ITV

Tag: Punar Vivah’

  • Zee collaborating with African countries to remake Indian content

    Zee collaborating with African countries to remake Indian content

    MUMBAI: Gone are the days when Indian producers were busy Indianising foreign content. Not that it’s not done still, but now made-in-India fare is being adapted into other languages in various countries. Zee, for example, is re-adapting popular Hindi soaps for other markets, especially the African ones.

    Zee TV’s flagship show, `Pavitra Rishta’, which worked well with Indian audiences, is now ready to fly in countries like Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal that have taken a fancy for Indian kitchen politics. Zee Telefilms has partnered with Multimedia Group (a broadcaster with two entertainment channels, Joy Prime and Adom TV) from Ghana and a Nigerian investor, MACE, to remake `Pavitra…’ as `Deceptive Measures’ with local actors.

    The filming is taking place across Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria and the first season will have 52 episodes of one-hour each. Popular actors from Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria, who will star in the series, include local stars like Michael Godson and Joy Jasmin Aygeman apart from actors from the three countries. The series will be directed by Nigerian film producer and director Uduak Obong.

    Zee Telefims Ltd regional head for Middle East, Africa, Turkey and Pakistan Nitin Michael told indiantelevision.com that over the past few years popularity of Indian content amongst African audiences has grown significantly.

    According to Michael, last year Zee produced `Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan’, in collaboration with RTI from Ivory Coast, giving it a local flavour. The Indian drama series produced in the UAE had an African actor as part of the cast. A few of the scenes from the drama were also shot in Africa as well. “This series turned out to be a huge success and, hence, the next logical step was to explore a full local production,” Michael explained the reason for Zee venturing into remakes.

    However, getting into a full-fledged conversion of an Indian theme with foreign actors for specific markets was not just a thought out of the blue. The idea to get into local flavor came after lot of brain-storming and data analytics relating to popular soap operas that did well in Africa in the past.

    ‘Pavitra Rishta’, for example, was a story that had worked well both on Zee channels in Africa as also on other TV channels from countries like Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal when telecast in original Hindi and dubbed/sub-titled in English and French languages, Michael said.

    The partnership amongst African broadcasters, local investors and Zee is a unique initiative with the objective being collaboration with FTA broadcasters from across Africa and using local talent to create engaging content with production values that were better than what was already being done in the African entertainment industry. According to Michael, the price of creating such re-purposed content was similar to what was already being done.

    The project involving remaking Indian content for audiences across regions has “opened the eyes and minds” of broadcasters to create more such high-quality content, which could work well with the audiences there in Africa.

    Michael said following `Pavitra Rishta’ initiative, Zee is exploring the option with other broadcasters from across the region for remaking other successful Indian scripted and unscripted formats that could travel across Africa and could include the likes of ‘Dance India Dance’ and ‘Punar Vivah’. 

  • Nikhil Mirchandani hops on board Shashi Sumeet Group as CEO

    Nikhil Mirchandani hops on board Shashi Sumeet Group as CEO

    MUMBAI: From broadcast to production. That’s the journey Nikhil Mirchandani is taking. Mirchandani has signed on as CEO of the TV, digital and ad film making production house – the Shashi Sumeet Group.

    A media specialist with more than two decades of holistic business experience, Nikhil has extensively worked across the entertainment sector catering to local and global brands. Prior to this, Nikhil has been associated with his entrepreneurial venture HOOP Entertainment, a company founded by him in 2012.

    As per the current mandate, Nikhil will be responsible for leading and overseeing the Group’s business operations and expansion plans. Currently, Shashi Sumeet Productions has the long running show Diya aur Baati Hum, and Humdard on Maan TV on air. But it has been behind successful shows such as Zee TV’s Punar Vivah, and Life Ok’s Tumhaari Paakhi.

    Nikhil Mirchandani began his career with GE Capital before making a career in the media and entertainment sector, where he has over 20 years of work experience across major networks including Sony Entertainment Television, Turner International, National Geographic Channel and Star India.

