Tag: Mangesh Kulkarni

  • Zee TV presents unique new show ‘Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah’

    Zee TV presents unique new show ‘Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah’

    Mumbai: Picture this: a newborn baby, just a day old, with tiny fingers dipped in ink, their prints recorded as criminal before they’ve even spoken. This is the harsh reality for the Chitta community, where a child’s fate is decided before they begin life.

    Zee TV’s innovative audience feedback initiative, Hamara Parivar, offers a fresh perspective by highlighting an often-ignored issue. The show ‘Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah,’ set in the fictional town of Mokshgarh in Jharkhand’s Jamtara district, explores the systemic injustice faced by the Chitta community. Children in this community are labeled criminals from birth, denied education, forced into hunting, and exploited by feudal lords who dominate the region.

    Produced by Guroudev Bhalla Productions, Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah follows the journey of seven-year-old Jagriti, a determined girl from the Chitta community who rejects the fate imposed on her. Intelligent and hopeful, Jagriti questions the unfair labeling of her people as criminals. Her curiosity and sense of justice often get her into trouble, but she remains committed to challenging the unjust system. Asmi Deo, who plays Jagriti, has gained attention since the show’s promo aired.

    Aarya Babbar returns to television after an eight-year break, playing Kalikant Thakur, the wealthiest and most powerful man in the village. Kalikant is corrupt and misogynistic, bribing local officials to protect his illegal activities. When his smuggling operations are disrupted, he frames innocent members of the Chitta community. Kalikant’s rule highlights the harsh world that Jagriti is determined to fight against.

    Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni said, “Having actively listened to our viewers via our innovative audience feedback mechanism – ‘Hamara Parivar’, we are taking them into a very different world rarely seen on television with our upcoming show Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah. The story strikes at the heart of systemic injustice through the lens of a young child belonging to an oppressed community branded as criminals at birth. Her innocent questions demanding only her basic rights will tug at viewers’ heartstrings, making them root for her. As Jagriti gradually evolves into a powerful voice of resistance, the show invites viewers to join her on a journey of hope, empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. With a gripping storyline and standout performances, the show adds an interesting new flavour to Zee TV’s vibrant content mix.”

    Producer Guroudev Bhalla said, “I’m thrilled to team up with the team at Zee TV yet again on Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah. This gripping narrative delves into a world where a community is unjustly labeled as criminals from birth. Deprived of education and oppressed under Kalikant Thakur’s tyranny, the Chitta people face systemic discrimination. To bring their plight to light, we have some really strong actors on board and they’re packing in impressive performances. If the show sparks conversations about social inequality and its lasting impact on real lives, we will feel truly validated.”

    Aarya Babbar said, “I’m excited to return to television with Jagriti: Ek Nayi Subah after an eight-year break. Working with this talented team has been a joy. I deeply immersed myself in my role, perfecting the dialect and body language. Playing Kalikant Thakur has been my most complex and compelling negative role yet. I’m eager for audiences to experience our powerful story.”

    Asmi Deo said, “Playing Jagriti has been a dream come true. This show stands out, and working with such a talented team has been a rewarding challenge. Jagriti is a girl of my age, but to see her being deprived of all the rights that I enjoy; makes me understand the unfortunate social discrimination in our society. It makes me value the opportunities that education provides. I’ve poured my heart into my character and can’t wait for everyone to see the magic we’ve created.”

    Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah premieres on 16 September, airing every day at 8:30 pm on Zee TV.

  • Zee TV to premiere new fiction show ‘Vasudha’ on 16 September

    Zee TV to premiere new fiction show ‘Vasudha’ on 16 September

    Mumbai: Through its audience feedback mechanism, ‘Hamara Parivar,’ Zee TV is reshaping its programming to align with the evolving preferences of today’s viewers. From this feedback comes ‘Vasudha,’ a unique concept on Indian television. The story explores the dynamics between two women from contrasting worlds, whose encounter sparks a clash of ideologies, temperaments, and socioeconomic backgrounds, offering a distinctive narrative. Produced by Arvind Babbal Productions, Vasudha is all set to premiere on 16 September and will air Monday to Friday at 10:30 pm on Zee TV.

    Nausheen Ali Sardar plays Chandrika Singh Chauhan, a woman both respected and feared. A self-made leader in Udaipur, Chandrika runs her business with a strict set of rules. Committed to justice, she stands for what is right and expects strict discipline and integrity from those around her, viewing them as keys to success. She prioritizes order over emotions, commanding respect as a formidable leader.

    In contrast, Priya Thakur takes on her first lead role as Vasudha, a carefree young woman unfamiliar with urban life’s rigid structures. With a trusting nature, Vasudha’s efforts to impress Chandrika often lead to conflict, creating a dynamic interaction between their opposing personalities.

    Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma takes on the lead role of Devansh Singh Chauhan, the ideal son of the Chauhan family and an embodiment of the best qualities of his parents – his father’s empathy and his mother’s discipline. He deeply respects his mother and believes in giving people a second chance. The story explores how two women, seemingly fire and ice, with precious little in common come together and impact each other’s lives in unimaginable ways.

    Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni said, “Earlier this year, we embarked on an initiative of actively listening to our viewers via Hamara Parivar, a direct line to their preferences. This has enabled us to craft stories that resonate with their evolving desires and expectations. One such show is Vasudha—an exciting new addition to our slate that complements our existing lineup with a fresh perspective. Vasudha explores the dynamic interplay between two women from contrasting worlds—one steeped in disciplined tradition, the other embodying carefree optimism. Through this heartwarming narrative of joy and determination, we are confident that Vasudha will offer a refreshing and engaging dimension to our programming. Our collaboration with the visionary Arvind Babbal ensures this story will captivate our audience, as it seamlessly integrates into the rich diversity of content Zee TV proudly offers.”

    Producer Arvind Babbal said, “After presenting audiences with heart-warming narratives like Kyun Rishton Mein Katti Batti and Mithai on Zee TV, we’re excited to collaborate once again with the channel on bringing viewers Vasudha, an engaging narrative of two women from very different worlds and how they profoundly impact each other’s lives. We’ve assembled a talented cast and crew, ensuring a rich tapestry of cultural nuances. We recently completed an extensive outdoor shoot in Udaipur, immersing ourselves in the local atmosphere and we hope audiences connect with Vasudha’s journey and embrace her with love. I’m thrilled to have Nausheen, Priya, and Abhishek bring these characters to life.”

    Nausheen Ali Sardar said, “When I was approached for the show, I found the concept very different from what one generally comes across on TV and I couldn’t refuse a role that offers tremendous scope for an actor to showcase their range. My character of Chandrika Singh Chauhan is truly unlike any character I’ve portrayed before. She is the epitome of strength, a self-made woman, the ultimate boss lady. I hope my fans enjoy seeing me in this new avatar!”

    Priya Thakur said, “Vasudha holds a special place in my heart as it is my first lead role. Vasudha’s innocence and optimism are endearing, making viewers root for her. Her attempts to impress Chandrika often lead to humorous situations, but she remains a devoted admirer, hoping she will win her over some day. I hope audiences will embrace her as much as I have.”

    Abhishek Sharma said, “Playing Devansh, a beautifully written character, truly helps me showcase my acting abilities like never before.  The overwhelming love and support that I have got after the first promo truly makes all the hard work and struggle over the years worth it. The excitement for the show is palpable, and we can’t wait to see the audience’s reaction.”

  • Zee TV launches ‘Sahi Jagah Judge Karo’’ campaign for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa!

    Zee TV launches ‘Sahi Jagah Judge Karo’’ campaign for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa!

    Mumbai: Zee TV has roped in the effortlessly charming and unapologetically authentic Jackie Shroff to front its latest campaign titled ‘Sahi Jagah Judge Karo’ for the upcoming season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.

    At the heart of this quirky, light-hearted campaign is the idea of encouraging audiences to direct their natural judgmental tendencies towards something positive. The campaign invites everyone to help select the most deserving contestants from over 50 audition videos posted on the show’s official Instagram page, heightening audience involvement and bringing them closer to the show from the very beginning.

    The campaign features a series of light-hearted, breezy videos with Jackie Shroff. In the first video, he is seen confronting two aunties gossiping about a mismatched couple in a restaurant. He surprises them by joining them at their table and encouraging them to put their judging instincts to better use by selecting contestants on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’s Instagram page. In another video, Jackie is seen brushing off unsolicited singing critiques from his neighbours, guiding the audience to focus their judging skills on the audition videos posted online instead. These light-hearted interactions perfectly showcase Jackie’s relatable and down-to-earth persona, making the campaign both engaging and memorable.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Zee TV (@zeetv)

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Zee TV (@zeetv)

    “The idea behind ‘Sahi Jagah Judge Karo’ initiative is to heighten audience involvement and empower them to become an integral part of the show right from the auditions phase of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. As we present India’s longest-running singing reality show in an all-new avatar and with new mentors and fresh voices, this is our way of including and engaging with our audiences from the get-go. Jackie Shroff’s bindaas attitude and earthy sense of humour set the perfect tone for this fun campaign, ensuring that viewers will enjoy this unique and interactive experience,” said Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni.

    This campaign reflects Zee TV’s commitment to creating fresh, interactive content that resonates with its audience, ensuring that their voice plays a crucial role in the show’s narrative.

  • Zee TV and Bobble AI collaborate to revolutionise Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2024 auditions

    Zee TV and Bobble AI collaborate to revolutionise Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2024 auditions

    Mumbai: Zee TV has undertaken a strategic initiative to boost participation in the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2024 auditions. The campaign leveraged Bobble AI’s technology to engage its 85 million global users through targeted AI-driven prompts in chat keyboards. By geo-targeting users in popular chat apps seen expressing their interest in singing/auditioning, Zee TV placed intent-based prompts designed to spark interest and drive users to the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa auditions. Zee TV’s contextual AI prompts, appearing within Bobble keyboard chats, directed the users to a video promo with detailed audition information. Clicking on these prompts enabled users to receive audition details and redirected them to Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’s Instagram page, optimising conversion rates and ensuring a smooth user experience.

