ITV

Tag: Manisha Sharma

  • Colors strengthens its weekend with 7th season of India’s Got Talent

    Colors strengthens its weekend with 7th season of India’s Got Talent

     MUMBAI: Talent doesn’t discriminate; it knows no biases, it has no preferences. After Khatro Ke Khiladi, Colors is once again back with its one of the finest show which brings rarest of jewels of the country with India’s Got Talent season 7. The weekend show will start airing from 30 April on Saturday – Sunday at 9pm time band.

    The judging panel- Karan Johar, Kirron Kher and Malaika Arora Khan will return yet again to turn dreams into reality for the contestants. Produced by Fremantle India, IGT-7 will be hosted by Bharti Singh and Sidharth Shukla.

    The channel has  roped in Maruti Suzuki as presenting sponsor, L’Oreal Paris as the powered by sponsor, and  Nivea, Liberty Shoes and Kent RO Systems as associate sponsors specially for its HD feed.

    This year’s highlights include performances  like sand art, beatboxing, mind-reading, underwater and water-sport acts, aerial yoga, horse acrobatics, and for the first-time-ever ice-skating and sky-diving acts. This edition will also see the team travel to every nook and cranny of the country to bring to the fore unheard of talents looking for a stage to perform. Further, special episodes will celebrate rustic and traditional art forms which have lost their individuality over the years.

    Colors programming head Manisha Sharma said, “The beauty of India’s Got Talent is that it just lets you be. It doesn’t try to restyle you. Hence the focus is purely on what you bring to table in terms of your talent. It’s the only credible platform that the country has which gives opportunities to the uniqueness in an individual. As we venture into the by-lanes of India in search of the best, with a promise of larger than life performances, we promise to create an unparalleled viewing experience for our discerning audience.”

    Fremantle India  content head Aradhana Bhola, “In its seventh season, India’s Got Talent’s search for superlative talent has taken us to the smallest towns and villages including  Loharika in Punjab  and Nunerbhari in Bengal. With double the dose of entertainment, drama and never-seen-before spectacles, the show will be a treat to the audiences’ senses. We hope that the show’s larger-than-life backdrop and nation-wide search for superior talent will enthrall viewers and keep them glued to their television sets.”

    The channel has devised an extensive marketing campaign incorporating multiple mediums reaching out to viewers at various touch-points for top-of-mind recall. On the digital front, the channel has devised various activities including a blogger outreach program, a glimpse into the lives of talent from previous seasons including last year’s winner Manik Paul, and invite talent-led stories on social media platforms using the hashtags #IFeelTalentedWhenI and #HunarHiPehchaanHai amongst other initiatives.

  • Colors’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 7’ to air from 30 Jan; show-based mobile game launched

    Colors’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 7’ to air from 30 Jan; show-based mobile game launched

    MUMBAI: Even as the buzz over the finale of Bigg Boss season 9 is yet to die down, Colors is all set to unleash onto viewers its other popular reality show format – Khatron Ke Khiladi – Kabhi Peeda Kabhi Keeda from 30 January.

     

    The seventh season of the show, which will be hosted by actor Arjun Kapoor, will be aired at 9 pm on Saturdays and Sundays and will feature 14 celebrity contestants.

     

    Additionally, in an attempt to make the show’s experience more personal for viewers, Colors will also unveil a game – Khatron Ke Khiladi – The Game, which will urge players to overcome their fears and dodge high-speed obstacles keeping them engaged through levels of adventure-filled game play.

     

    With a user-friendly interface having Tilt-Based Control Scheme, the game will be available on Android and iOS platforms. Players will also be able to share their performance through social media features like Facebook sharing and Leaderboards. The game has been developed by Hungama Gameshastra.

     

    A change in the show’s format will see the contestants being split into two teams, turning the competition into an open battlefield.

     

    The channel has roped in Tata Motors’ ZICA as the show’s presenting sponsor and Red Chief Shoes as the powered by sponsor.

     

    Colors CEO Raj Nayak said, “We have kicked-off the year on a high with the closure of another successful season of Bigg Boss where the choicest celebrities were camping in a house away from prying eyes. And now, with Khatron Ke Khiladi – Kabhi Peeda Kabhi Keeda, it’s time for viewers to bear witness to their favourite celebrities facing their fears and performing stunts in the same time slot on weekends.”