    He was managing director, south Asia, NGC Network and FOX International Channels for over five years and later joined Star as Executive Vice-President and General Manager, Star One. He then started Hoop Entertainment, an entrepreneurial venture engaged in the business of branded and digital content solutions.

    Commenting on the appointment, Shashi Sumeet group founder, director Sumeet Hukamchand Mittal , said, “I am pleased to welcome Nikhil Mirchandani to Shashi Sumeet Group family and am certain that he will come up with outstanding solutions to suit our business model. Keeping up with our brand mantra ‘Imagine, Innovate, Inspire’; I want to give my 100 per cent to my creative interest enabling a win-win situation for both myself and the organization that can benefit from increased creative bandwidth and super-amplified story-telling abilities.”

    Mirchandani agreed adding: “Shashi Sumeet Group is a brilliant brand and has done fantastic work; both business and creative. It is a matter of great pride and honour for me that I will be able to leverage my strategic skills and years of learning for a brand of this stature. I am excited to be able to lead the organization in the next stage of evolution”

  • Nikhil Mirchandani hops on board Shashi Sumeet Group as CEO

    Nikhil Mirchandani hops on board Shashi Sumeet Group as CEO

    MUMBAI: From broadcast to production. That’s the journey Nikhil Mirchandani is taking. Mirchandani has signed on as CEO of the TV, digital and ad film making production house – the Shashi Sumeet Group.

    A media specialist with more than two decades of holistic business experience, Nikhil has extensively worked across the entertainment sector catering to local and global brands. Prior to this, Nikhil has been associated with his entrepreneurial venture HOOP Entertainment, a company founded by him in 2012.

    As per the current mandate, Nikhil will be responsible for leading and overseeing the Group’s business operations and expansion plans. Currently, Shashi Sumeet Productions has the long running show Diya aur Baati Hum, and Humdard on Maan TV on air. But it has been behind successful shows such as Zee TV’s Punar Vivah, and Life Ok’s Tumhaari Paakhi.

    Nikhil Mirchandani began his career with GE Capital before making a career in the media and entertainment sector, where he has over 20 years of work experience across major networks including Sony Entertainment Television, Turner International, National Geographic Channel and Star India.

    He was managing director, south Asia, NGC Network and FOX International Channels for over five years and later joined Star as Executive Vice-President and General Manager, Star One. He then started Hoop Entertainment, an entrepreneurial venture engaged in the business of branded and digital content solutions.

    Commenting on the appointment, Shashi Sumeet group founder, director Sumeet Hukamchand Mittal , said, “I am pleased to welcome Nikhil Mirchandani to Shashi Sumeet Group family and am certain that he will come up with outstanding solutions to suit our business model. Keeping up with our brand mantra ‘Imagine, Innovate, Inspire’; I want to give my 100 per cent to my creative interest enabling a win-win situation for both myself and the organization that can benefit from increased creative bandwidth and super-amplified story-telling abilities.”

    Mirchandani agreed adding: “Shashi Sumeet Group is a brilliant brand and has done fantastic work; both business and creative. It is a matter of great pride and honour for me that I will be able to leverage my strategic skills and years of learning for a brand of this stature. I am excited to be able to lead the organization in the next stage of evolution”

  • Zee Hiburan completes one year in Indonesia

    Zee Hiburan completes one year in Indonesia

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zeel)  announced that its 24×7 general entertainment channel in Indonesia Zee Hiburan  has successfully completed a year. The channel caters to the mainstream Indonesian audiences with a mix of popular Indian serials, Bollywood movies, shows, cookery programmes, etc., dubbed in Bahasa Indonesia.

    Speaking on the channel’s first anniversary, Zeel Asia Pacific business head Sushruta Samanta said, “The success of Zee Hiburan has been simply stupendous. The whole-hearted acceptance of Indian content in Indonesia has helped the channel reach over 1.4 million (14 lakh) pay TV viewers within a year of its launch. We look forward to build on this success and achieve greater heights in the future. As a part of its one-year celebrations, Zee Hiburan will add the popular drama series, Punar Vivah as well as kids’ content to its existing offerings.”

