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Tag: Mukesh Sharma

  • Doordarshan and UNICEF honour Maharashtra’s Navjyotis

    Doordarshan and UNICEF honour Maharashtra’s Navjyotis

    MUMBAI: Nine girls coming from culturally diverse backgrounds and different parts of the state have one common message to share – ‘Girls are not any less’. These are Navjyoti’s, nine girls achievers for 2014, who have struggled hard to shape their lives and also bring about change in their own community.

     

    A joint venture of UNICEF and Doordashan Mumbai Kendra, Navjyoti programme aims to give recognition to initiatives taken by the girls despite their adverse circumstances. Started in 2003, Navjyoti celebrated its eleventh year in a colorfully decked studio in Mumbai’s television center Doordarshan in this weekend. Once again, the stories of ‘girl power’ unfolded and stunned the audience during this inspiring and emotional evening.  Nine girls from remote Maharashtra were felicitated by Doordashan and UNICEF in Navjyoti awards for resisting child marriages and also helping other girls fight the scourge.

     

    All these girls are being felicitated for being role models in their villages. They come from very underprivileged backgrounds, and struggle to study. Navjyoti awards which are partnered by Doordarshan Sahyadri and UNICEF are an encouragement for them.

     

    These nine Navjoti’s received the UNICEF and Doordarshan Awards this year: 

     

    1. Rohini Pashte from Pithori Shirasgaon (Jalna)
    2. Shevanti Rathod from Farhatpur (Tanda) in Latur
    3. Prateeksha Waghmare from Hiwari Pahari in Beed
    4. Devika Katingal in Kulbhatti village from Gadchiroli
    5. Radha Shinde from Ukalgaon in Parbhani
    6. Ravina Mengar from Chindkle Khaire in Nashik
    7. Sarla Rathod from Nimpha in Yavatmal district
    8. Poornima Ade from Sewadas Nagar in Chandrapur district
    9. Ashwini Gosavi, from Wadale in Nandurbar district.

     

    Doordarshan Addl. director general Mukesh Sharma said, “Doordarshan continues to play its role as a National Broadcaster and believes in encouraging such initiatives which ultimately benefits the entire society. Education has the power to transform lives. If we educate a boy, we educate one person. If we educate a girl, we educate a family – and a whole nation. I have always believed that investing in a girl’s education is investing in a nation’s growth and development”.

     

    For all the Navjyoti girls it was a special moment in their lives. They received honors from eminent and inspiring personalities like Shaina NC, Meera Bowankar, Samruddhi Pore, Nishigandha Wad, Richard Bell, Faiyaaz, Rajeshri Chandrasekhar and Dr. Nandita Palshetkar. The courage of these girls is promising and a reassurance of a bright future for our country,” remained a common feeling expressed by the guests.

     

    DD Sahyadri will telecast the program ‘Navjyoti Sahyadrichya’ on 20 December 2014 from 4:00 pm onwards.

     

  • Vikram Gokhale to direct a serial “Ratra Vanvyachi” for DD Sahyadri Channel

    Vikram Gokhale to direct a serial “Ratra Vanvyachi” for DD Sahyadri Channel

    MUMBAI: “Ratra Vanvyachi” – (Night of the Forest Fire) is a new semi -fictional series produced by Doordarshan Sahyadri Channel based on the novel written by Smt. Neela Satyanarayan, the first Woman State Election Commissioner (SEC) of Maharashtra.

     

    The entire series revolves around a female protagonist struggling to be a perfect fit in this male dominated system of governance. It takes you through the journey of a woman who through her honest and upright conduct establishes an impartial and strong image vis-?-vis to her male counterpart. The story unfolds the various career experiences of woman and how skillfully she triumphs over all the problems in day to day life at her home and at work place. The female lead character is portrayed by Actress, Kancha Jadhav.

     

    “The most important and interesting aspect of this series will be Shri. Vikram Gokhale, the legendary actor and theatre personality who has accepted to direct this show which is a great honor and USP of this show” – quoted by Shri. Mukesh Sharma, Addl. DG – Doordrashan.

     

    Director, Vikram Gokhale envisioned this women centric series as an eye opener in a male dominated society as this society claims to be a thinker’s society. He said “The reason to be a part of this series is to expose the so called rational society which has different set of laws while it comes to the liberty of a woman especially when it comes to Power Game in the existing political scenario of our country”

     

    The writer, Smt. Neela Satyanaryan is herself a distinguished personality and a live example of courage and honor. She is a multi-faceted personality with interest in music and literature. In the past, she has held important assignments and also headed several departments in Maharashtra recalls breaking the glass ceiling. She strongly believes that “A Women Administrator can always bring a difference in the administration through her compassion and understanding – She is the Human Face of administration”

     

    Shri Mukesh Sharma mentioned that “this series will also be dubbed in to other languages for telecast as it has a strong message and appeal which has to be widespread. The entire series will be shot in the Pune City and the first schedule of this shoot will be commencing from 10th June.”