     

    Colors programming head Manisha Sharma added, “This year we have incorporated a new twist in the show’s format by dividing the contestants into two teams. Their perseverance was put to test as they had to not only compete against each other but also play for each other whether or not they liked it. As a host, Arjun Kapoor surpassed all our expectations not only as an entertainer but also as a motivator at every level of difficulty. It was exciting to see the contestants fight all their fears to come out as strong performers.”

     

    Speaking about what’s in-store this season, Endemol Shine India managing director Deepak Dhar said, “With more than 100 people working tirelessly to bring alive the ‘Kabhi Peeda Kabhi Keeda’ theme of Khatron Ke Khiladi this season, it’s one of our most promising seasons thus far. An all-new location like Argentina and an exciting gen-next host Arjun Kapoor, have served as the perfect setting for our teams to up the entertainment quotient. Keeping in tune with the theme and the 14 eager participants, we have introduced a volley of surprises to create edge-of-seat moments for viewers and the unsuspecting Khiladis alike.”

     

    Tata Motors marketing communications & service, passenger vehicles business unit Delna Alvari said, “We continue to work with our partners to create interesting properties for our customer as a part of our Madeforgreat campaign. This is a step towards yet another offering and is delighted to work with Colors. The concept of Khatron Ke Khiladi is to push oneself to overcome new challenges, which resonates with our values as well. With the start of an exciting year for Tata Motors with new products and multiple customer engagement initiatives, planned under our #madeforgreat campaign, we have started the brand transformation journey.”

     

    The 14 contestants this season include Bollywood actors Tanishaa Mukherji, Sidharth Shukla, Vivan Bathena and 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.

     

    On the marketing front, the channel has planned an integrated marketing campaign across mediums including print, cable and DTH, radio, electronic media, OOH and cinema. Also in the media mix are on-ground activations in sync with the Colors Golden Petal Club in nine cities across Uttar Pradesh.

     

    In Mumbai, special Khatron Ke Khiladi announcements are being made on Western Railways and Metros. A robust digital outreach will keep the buzz surrounding the property alive on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube among other platforms.

  • Colors’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 7’ to air from 30 Jan; show-based mobile game launched

    Colors’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 7’ to air from 30 Jan; show-based mobile game launched

    MUMBAI: Even as the buzz over the finale of Bigg Boss season 9 is yet to die down, Colors is all set to unleash onto viewers its other popular reality show format – Khatron Ke Khiladi – Kabhi Peeda Kabhi Keeda from 30 January.

     

    The seventh season of the show, which will be hosted by actor Arjun Kapoor, will be aired at 9 pm on Saturdays and Sundays and will feature 14 celebrity contestants.

     

    Additionally, in an attempt to make the show’s experience more personal for viewers, Colors will also unveil a game – Khatron Ke Khiladi – The Game, which will urge players to overcome their fears and dodge high-speed obstacles keeping them engaged through levels of adventure-filled game play.

     

    With a user-friendly interface having Tilt-Based Control Scheme, the game will be available on Android and iOS platforms. Players will also be able to share their performance through social media features like Facebook sharing and Leaderboards. The game has been developed by Hungama Gameshastra.

     

    A change in the show’s format will see the contestants being split into two teams, turning the competition into an open battlefield.

     

    The channel has roped in Tata Motors’ ZICA as the show’s presenting sponsor and Red Chief Shoes as the powered by sponsor.

     

    Colors CEO Raj Nayak said, “We have kicked-off the year on a high with the closure of another successful season of Bigg Boss where the choicest celebrities were camping in a house away from prying eyes. And now, with Khatron Ke Khiladi – Kabhi Peeda Kabhi Keeda, it’s time for viewers to bear witness to their favourite celebrities facing their fears and performing stunts in the same time slot on weekends.”

     

    Colors programming head Manisha Sharma added, “This year we have incorporated a new twist in the show’s format by dividing the contestants into two teams. Their perseverance was put to test as they had to not only compete against each other but also play for each other whether or not they liked it. As a host, Arjun Kapoor surpassed all our expectations not only as an entertainer but also as a motivator at every level of difficulty. It was exciting to see the contestants fight all their fears to come out as strong performers.”

