ITV

Tag: Narendra Modi

  • Frankly Speaking with Modi

    Frankly Speaking with Modi

    MUMBAI: The channel which claims to be the headquarter for 2014 elections and the man who gets personalities to speak frankly has finally got BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi, on the channel.

    Times Now has added another feather to its cap by becoming the first English News channel to get an interview with Narendra Modi. The man has already given a lot of interviews since the elections started to various Hindi channels, to name a few: ETV Gujarati, India News, Aaj Tak, CNBC Awaaz, Zee News etc.

    ETV Gujarati opened the score for Modi and his string of interviews. However, English News channels have tried their level best to get the man on to their channel; and since then failed.

    CNN IBN’s deputy editor Sagarika Ghose even tweeted asking the man to give an interview to “best” journalists. To which India TV’s chairman and editor-in chief Rajat Sharma replied, “Well, I already got one. You should watch good news channels too.”

    The channels editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami who got Rahul Gandhi first on his ‘Frankly Speaking’ show can now finally breathe a sigh of relief to get Modi before any of his rivals did. The Rahul Gandhi interview became a trend and also a butt of jokes. The hashtag #RahulSpeaksToArnab trended for days after the interview as jokes, parodies, cartoons and even remixes of the interview flooded the internet space.

    With Varansi going to polls on 12 May from where Modi fights against AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal, BJPs prime ministerial candidate is already in news. The time seems perfect for the channel to speak to the man.

    In the interview to Goswami, Modi will speak about issues ranging from his campaign to the recent controversy over his ‘caste’ comments and also Priyanka Gandhi’s ‘Neech Rajniti’ jibe.

    With Times Now and Twitter getting into a partnership for the 2014 general elections, hashtags have become common for the channel. The hashtag this time around is #ModiSpeaksToArnab. One will have to wait and watch to see what will trend after the interview airs on 8 May at 9pm.

  • Modi most popular, even as negative sentiments grow

    Modi most popular, even as negative sentiments grow

    MUMBAI: The eighth phase of the elections just ended and with only one last phase left, the 16th Lok Sabha general elections are turning out to be something that India has not seen in a long time.

     

    The media, especially the social media, has become a major part of these elections. Many even claim that the medium along with television has become a talking point amongst many and has been able to influence.

     

    Social media has become such an important part for news channels that they need to use it to know what people have to say about the various issues cropping up this election – be it Narendra Modi’s road show in Varansi or Priyanka Gandhi entering the battlefield to defend her younger brother, Rahul Gandhi.

     

    Various digital agencies have jumped on this golden opportunity and are trying to read and understand the trend as well as what creates Indians to log on to the virtual world and discuss.

     

    To The New, an integrated digital services network, is one such agency that has launched a comparative study of politicians and top political parties of the two weeks (Week 1: 22 to 28 April; Week 2:  29 April to 5 May).

     

    As per the report, as the elections come to its end the negative sentiments is what is gripping people. The report created on the basis of the analysis of digital conversations across various social platforms such as Twitter, blogs, forums and news sites, says that all the parties saw an increase in negative buzz compared to last week.

     

    AAP topped the chart with highest number of negative mentions. The negative mentions doubled wherein in week 1 there were 33575 negative mentions, in week 2 it went as high as 66245. Congress followed it with an increase of almost 10,000 negative mentions (43793 as compared to last week’s 33824).

     

    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came in third with 45585 negative mentions as compared to previous week’s 38617. BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi’s negative sentiment has shot up drastically in week 2. The sentiments grew more than double for Modi with AAP’s Dr Kumar Vishwas coming second.

     

    What is interesting is the fact that on similar notes, the positive sentiments too were the highest for Modi while AAP’s founder Arvind Kejriwal came second. However, the difference between the two was of many yards. Having said that, the positive sentiments saw a minor negative slide.

     

    A lot of buzz was generated around Congress and AAP, whereas BJP witnessed a drop in this regard in week 2. Also, Modi was yardsticks ahead of others when it came to personalities. He, however, did see a decrease in the buzz around him. From 154,386 mentions it fell to 133,460 for Modi.

     

    Meanwhile, Dr Kumar Vishwas and Rahul Gandhi saw an increase in buzz during week 2. But Arvind Kejriwal came in second amongst the top 10 personalities.

