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Tag: Khatron Ke Khiladi

  • How ‘Bigg Boss’, ‘Chhoti Sardarni’ are driving Colors to the top

    How ‘Bigg Boss’, ‘Chhoti Sardarni’ are driving Colors to the top

    MUMBAI: Reality TV shows have practically dominated television in recent years, but do channels really benefit by airing cost-intensive, star-studded, high-impact shows?

    Colors Hindi – the GEC from the Viacom18 stable – seems to know the answer. And the answer is Bigg Boss.

    In its thirteenth season, the Salman Khan-hosted show has once again helped the channel reclaim the top position in BARC India week 45 ratings in HSM urban prime time slot, with decent help from Chhoti Sardarni, which that completed 100 episodes earlier this month.

    Launched on 29 September, Bigg Boss opened with a viewership of 6.9 million, making it the second-best launch in the category (year to date FY20 – YTD FY20). However, as the show progressed and viewers got familiar with the new contestants in its latest edition, its viewership saw a positive rally. Within six weeks of its launch, Biggg Boss has already reached 139 million viewers across India, according to data provided by the channel team.

    In the latest two weeks – BARC week 44 and week 45 (26 October to 8 November) – data for which is available, Bigg Boss has emerged as  the number 1 non-fiction show on weekends and the undisputed slot leader on weekdays with 27 per cent market share in HSM Urban 2+ and 29 per cent market share in AB 15+ category.

    Bigg Boss is not only leading its slot  (weekdays 2230 to 2330; weekends 2100 to 2200) but its huge-viewership during the last two weeks has also helped Colors regain the much-coveted number 1 spot in the crowded Hindi GEC market, according to channel data. 

    On the weekends, however, as seen in the picture above, Bigg Boss is facing stiff competition from Sony’s Indian Idol and The Kapil Sharma Show.

    Speaking on the success of Bigg Boss Season 13, Viacom18 chief content officer Hindi mass entertainment Manisha Sharma says: “Bigg Boss is doing very well – its popularity has only increased with the years. It opened with a viewership of 6.9 million on HSM Urban and has already reached over 140 million Indians, which is a very big number. On digital as well, the show is getting amazing numbers.  It’s the second-best launch this year in non-fiction shows.”

    Notably, Bigg Boss has also helped Viacom18 in getting more eye-balls on Voot. “Voot had nearly 60 million monthly users. But since the launch of Bigg Boss, that number has shot to 80 million. Bigg Boss Kannada is also getting a lot of traction on Voot,” reveals Sharma.

    She is also upbeat about reality shows despite the high-input capital required in their production.

    “Reality shows are high-impact properties and almost every network in the world is investing in them. They generate a lot of impact and grab eyeballs, which attract big sponsors. Colors is doing very well with its impact properties. There is Bigg Boss, Fear Factor – Khatron ke Khiladi, Rising Star, and Dance Deewane. All these shows are doing very well.”

    Colors ratings, however, have also been helped by a decent performance by Chhoti Sardarni. Based in a small village, Choti Sardaarni narrates the story of Meher, who is fighting for the rights and safety of her child. It has emerged as the number 1 show on Colors and is also a slot leader (weekdays 1930-2000), cornering a whopping 40 per cent market share in HSM Urban during BARC India week 42 – week 45. The show consistently features in the top five  fiction shows and became the number 1 fiction show in BARC India week 43 (17 October to 25 October).

    “Chhoti Sardarni has become the slot leader in its category within a short span of four months. It has finished 100 episodes but it feels like we have just started. The lead character, Meher already features in Ormax’s Top five loved characters and it happens to be the fastest character to enter the top 10 most loved characters across India on the Ormax characters India loves study. This is a testament to how much its characters are being loved by the viewers,” Sharma adds.

    Together, these two shows have helped Colors reclaim the top spot in Hindi GEC in week 45. Overall, from week 38 to week 45, Colors was the number two channel in Hindi GEC Urban category. 


     
    The Hindi GEC is a crowded space with the likes of Sony Entertainment, Sony SAB, Zee, Star Plus and Colors slugging it out for the top spot. While Colors was at the top spot in week 45, Sony and Star Plus aren’t much behind. In fact, all three channels (Sony, Star and Colors) have been at the top in Hindi GEC during the last two weeks, a testament to the tough competition in this category.