     

    Doordarshan justifies its role as a National Broadcaster by producing this series specially designed for “Women Empowerment” and truly believes that this show will change the perception of the people and enlarge the vision of our current political and government functioning system.

  • Aamir Khan – The National Icon of ECI for 2014 General Elections

    Aamir Khan – The National Icon of ECI for 2014 General Elections

    MUMBAI: The Election Commission of India has nominated Actor, Aamir Khan as the National Icon of Election Commission of India in connection with the upcoming National Elections in 2014.

     

    The National Broadcaster’s of India – Doordarshan is entrusted with the job of making this campaign and in this regard a shoot was organized to record Actor, Aamir Khan’s message at Doordarshan’s Mumbai Kendra on 27th April 2014, under the guidance of Shri Mukesh Sharma – Addl. Director General Programming, West Zone.

     

    This campaign makes voters aware to realize value of their invaluable vote for strengthening democracy.It highlights, The Right to vote and the exercise of this franchise by eligible citizens which is the pulse of every democracy.

     

    It is focused on bringing a positive change in our country by voting  the right person and makes an appeal not to mortgage your interest nor to sell your vote.It potrays a sense of pride to be a citizen of  India, the largest democracy of the world,which holds this right as the most precious attribute of the Indian Parliamentary democracy.

  • DD Sahyadri to celebrate Public Service Broadcasting Day

    DD Sahyadri to celebrate Public Service Broadcasting Day

    MUMBAI: Every year, November 12 is celebrated as Public Service Broadcasting Day to commemorate the historic occasion when Mahatma Gandhi visited the Delhi station of All India Radio (AIR) to record a message for grief-stricken refugees in the aftermath of the partition.

     

    In keeping with the tradition, this year, Doordarshan’s (DD) Marathi channel DD Sahyadri will air a show titled Shiledar Rashtranirmitiche on 12 November from 10:00 pm to 12:00 pm to honour individuals from different walks of life who’ve contributed significantly to the cause of public service.  

     

    Conceptualised by Mukesh Sharma and produced by Shrikala Hatangade, the show will felicitate the likes of Chandrashekhar Dharmadhikari, Ameen Sayani, Dr B K Goyal, Yashwant Deo, M N Singh, Karun Shrivastav, Tabassum, Madhukar Bhave, Daksha Mashruwala, Rajan Welukar, Ujjwal Nikam and Kiran Shantaram.

     

    “I believe that commercial broadcasting is for consumers while public broadcasting is for citizens” says DD Sahyadri director general Mukesh Sharma, highlighting the need for a pubcaster at a time when commercial broadcasting has pipped it at the post.

     

    Recorded at DD’s plush new studio using five high definition cameras, Shiledar Rashtranirmitiche comprises audio videos created for each of the twelve achievers by program executive Sunita Godbole. These clips have the chosen personalities talking about their achievements in various fields, along with anecdotes from the past.
    In the show, Deo says: “Previously, songs were only meant for the ears, now, a song cannot be heard without watching it as well” while Tabassum revisits her 44 years with Doordarshan and how she evolved from AIR to DD.

     

    Says public prosecutor Nikam: “I always make sure the DD camera is there when I am speaking after a case because it reaches the remotest corners. It is the only news that gives you correct facts.” Dr Goel too favours DD saying it covers news that is usually left aside by the commercial television channels. “Lots of health issues are brought out through shows on DD that aren’t done by other channels so much,” he says.

     

    On his part, Singh urges DD to telecast shows that highlight the critical role played by policemen and doctors so that people are aware of how tough their job is rather than simply criticising them. Watch the show at 10pm on 12 November on DD Sahyadri.

  • Pubcaster DD does high definition twist

    Pubcaster DD does high definition twist

    MUMBAI: The Marathi TV creative community in Mumbai was excited last month. The reason: pubcaster Doordarshan flagged off a high definition (HD) production studio at its Mumbai kendra. Set up at a cost of Rs 18 crore, the studio has already started producing music programs, plays, series and shows such as Aaj Che Dawedaar Uddyache Super Star and Dhina Dhin Dha which come on DD Sahaydari.

    Mukesh Sharma says that the broadcaster is moving towards an HD world

    While this is great, says a media observer, it is a case of putting the cart before the horse as DD has no HD transmitters. The net result: it has been downgrading the programs to standard definition (SD) for terrestrial and satellite telecasts of DD daily.