    Zee Hiburan was launched on 21 March 2015 in Indonesia as a GEC with popular Indian series such as Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, Kumkum Bhagya, Qubool Hai, Jab Love Hua, Rab Se Sona Ishq, Alladin,Ramayan, Khana Khazana and Fear Files. The channel was positioned as ‘Colour Your Life’, showcasing every emotion in the most colourful fashion. Inspired from paper puppets and paper quilling art forms, the channel packaging was artistically designed to merge the Indonesian and Indian cultures.

    In September 2015, Zee Hiburan channel added the popular comedy show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, and period dramas, Jodha Akbar and Razia Sultan in its programme lineup The channel is currently available on 5 platforms in Indonesia viz. ICTA, K Vision, Orange TV, First Media and Dili Timor Leste ETO Telko.

  • Zee Hiburan completes one year in Indonesia

    Zee Hiburan completes one year in Indonesia

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zeel)  announced that its 24×7 general entertainment channel in Indonesia Zee Hiburan  has successfully completed a year. The channel caters to the mainstream Indonesian audiences with a mix of popular Indian serials, Bollywood movies, shows, cookery programmes, etc., dubbed in Bahasa Indonesia.

    Speaking on the channel’s first anniversary, Zeel Asia Pacific business head Sushruta Samanta said, “The success of Zee Hiburan has been simply stupendous. The whole-hearted acceptance of Indian content in Indonesia has helped the channel reach over 1.4 million (14 lakh) pay TV viewers within a year of its launch. We look forward to build on this success and achieve greater heights in the future. As a part of its one-year celebrations, Zee Hiburan will add the popular drama series, Punar Vivah as well as kids’ content to its existing offerings.”

    Zee Hiburan was launched on 21 March 2015 in Indonesia as a GEC with popular Indian series such as Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, Kumkum Bhagya, Qubool Hai, Jab Love Hua, Rab Se Sona Ishq, Alladin,Ramayan, Khana Khazana and Fear Files. The channel was positioned as ‘Colour Your Life’, showcasing every emotion in the most colourful fashion. Inspired from paper puppets and paper quilling art forms, the channel packaging was artistically designed to merge the Indonesian and Indian cultures.

    In September 2015, Zee Hiburan channel added the popular comedy show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, and period dramas, Jodha Akbar and Razia Sultan in its programme lineup The channel is currently available on 5 platforms in Indonesia viz. ICTA, K Vision, Orange TV, First Media and Dili Timor Leste ETO Telko.

  • Are film promotions on TV losing novelty?

    Are film promotions on TV losing novelty?

    MUMBAI: Television has carved a niche for itself in India.  There are many different kinds of shows ranging from fictional, non-fictional, reality and seasonal programmes. While the film fraternity used to earlier view television as a subordinate to movies, today, it is hard for the fraternity to imagine its existence without television. Over the years, television shows have become the most sought after platform when it comes to film promotions. Films are being promoted radically on every show and by doing so, the audience gets a chance to formulate opinions about an upcoming movie. The films get noticed and it builds curiosity amongst the viewers. But is this trend wearing out?

     

    Speaking on how the promotion of films influences the audience, producer of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Asit Kumar Modi says, “Film promotion on television shows is very common. These days, everybody needs media publicity. So, a film will definitely benefit by being on a popular show on TV. At the same time, the TV show will also have celebrities for an episode or two. It’s a win-win situation.”

     

    Having a similar opinion on the impact of film promotions on television, producer of Diya Aur Bati Hum, and Punar Vivah, Sumeet H Mittal opines, “I believe it works to the advantage of both the show as well as the film being promoted. For the television series, it gives the audience a twist to look forward to while in the case of the film being promoted, it helps to reach an assured mass audience.”

     

    With the stupendous success of ‘Happy New Year’ (HNY), one has to agree that marketing strategies are vital for a film to get the right kind of attention. The baadshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan promoted HNY on platforms like ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ (KBC), ‘Comedy Nights with Kapil’ and went a step ahead by even launching a reality show, ‘Dil Se Naachein Indiawaale’ on Zee TV.