    Sharma has no qualms in acknowledging the tough competition in the Hindi GEC category.

    “Competition is tough in Hindi GEC but the stakes are even higher because of the size of the market. In a category like infotainment, the competition might be less, but then, revenue generation is also limited. On the contrary, Hindi GEC, despite being a highly-competitive and sometimes scary space, is a fun place to work as the size of the market is such that just the success of two to three  shows can guarantee you RoI,” she adds.

    For now, Bigg Boss and Chhoti Sardarni, are proving to be just that. And while Bigg Boss can only run for a limited time, Sharma is clear that Chhoti Sardarni has a long way to go.

    “Good shows like Kumkum and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai have run over 1000 episodes. We have similar plans for Chhoti Sardarni,” she adds. “The Hindi speaking market is very aspirational and I think our shows will be able to capture that sentiment.”

    Her tack seems to be working so far. And it can only mean a more colourful time for Colors in the days ahead. 
     

  • Khatron Ke Khiladi returns with the 9thseason, hosted by Rohit Shetty – Promises to be the most thrilling season yet

    Khatron Ke Khiladi returns with the 9thseason, hosted by Rohit Shetty – Promises to be the most thrilling season yet

    MUMBAI: In the wilderness of Argentina, 12 daredevil challengers must test their grit and give the best ‘performance’ of their lives being totally unprepared. An amalgamation of thrill, adventure, courage, entertainment and a whole lot of fear, COLORS brings to you the 9th season of stunt-extraordinaire show, MARUTI SUZUKI – ARENApresents “Khatron ke Khiladi”. With Jigar pe triggeras the theme the series will see Rohit Shettyonce again don the mantle of the Host and the Stunt-Architect in this journey. Produced by Endemol Shine Indiathe show will premiere on 5th January and will air every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm only on COLORS.

    With the God of Action Rohit Shetty headlining the show, the contestants will be pushed beyond their comfort zone to face their most dreaded fears and emerge victorious. The season will see an eclectic mix of celebrity contestants take up the most daring challenges and throw a curve ball at the viewers with their steely resolve. Whether it is Bigg Boss famed Vikas Guptaand Sreesanth, dance sensation Puneet Pathakor the lissomeShamita Shetty, every contestant will fight to win the coveted title. Joining them are TV’s first lady of comedyBharti Singhwith husband Harsh Limbachiya, television beauties Jasmine Bhasin, Ridhima Panditand Avika Gorand the heartthrobs of the small screen Aly Gony, Zain Imamand Aditya Narayan. Together, the audacious khiladiswill battle it out in Argentina braving high intensity stunts under Rohit Shetty’s instructions.

    Nina Elavia Jaipuria – Head, Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network, Viacom18, said, “Khatron Ke Khiladi is one of our most awaited properties and even after 9 years, this marquee showcontinues to pique viewer interest and engagement. The iconic show with its edge of the seat and thrilling stunts has proven to be a motivation foreach of its celebrity contestants who face their greatest fears in this challenging show. We are sure that this edition of this high-octane action adventure reality series will bring to life unmatched scale and pulse racing challenges that is sure to enthrall our viewers.”

    Speaking on the launch,Manisha Sharma, Chief Content Officer, Hindi Mass Entertainment said,“Khatron Ke Khiladi is one of our most awaited shows.”Over the years it has proven to be a motivation for the celebrity contestants to face their fears. We have a very interesting mix of contestants this season. The most unusual suspects like Bharti Singh and Sreesanth who have challenged themselves to fight their fears head on. Every year we work meticulously to scale up the show and ensure that it allures rural and urban viewers alike. Argentina has always been a tough terrain. That coupled with tough tasks, minus temperatures, nerve wracking stunts along with the company of deadly animals, creepy crawlies makes this show a great disrupter. Rohit Shetty is a natural host which makes the show even more entertaining.”