     

    Agrees DD Sahyadri Additional director general (programming) Mukesh Sharma adding that the studio will only be used for HD content production. “We are looking at changing and adapting to HD and this is the first stage,” says Sharma.

     

    The Mumbai HD set includes six new Ikegami HD cameras, Dolby surround system, new microphones, a Kayak switcher as well as a new post production set up for editing. The system integration for the approximately 900 sq metre of an old studio in the new DD building in central Mumbai was done by Shaf Broadcast. The pub-caster currently has plans to upgrade its old world SD transmission network to HD over the next few months. Reports are that some 10 terrestrial HD TV channels are on the anvil.

    It says it does not want to wait until it starts transmitting in HD; it would rather build its program catalogue in HD now for future exploitation. We are going to have more studios in metros like Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata very soon, added Sharma. The first to come online with its HD set up was Delhi in May 2013.

    DD’s attempt to adapt to changes by introducing HD systems

     

    Questions are being raised whether DD is doing the right thing migrating to HD? Will it be more money down the drain for a broadcaster which has a mandate of public service? Are private players generating enough excitement amongst media planners to allow them to plonk their advertising dollars on their HD chanels?

     

    “Not really,” observes the media observer. “Advertisers are approaching HD channels cautiously. They prefer a shot gun approach on SD channels where they get mass audiences than in a HD service which is being watched by smaller more elite audiences. They obviously are playing safe so far.”

     

    NDTV Lifestyle chief executive director Smeeta Chakrabarti too tends to agree. She has been filming the channel’s show in HD for a few years now and says advertisers have been chary of parking their bucks there. Says she: “The cost of buying HD equipment is not much higher than normal ones but the cost of broadcasting is not recovered through revenue.”

     

    “I don’t know why such a brou-ha-ha is being made about DD moving to HD,” says another media observer. “Almost all of the terrestrial broadcasters the world over have made the transition; DD is doing it in its unique fashion like it does so for all its activities. So be it.”

  • ‘DD Sahyadri has been successfully exploring the pubcaster’s autonomy to unleash useful information’

    Another tranquil evening is setting in the imposing Prasar Bharati complex, situated at Mumbai‘s upscale Worli area.As I enter the DD Kendra Mumbai (DD Sahyadri) office, an eerie silence accompanied by that unmistakable government office aura surrounds me. The staff has slowly started packing their bags, and walking through the vacant corridor, I wonder if that terrible traffic jam has cost me my appointment with the Kendra director Mukesh Sharma.

    Meet the man though and any notions that he oversees a culture of ennui are dispelled. Sharma has just come off major brainstorming session with his key officers. As I am ushered into the spacious cabin, Sharma displays no signs of the fatigue. Over a cup of black tea, that Sharma himself prepared, he switches on the cheerful chat. He has been running the show at the Mumbai Kendra in this fashion since the last six years and the way DD Sahyadri evolved during this phase says it all.

    In the course of the conversation, the former filmmaker‘s uninterrupted journey of six years as DD Sahyadri director is unveiled frame by frame.

    A UP-ITE COMES TO MUMBAI TO LEAD DD‘S MARATHI DRIVE

    I have come all the way from Lucknow to Mumbai to head DD Sahyadri. There was a bit of apprehension in my mind when I took up the assignment. Reason, obviously the language and cultural barriers. To think like a Maharashtrian when it comes to conceptualising and ideating programming sounded a difficult proposition. However, I solved the situation successfully by following the strategy of ideating quality programmes and then banking on the local team to do the job perfectly.

    I also realised that, I could use my film background to my advantage in this position. Being a filmmaker and producer myself, I think in the same wavelength that my producers think and that came as a huge bonus. My career background helped me to interact with my clients in a better way and overall it helped a lot to increase the Kendra‘s productivity.

    THOSE EARLY DAYS

    When I joined on 4 May 2000, DD Sahyadri was in a terrible state then. Poor connectivity, substandard programmes and low grade technical infrastructure had placed us lowest in the Marathi channel chart, behind ETV Marathi, Alpha Marathi (now Zee Marathi), Tara Marathi and Prabhat. I wanted to change this.

    I started with the connectivity issue. The issue was discussed with the cable operators and the DD Public Relations (PR) machinery was effectively used to improve the relationship with all concerned. Within six months, we were seen, heard and known. DD Sahyadri discovered its own identity and that made a huge difference. I have never sold the channel as Doordarshan. I always marketed it as Sahyadri.

    To improve the programming, I did a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) analysis of the channel and identified my target group (TG) as citizens and not consumers. I decided to run Sahyadri like a real public channel. To reach out to the masses, phone-in programmes were conceptualised. This was something new in those times. I realised that, DD Sahyadri‘s USP should be, ‘a channel that reaches the masses and empowers them — especially women — through its programmes‘.