     

    Speaking about what’s in-store this season, Endemol Shine India managing director Deepak Dhar said, “With more than 100 people working tirelessly to bring alive the ‘Kabhi Peeda Kabhi Keeda’ theme of Khatron Ke Khiladi this season, it’s one of our most promising seasons thus far. An all-new location like Argentina and an exciting gen-next host Arjun Kapoor, have served as the perfect setting for our teams to up the entertainment quotient. Keeping in tune with the theme and the 14 eager participants, we have introduced a volley of surprises to create edge-of-seat moments for viewers and the unsuspecting Khiladis alike.”

     

    Tata Motors marketing communications & service, passenger vehicles business unit Delna Alvari said, “We continue to work with our partners to create interesting properties for our customer as a part of our Madeforgreat campaign. This is a step towards yet another offering and is delighted to work with Colors. The concept of Khatron Ke Khiladi is to push oneself to overcome new challenges, which resonates with our values as well. With the start of an exciting year for Tata Motors with new products and multiple customer engagement initiatives, planned under our #madeforgreat campaign, we have started the brand transformation journey.”

     

    The 14 contestants this season include Bollywood actors Tanishaa Mukherji, Sidharth Shukla, Vivan Bathena and 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.

     

    On the marketing front, the channel has planned an integrated marketing campaign across mediums including print, cable and DTH, radio, electronic media, OOH and cinema. Also in the media mix are on-ground activations in sync with the Colors Golden Petal Club in nine cities across Uttar Pradesh.

     

    In Mumbai, special Khatron Ke Khiladi announcements are being made on Western Railways and Metros. A robust digital outreach will keep the buzz surrounding the property alive on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube among other platforms.

  • Balaji Telefilms amps up production value with ‘Naagin’ on Colors

    Balaji Telefilms amps up production value with ‘Naagin’ on Colors

    MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms has readied a visual treat for viewers with its new show – Naagin, which is slated to go on air on Colors from 1 November.

     

    The soap factory has upped its production value for this show with focus on elements like characterisation, scripting and visual appeal. The new mystical thriller is a dramatically obsessive love story of reincarnation. Naagin will be a finite weekend fiction series, which will be telecast every Saturday and Sunday at 8 pm.

     

    Set against the backdrop of Rajasthan, Naagin is loaded with outstanding VFX effects offering an authentic film-like experience. The musical score of the show will add to the viewing experience as Colors recreates the timeless magic of the song Tere Sang Pyaar Main Nahi Todna through a new-age adaptation.

     

    Commenting on the show’s format, Balaji Telefilms joint managing director and creative director Ekta Kapoor said, “At Balaji, we have always believed in experimenting with different concepts while bringing in some variety for our viewers. The concept of Naagin is something that we, at Balaji, have never explored in the past; it is a completely new facet of love stories that transcends into the mystique of the unknown. With intense focus on different elements like characterization, scripting, visual appeal, etc, we have amped up the production value to make it a winning proposition on the small screen. Putting together an hour-long proposition requires additional investment in terms of story development and high-end technology, and we are looking forward to presenting an all-round offering to Colors’ viewers.”

     

    Speaking about the show, Colors programming head Manisha Sharma added, “After the success of 24 Season 1, Naagin is our second offering within the fiction finite series space airing on weekends. Naagin is a mystical thriller incorporating a dramatic twist at every corner to add an element of thrill and excitement, which will keep viewers engaged. The show is a testimony of Ekta Kapoor and Balaji Telefilms’ conviction towards providing quality entertainment avenues for viewers through new and innovative concepts that appeal to viewers visually and in terms of its narrative.”

     

    The aesthetically narrated saga, Naagin delves into the life of a suave and ambitious business tycoon, Ritik Raheja (Arjun Bijlani) who believed that love and religion are distractions as they make you weak. But his beliefs are challenged when he comes face-to-face with Shivanya (Mouni Roy). While Ritik is enamoured by her simplicity, Shivanya is stuck between two extreme emotions – love and vengeance. Shivanya’s friend, Sesa (Adaa Khan) is her support system, but she has an ulterior motive that no one knows about. The constant conflict between love and revenge drive these protagonists together as their lives clash in a coming together of their past histories.

