ITV

Tag: historical

  • 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.”

  • Engaging content: Akbar Birbal folklore completes 500 episodes

    Engaging content: Akbar Birbal folklore completes 500 episodes

    MUMBAI: Big Magic is all set to create a new benchmark with the completion of 500 episodes of its marquee show Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal.

    The flagship show which features famous actors Kiku Sharda and Vishal Kotian in the titular roles of Akbar and Birbal, respectively, gained popularity within a short span of time and won the hearts of millions. India’s first-ever historical comedy aired its 500 episode on 26 September 2016.

    The show, launched in 2014, presents the folklore of Akbar and Birbal in the most humorous way. Through its interesting and engaging content, the show has not only redefined the comedy genre, but also pioneered a new genre in itself – historical comedy.

    On the successful completion of 500 episodes, a Big Magic spokesperson said, “It is a moment of pride for the entire Big Magic family, as we thank the audience for showing so much love and appreciation towards Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal and its characters. The achievement is a result of the combination of great teamwork, and more importantly great content. With every passing episode and season, we strive to formulate engaging content which ensures an enjoyable experience for the viewers. Through ‘Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal’, we hope to continue catering to the entertainment needs of a large and steadily growing audience base in future as well.”

  • Engaging content: Akbar Birbal folklore completes 500 episodes

    Engaging content: Akbar Birbal folklore completes 500 episodes

    MUMBAI: Big Magic is all set to create a new benchmark with the completion of 500 episodes of its marquee show Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal.

    The flagship show which features famous actors Kiku Sharda and Vishal Kotian in the titular roles of Akbar and Birbal, respectively, gained popularity within a short span of time and won the hearts of millions. India’s first-ever historical comedy aired its 500 episode on 26 September 2016.

    The show, launched in 2014, presents the folklore of Akbar and Birbal in the most humorous way. Through its interesting and engaging content, the show has not only redefined the comedy genre, but also pioneered a new genre in itself – historical comedy.

    On the successful completion of 500 episodes, a Big Magic spokesperson said, “It is a moment of pride for the entire Big Magic family, as we thank the audience for showing so much love and appreciation towards Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal and its characters. The achievement is a result of the combination of great teamwork, and more importantly great content. With every passing episode and season, we strive to formulate engaging content which ensures an enjoyable experience for the viewers. Through ‘Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal’, we hope to continue catering to the entertainment needs of a large and steadily growing audience base in future as well.”

  • Zee TV goes the edutainment way with Jodha Akbar

    Zee TV goes the edutainment way with Jodha Akbar

    MUMBAI: Whether it is being the first satellite television in India in 1992, or introducing non-fiction formats of singing and dance talent hunt shows that set the trend for competition to follow or producing fiction shows that address social issues in a poignant manner and drive societal change, Zee TV has been a pioneer in the Hindi GEC space.

     

    In the age of ‘on-the-go content consumption’, Zee TV has been carving a distinct niche for itself in the digital space through a slew of initiatives across its different shows over the last 5 years. Whether it is through Facebook and smartphone apps, augmented reality consoles at malls or innovations in the voting mechanism of its reality shows, Zee TV continues to be at the helm of innovation in the digital space too.

     

    Being the most widely followed and universally loved historical saga on Indian Television, Zee TV’s No. 1 showJodha Akbar has won the hearts of its viewers across India. With an unparalleled rating of 11019 TVTs last week, the show is the biggest historical ever on Indian television. Now, Zee TV takes the leadership initiative yet again and is all set to make history go digital in making its popular historical saga accessible to viewers and fans as a first-of-its-kind e-book and a mobile game.

     

    The digital rendition of India’s history opens up an exciting avenue for children who shy away from their History text-books … why just kids? How many of us adults remember the broad chapters of Indian history after having gone through the grind at school? Ensuring that its readers stay glued to it once they start, Jodha Akbar’s e-book titled‘The Zee TV Mughal Empire E-Book’ presents historical facts and figures through vibrant word pictures, an arresting narration and illustrations that entertain while educating. Starting from the times of Babar and spanning across various centuries, the e-book covers the glorious reign of Shehenshah Akbar right up to Prince Shahjahan. This entire saga of the Mughal reign in India is brought alive through this e-book.

     

    Comprising 6 mini-games, the Jodha-Akbar game has various fun, exciting elements all packed together, making it a must-have app on your phone. Challenge your knowledge about the Mughal Empire through a quiz game – The Grand Entry. Test your reflexes as you race along the battle field combating the enemy in ‘The Ride of your Life’ and ‘The Battle Royale’. ‘Fort Quest’ is a game that gives you a chance to step into the shoes of the great warrior Akbar and conquer the fort. With each threshold crossed in points your rank increases in the Mughal Army from ‘Mansabdar’ to a ‘Wazir’ to a ‘Jawaan’ and finally cross a score of 1 lac points to gain the title of the ‘Mughal Baadshah’ and unlock a secret game ‘The Nine Jewels’!