    PROGRAMMING LANDMARKS

    Our first ever phone-in programme Hello Sakhi, has completed six years as a daily show now. So, I can say, DD Sahyadri has about 1500 hours of women empowerment programming unleashed in Maharashtra. The programme gives expert advice on issues such as legal, career, education and health and the programme was first its kind when it was introduced in 2000. Even phone-in programmes were a rare affair then, whether on DD or satellite channels.

    Then came Hello Doctor in 2001, again targeted at the masses. We also kicked off the Navratna Awards, which felicitates nine talented Maharashtrians, in the same year. Another award property Navjot Sahyadri Che was initiated in 2002 in association with Unicef. Then in 2003, we introduced Lux Hirkani Awards to honour ‘women of substance‘. As an appreciation towards our achievements in establishing event properties, Prasar Bharati asked us to produce an award show Prerna Puraskar and then New Year programmes for the national network. The New Year programmes are produced at a cost of about Rs 2.5 million and we record a profit of about Rs 7.5 million out of it.

    Since Mumbai is the hub of Indian cinema, I brought the entire Films Division from Delhi to Mumbai. The division has now become a significant player in Prasar Bharati‘s revenue plans as it functions in harmony with the DD marketing division in Mumbai.

    Overall, DD Sahyadri launched about 25 programmes during this six-year period. These cut across all the programming genres such as talk shows, game shows, events, musicals and soaps. I would say, DD Sahyadri gave a significant contribution to television in its infancy by introducing such diverse genres to the masses and the huge success these shows recorded underlines their popularity.

    REVENUE REALISATIONS & FUTURE PLANS

    Some time back, I realised that, DD Sahyadri was wasting its air time during the breaks between programmes. We used to simply display some message on the screen informing viewers about the next programme coming up. I introduced five minute programmes in these ‘lazy‘ slots and started telecasting programmes such as Hasnavari Gheu Naka (Jokes Apart). The popularity of the programme attracted advertisers and now the five minute slot has 1.5 minutes bought by advertisers.

    In 2005, Prasar Bharati introduced the Self Financing Scheme (SFS) successfully in the national channel. The logical extension of the scheme has been to regional channels and DD Sahyadri was chosen as the first regional Kendra to implement the scheme. The SFS scheme gives DD the power to market its shows and earn the returns, while producers are paid a fixed amount for their work.

    The system delivered very well for DD Sahyadri in the 2006 fiscal. We recorded revenues of Rs 280 million in the 2005-2006 fiscal, which comes to about 28 per cent of the Kendra‘s revenue. By marketing our shows in-house, we could triple our returns. As we move towards a 100 per cent implementation of the system, DD Sahyadri is targeting revenues of about Rs 300 million in the 2006-2007 fiscal,

    On 2 October 2006, on its 35th birthday, DD Sahyadri will activate a complete switchover from the sponsored to commissioned model for its show slots. We will bring all our programmes under SFS by marketing them ourselves. Presently, sponsored programmes constitute about 20 per cent of our schedule and from 2 October onwards, there won‘t be a single sponsored programme in our line up. Right now the plan is in the initial phase of implementation and we are working towards achieving the goal.

    DIRECT TO HOME (DTH) & DD SAHYADRI

    According to a study conducted by Tam recently, about 2.5 million DTH boxes were sold in the country. The study showed Zee had the maximum number of DTH customers in Rajasthan, while DD‘s DTH is most popular in the rural areas of Maharashtra. That is a testimony to DD Sahyadri‘s strong hold over the masses in the All Maharashtra market.

    DD Sahyadri has also taken an active part in marketing the DD DTH. In fact, I presented a DD DTH connection to Sachin Tendulkar during the Navratna Awards ceremony.

    DOORDHARSHAN IS AGEING

    On the lack of young talent in Doordarshan: Since 1992, DD hasn‘t made any fresh recruitment. The average age of DD employees is now 55 years. We have no new generation backing us. The government must look at this with all the seriousness required.

    SETBACKS

    Overall, DD Sahyadri – during my tenure – didn‘t have to backtrack from any of its major initiatives. However, one programming initiative did let us down. Inspired by the national network‘s successful 11 pm Bioscope experiment, where a movie is telecast over three days on DD1 part-by-part, we started a similar initiative for the 8 pm slots on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. But it didn‘t appeal to the viewers and we were forced to pull it off.

    PARTING SHOT

    As the DD Sahyadri director, I have been trying to do this balancing act of selling the channel as well as contributing to society. Through our various properties which are targeted at the common man of Maharashtra, DD Sahyadri has been successfully exploring the pubcaster‘s autonomy to unleash useful information. As a responsible broadcast official, I am working towards an effective broadcast policy in a digital multi-channel era in the context of social education.