  • Colors reignites your passion for dance through ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded’

    Colors reignites your passion for dance through ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded’

    MUMBAI: Crank up the music; show off those dance moves; sway those hips right, straighten that posture, and don’t forget to bring your attitude along…after all, it’s time for Jhalak Reloaded! COLORS announces the latest edition of its most-awaited celebrity dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa featuring the never-seen-before combination of the new-genuber cool judge Shahid Kapoor and ultimate visionary Karan Johar. They are joined by dance gurus – technical master Ganesh Hegde and sizzling connoisseur of dance Lauren Gottleib who will oversee the technical aspects of dance.

     

    Bringing together awe-inspiring talent, a cool quotient and technically spectacular dance moves, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded will witness 12 celebrities barrel through gruelling rehearsals to champion challenging choreography and delivering entertaining performances. Produced by BBC Worldwide and hosted by maestro MC Manish Paul, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded dance gala promises to blow your mind with its epic-ness and will take over your television screens starting 11 July, 2015, every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm on Colors.

     

    Commenting on the newest edition of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Colors CEO Raj Nayak said, “This year, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded is going to pump up the degree of oomph and entertainment to make for an engaging watch. A fresh panel of judges including Shahid Kapoor, Ganesh Hegde and Lauren Gottleib and the veteran Karan Johar, a wide range of interactive elements, and an all-new level of funk and attitude will create an unparalleled viewing proposition for the viewers. With a treasure trove of surprises accosting viewers at every juncture, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded, with its opulence, will be a dance bonanza unlike any other.”

     

    Adding further, he said, “As we launch Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded, we are proud to associate with Cadbury Bournvita as Presenting Sponsors for the fourth year in a row. It is their continued confidence in brand Colors that has fortified our relationship with them enabling us to create unique integration opportunities connecting with our audiences year-after-year.”

     

    For the first time ever, the show will feature a never-seen-before combination of showmanship and technical acumen will raise the freshness quotient and appeal of the show. Known for his uber-cool style, Shahid Kapoor will exude his signature confidence and spunk on the show, donning multiple hats setting him apart from the conventional reality show judge. Joining Shahid, will be tough-to-please judge Karan Johar whose incomparable experience of the Jhalak format will make him the one-to-impress. Dance master par excellence, Ganesh Hedge will showcase his technical expertise, helping contestants to fine tune their performance and reload them to an all-new level. Exuding oomph and style, perfectionist to the tee, Lauren Gottleib will highlight the importance of being artistic expression in every performance.

     

    Commenting on the new elements that promise to make this season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa truly Reloaded, Colors programming head Manisha Sharma said, “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa has been a pioneer in the dance-based reality show genre and has set exceptional standards for dance, entertainment and engagement. This year we have tweaked the show at different levels in order to Reload it with entertainment. With an innovative thought and approach, we are putting together an offering which is going to be high on attitude. With Shahid Kapoor, Karan Johar, Lauren Gottleib and Ganesh Hegde approaching dance in a more holistic manner, it’s our endeavour to create a unique brand of entertainment that will set the show apart from its contemporaries.”

     

    Besides the new line-up of judges will elevate competition levels on the show, a stream of twists of turns with newer elements will consistently change the game for the contestants with every passing week. This year, viewer interactivity will be at an all-time high on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded; a first-of-its kind spotlight will take the show beyond its celebrity contestants as the common man showcases his closeted passion and enthusiasm for dance. Adding to the fun charts, will be judges Shahid Kapoor and Karan Johar whose friendly banter and playful camaraderie will lighten the environment even during the toughest situations.

     

    Commenting on the show, BBC Worldwide, India and Content Head Asia SVP and GM Myleeta Aga stated, “We have been overwhelmed by the ever-growing popularity of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, in India, and around the world.  The Hindi adaptation of the BBC format of Dancing with the Stars has been seen in more than 50 countries around the world, and Jhalak is one of the most popular versions.  This year, we have pushed ourselves further to deliver an even glitzier, exciting, nail-biting show with new elements and fresh faces.  We are confident that Jhalak Reloaded will again emerge as the most popular dance entertainment programme this year.”