    Ace Director Rohit Shetty, who has become synonymous with the show, having hosted 4 out of the previous 8 seasons, said, “The untamed terrains of Argentina, the high intensity of stunts and the brave hearted contestants is what this season is all about. After the last season, this time we have taken the stunts to a new level which will challenge the contestants and make them test their boundaries. I am confident that the show will keep the viewers on the edge of their seats and they will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making each contestant perform their stunts”

    Abhishek Rege, CEO, Endemol Shine India said, “Khatron Ke Khiladi is one of Endemol Shine India’s most loved and popular shows on Colors. With every new season we ensure that we push the boundaries of action and entertainment and make the show larger than life. Season after season, it is thrilling to see the contestants revel in overcoming their fears despite the extremity of the challenges and coming out more confident than ever with every new stunt. This year our khiladis will battle it out in the raw and unexplored milieus of Argentina. Watch them jump from higher heights, dive into deeper waters and face innumerable phobias making it the most exciting season you’ve ever witnessed”.

    Mr. R.S Kalsi, Senior Executive Director, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited commented, “We at Maruti Suzuki have been continuously evolving our marketing initiatives to target our core audience effectively. With the expansion of the new Maruti Suzuki Arena channel, we are driving towards a more dynamic and youthful imagery. With our associations, we aim to connect with the ever changing mindset of today’s youth. We have now partnered with Khatron Ke Khiladi which resonates with our brand proposition of performance and is an apt fit with consumers who are individualistic, experiential and like to challenge themselves”

    Watch the contestants experience new challenges that will force them to redefine their definition of fear, forever. MARUTI SUZUKI – ARENApresents “Khatron ke Khiladi”premiers on 5thJanuary 2019and will air every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm.

  • Deepak Dhar bids adieu to Endemol after a decade

    Deepak Dhar bids adieu to Endemol after a decade

    MUMBAI: After 11 years of being with Endemol Shine India, managing director and CEO Deepak Dhar has resigned from his position. 

    Dhar has contributed greatly and ruled the world of TRPs with some of the most talked about shows like Bigg Boss and Khatron Ke Khiladi.

    A source close to the development has confirmed the news to Indiantelevision.com 

    Dhar joined Endemol in 2006 as a creative director and later he was promoted as managing director in 2008. In April 2012, he was promoted as managing director and CEO of the production house.   

    Prior to joining Endemol, Dhar worked with Star Network as group head for five years. He also worked for three years with MTV as senior producer. 

  • Jeep Compass drives into Khatron Ke Khiladi – Pain in Spain

    MUMBAI: Khatron Ke Khiladi, hosted by Rohit Shetty and powered by Jeep Compass, will thrill the audience from 22 July 2017, every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 pm on Colors.

    To fight fear, one must face it head-on, go through innumerable encounters and use courage and determination as ammunition to conquer it. 12 apprehensive contestants made their way to Spain, where they were challenged with harsh weather and extreme stunts on a difficulty meter that was soaring high.

    Reigning God of Action Rohit Shetty redefined Darr at every step for the contestants with death-defying manoeuvres and nail biting acts that promise to take viewers on an unprecedented adrenalin-filled ride. However – the mere mortals who were at Rohit’s command had their own stories tell – Rithvik Dhanjani, Karan Wahi and Ravi Dubey’s notorious antics; Shibani Dandekar, Geeta Phogat and Monica Dogra’s unusual friendship; Manveer Gurjar’s devil-may-care attitude; Nia Sharma and Shantanu Maheshwari’s never-ending swag; Hina Khan’s musical shenanigans; Shiny Doshi’s innocence and Lopamudra Raut’s make-up woes have become this season’s biggest talking points! And now, they’re all set to share their action-packed experience.

    Produced by Endemol Shine India, this season of Khatron Ke Khiladi will be a true journey of fears and daredevilry, filled with edginess and anxiety that will show Spain and the khiladis in new light!

    Commenting on the launch of the newest season of the show, Raj Nayak, COO – Viacom18 said, “Be it Rising Star or India Banega Manch, we strive to raise the bar of reality shows on Indian television; Khatron Ke Khiladi has been a flagship show on Colors and we are looking forward to this edition that promises edge of the seat entertainment for the whole family. We would also like to welcome, for the first time, Jeep Compass as the powered by sponsors; we hope that this association will help create strong brand synergies.”