    This innovative approach, executed in Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai from 8 July to 2 August 2024, effectively engaged potential contestants by integrating them into their daily conversations. Zee TV’s initiative garnered 1.3M impressions and ensured maximum engagement and conversion, significantly enhancing the success of the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa auditions.

    Zee TV’s chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni said, “The idea behind using AI and intent-based marketing for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa was to create a more personalized and relevant approach to engage potential contestants. By targeting conversations where users were already discussing singing, auditions or music, we naturally and effectively reached aspiring singers. This approach not only made the audition process more accessible but also ensured we connected with genuinely interested and passionate individuals. It’s a significant step in how we engage our audiences and foster new talent.”

    As Zee TV continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving digital landscape, this collaboration with Bobble AI redefined engagement strategies within the entertainment industry. The success of this campaign promises to be a game-changer, encouraging other brands to listen to their audiences and engage with them in more meaningful ways.

  • Zee TV’s ‘Hamara Parivar’ campaign puts viewers in the driver’s seat

    Zee TV’s ‘Hamara Parivar’ campaign puts viewers in the driver’s seat

    Mumbai: Zee TV, the pioneer of satellite television in India, has long been at the forefront of revolutionising TV viewing since its inception in 1992. The leading Hindi GEC has captivated audiences with vibrant narratives that reflected their realities, mirrored their soul-speak and captured their imagination through diverse storytelling.

    From the iconic family comedy Hum Paanch and campus dramas like Hip Hip Hurray to historical epics such as Jhansi Ki Rani and Jodha Akbar, Zee TV has consistently pushed boundaries with diverse content. Whether it was path-breaking love stories like Pavitra Rishta, Qubool Hai and Kumkum Bhagya where the channel introduced characters that were agents of change or thrillers like Zee Horror Show and Fear Files, Zee TV has offered something for every family member. The channel also sparked conversations with thought-provoking social dramas like Punar Vivaah, Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo and Doli Armaanon Ki, while it carried forth its legacy of celebrating the talent of India’s common man through homegrown reality shows such as Dance India Dance and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa over three decades. With the media and entertainment space at an exciting juncture where there is an increased focus on understanding the consumer, Zee TV has undertaken a brutally honest self-assessment and embraced the need for closer viewer connection.  To address this, the channel is launching ‘Hamara Parivar,’ an industry-first campaign designed to actively listen to and understand the audience’s feedback. This initiative marks a significant shift towards engaging with viewers more directly and incorporating their evolving preferences into the channel’s content strategy.

    Over the past four weeks, excitement around ‘Hamara Parivar’ has been building, with unbranded billboards featuring Sakshi and her family appearing across India and promos igniting curiosity across various media platforms. Today, the latest film unveils the campaign’s essence: Sakshi and her family will serve as the voice of the Zee TV viewer, engaging in direct conversations and sharing their thoughts and feedback with the channel’s creative teams. ‘Hamara Parivar’ features a rooted family from Uttar Pradesh, led by Sakshi, a dedicated TV critic and viewer. Sakshi and her family will break the fourth wall between shows to interact with the audience, moving beyond traditional campaigns to deeply understand viewer sentiments and integrate their feedback into the channel’s content strategy.

    Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni said, “Hamara Parivar is a crucial milestone in our journey to heighten our connect with our viewers. As a channel that has always prided itself on having its finger on the pulse of its audience, we believe it is the right time to invest in a dynamic feedback mechanism to capture and act on real-time viewer insights more effectively. And the idea of having a family of avid TV viewers as the connecting link between us and our audience makes it that much more personal. Sakshi and Hamara Parivar will champion audience voices and funnel their sentiments to us, helping us select the right stories to tell and even course correct should any of our shows lose their grip over audiences. I urge all our viewers to participate wholeheartedly in sharing their candid feedback about our shows and characters so that we build a channel that we’re collectively proud of!”

    ZEE CMO – content SBU + brand management Kartik Mahadev said, “Success for any brand hinges on its ability to evolve with its audience and the only way one can do that is by actively listening to them. As a broadcaster and a storyteller, the need to connect with viewers is greater than ever. In view of this, we are launching Hamara Parivar, a transformative initiative aimed at revisiting and revitalizing our content strategy by not just listening but truly understanding our viewers on a deeper level. The endeavour is to reach out to the entire addressable TV viewing audience (HSM) and seek their point of view across multiple touch points such as WhatsApp, email, website and social media. We are humbled by the thousands of responses we’ve already started receiving and overwhelmed by their love for the brand. By actively engaging with their honest feedback, we aim to get an edge to our content and ensure that it truly resonates with the needs of our audience.”

    Viewers can connect with Sakshi and her parivar to share their thoughts on Zee TV’s content through various channels: email (sakshi@hamara-parivar.com),  WhatsApp (+91-7400054474), the official website www.hamara-parivar.com and on Instagram pages @sakshi.hamaraparivar and @hamaraparivar1.

    Zee TV’s ‘Hamara Parivar’ is not just a campaign; it’s a game-changing approach to content creation. By embracing and acting on honest feedback, Zee TV aims to consolidate its position as everyone’s favourite Hindi GEC, setting a new benchmark in the media and entertainment space.