     

    A high decibel marketing and digital campaign has been devised to elevate the stature of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded. The 360-degree integrated marketing campaign will extend across mediums such as print, over 6 genres of channels, DTH and Outdoor. As a part of the digital promotion strategy, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded will be promoted across social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. All in all, it will be the dance masti that will prevail keeping viewers entertained.

  • Colors plans advertising blitzkrieg for new 7 pm show ‘Thapki Pyaar Ki’

    Colors plans advertising blitzkrieg for new 7 pm show ‘Thapki Pyaar Ki’

    MUMBAI: Colors is planning to go all out to promote its new show Thapki… Pyaar Ki, which will launch on 25 May. The show will be aired from Monday to Saturday in the 7 pm slot, thus pushing the existing 7 pm show Shastri Sisters to 6:30 pm.

     

    Colors has chalked out a robust 360-degree marketing blitzkrieg to generate optimum buzz for Thapki… Pyaar Ki across all key Hindi speaking markets. Each medium including print, radio, cross channel, cable, mobile and Direct-to-Home (DTH) will have a customized message to publicize the launch of the campaign.

     

    For high-octane visibility on the launch day, the radio campaign will see the lead character Thapki (played by actor Jigyasa Singh) engage with listeners across all major stations. The tune-in ads will encompass all major publications in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, PHCHP and Madhya Pradesh.

     

    Additionally, an outdoor campaign will include large format billboards and announcements at railway stations. Promos of the show will also run across select cinema halls along with some persuasive BTL activities. Contextual promos will be played during the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the Hotstar and Star Sports mobile apps.

     

     

    The central character of Thapki… Pyaar Ki shows how survival is not just of the fittest but also of the most resilient and optimistic and no one knows this better than Thapki. The show revolves around Thapki’s journey of an aspiring, persevering girl, who is conscious of her strengths and confident that she will be able to face the world, drawing force from her conviction and self-assurance.

     

    Thapki’s life is steered by her hem and haw but she chooses to move forward unperturbed notwithstanding the challenges that life throws at her in every conversation. While the encouraging pat on her back or a ‘thapki’ that makes her break her stammer and speak fluently becomes her namesake, the name christened by her parents, Vaani, never even registers with the society and only heightens the irony in her life.

     

    Colors programming head Manisha Sharma says, “Thapki is a light-hearted yet touching story, which will motivate viewers to think that they can go beyond their limitations, and not give up on their dreams. Thapki’s mission in life is to not just survive but to thrive with passion, compassion and humour. The way Thapki’s story progresses and the conversations she has in each episode will evoke viewer empathy while strengthening their emotional connect with her. Through the journey the audience will also applaud the determination with which Thapki moves ahead optimistically to fulfill her dream of becoming a television journalist.”

     

    Sharma added, “Thapki’s storyline will move viewers away from the stress of their daily routine, tug at their heartstrings and lead them to be inspired all at the same time! As Shastri Sisters moves to the 6:30 pm timeslot and Thapki takes over, we are confident that our audience will love Thapki’s outlook towards every small and big thing in life.”

     

    This is yet another show from the Colors, which is a joint production by two companies – SOL and Shoonya Square Productions. Apart from Singh, who essays the title role, the show will showcase Pratiksha Lonkar as Poonam (Thapki’s mother), Shakti Singh as Krishnakanth (Thapki’s father) and Sheena Bajaj as Aditi (Thapki’s sister) amongst others.

     

    Speaking about their first production for Colors, Shoonya Square Productions’ Ved Raj said, “We have shot extensively in Agra for this show as the Taj Mahal forms a very intrinsic part of Thapki’s life. Her approach towards life will only make you question the harsh ways of the society and how heartless we are towards people with shortcomings.”

     

    Elaborating further, co-producer and writer, Dheeraj Sarna said, “Thapki…Pyaar Ki is an attempt to applaud and admire those people who don’t succumb to defeat due to their shortcomings but win over them and move forward in life.”

     

    It now remains to be seen whether Thapki gets a pat on the back or not from its discerning audience when it launches on 25 May.