     

    With just a week to go, the talks – good, bad or ugly – are only going to intensify as everyone waits with abated breath to see who will sit on the PM’s seat this time around.

     

    Click here for detailed report

  • Elections 2014: Live from Ground Zero

    Elections 2014: Live from Ground Zero

    MUMBAI: The 2014 election fever has gripped the nation and news channels in their quest to feed the hungry electorate with innovative and comprehensive news coverage, are venturing out, literally. Studio produced shows are steadily seen replacing on ground coverage ensuring that information is delivered at source. Some of these shows include Open Mike by CNN-IBN; Kaun Banega Pradhan Mantrai, Nukkad Bahas and Ghosnapatra by ABP; Campus Connect by NewsX; Janta Ka Agenda, Akhada, Pradhan Mantri Pachchisi by News Nation etc.  Well known journalists, the face of these channels including Barkha Dutt of NDTV, Sagarika Ghose of CNN-IBN, Ajay Kumar, Ramesh Bhatt from News Nation, Abhisar Sharma of ABP and Athar Khan of NewsX, have all stepped out of the four walls of the studio to reach out to the janta.

     

    What have been the primary reasons for news channels venturing out from the comforts of the studio? IBN Network managing editor Vinay Tewari says, “Elections have been always about people. Going out on the field and interacting with the 80 crore electorate is very important for us.”

     

    News Nation CEO and editor in chief Shailesh Kumar said, “Our endeavor is to give a feel that we are present at ground zero. We cannot call voters from far flung areas to our studios. But our studio can certainly move to the door steps of the voters.”  Echoing a similar thought about its show Campus Connect, NewsX says that the show has come up as a unique youth electorate engagement initiative that hopes to build the political power of young people in order to achieve progressive change in the country.

     

    Producing such shows in the open involves a lot more investment, manpower and planning compared to a studio produced show. According to Castle Media director Vynsley Fernandes, producing a half-an-hour show in a studio costs around Rs 45,000 which nearly triples for an hour long show produced on ground costing roughly around Rs 1, 25,000. “But news channels feel it’s worth the effort as they get to know the real pulse of the nation,” he says.

     

     
    News Nation has deployed about 100 crewmen including journalists, four OB vans and 30 bag packs for its different programmes while News   X ‘Campus Connect’ employs 20 odd personnel.  To transmit these shows a combination of 3G back packs and OB vans are being used. Some of these shows are broadcast live while others are pre-recorded.

     

    Bigger states like Uttar Pradesh (UP) and the Hindi speaking belt command more weightage as they send more MPs to the parliament. News Nation says that states like UP, Bihar, Karnataka and Rajasthan are more important as BJP expects maximum swing of votes in these areas while for ABP News states in the Hindi heartland are of utmost priority and its show Ghosnapatra is limited to bigger cities only. NewsX differs and says that every state is important for them.

     

    As the counting day draws nearer and the election mania reaches its peak, News Nation says that counting day is for results and therefore the studio will be more important to them although reporting from important constituencies will get equal importance. On the other hand, ABP News and NewsX have said that on ground reporting will see a surge on the day results will be declared. For all the effort that has gone in producing these shows and formats it is crucial that an efficient marketing plan is devised to pitch these shows to the right audience. NewsX is relying on considerable amount of word of mouth communication through the audience who take part in their shows. They are also promoting extensively through promos on the channel to build additional viewership. At the same time, each episode is uploaded on YouTube and promoted to digital subscribers.

     

    On the other hand according to MCCS marketing manager Vikas Singh ‘aap apni rajneetik rai kahan banate hain’ is the question that the ABP News brand campaign asks its viewers. Politics is national pastime and is perhaps the only thing after cricket where everybody has a point of view. People can be seen having animated political discussions at bus stops, cafeterias, inside trains, tea stalls, at work station in office, almost everywhere. However not all discussions are backed by sound knowledge. “The campaign tries to get the viewers watch ABP News to form the correct political opinion. It leaves behind a powerful message ‘sahi rajneetik rai banana ke liye dekhiye sirf ABP News’,” says Singh.

     

     According to Lowe Lintas executive vice president Syed Amjad Ali the key objective of the campaign was to take the thought further through an interesting story. “The story is so simple that anyone can connect with and understand it. People resonate with this campaign far more strongly given the timing of such a large scale election that’s going on in the country,” informs Ali. The social media space too is being used extensively to market these shows. ABP News is using interactive poll banners that run on popular sites to establish the message.

