’re confident of Jessica’s leadership to steer us towards a leading presence in the region. Her appointment is also a testament to our commitment to tapping into newer markets and diversifying our portfolio in the vibrant South East Asian entertainment sector.”

    Talking about her new innings, Jessica Kam-Engle said, “It’s my privilege to join the  Banijay family, and I am excited to lead the strategic expansion in South East Asia. There are vast opportunities to develop local and global IPs with the pool of creative talent from this region, leveraging Banijay’s world-class content production expertise and its global distribution clout.  I am looking forward to exciting collaborations with key players in the region.”

    Jessica was most recently head of content and development for Disney+ in APAC, during which she commissioned more than 60 scripted and non-scripted original series across the region with notable commercial hits including Korean dramas Moving, Big Bet, and Connect; Japanese live-action Gannibal; Chinese series Taiwan Crime Stories, Delicacies Destiny; and Bahasa series Wedding Agreement, Mendua, Call My Agent, Teluh Darah. In 2017-2021 Jessica was Head of Original Production for HBO Asia overseeing its original productions across Asia in 10 languages, including TV series like Workers, Invisible Stories, The Talwars: Behind Closed Doors, Folklore, Food Lore, Grisse, The Teenage Psychic 2, and feature film The Garden Of Evening Mists. Prior to HBO, she was an independent film producer, based out of Beijing and Hong Kong from 2008 to 2016, during which time she produced 10 feature films including the critically acclaimed The Piano in a factory.

    This latest move complements Banijay’s existing activity and presence in the region driven by its global distribution operation, Banijay Rights, which continues to handle format licensing across the region in collaboration with Dhar and the team.

  • EndemolShine India’s Bigg Boss Telugu breaks all records

    EndemolShine India’s Bigg Boss Telugu breaks all records

    Mumbai: Bigg Boss Telugu Season-7, telecast on Star Maa and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar achieved ground-breaking success in its latest season. Owned and produced by EndemolShine India (part of Banijay), the format exceeded all earlier viewership ratings and market-share in the Telugu speaking markets. Hosted by the Superstar Nagarjuna, the season’s finale in Hyderabad (SD+HD) had a remarkable 21.7 rating with a staggering 78% market share, the highest for any season. Across the overall Telugu-speaking market, the show reached the finale rating of 19.3 (HD+SD).

    Commenting on the success, EndemolShine India creative head (Non-fiction) Tabassum Jalib said, “We’re all extremely excited with this season’s performance. The introduction of the ‘Ulta Pulta’ concept, an innovative twist within the show’s format, played a crucial role in maintaining high engagement levels. The strategic addition of five new contestants in a spectacular ‘level up’ event during the sixth week infused fresh energy and intrigue, keeping the audience captivated.” She further added, “Setting new benchmarks in Season-7 is a testament to the format’s robust and cross-segment appeal. Kudos to the teams at EndemolShine India as well as Star Maa for delivering another blockbuster season.”

    Bigg Boss (an adaption of Bigg Brother) is one of the most successful franchises in global entertainment, and plays out in over 45 territories every year. In India alone, there’s 5-6 editions of Bigg Boss every year, playing out across languages, across geographies, and across platoforms – Bigg Boss Hindi, Bigg Boss Telugu, Bigg Boss Tamil, Bigg Boss Kannada, and Bigg Boss Malyalam.

  • Prime Video to premiere Mission Start Ab on 19 December

    Prime Video to premiere Mission Start Ab on 19 December

    Mumbai: Prime Video has announced the premiere of its original reality series Mission Start Ab. The first-of-its-kind competitive series will focus on grassroots entrepreneurs in India, and take their stories of determination, resilience and unwavering perseverance to global audiences in 240+ countries and territories with its worldwide premiere on the service on 19 December. The series has been conceptualized and developed in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, with the objective of discovering entrepreneurs from diverse corners of India, and empowering them to create the next potential Unicorns. The series features three of India’s most knowledgeable and experienced investors—Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal and Titan Capital), Anisha Singh (She Capital), and Manish Chowdhary (Wow Skin Science)—who not only act as judges and investors, but also step in as mentors to guide and nurture contestants to sharpen the skills needed to scale their startups. Hosted by Masaba Gupta and Cyrus Sahukar, Mission Start Ab is executive produced by Indrajit Ray, directed by Srimanta Senguptta, and is an Endemol Shine India production. Mission Start Ab is the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members in India enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership for just ₹1499/ year.

    Mission Start Ab brings together a diverse array of new-age startups and entrepreneurs spanning sectors such as robotics, fintech, edtech, health and wellness, technology-enabled marketplaces. The series offers viewers a front-row seat to the dynamic innovation and development taking place at the grassroots level in India. It explores the unique stories of these founders coming from modest backgrounds, showcasing bold aspirations, cultivated skills, personal sacrifices, and their vision to tackle real world challenges. Through a series of intense tasks, interactive exercises, and one-on-one mentorship sessions, the show not only prepares these ten entrepreneurs to not only turbo-charge their made-for-India innovations, but also serves as an invaluable guide for aspiring innovators across the country.

    “At Prime Video, we strive to be a force for good for the country. Through our multiple skill-development initiatives, including the Letter of Engagement signed between Amazon and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, we have worked towards developing talent that can directly and indirectly contribute to the nation. We are incredibly excited to collaborate with the Office of the PSA, Government of India, on Mission Start Ab, a series that leverages the power of entertainment to encourage all Indians to be audacious and bold with their ambitions,” said Prime Video India country director Sushant Sreeram. “Unlike any other entrepreneurial reality show, this series goes beyond financial support, providing invaluable mentorship and guidance from India’s top tier investors. Through challenges that are designed to hone their business acumen and cultivate critical problem-solving capabilities, Mission Start Ab is poised to ignite the aspirations of numerous young Indians, propelling them towards their entrepreneurial dreams.”

    Talking about the show Rishi Negi, EndemolShine India group COO Banijay Asia said, “Mission Start Ab goes where no series has ever gone before. It seeks to inspire, engage, and entertain viewers through stories of real people who are bringing a change at the grassroots level with their innovations. Through the 10 founders, audiences are taken on a journey that makes them privy to their dreams and struggles, and the path they have had to chart to bring their ideas to fruition. At the same time, the insightful advice from the three judges, who also act as mentors, serves as the guiding light for all those seeking to bring their vision to life. We are certain that the show will break barriers, and challenge everyone to dream and dare to try.”