     

  • Code Red to present a special series ‘Talaash’

    Code Red to present a special series ‘Talaash’

    MUMBAI: Folklore and urban legends have, over the years, impacted human behavior and played a critical role in shaping our belief in the existence of the paranormal. While to many these folklores are figments of imagination, most urban legends stem out of human frailties. After successfully tackling various topics like suicide, violence against women and children, and entrapment, COLORS’ solution-driven show, Code Red will now throw light on some of the most popular paranormal occurrence in the country and narrate the untold story behind every supernatural incidence through a brand new series titled Talaash.  To take viewers through tales that have influenced their mindsets, COLORS has roped in Anita Hassanandani and Shaleen Malhotra. Produced by A Lost Boy Productions, Code Red’s Talaash series will narrate urban legends and popular ‘hearsay’ that have impacted the society and will go on-air starting 20th April, 2015 at 10:30 PM on COLORS.

     

    Speaking about the launch of the new series, Manisha Sharma, Programming Head – Colors said, “Through Code Red, we have sensitized viewers about issues that impact society based on human frailties while empowering them to deal with inner and outer demons. Through the initial episodes on Code Red, we have created a ray of hope to viewers who might have been on the verge of giving up. After Umeed, Awaaz and Chakravyuh, we are now announcing the Talaash series – which brings to light stories that set beliefs in society. Our aim is to bust popular myths that have been passed along generations, forming opinions and set patterns in people. As another aspect of human frailty comes forward, we hope to inform viewers about the existence of certain paranormal energies around us.” 

     

    Commenting on the series, producer Vikas Gupta from A Lost Boy Productions said, “There are stories of oddities and abnormalities which have, over the years, become legends. Code Red’s Talaash series promises to create an engaging proposition for viewers while building empathy for the wandering spirits along with the underlying message of hope.”

     

    Code Red Talaash touches upon the unknown and the reasons why these paranormal energies exist while building empathy for them in the minds of the viewers. The series highlights the lasting impact that injustice has had on the minds of those offended. Very often, the impact affects that soul of the person wronged; much after the person is deceased. An unusual yet humane way of addressing the unknown, Code Red Talaash aims at demystifying popular myths and urban legends that have been passed along generations.

     

    Commenting her association with the show as an enabler of change, Anita Hassanandani says, “We are often told by our friends and family members to not go to a particular place owing to some unkown energies that might have existed there, making us form superstitions in our mind. These beliefs are then passed on to our acquaintances and then take the shape of an urban legend that the society blindly accepts without questioning its authenticity. Code Red’s Talaash series investigates these superstitions and strives to create a sense of relatability in the minds of viewers for the unknown phenomenon which have shrouded their judgments and set beliefs.” 

     

    Adding further, Shaleen Malhotra comments, “The concept of Code Red’s Talaash series is very intriguing and different. It is not a horror show; in fact, it talks about incidents that we have all heard of and adds an emotional quotient to it – making us empathize with these supernatural elements.” 

     

    Some of the tales that will be revealed on Code Red’s Talaash during the course of the show include an autorickshaw story based in Mumbai’s suburb of Borivali, a legend about a water-well in Rajasthan, and even the true story behind the ‘unsafe’ claim for Delhi’s Cantonment Road. Television’s well-known faces such as Asha Negi, Shilpa Saklani, Suhasini Mulay, Sana Amin Shaikh among others will play key roles seen during the course of the show on Code Red Talaash.

  • Colors celebrates new age talent in ‘India’s Got Talent 6’

    Colors celebrates new age talent in ‘India’s Got Talent 6’

    MUMBAI: With a number of adrenalin pumping performances, Colors is back with sixth season of its reality show – India’s Got Talent.

     

    This season, India’s Got Talent will celebrate new age talent like never before and revel in highlighting the quirkiest hunarzaades that reside in the country.

     

    Slated to go on air from 18 April, the show will be aired over the weekend at 9 pm.  Talent gurus Karan Johar, Kirron Kher and Malaika Arora Khan will return for the third consecutive season together. Produced by FremantleMedia, the show will be hosted by Nakuul Mehta and Bharti Singh. The channel believes that talent resides in every individual; it is the multiplier for energy, determination and hard work and Colors provides a platform for people to flaunt their hidden flair.