     

    As per IPSOS study-‘Kaun Banega Pradhan Mantri’ has the highest awareness amongst all election related shows across news genre. “Audiences specially the youth talk a lot of the Campus Connect show on social media,” says Singh. These dynamic formats have been a huge hit and have developed a big following among the ‘aam janta’ as it gives them an opportunity to share their views and thus makes the audience feels empowered.

     

    NewsX plans to integrate social media to a larger and greater extent to engage with their audience.  The audience response to these new shows has been positive.

     

    All the channels that indiantelevision.com spoke to said that this new format is here to stay even post elections, although the degree and extent to which currently these shows are produced might be low due to budget constraints.

  • Interview of Narendra Modi at Zee News

    Interview of Narendra Modi at Zee News

    MUMBAI: Claiming to know the pulse of the nation, BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi took the fight to the enemy camp saying that the foundation for a new government had already been laid.

     

    He said recent statements by Congress leadership in regard to support likely to a Third Front meant that the party had accepted defeat. “When elections were announced there was talk of a hung Parliament. Now there is talk of support to non NDA government. I am not myself saying anything. Congress statements themselves show that the mother-son government is on the way out and the foundation for a new government has been laid.”

     

    Commenting on the idea behind the popular BJP’s slogan “Acche din aane wale hain”, Modi said, “While inaugurating Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan PM Manmohan Singh assured good days will come despite gloomy economic scenario. Next day I had a meeting there where I narrated PM’s slogan and the entire hall burst into laughter. The message was clear.”

     

    Maintaining his attack on Congress, he said, “Look at all bad things in this country and they all add up to define Congress today. That is why all miss-governance gets identified with Congress. There is negativity all round.”

     

    Modi, however, sounded optimistic for May 16. “The moment results come out on May 16 we will move out of negativity. The country will take 125 core steps forward. 2014 is an election of hope. Aspiration yields positive energy which leads to growth of the country.”

     

    Refusing to be drawn further on the issue of ever growing personal attacks, BJP Prime Ministerial candidate said, “We are committed to the slogan of good governance and development. People have liked our pitch.”  To substantiate his view, he cited an earlier instance of good governance. “In 2001 the massive earthquake had devastated Gujarat and within a short span of time the state got back on the development track.”

     

    However, in response to another question, on heightened attacks on him and BJP by Mamata Banerjee and other regional leaders, he sounded aggressive in his response. “Six phases of polling have already taken place. The mood of the nation is known to everyone. That is why the heightened attack. They have nothing to offer of their own. Their objective is to aim to dislodge him.”

     

    On how he faced up to the Gandhi troika, he said, “It is not just the Gandhi family. All UPA allies are up against me. It is Modi versus the rest. The irony is that instead of evaluating the performance of their government, they are all auditing Gujarat model.”

     

    Modi reiterated that his brand of politics revolved purely on development. “I am not in favour of vote bank politics. I am not for communal and caste politics. I oppose them.”

     

    Citing his own humble background to buttress the point, he said, “Is it a sin to be poor in this country? I come from a poor background but I have never used poverty as a political ploy. I am here today having sold tea in train compartments.” He categorically denied he was in race for power but reiterated his commitment to work towards building a modern India.

     

    In response to another question on whether he had raised far too many expectations, he said he was no dream seller but had a sense of the pulse of the people of this country. “There has to be a commitment to governance and that is my promise. I have not made any tall claims.” Citing what these steps would be, he quoted the example of sanitation.  “Small steps will make a difference to shed all round negativity. There are no toilets for women in most part of India. This has to change.”     

     

    Modi said he was like any other citizen and lived life like a commoner. “I am not a robot. I am a common man. I think and act like a common man. I have a commitment to the common man. But I have my own limitations like any other human being.”    

     

    Evading question on Baba Ramdev’s measures to improve the economy, Modi said, “My expert team will decide about the economic decision. Don’t bring Baba Ramdev in such things”. Was he readying his team ahead of his party’s claim of NDA coming to power, Modi said, “My current KRA is to fight and win the election. I am not thinking of anything else.”