    Founder of Director’s Kut Productions and director of many popular hit television shows, Rajan Shahi, expresses, “In terms of film promotions on television, I feel that the novelty has gone away. Few years back, it was a rarity to see a Bollywood celebrity on television. The audience used to look forward to it.  It was something new and generated lots of curiosity. These days, every film is being promoted on every show, on various channels. It is not as exciting as it used to be before. The audience has understood that these are all promotional tactics.”

     

    Well, the fact is – trends are temporary. The audience today is wise enough to understand that a celebrity appearing on a show is just part of the movie’s promotional campaign. Whether or not this promotional mechanism will be equally popular in the next few years would depend on what new marketing strategies film makers come up with.

  • “Seasonal shows can break the monotony”: Sumeet H Mittal

    “Seasonal shows can break the monotony”: Sumeet H Mittal

    MUMBAI: The television industry has grown by leaps and bounds, believes the co-founder and director of Shashi-Sumeet Mittal Productions, Sumeet H Mittal.

    As part of Content Hub, indiantelevision.com spoke to Mittal who, along with his wife Shashi Mittal, has produced many successful shows like Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai, Diya Aur Baati Hum and Punar Vivah amongst others, to find out his perspectives on the changed television content.

     “Up and until five years ago, our industry was at a nascent stage when compared to the television industry of other countries. However, things have changed. A lot of that has to do with the global exposure we receive in India today, which drives evolution of mindsets and hence, the demand for progress in concepts and ideas as well,” he says.

    Mittal highlights that today, the audience no longer accepts a basic plot as they want to be stimulated with depth and complexity. He feels that a script writer needs to be able to create that while keeping the interest of the audience.

    According to him, the content shown on television also needs to be in line with the viewer preferences and demands. “There is a need today for differentiated content and everyone is working towards providing just that. Our shows like Diya Aur Bati Hum and Punar Vivah are strong examples of shows that are different from the usual,” he says.

    Mittal feels that seasonal shows can break the monotony.  He adds, “We did two seasons of our cult hit – Punar Vivah, and both were received very well by the audiences. I strongly believe a story should only be told till it holds merit and not be stretched just for the sake of it. That is cheating your audiences.” He also stresses that unless a broadcaster and producer work hand-in-hand, a show will not be successful.

    When asked if Indian content has the potential of going international, Mittal says, “Some of the more popular television serials are already being sub-titled in different languages such as French, German and even English and are being broadcast around the world.”

    He states that today there are a lot more schools and institutions teaching the budding writers to develop the skill to create great original scripts. “Hear them out with an open mind. You never know who has a super idea with a potential to be turned into a great script,” he signs off.

  • Kids from Yeh Hain Mohabbatein and Punar Vivah join the Bachha Party Celebrations at Imagica

    Kids from Yeh Hain Mohabbatein and Punar Vivah join the Bachha Party Celebrations at Imagica

    MUMBAI: Child actors Ruhanika Dhawan loved for her character as Ruhi from Yeh Hain Mohabbatein and Divyam Dama popular as Ansh from Punar Vivah and as Ayaan in Tumhari Pakhi were seen enjoying their day out at Adlabs Imagica, an International standard Theme Park in Khopoli. The adorable duo had a great time in the world of fantastical themes, rides and attractions that they had never experienced before.  

    From taking a spin on the magic carousel to the adventurous coaster ride on The Gold Rush Express, the kids ventured on as many attractions as they could at the park.
    Talking about her favourite experiences, Ruhanika said, “I was thrilled to meet Mogambo after the Grand Imagica Parade and I also got a picture clicked with him. My favourite ride was Tubbby Takes Off. I had the best time at Imagica and I would love to visit the park again.”

    Divyam was definitely the naughtier one among the two and kept looking for adventurous rides, he said, “I loved everything about Imagica especially The Gold Rush Roller coaster and Happy Wheelss. I also enjoyed the rain dance. I can’t wait to come back to Imagica with my friends to enjoy the Bump It Boats and all the other fun rides.”