    The channel has roped in a volley of sponsors including Maruti Suzuki as the presenting sponsor, OLX as the powered by sponsor, whereas Amul Macho, Layyer Wottagirl and Ultratech Cement have come on board as the associate sponsors.

     

    With the Golden Buzzer up for grabs gifting the hunarzaade’s a direct entry into the semi-finals, talent will go beyond the four walls of the studio and explore the outer landscape to showcase newer elements including an ‘underwater’ act, a rustic ‘mela’ setup amongst others to bring out the vivid and vibrant colors of life and create the perfect backdrop for oodles of drama touching unparalleled peaks of entertainment.

     

    Colors programming head Manisha Sharma said, “Our focus, this season, is to highlight the hunarzaades – whose talent have the ability to enthral viewers but who have been largely unacknowledged in their growing years. The talent we have seen are those, which have had the courage to follow their heart and vie for success. Karan Johar, Kirron Kher and Malaika Arora Khan are the three jewels in the India’s Got Talent crown, which have sieved out the best of the best talent over the years, and we are pleased to see them raise the bar this year as well. Be it the Golden Buzzer or just leaving the judges spellbound, this edition of India’s Got Talent will feature new-age and techno talent that will leave viewers awe-struck.”

     

    Judging gets tougher, as talent speaks volumes about itself through acts that go beyond convention as they raise the degree of difficulty to create mind-boggling moments.

     

    Touted as the tough-to-please judge, Johar said, “Talent needs to inspire while creating a certain level of thrill in the mind of the viewer. And of course, any good talent needs to entertain. As a judge, I choose to utilize the India’s Got Talent platform to give performers a creative opinion about the degree of complexity they add to their performances. This is my third year judging this show and I am looking forward to seeing how the participants this year surpass the benchmarks set by those who have rocked the stage in the past. They say talent speaks for itself and I am waiting eagerly to see what the talent has to say this year.”

     

    Kher, who has been the part of the show since its inception six years back, added, “It feels wonderful for having been associated with India’s Got Talent for its entire tenure because there are so many new and exciting elements, which ensure that there is never a dull moment on the sets. It feels like home to me. India’s Got Talent is known to encourage new kinds of talent every time. For me, it is an opportunity to truly understand the real and aspirational India through this show. It is the first-hand connect with the viewers that I enjoy the most about this show. It is going to be yet another exciting season and I am really happy to be back.”

     

    Khan opined, “India’s Got Talent is such a larger than life show that it is a challenge for us as judges because inevitably we are caught in moments where one participant is better than the other. We get to see exceptional performances every year. This season, too, I am looking forward to having some fun with many more such mind blowing acts. Bring it on, India.”

     

    As new age talent takes the forefront, the look of the show will adopt a similar flavor. The techno and grunge feel of the sets will highlight the raw appeal of the hunarzaade adding to the overall viewing proposition. Adding a personal touch to the show, home videos of the contestants showcasing their journey of talent discovery will also be aired. Colors will also have a ‘Khulasa’ segment, which will reveal some personal quirks of the judges.

     

    FremantleMedia MD Anupama Mandloi said, “India’s Got Talent has evolved over the years to become a show that defines talent in its true form. This year, our approach is to focus on talent and their ability to transcend thought boundaries to present the unexpected. With talent and an element of challenge being the spotlight, we are looking forward to defying traditions and welcoming a new wave of talent that will be India’s answer to the world.”

     

    Marketing push

     

    To enhance engagement and involve viewers at every stage of the show, an integrated marketing and digital campaign has been chalked out incorporating multiple mediums including television, mobile and cinema amongst others.

     

    The digital campaign will have a fun-filled ‘Challenge Pappu Campaign’ wherein the character of Pappu will throw challenges at the viewers and in the process bring out some of the most outstanding talents to the fore on social media.

     

    With extensive mobile penetration in smaller towns, the promos of the show will be pushed via MMS across key markets along with YouTube. The show will also be promoted during the Indian Premier League (IPL) through  Starsports.com and Hotstar.