     

    Talking about launching the game and e-book, Akash Chawla – Head, Marketing – National Channels , ZEEL said, “Zee TV, has been at the forefront in the GEC space with its initiatives in the digital domain over the past 5 years. At a time when ‘on-demand’ and ‘on the go’ entertainment is the order of the day, we have been successful in providing our viewers with both, on-air as well as digital content that has kept them engrossed and engaged. While the innovative e-book packs in it the entire history of the Mughal Empire through vibrant pictorial depictions and a crisp narration, the game will test your knowledge of the Mughal era, ability to think like a warrior and transport you into the world of Jodha Akbar. While entertaining the masses with our on-air content remains our mainstay, we have gone the edutainment way while creating a digital footprint with Jodha Akbar.”

     

    Available now on Online at http://www.zeetv.com/jodha-akbar/ and on Android platforms as the ‘Jodha Akbar Game’ and ‘‘The Zee TV Mughal Empire E-Book’, the game and e-book will be available soon on the IOS platform as well. Even as the show’s popularity continues to soar on the tube, the game and e-book will get viewers of the show to experience the world of Jodha Akbar like never before.

     

    Do not miss Jodha Akbar, Every Monday – Friday at 8:00 PM, Only on Zee TV!

  • Jodha Akbar: Ekta Kapoor’s & Zee TV’s historical romance

    Jodha Akbar: Ekta Kapoor’s & Zee TV’s historical romance

    They have become the in-thing and they seem to be working just like their cousins – mythological series – are. We are referring to historical shows on television. Following closely on the heels of Sony Entertainment‘s Maharana Pratap which was launched on 27 May 2013, is Zee TV which is set to premiere the old time romantic tale of Jodhaa Akbar on 18 June at 8.00 pm. The story was interpreted on the big screen under the crafty hands of helmer Ashutosh Gowariker, and most lovers of cinema are familiar with that.

    Rajat Tokas as Akbar and Paridhi Sharma as Jodha strike a pose

    But TV czarina Ekta Kapoor says that “the beauty of Indian history remains open to perception and interpretation.” And it was this that encouraged her to take up the challenge of producing the show under the banner of Balaji Telefilms. 

    The magnum opus historical will capture the intriguing journey of love that, in fact, began with intense hatred.

    How Jodha’s love softened the hard edges of Akbar’s personality and made him a kinder, more compassionate soul forms the crux of Zee TV’s Jodha Akbar which is set to replace Rab Se Sona Ishq.

    Balaji Telefilms has churned out shows in all genres such as drama, romance, thriller, horror and even kitchen politics. Jodha Akbarmarks Kapoor‘s maiden encounter with history (if you exclude the disaster that was Mahabharat on NDTV Imagine) and she says she is ready to take any sort of criticism that comes her way.”It‘s a huge risk I am taking,” says Kapoor. “But I love taking on challenges. Balaji is the premier TV production house in the country and this will be shown through Jodha Akbar.“

    Santram Verma who has previously directed a thriller drama show titled Kaahin Kissii Roz on Star Plus and has also helmed the movieKrishna Cottage (2004) to his credit will be occupying the director’s chair for Jodha Akbar.

    Says Verma: “Viewers will get to see a very strong love story for the first time in a historical show. A similar period drama Jhansi Ki Rani on Zee was a huge success and we expect a similar response for Jodha Akbar as it has a very innovative storyline that will touch the hearts of many.”

    The brains behind the creative‘s – Sujata Rao

    Scriptwriter Rajesh Joshi is penning the epic series, following eight months of research, courtesy Bodhisattva, who is the man behind scores of historicals and mythologicals. Prakash Kapadia, who has written for films likeDevdas (2002), Black (2005) andSaawariya (2007), is writing the dialogues.

    Sujata Rao, a master of her art, and of known for her work for Jhansi Ki Rani and Veer Shivaj has been hired to creatively direct Jodha Akbar.

    Says Rao: “We are going to be a lot more different and innovative when it comes to creativity of the show. We are penetrating equally into the characters, scenes and inter-personal relationships be in terms of father who is a king and his daughter. How they behave behind the doors, how the father talks to his daughter not being a king, these things are not going to be typical. We have gone into the depth of the history. am sure the show is going to be unique in its own way. With the help of Bodhisattva, we have managed to make a good historical set for Jodha Akbar.”

    Ekta Kapoor talks about her comeback on Zee with Jodha Akbar

    Says Kapoor: “Zee is my lucky mascot. I started my career withHum Paanch on Zee. I followed withKasamh Se a huge success. The story of Jodha and Akbar is an intriguing chapter from India’s history. It speaks of love in the time of hate. It is relevant and relatable to present times as well. In India, history books are more incident-based. But we are looking at human stories, characterisations that focus on inter-personal relationships, politics, how they think and communicate.”