     

    On stock market rally ahead of elections, he said there had been a needless controversy. Without getting into directly attacking the finance minister, he said, “It is for investing community to respond to as to why it mentions my name and not that of the Prime Minister and finance minister.”

  • Al Jazeera goes behind the scenes on Narendra Modi’s campaign

    Al Jazeera goes behind the scenes on Narendra Modi’s campaign

    MUMBAI: As part of its election programming, Al Jazeera English takes the viewers on a campaign trail with Gujarat State Chief Minister Narender Modi in his bid to become India’s next prime minister.

     

    A special from 101 East, ‘Modi the Messiah?’ premieres on Friday, April 25 and will examine the anticipation around Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi. Reporter Karishma Vyas gathers views from leaders from BJP, political scientist and industrialists in Gujarat where Modi has been in power as the state’s Chief Minister and residents of the state.

     

    Prakash Javadekar, Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha and a leader of Bharatiya Janata Party sharing his views about Modi with Al Jazeera: “This time people are voting for aspiration, for progress. This is a radical change which is happening in the parliament election. This election is all about development, development, development. Inflation, unemployment, stagnation, all has caused great pains for common people and corruption. There is a feeling in the people that they have been looted left, right and center. Modi is the man of integrity, man of honesty, incorruptible record and performance. People want delivery; he is the man of delivery”.

     

    Kalpesh A Patel, Executive Director, Nirma said, “We have already been serving the benefits of Mr. Modi as a head of the state, and I think the entire nation is looking to him to shoulder the responsibility so why only should Gujarat benefit? The entire country should benefit and the entire country should prosper and see the change and the improvement in the process.”

     

    Zoya Hasan, a political scientist and a former member of the National Commission for Minorities says, “This is a highly competitive election as never before. There’s a Hindu undercurrent running through the Modi campaign even though it is not upfront and upfront is talk of development. It’s been a procession of support from the corporate sector because they see Modi as business friendly, as someone who is prepared to do what it takes to promote economic growth unhindered. Modi is an extremely autocratic, authoritarian leader who is being presented in this campaign as the decisive leader that India needs.”

     

    However, a shadow hangs over his candidature, as Chief Minister in Gujarat state the self-proclaimed Hindu nationalist presided over one of the worst massacres of Muslims in the Indian history. In February 2002, four months after Modi became the state’s chief minister – deadly communal clashes engulfed the streets of Gujarat. Though, Modi has denied culpability in these riots, and a Supreme Court ordered investigation has concluded that there isn’t enough evidence to charge him with any crime.

     

    One of the riot victims said, “We lost our family, we lost our neighbours, we lost the people that were in our lives every day. I pray to God for them. I sit here and remember them. It feels like they’re still with me and I’m sitting with them.”

     

    101 East is a weekly television programme, broadcast by Al Jazeera English that focuses on current affairs in Asia and the Pacific.

     

    Tune into Al Jazeera on Dish TV 618 and Tata Sky Channel 518 on April 25 at 1500 IST to catch the premiere of 101 East Modi the Messiah? episode

  • Narendra Modi on ABP News’ Ghoshnapatra

    Narendra Modi on ABP News’ Ghoshnapatra

    MUMBAI: ABP News election special- “GHOSHNAPATRA”, brings BJP Prime Minister candidate Narendra Modi interacting with the Editors, ABP News, ABP Majha and ABP Ananda on the array of issues in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls 2014. This interview was recorded on April, 20, 2014, Sunday.

     

    Please find below some of the highlights of the interview.
     

    Please note that the interview was in Hindi and the translation in English is indicative. Kindly refer to the detailed intercepts in Hindi on our website http://abpnews.abplive.in/ and for English at http://www.abplive.in/ at 9pm.
     

     

    Modi on RSS, ‘India First’- “I need to run the government, and the government functions as per the constitution. I believe that there is only one religion for the government- India First. There is only one Holy Book for the government- our Constitution, the government believes in one prayer- “Bharat Bhakti”. There is only one way to governance- “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas”.

     

     Modi on ‘Rajdharma’-  “I have taken it (moral responsibility of any person killed in Gujarat) since day one. All my interviews, speeches (in the assembly) are available. I request you to do some research. Everything is available…you will find answers to all your queries (in those speeches and interviews).”