    Host Rohit Shetty not only played the role of a taskmaster enhancing the contestants’ troubles but also served as a disciplinarian keeping a constant check on their performances. The exceptional chemistry amongst the contestants will see them motivate each other to cross the finish line for every task and also make way for quirky moments that will keep the audience entertained throughout the season.
    Quirk Alert!
    • Geeta Phogat’s powerhouse talent punches
    • Quipster Hina Khan’s singing talent
    • Rithvik Dhanjani, Ravi Dubey and Karan Wahi’s notoriety
    • Nia Sharma, Monica Dogra, Shibani Dandekar and Lopamudra Raut’s oomph overload
    • Beasty boogie master Shantanu Maheshwari
    • Desi tadka Manveer Gurjar style
    • Shiny Doshi’s bling-alicious tales

    Elaborating, Manisha Sharma, Programming Head – Colors said, “Viewers always look forward to new destination every year and Spain is touted to be one of the most adventurous and beautiful destinations. With the return of Rohit Shetty and new mix of contestants we will raise the bar of the show. This season’s contestants have proven to be a surprise package, especially the women; they’ve been go-getters whose energy levels and sharp minds have made them formidable competitors. With all the parts of the puzzle fitting in perfectly, we are all set to roll out an edgier and entertaining extravaganza called Khatron Ke Khiladi!”

    Speaking about his experience as the host, Rohit Shetty said, “Returning to Khatron Ke Khiladi after 2 years, I was prepared to increase the intensity of stunt levels to challenge the contestants and they’ve risen to the occasion and proven to be serious contenders. Their never-say-die attitude was impressive, especially their dedication to give 100% for every stunt. I am confident that this season of Khatron Ke Khiladi is going to surpass all previous ones.

    Deepak Dhar, Managing Director & CEO – Endemol Shine India further added saying, “Khatron Ke Khiladi is a colossal entertainer which presents the viewers with never seen before action. This year too we have amped up the stunts for the contestants. With every new season the team at Endemol Shine scales up the energy to bring alive the true essence of fear through high intensity visuals and to take viewers on an unprecedented joyride.”

    Colors has planned a series of marketing initiatives across print, cable and DTH, radio, electronic media, OOH, and social media platforms to promote the show. On the digital front, the channel has planned exclusive bloggers meets and experientials for the online community, as well as contestant-driven social media challenges. A specially created Khatron Ke Khiladi smart app on Facebook will give viewers updates about the show and their favorite contestants. Additionally, customised Spain postcards will be posted on Colors’ social media platforms to keep viewers updated about the stunts’ destination every week.

  • Colors’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ invests Rs 70 cr so far, Shetty & team leave for Spain on 17 May

    Colors’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ invests Rs 70 cr so far, Shetty & team leave for Spain on 17 May

    MUMBAI: Action director-producer Rohit Shetty is back on Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi wherein 12 daredevil (jaanbaaz) Khiladis will test their fear quotient in Spain.

    Twenty episodes of ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ have already been lined up to be telecast on Viacom18’s Colors channel which is accessible in over 90 per cent television households in India. Around Rs 60-70 crore has already been invested in the show of dare-devilry, it has been reliably learnt by www.indiantelevision.com.

    ‘Pain in Spain’ is the theme of the new season of the biggest action=packed reality show on Indian television, for which celebrities will be travelling to Spain on 17 May.

    The show will showcase action from the land of flamenco, fiesta and folklore – Spain, this year. Shetty makes a comeback after a year to host the upcoming season.

    Produced by Endemol Shine India, the beautiful terrains of Spain are all set to turn into a battleground with never-seen-before stunts as Khatron Ke Khiladi preps up to premiere this monsoon.

    Speaking about the newest edition, recently promoted Viacom18 COO Raj Nayak said, “Both the seasons that Shetty hosted earlier yielded rich dividends. This time, with an exotic destination like Spain and carefully handpicked contestants, we are sure the show will become a blockbuster.”

    Living the ‘pain’ in Spain on Khatron Ke Khiladi will be 12 enthusiastic khiladis who will taste fear at every step of their journey on the show. The handpicked khiladis include internationally acclaimed wrestler Geeta Phogat, Bigg Boss’s common man champion Manveer Gurjar, bold and daring Shibani Dandekar, Lopamudra Raut, Monica Dogra and Nia Sharma, charming actors Ravi Dubey, Karan Wahi and Rithvik Dhanjani, television beauties Hina Khan and Shiny Doshi, and hip-hop king Shantanu Maheshwari.