    The magical land of Imagica is full of characters and Ruhanika and Divyam joined their favourite Imagica characters to pose for numerous fun pictures. The actors also witnessed THE GRAND IMAGICA PARADE that travels through the streets of Imagica every evening.  

     
    With Children’s Day just around the corner, Imagica has planned entertainment packed 10 days from 14th to 23rd November for children and families to indulge in activities like Magic Show, Painting Competition, Quiz Competition, Treasure Hunt, Antakshari Competition, Singing & Dancing Talent Hunt, B-Boying Dance Act, Juggler Clown Show, Character Dance Show, Jigsaw Puzzle Competition, Mr. India & Mogambo dance show, Ventriloquist show to name a few.  

    Talking about the Bachha Party Celebrations, Mr. Kapil Bagla, CEO – Adlabs Entertainment said “Kid and families have a great time at Imagica and to make Children’s week even more special for them, we are doing a 10-day celebration with added entertainment. Parents can also get their kids free during this 10-day celebration.”

    Located conveniently off the Mumbai-Pune Express Highway, Imagica is just a happy drive away from Mumbai and Pune. Its 20 minute before Lonavala while driving from Mumbai. You can also reach Imagica by bus from Mumbai and Pune. In addition, there are local trains from Mumbai to Khopoli, and free shuttle services from the station to the park every day at 10am. Log on to www.adlabsimagica.com or call (022) 4213 0405 to join us for the Bachha Party Celebrations.

     

    Disclaimer:

    Adlabs Entertainment Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offer of its equity shares and has filed a draft red herring prospectus (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). The DRHP is available on the website of the SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in as well as on the websites of the Global Co-ordinators and Lead Managers at https://www.db.com/india/en/content/7272.html and http://www.centrum.co.in/centrum_capital/ipo_agree.php and http://investmentbank.kotak.com, respectively. Investors should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to the same, see the section titled “Risk Factors” of the aforementioned offer document.

    This press release is not for publication or distribution to persons in the United States, and is not an offer for sale within the United States of any equity shares or any other security of the Company. Securities of the Company, including its equity shares, may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under U.S. securities laws or unless exempt from registration under such laws.

  • Zees new show about a brides journey

    Zees new show about a brides journey

    MUMBAI: Ask any young girl, and her wedding is likely to be the most eagerly awaited occasion of her life, where she harbours a zillion dreams about the kind of man she should marry.

    However, life doesn’t always unfold the way you’ve envisioned it; which is the crux of Zee TV’s new offering *Doli Armaanon Ki*, set to come to drawing rooms at 10.30pm every Monday to Friday, starting 2 December.

    Produced by Pearl Grey Spellbound Productions, the series will replace the current Punar Vivah – Ek Nayi Umeed, a Shashi-Sumeet production that scored 3,439 TVTs in week 45 of TAM TV ratings. Earlier, Pearl Grey had produced shows like Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya in collaboration with Walkwater Media on Star Plus and Rishton Se Badi Pratha on Colors.

    The series is going to be a slot leader in few weeks, says a confident Ajay Bhalwankar

    Set in Jhansi, *Doli Armaanon Ki *tells the story of Urmi (played by Neha Marda of Balika Vadhu fame), who, like most other girls her age, aspires for marital bliss and walks into her marriage with actor Mohit Malik, her eyes brimming with hope.

    Alas, her better half turns out to be a workaholic with rather strong views on how a couple must relate to each other. Completing the series’ cast are veteran actors Geeta Tyagi and Anjali Mukhi.

    Says Zeel head-content, Hindi GECs, Ajay Bhalwankar: “The new series is about expectations, a woman has from marriage. We thought of this concept, because the subject matter is very close to women’s and everybody’s hearts.

    It talks about a bride’s journey of hope,” stressing that, “Zee usually sticks with its convictions, which we will always.”

    So far, none of the episodes have been canned apart from the promos, which are already on air. One month of scripting is complete while set preparation is going on in full swing in Jhansi. Shooting on location will start 19 November onward. As of now, only five days of outdoor have been shot.