     

    Modi on being grilled for 9 hours in the 2002 riots case: “you can try me as much (on the 2002 riots), but you wont be able to do it. In 2007, when UPA came into power the second time, I was dragged to Supreme Court due to (political) conspiracy..it was then that I decided not to speak since the Supreme Court must not get influenced. Till date, no chief minister in India has been grilled by police for nine hours…this (me) is the chief minister who has been grilled for 9 hours by police officers. Supreme Court has seen the video recording (of the questioning). I have proven myself on these fronts and will continue to do so in future as well. But I refuse to surrender to lies and political conspiracies.”
     

     

    Modi on “Muslims scared of Modi”- “You would have my interview in your library (archives) in 2002 (post-winning the Gujarat polls). After winning the polls in 2002, I went to Maninagar in the evening to thank the voters…I said in my speech that day, that this (Gujarat) government belongs to those who have voted for it, against it and even to those who have not voted. The ‘mantra’ for my government is ‘Abhai (fearless), Abhai, Abhai’…I said it thrice.”
     

     

    Modi On Giriraj- “Nobody can agree with what he (Giriraj) has said”…

     

    Modi on his aggressive personality, issues like Ram Mandir, Uniform Civil Code in the manifesto-  “The country doesn’t work with aggression, the nation works as per the Constitution, country moves forward with constitutional dignity…aggression is meant for polls…not to run the government.”

     

    Modi on- “Acche din aane wale hai”- “Is there an expiry date mentioned everywhere…a (party) manifesto stands for five years, a government is formed for five years…it (government) has to deliver in these five years- some work (projects) is initiated and some work (projects) are meant to be accomplished…It is very clear that a manifesto is not a final declaration of the 21st century (a decade)…it stands for the term of a government.”

     

    Modi on Vadra- “Jeejaji”- “see you will have to acknowledge, how will you acknowledge…if something (Vadra’s alleged growth in real estate) has happened, if there is a connect with the family (The Gandhis), then the connect lies within this word (‘Jijaji’)…I am not aware of any other word (connect), otherwise I would have taken up that…”

     

    Modi on Ambani and Adani: “This is not your question. It is not expected from media to carry forward the agenda taken up by the political opponents. You are expected to talk about how Modi has governed (in Gujarat) for the last 14 years. There was a government where you could find only middlemen (in political corridors)..Modi’s identity is a government where you can not find any middlemen…people of India can proudly say that there is a (state) government which can not be pressurized, which can’t be managed (with money). My 14-year track record speaks for me…at least people like you (media) should should not own such (allegations) things…here I am using the word media.”
     

     

    Modi on “Shehzada”: “This is weird…this word “Shehzada”…we have read about it in history…around four-five years back, Congress had termed Sonia Gandhi as “Rajmata”…and they continued using the word (“Rajmata”) this for a long time…so now should I question Congress for using these princely terms when those times are long over…It’s fine (no big deal) if they have said such a thing.”

     

    Modi on his marital-status row: “I am not surprised at anything, there is nothing to my (personal) life…since there is nothing much for them (to talk about), they keep talking about (such) things…”

     

    Modi on black money: “there is a word about Indian money stashed in banks abroad…by and large there is no dispute in that. The government has the information on that…but we are not in the government, and those in the government are not responding to it. So our stand is, that we will bring the truth out as we form the government. The rounds will stop if there is nothing to it and if it is (money stashed abroad) then we will get it back.”

     

    Modi on political alignment with Lalu and Pawar- “No, no no…there is no such (political alignment with Sharad Pawar) thing. As far as friendship is concerned, you would be surprised to know that I am friends with Laluji…we exist in a social setup, but we need to take individual stands due to our political ideologies. But this is one big family…and there can’t be any enemies here.”

     

    Modi on support from Raj Thackeray: “As far as the results are concerned on May 16, I firmly believe that we will not need any such support to govern the nation. But you need everyone’s support to run the nation. I am of the opinion that in a democracy, to run the nation, we must rise above politics and take support from everyone, (though) we would not need (support) to the run the government, we will get full support from the people. Even if Rahul wins from Amethi, though the chances of that are bleak, and becomes the leader of Opposition…we will take his support too. In my view, you need to take everyone along to run the nation.”