    Together, these jaanbaaz khiladis will battle not only Spain’s unpredictable spring weather, but also specially curated stunts that will challenge their limitations.

    Said Manisha Sharma, Programming Head – COLORS, “The line-up this year is very promising and the fact that we must take the show to its next level is very challenging. With Shetty back, we have tried to custom-make stunts going by the playout of the previous seasons. Shetty too has his own ideas of frying this new bunch of contestants! The season is truly going to be Darr Ki Nayi Definition. The viewers will have a blast watching the Dangal girl – Geeta Phogat fight in a new battleground, daily soap bahu – Hina Khan test new waters out of her comfort zone, and have other television heartthrobs, Bigg Boss winners, singers and anchors prove their mettle against fear.”

    Shetty, said, “Muchas gracias, Colors for having me back on Khatron Ke Khiladi. Spain has some amazing locations that can truly test the daredevilry of the khiladis. With Colors and Endemol, together, I’m hoping we create another blockbuster experience for all. Colors has picked up some excellent contestants this season and like the viewers, I’m looking forward to know them and test their fear quotient.”

    Deepak Dhar, Managing Director & CEO – Endemol Shine India said, “With Khatron Ke Khiladi, Endemol Shine India continues to push the threshold of action, drama, and entertainment, on a grander scale with every passing year. Our constant endeavor is to redefine the notion of fear while creating a wholesome entertainment experience. This year, Spain will form the perfect setting for the stunts that we have planned. It’s going to be a fear-filled ride; Khatron Ke Khiladi will explore uncharted avenues of ‘Darr’ this season.”

    As Khatron Ke Khiladi’s 12 unsuspecting khiladis depart for Spain with Shetty, they will be faced with a mix of stunts featuring not only heights, water, creepy crawlies and wilderness, but also some of the wildest experiences that will change their perspective of fear altogether!

  • Only two cases of vulgarity and indecency on reality TV shows reported to Government in last two years

    Only two cases of vulgarity and indecency on reality TV shows reported to Government in last two years

    NEW DELHI: Only two instances have come to the government over the past two years of vulgarity and indecency in reality shows on television, and both relate to Colors.

    Answering a question in Parliament today, Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley however ruled out any guideline to check such trends as he said “the existing provisions contained in the Programme and Advertising codes and the existing mechanism are considered adequate to regulate content including reality shows on TV channels”.

    In the first case relating to Bigg Boss Season-7, Colors had been issued an advisory on 26 March 2014 and a warning was issued on 8 January last year on the second case relating to “Fear Factor Khatron Ke Khiladi-Dan Ka Blockbuster” when the channel was asked to run an apology scroll.

    The Minister said in reply to a question that the content telecast on private satellite TV channels including reality shows of different genres is regulated under the cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and cable Television Network Rules, 1994 framed there under. The Act does not provide for pre-censorship of any programmes and advertisements telecast on such TV channels.

    However, it prescribes that all programmes and advertisements on such TV channels should be in conformity with the prescribed programme code and Advertising code enshrined in the Act and the rules framed there under, which contains a whole range of principles to be followed by these  channels including the reality shows carried thereon.

    He said the Government has set up Electronic Media Monitoring centre (EMMC) to review the content of private TV channels in the contest of violation(s) of programme and Advertising Codes.

    An Inter-Ministerial committee (IMC) has also been set up in the Ministry to look into the specific complaints or suo-motu take cognizance against the violation of programme and Advertising codes and appropriate action is taken as per cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act’ 1995, if any violation if established.

    This Ministry also issues advisories to TV channels from time to time on various issues, which are also relevant to reality shows. These are available at Ministry’s website www.mib.nic.in.

    In addition,the  National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has formulated the ‘Guidelines for Media Reporting on children, which have been circulated by this Ministry among ail TV channels/NBA,/IBF on 23 November 2012. The guidelines lay down provisions to be followed by broadcasters/producers in case child participants are taken in their shows.

    Besides, as part of its self-regulating mechanism, Indian Broadcasting Foundation which is a representative body of non-news & current affairs TV channels, has set up the Broadcasting content Complaints Council (BCCC) headed by retired High Court judge Mukul Mudgal to examine complaints about television programmes. BCCC has also issued some Advisories on various issues related to reality shows to their member channels, which are available at their website i.e. www.ibfindia.com.