    All said, Bhalwankar is confident Zee’s new series will crack slot leaders within a few weeks of its launch. “Zee TV has to be number one in the next six months. Look at the amount of launches that have happened in the past six months. And the kind of slot leadership we’ve managed to get with the new shows; Zee TV has already been number one on that count. Like you see, Jodha Akbar is already number one on the slot; Sapne Suhane is number one on the slot. So the kind of success ratio we have managed, no one else has,” he says.

    He emphasises that with the kind of new story they have, the new series should become slot leader very soon. “The battle is not tough. The slot is very warm. And with our strong storyline and concept, this show can reach one crore plus viewership. Plus, our TG is the whole family. At the end of the day, if men don’t see, they won’t understand the cause through our concept,” he adds.

    On her part, Pearl Grey Spellbound Productions producer Pearl Grey says:

    “Somewhere, a part of me which is there, I always think about these things as something I always wanted. I did not want to be a career woman; I only wanted to get married. But life takes you somewhere else. So we started with this thought, that every girl has a dream of getting married. We have shown her dreams turning into reality.”

    Grey, who has been part of Zee TV’s in-house programming team, says: “It is an absolute pleasure to associate with the channel once again, this time as a producer.”

    Asked why they zeroed in on Jhansi, she says: “We are portraying the story of a girl who belongs to a small town and mostly, all people who belong to small towns have these expectations about wanting to get married. We chose Jhansi also for the language and it’s my birthplace, so I know exactly the needs and wants of people there.”

    While marketing activities haven’t been planned yet, the channel has created an official facebook page on 10 November, which, until now, has garnered 573 likes. The series is being promoted on Zee TV’s official page as well.

    For all Zee TV’s enthusiasm about its new baby, media planners feel people are going to find it difficult to choose with so many new shows coming up.

    “Viewers will go crazy one day with a host of shows just punching in. And I don’t believe that the concept is something that will be watched by the entire family. It has acquired the slot where there are already established shows on other GECs and breaking its loyal viewers to come and watch something, the concept has to be really very strong,” says a planner on condition of anonymity.

    With competition from the likes of Veera on Star Plus, Savdhaan India on Life OK, Bani – Ishq Da Kalma on Colors, F.I.R on Sab and Bade Ache Lagte hai on Sony, only time will tell how Doli fares in comparison…

  • Hindi GECs shed GRPs, Sab alone gains

    MUMBAI: In a week when the other GECs lost or maintained GRPs, Sab from the Sony Entertainment stable was the only channel to notch an increase when its numbers rose from 132 to 138. While Sab gained, its bigger sister channel Set shed some 29 GRPs at 206, even as shows such as Bade Ache Lagte Hain, Crime Petrol, CID, Kya Hua Tera Vada lost numbers.

    As per TAM data (HSM, C&S 4+) sourced from Hindi GECs, Star Plus managed to retain its number one position even as it lost nine GRPs at 243. It‘s much touted show Satyamev Jayate closed its first season with a respectable rating of 1.9.

    Zee TV went back to its No 2 spot this week after a gap of a fortnight, losing 11 GRPs with its closing of 211 GRPs. Some key properties like DID lil Masters, Punar Vivah and Mrs Kaushik…also saw a dip in ratings.

    Colors, at No 4, is lagging three points behind Sony with 203 GRPs (last week 228). It was status quo at the bottom of the ladder with Life OK, the second GEC from Star Network, ending the week with 107 GRPs. Sahara One with 34 GRPs (last week 41) remains at the bottom of the ladder.

    Overall the GEC genre has seen a loss of 74 GRPs in the week ended 4 August due to audience shift to other channels because of the premiere of Housefull 2 on 29 July on Star Gold that rated 3.8 TVR and India-Sri Lanka ODI matches on 31 July (2.4 TVR) and 4 August (2.3 TVR) in the prime time slot.

    The launch of Olympics on 27 July and power failure in North India on 29 and 30 July have also contributed to the decrease in GEC viewership. The power failure affected six states including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, UP, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.