    Nearly 11 episodes have been filmed in scenic locations of Jaipur at Sawai Madhopur‘s Nahargarh Haveli (the schedules ran for almost a week) followed by another stint at Kolhapur and finally at the grand ND Studios in, Karjat.

    Heavy investments have been put into the sets, with lots of detailing to rightly depict Akbar’s grand ‘Diwaan-e-khaas‘, ‘Diwaan-e-aam palace‘s and ‘Jodha Mahal‘.

    Kapoor further reveals that history gives a roadmap, incidents, experiences, various dates, and a broad structure of what happened in the past. To add on further, Ekta says, the creative team has been her strength for it is they who are adding colors to the characters and relationships.

    The cast of Jodha Akbar is all set to ‘recreate‘ history

    Prithviraj Chauhan fame Rajat Tokas will be playing Akbar, while Ruk Jaana Nahin second lead fame Paridhi Sharma being his Jodha. Ekta travelled across the country and attended every audition personally to hand-pick the right actors for the roles of Jodha and Akbar.

    In the young and handsome Tokas, Ekta has found the ideal blend of boyish innocence and rugged manliness required for Akabr, says she. She adds: “He is quite mature as an actor. He is an expert in martial arts and horse riding, so he was the perfect choice for her.”

    Ekta went through as many as 7,000 auditions during the course of a nationwide hunt before she gave her final nod to the beautiful Paridhi. Other in the ensemble o the show include prominent actors such as Ashwini Kalsekar playing Mahamanga, a pivotal mother figure in Akbar’s life who saved him from the clutches of death on many an occasion. Chetan Hansraj has been chosen to portray Adham Khan, the mighty son of Mahamanga who has an eye on the Mughal throne.

    Zeel Head Content – Ajay Bhalwankar

    Zeel head content Ajay Bhalwankar states: “Our experience with Jhansi ki Rani gives us the conviction that viewers in India are curious to know more about prominent historical figures. It was a story that was received extremely well because it was told interestingly. The key objective is to highlight to our audiences the power of love and its significant role in making someone a better human being. And on top of that we have a wonderful team consisting between 800 – 1000 who have been working thick and thin for the show. So it will work very well with the audiences at large.”

    He further reveals to indiantelevision.com that the show is going to be the most expensive ever produced for Indian television right from the sets at different locations, costumes, jewellery, weapons and so on.

    Zee TV is leaving no stone unturned in terms of marketing and digital activities. The channel plans to create a virtual historical monument on Facebook giving online users a chance to immortalise their love by inscribing their and their lover’s names on the monument.

    Moreover, Zee intends to create Pinterest boards, familiarising viewers with the architecture, monuments, artefacts, clothes and jewellery from the Mughal era. To top it all, it will also organise edutainment excursions for school children where they will watch the shoot of the show and be taken on a guided tour of the Jodha Akbar sets that resemble Jodha and Akbar palaces, showcasing replicas of the same.

    The channel has tied up with the local Delhi authorities and plans to make the toll booth on the DND Flyover toll-free on 18 June in remembrance of the fact that Emperor Akbar had waived off a pilgrimage tax for all countrymen in his time. Plans are to have stalls serving sherbet outside prominent dargahs in Uttar Pradesh as a goodwill gesture on the launch day.

    Jodha Akbar is going to come up against other long-running fiction series like Balika Vadhu on Colors (2.8 TVR) and newers ones such as Anamika on Sony (0.8 TVR) and the upcoming show Meri Bhabhislated to debut on 17 June on Star Plus.

  • Prabho Shivaji Raja- The journey of great Maratha emperor releasing this year

    Prabho Shivaji Raja- The journey of great Maratha emperor releasing this year

    MUMBAI: This summer Prabho Shivaji Raja an animated epic/historical drama film based on the life of warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja is all set for its theatrical release.

    The 100 minute film has been made after two years of research and post- production challenge, with the help of renowned senior historians like Neenad Bedekar and Baba Saheb Purandere. Using historical proof, letters, document and bakhar (scripts written on Shivaji in 16th century).

    More than 2.50 lakh sketches have been used to develop fine quality animations for the film’s characters and around 9,000 backgrounds painted; combining traditional techniques of animation with a new technology to create this film. Every frame of every character is crated on a cell (PAPER) frame by frame to get accuracy in movement.

    “Animation is ideal way of storytelling and Shivaji is the ideal character for this form and we want the viewers to forget that it is a movie, a make believe world. We want it to be universal in its appeal and transcend boundaries of race, community and language and appeal to audiences in India and globally alike,” said direct Nilesh Muley.

    Prabho Shivaji Raja is produced by infinity visual and MEFAC, the film is narrated by senior actor Sachin Khedekar. Film’s music direction is by Bharat Balwali and songs sung by leading singers like Shankar Mahadevan and Swapnil Bandodkar.