    The Programme code, inter-alia, provides that no programme should be carried in the cable service which (i) offends against good taste or decency; (ii) contains anything obscene, defamatory, deliberate, false and suggestive innuendos and half truths; and (iii) denigrates women through the depiction in any manner of the figure of a women, her form or body or any part thereof in such a way as to have the effect of being indecent, or derogatory to women, or is likely to deprave, corrupt or injure the public morality or morals.

    Action is taken against defaulting channels whenever any violation of the said codes is noticed or brought to the notice of the Ministry.

  • Only two cases of vulgarity and indecency on reality TV shows reported to Government in last two years

    Only two cases of vulgarity and indecency on reality TV shows reported to Government in last two years

    NEW DELHI: Only two instances have come to the government over the past two years of vulgarity and indecency in reality shows on television, and both relate to Colors.

    Answering a question in Parliament today, Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley however ruled out any guideline to check such trends as he said “the existing provisions contained in the Programme and Advertising codes and the existing mechanism are considered adequate to regulate content including reality shows on TV channels”.

    In the first case relating to Bigg Boss Season-7, Colors had been issued an advisory on 26 March 2014 and a warning was issued on 8 January last year on the second case relating to “Fear Factor Khatron Ke Khiladi-Dan Ka Blockbuster” when the channel was asked to run an apology scroll.

    The Minister said in reply to a question that the content telecast on private satellite TV channels including reality shows of different genres is regulated under the cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and cable Television Network Rules, 1994 framed there under. The Act does not provide for pre-censorship of any programmes and advertisements telecast on such TV channels.

    However, it prescribes that all programmes and advertisements on such TV channels should be in conformity with the prescribed programme code and Advertising code enshrined in the Act and the rules framed there under, which contains a whole range of principles to be followed by these  channels including the reality shows carried thereon.

    He said the Government has set up Electronic Media Monitoring centre (EMMC) to review the content of private TV channels in the contest of violation(s) of programme and Advertising Codes.

    An Inter-Ministerial committee (IMC) has also been set up in the Ministry to look into the specific complaints or suo-motu take cognizance against the violation of programme and Advertising codes and appropriate action is taken as per cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act’ 1995, if any violation if established.

    This Ministry also issues advisories to TV channels from time to time on various issues, which are also relevant to reality shows. These are available at Ministry’s website www.mib.nic.in.

    In addition,the  National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has formulated the ‘Guidelines for Media Reporting on children, which have been circulated by this Ministry among ail TV channels/NBA,/IBF on 23 November 2012. The guidelines lay down provisions to be followed by broadcasters/producers in case child participants are taken in their shows.

    Besides, as part of its self-regulating mechanism, Indian Broadcasting Foundation which is a representative body of non-news & current affairs TV channels, has set up the Broadcasting content Complaints Council (BCCC) headed by retired High Court judge Mukul Mudgal to examine complaints about television programmes. BCCC has also issued some Advisories on various issues related to reality shows to their member channels, which are available at their website i.e. www.ibfindia.com.

    The Programme code, inter-alia, provides that no programme should be carried in the cable service which (i) offends against good taste or decency; (ii) contains anything obscene, defamatory, deliberate, false and suggestive innuendos and half truths; and (iii) denigrates women through the depiction in any manner of the figure of a women, her form or body or any part thereof in such a way as to have the effect of being indecent, or derogatory to women, or is likely to deprave, corrupt or injure the public morality or morals.

    Action is taken against defaulting channels whenever any violation of the said codes is noticed or brought to the notice of the Ministry.

  • Colors promises mischief & danger in ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi;’ Arjun Kapoor to host

    Colors promises mischief & danger in ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi;’ Arjun Kapoor to host

    MUMBAI: Colors is bringing season 7 of the popular reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi in a new makeover — from the location to the show’s flavour to the host. Actor Arjun Kapoor will be making his television debut as the show’s new host. So far, the show has seen three different hosts namely Akshay Kumar (Season 1, 2, 4), Priyanka Chopra (Season 3) and Rohit Shetty (Season 5, 6).