     

    Modi on firm-handedness with Pakistan: “first and the foremost thing is that we should run the country in such a way that nobody should be able to dare look at us. We need to be balanced (look straight into the eyes at the international level) and that should get reciprocated…that is the best way forward.”

     

    Modi on visting US: ”this is a tough question…yes a very tough question…the country has chosen me to work for the nation.”

  • ‘Team India’ Includes Prime Minister and State CMs

    ‘Team India’ Includes Prime Minister and State CMs

    Gandhinagar: Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Friday unveiled his economic roadmap for the country. In an exclusive interview with India’s number one business channel CNBC Awaaz Modi claimed that the NDA government would be pro-people and in favour of India’s business interest. In a candid and comprehensive conversation with CNBC Awaaz Editor-in-Chief, Sanjay Pugalia , the Gujarat Chief Minister also stated that there was a need to review FDI with a completely different perspective.   (http://youtu.be/NlEQd8B15jg)

     

    “We have to protect the manufacturing sector of India. If we are unable to protect manufacturing sector and small scale industries then our youth’s future will be destroyed,” he told CNBC Awaaz. However, he maintained that a government cannot show signs of improvement just in a few days and appealed for a full term for a BJP-led government. Modi also made it very clear in the interview that his government will not reduce or discontinue subsidies.

     

    The BJP leader also refuted the allegations of crony capitalism by saying that all his relations with corporate leaders are over the table and in full public view, because he has nothing to hide unlike leaders of other political parties. Assuring that he will never indulge in divisive politics, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi said that India has been ruled by pseudo secularism for way too long.”I will never engage in divisive politics even if it means that I lose the elections. The country has been divided in the name of secularism. We are all fellow citizens and that is my firm belief. I have succeeded in Gujarat and I will succeed in India,” he said.

     

    He also maintained that he will not make a separate vote appeal to the Muslim community but will ask for votes from ‘fellow Indians’. “I will never commit the sin of appealing to one community. I will not say anything to Hindus or Muslims. I will only appeal to my fellow Indians. They will then decide,” he said.

     

    For the first time during this election campaign, Modi spoke candidly and vividly on his economic agenda if he gets the coveted position of power. Explaining his vision of a PM CM team Modi said that the Centre must think like a team leader, where the team will include the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers, adding that it is not difficult to learn to be a team player, but commitment is must. Promoting team work, Modi said there’s a need to bring both experience and energy together for good work. Modi said the party will focus on bringing people out of poverty line and also that In a democratic set up, it is important that political parties face the pressure of performance, which will inspire them to do good work. He sees Railways playing an important role in becoming the link between development of Centre and States, though he thinks that technology upgradation is needed in the sector. Supporting the single-window clearance for ministerial restructuring, Modi said the decisions should be professional and not political, including privatization of PSUs.

     

    On Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation, Modi said BJP has always supported it but the success of GST depends on strengthening the IT network. He feels the Centre should take states into confidence over the discussion on process of GST. On diplomatic ties, Modi said the parameters of diplomacy have changed post globalisation era. He thinks today the country needs to work on trade, commerce and technology with other nations, including US. Taking a tough stance against tainted MLAs, Modi said he will consider providing the list of their names to Supreme Court. Modi thinks the media should increase its capability and take more responsibility.

     

  • This one’s the Gags Gang!

    This one’s the Gags Gang!

    MUMBAI: One – a gritty drama around the coal mafia of Dhanbad has nothing to do with the other – a laughter riot cooked up by television’s funnies.

     

    We’re talking about Zee TV’s first-of-its-kind ‘variety’ comedy show titled Gangs of Hasseypur  which promises to tickle your funny bone and bears no resemblance whatsoever to its cerebral namesake – Anurag Kashyap’s critically acclaimed film, Gangs of Wasseypur.

     

    As reported earlier by indiantelevision.com, Gangs of Hasseypur is slated for an April 26 premiere on Zee TV. So, at 8:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday, viewers will be treated to a mish-mash of hasya kavis making them laugh at everyday issues or stand-up comics unraveling the real faces behind the big names in cinema, sports and politics.

     

    Be it the unending speculation over superstar Salman Khan’s bachelor (should we say virgin) status or something as everyday as rising prices, the show will see comedians like Raju Shrivastav and Suresh Menon leaving the audience in splits with their witty punches and comic timing. Actor-comic Bharti Singh will add her own brand of madness while divas Mandira Bedi and Tanishaa Mukherjee will step in as Hasseypur ki Haseenayein, upping the show’s glam quotient. Gorgeous and witty Ragini Khanna will host the show. Dabur Glucose-D will be the title sponsor.