  • Colors unveils a new note on family relationships with ‘Swaragini’

    Colors unveils a new note on family relationships with ‘Swaragini’

    MUMBAI:  Some relationships bring joy; some bring sadness and some bring anger just by the virtue of being broken beyond repair. This March, COLORS joins hands with Rashmi Sharma Telefilms to present an all-new television offering, Swaragini, which is set in the milieu of culturally rich Kolkata. The show narrates the story of two warring neighborhood families – the Bose and Gadodia families with diverse value systems. Swara and Ragini the daughters from these two families have distinctly different personalities shaped by their upbringing. Swaragini is a journey of how Swara and Ragini discover their true identities and hold onto their family ties and ideals in a fractured and uncordial environment which is a result of a concealing past. Whether they will be able to bridge the ever-widening divide between their families is, in fact, the question of the hour. Swaragini is set to hit airwaves starting 2nd March, 2015 and will air every Monday to Friday at 9:30 PM on Colors.

     

    Speaking about the launch of Swaragini, Manisha Sharma, Programming Head – COLORS, said, “Drama and entertainment are two essentials of a television offering which make for a gripping watch. As we venture into unchartered territory while exploring the fresh backdrop of Kolkata in Swaragini, our focus remains on creating a narrative that will enthrall viewers. The legendary divide between different cultures and their subsequent dysfunctional relations are at the helm of Swaragini’s storyline. The show will be premiering in the 9:30 PM primetime timeslot which will bring the tale featuring real and identifiable characters suitable for family viewing.”

     

    Swara (played by Helly Shah)and Ragini’s (played by Tejaswi Prakash) dissimilar personalities are primarily influenced by their grandmothers Shobha (essayed by Tanima Sen) and Parvati (essayed by Alka Kaushal) who also hold tight reins over Swara’s mother Sharmishtha (portrayed by Parinita Borthakur) and Ragini’s father Shekhar (portrayed by Sachin Tyagi) respectively. The show builds on the love-hate relationship that runs deep in the psyche of Kolkata – a divide between the articulate, thoughtful Bengalis and the fierce, ambitious Marwaris.

     

    Swaragini has been shot in authentic locations across Kolkata including Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial, Tram Lines between Kidderpore and Dalhousie, Kalighat Mandir, Millennium Park, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple and multiple more locations that showcase the cultural mix that Kolkata offers.

     

    To ensure that the authentic feel of Kolkata trickles through the entire show, a special set has been designed in Mumbai which recreates Kolkata and brings alive the different nuances which the make the city a truly delightful treat for viewers.

     

    Commenting on her brand-new television venture, producer Rashmi Sharma from Rashmi Sharma Telefilms, said, “Swaragini is a family-driven show with real characters who together narrate a story of inter-cultural family conflicts and how they can be overcome. With cast from varied cultures, our focus has been to recreate the real-life Bengali-Marwari divide to further build relatability among viewers. Kolkata is a melting pot of cultures and this is the first time that we are shooting here. Every bit of our experience has been enriching and we hope that the audience enjoy our narrative through the eyes of our protagonists.”

     

    To promote the show, the channel has chalked out a comprehensive 360-degree marketing campaign that includes on-air promotions, outdoor media, communications strategies and extensive digital initiatives. The campaign aims at driving concentrated engagement with the consumers via various mediums so as to create maximum buzz and eye balls for the show.

  • Colors ropes in Deepak Chhabria as fiction programming head

    Colors ropes in Deepak Chhabria as fiction programming head

    MUMBAI: Colors has brought on board Star Plus creative director Deepak Chhabria as fiction programming head. 

     

    It was in October last year when Indiantelevision.com first reported about Colors weekday programming head Prashant Bhatt putting in his papers and non-fiction head Manisha Sharma being awarded with extra responsibilities of the entire programming department of the channel. 

     

    Chhabria joined Colors almost a month back and reports directly to Sharma. 

     

    When contacted, Colors CEO Raj Nayak as well as Chhabria confirmed the development. 

     

    Chhabria, who had been associated with Star for eight long years, was heading the creative aspect at Star Plus.

     

    For the record, in the year 2012, Colors had split its programming unit into two separate teams to bring more focus on content for weekdays and weekends. Wherein, Bhatt was in-charge of the weekday fiction programming and Sharma was responsible for non-fiction content.