    The 20 episode season of Khatron Ke Khiladi – Kabhi Peeda, Kabhi Keeda, produced by Endemol Shine India, is expected to air in the first quarter of 2016 with the action packed and stunt heavy scenes being shot extensively in Buenos Aires, Argentina over the next couple of months.

    Speaking about his television debut, Kapoor said, “I love action in all its forms. Be it daredevil stunts or intense action sequences in my films. The thrill and adrenalin rush, which accompanies a well-planned stunt is an experience that cannot be put into words. With  Khatron Ke Khiladi, I’m not only going to be performing stunts, but will also be involved in designing them and watching them come alive. And with the ‘peeda’ and ‘keeda’ concept, I’m definitely looking forward to having some mad fun with the contestants in Argentina.”

    Colors CEO Raj Nayak added, “With the second season of 24 also lined up around the same time, scheduling Khatron Ke Khiladi is a big challenge for us right now. The dynamics are such that we can’t keep waiting to start shooting for KKK. It’s a new location and we want to wrap up the 50 odd days shoot by the end of this year, ideally before the holiday season sets in.” Without locking in on exact specifics, Nayak confirms that the show will air in the 8 – 9 pm time slot.

    Endemol Shine India MD Deepak Dhar said,“This season Khatron Ke Khiladi – Kabhi Peeda, Kabhi Keeda will be a gruelling challenge for the contestants. We are all set to design 60 different stunts for them in Argentina. With Arjun Kapoor hurling the challenges to the band of daredevils, this year, the fun, action and entertainment quotient will explode.”

    This year’s 14 contestants who will face their fears headlong are Tanishaa Mukherji, Sidharth Shukla, Vivan Bathena, Sana Saeed, real-life television couple Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij, model Parvathy Omanakuttan, Indian hockey player Yuvraj Walmiki, telly actors Aishwarya Sakhuja, Tina Dutta and Himanshoo Malhotra, and dancing stalwarts Faisal Khan, Mukti Mohan and Raghav Juyal.

    Going by the show’s history, every time a new host has been introduced, be it Chopra for season 3, or Shetty in the last couple of seasons, they have added their own element to it. Shetty’s stunt heavy last two seasons are still fresh in our memories. So what has Arjun Kapoor to offer?

    “Keeping the action part intact, we are going for more fun and mischief this season, and we think Arjun as a host completely fits the bill,” gushes Nayak. “He will bring in his quintessential sense of humour and happy-go-lucky attitude to this edition of Fear Factor India. He has already added a bit of his flavour by suggesting the term ‘Keeda,’ which we have now added to our tagline for this season.”

    Nayak also adds that the actor’s endearing quality is expected to appeal to not just the Gen Z but the mothers in the family as well, thereby opening up the show to a broader demography.

    Speaking of demographics, Nayak appeared unfazed by the change in ratings after the rural data has been published by BARC India, which has seen free to air (FTA) channels like Zee Anmol and Star Utsav giving stiff competition to networks’ flagship Hindi GECs.

    “As far as Colors is concerned, our focus is LC1 and urban population. We are not focusing on rural India. We want to remain India’s premium Hindi entertainment channel, so the rural data hasn’t bothered us. There will be no change in our content strategy. If rural happens by default, it’s a different thing but we can’t be tweaking content for two Indias. It can only be either or and we have made our choice,” says Nayak.

    From a business perspective as well Nayak informs that Colors stays unaffected by the new ratings. “Advertisers spend maximum money in LC1 and urban India, and truth be told, we are here to do a profitable business, and sticking to our current content strategy seems to be doing just that,” he stated.

    Having said that he doesn’t dismiss the prospect of advertising spends going up in the rural areas either. “We will obviously have a strategy to tap in that by focusing in rural with our second channel Rishtey. We will tweak its content to meet rural requirements and strengthen it further,” he informed.

    The channel will unleash a 360 degree marketing campaign with some focus on on-ground activation. “Right now, one can’t do without using all the mediums at their disposal. But the focus areas changes with the content of the show. With KKK there is a lot of scope for on-ground activations and engaging marketing. Digitally you can do a whole lot of things. Having Arjun Kapoor also gives us that advantage as he is tech savvy and social media friendly. He understands the language,” Nayak shared.

    The show has also kept up with this tradition of getting big names as sponsors with the title sponsor being Tata Motors this season. The channels is also in talks with other brands for ‘powered by’ sponsor and association sponsors, which will soon be revealed.