     

    Pankaj Saraswat of Laughter Challenge fame will helm this laugh-a-thon as creative director. He says that the show was conceptualized in just 15 days. With the shoot having begun not very long ago on April 14, four episodes have been canned already.

     

    Asked if the jokes on issues ranging from inflation to the serial lack of trust in politicians will be taken in the right spirit, Saraswat says: “We are not attacking anyone personally. We are talking about things that are known to everyone. Everybody knows that Narendra Modi’s wife’s issue has come up suddenly. Everybody knows that Aam Aadmi Party chief got slapped. We don’t have any personal agenda and are not politically biased against anyone. It is more socio-political.”

     

    Referring to a joke about “Neil Nitin Mukesh is menghai ke zamane me teen naam leke chal raha hai” in the show, Saraswat explains: “It is comedy; we are not making the show to hurt anyone’s sentiments. It is not below the belt. We have got a lot of different elements in the show. It is not just stand-up comedians coming, throwing jokes and going but it has got more meat to it like interactive sessions, panel discussions and much more.”

     

    What was it like with the production team having been given just 15 days to put the show together? “We brainstormed on the idea internally and I gave Pankaj a call and threw a bomb saying let’s shoot in the next two weeks. He has his pool of comedians, he knows them, and he knows how to utilize their talents in the best way. And he did it and we would like to improve on what we have done and I am sure the audience is going to just love it,” answers Zee TV programming head, Namit Sharma.

     

    Sharma was confident that the concept would be bang on in an election season in a country where there aren’t too many platforms to showcase comic talent. “If you look at the English comedy, they allow young talent to grow. We have not created enough platforms for comic talent to grow. So I am very keen to do that,” he says.

     

    Going by industry sources, the show costs are anywhere between Rs 15 and Rs 20 lakh per episode.

     

    A media expert opined that the channel has also got the slot timing right for this show. “The channel has made a safe move by not airing the show during a latter slot which has some of the best shows like Khatron Ke Khiladi, Mad In India and Comedy Nights with Kapil,” he says. “The show will get a  thumbs up as far as viewership is concerned, because people who are bored of watching daily soaps have an option to switch to Zee for the new content.”

     

    Despite the competition, Sharma believes that good content always work on television. “There are so many daily soaps that work across channels despite competition. On the same slot many shows work sometimes, so why non-fiction should be treated any differently? People like laughing; then why not?” he says. “It is really difficult to shoot such shows and I am nervous as hell about audience reaction. However, we are trying and we hope it works.”

     

  • Modi show on India TV stormed TV viewership

    Modi show on India TV stormed TV viewership

    MUMBAI: Narendra Modi featuring in Aap Ki Adalat – Special Episode has broken all TV news viewership records. The Saturday telecast of the show on India TV got an all time high market share. According to the monitoring agency TAM’s data released today, 74 percent Hindi news television viewers in India were watching this show at one point of time.

     

    Even on youtube ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ with Modi has been a huge hit. Till now it has clocked 1.78 million views globally on youtube. #modikiadalat was trending as world’s no. 1 on twitter while the telecast was on.

  • QW Naqvi quits as India TV editorial director

    QW Naqvi quits as India TV editorial director

    MUMBAI: Just six months after he took office with India TV as the editorial director after a year long sabbatical, well known journalist Qamar Waheed Naqvi has resigned from the company.

     

    Through an official statement, India TV confirmed that he had indeed taken the decision to leave the channel. Said India TV MD and CEO Ritu Dhawan, “We have accepted his resignation and asked Naqvi to serve his notice period.”

     

    “We are surprised at the reasons being attributed to it in the social media. Any such reasons are baseless, and we condemn the effort being made to use it for political gains,” said Dhawan.

     

    Sharma said, “There is a continuous attempt by some people to defame electronic media which has been officially condemned by broadcasters. We in the news media have covered several elections in the past and will cover many more, we cannot allow our industry to become a tool in the hands of interested parties during elections.”

     

    Naqvi joined India TV in October last year prior to which he was a known name at Aaj Tak.