  • Saurabh and Vivek launch dance championship ‘Born 2 Dance’

    Saurabh and Vivek launch dance championship ‘Born 2 Dance’

    KOLKATA: East India’s biggest dance championship –‘BORN 2 DANCE – One Chance one Dance’ is a championship, where people from a few districts of Bengal like Medinipur, Durgapur, Barrackpore, Sreerampore and Siliguri and few nearby states like Orissa, Jharkhand, Bihar and  Assam can participate, inclusive of Kolkata and Howrah.

    It is the brain child of Saurabh and Vivek, Fame – DID Finalists2011, who have been a part of many reality shows and won many of them too. The event will cater to the age group between three to 30 years and will have special solo rounds for moms and dads too along with doubles and groups as categories too. The winner of the entire event would be awarded with a cash prize of Rs one lakh. The auditions at Kolkata will be held on 22, 23 and 24 December. All the finalists of the event would be given a three day grooming workshop by the duo.

    The finale event will be held on 7 January 2015 at Science City Auditorium, Kolkata and will be judged by Salman Yusuf Khan, (Dance India Dance Winner, Jhalak Dikhla Ja Winner, Khatron Ke Khiladi, Debut Movie – ABCD).

    On this occasion, the duo commented, “Since we have been a part of many reality shows, we understand the difficulty of being a part of the same. So, we decided to launch Born 2 Dance, where people from all over East India could participate in a Dance Competition and get a chance to be groomed and trained by us to become capable of being a part of reality shows too. Kolkata has witnessed many dance competitions but one that brings together people from all nearby states too will happen now”

    Market Concepts owner, Chetna Karnani, said, “The sole objective of this event is to bring out the talents of deserving dance aspirants, by providing them with a platform through a state level competition and hence it will help pull a participation of over 7000 people.”

     

  • Dubbed ‘Fear Factor’ will sell: SJ Clement

    Dubbed ‘Fear Factor’ will sell: SJ Clement

    MUMBAI: The land which sleeps, eats and breathes action has another reason to jump with joy.

     

    Sun Network has decided to treat its viewers to high octane visuals in the form of the popular Hindi show Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi.

     

    The show will be dubbed in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam; the one hour episodes will be aired on its general entertainment channels (GECs). Dhil Dhil Dhil- Fear Factor will air on Sundays at 12 pm on Sun TV starting 29 June, Fear factor: Sahasa Veerulu- Veelu Denikaina Ready will be telecast on Gemini TV, Monday to Thursday at 9:30 pm from 23 June and Sahasigam- Fear Factor can be caught on Surya TV, Thursday and Friday at 8 pm.

     

    Sun TV Network programming head for GEC channels SJ Clement says that the network is confident on garnering audiences from the show. “Immaterial of being dubbed content, it is the gut-wrenching action/adventure that the viewer wants and through the show we are giving them that entertainment,” he says dismissing any concerns related to the content being dubbed.

     

    The only channel excluded from the dubbed version is the Kannada channel, Udaya TV. As a rule in the state, no dubbed content can be aired on any channel.

     

    Agreeing on it, says DDB MudraMax AVP and head of south Anil Sathiraju, “Just as how dubbed south Indian movies work well on Hindi channels, the same can be said about the reverse. People have accepted dubbed content because of the novelty factor in it. Advertisers will also be keen on the show.”

     

    Seasons 1, 2, 4 and 5 will be shown continuously till the entire stock is exhausted. Season 3 has been excluded since it had Priyanka Chopra as host and to keep the continuity of Akshay Kumar as anchor the decision was taken. However, it will slowly move on to the season 5 which had Rohit Shetty as the host.

     

    “However, the effect Akshay and Rohit will have on the audiences will surely vary as Rohit is more popular down south,” adds Sathiraju.

     

    The network however is not looking at recreating the show for the southern market anytime soon. The reason behind so is the high budget that needs to be pumped into creating one. Says Clement, “It is an expensive show. If this works, we shall certainly go in for producing the show in the respective languages.”

     

    A cross channel promotional activity is planned along with radio spots and selected outdoor campaign. Digital activity through Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and Google+ is also in the pipeline.

     

    Talks are currently on with sponsors and advertisers for the adventure show.