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Tag: Rajesh Kaul

  • Sony bats big with Rag Rag Mein Bharat for Asia Cup 2025 roar

    Sony bats big with Rag Rag Mein Bharat for Asia Cup 2025 roar

    MUMBAI: When Suryakumar Yadav sends the ball sailing for six, India doesn’t just win a match 140 crore hearts leap together. That’s the pulse Sony Sports Network has bottled in its new campaign film, Rag Rag Mein Bharat, unveiled ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. Set in a small-town courtyard, the film captures the quintessential India-Pakistan cricket moment: neighbours huddled around a TV, silence stretching as the bowler runs in, before erupting into dhol beats, tricolour waves and unfiltered joy. And to seal the sentiment, none other than Virender Sehwag delivers the rallying cry: “When it comes to India, 140 crore hearts beat as one.”

    Sony Pictures Networks India, chief revenue officer for distribution & international business and head of ports business Rajesh Kaul called the Asia Cup “one of the most iconic tournaments in world cricket.” He said #RagRagMeinBharat is a reminder of cricket’s power to transcend divides of age, gender, region and religion. “Having Sehwag embody that sentiment makes it even more powerful,” he added.

    For Sehwag himself, the campaign is a throwback to his own Asia Cup days. “Walking into the dressing room, you could feel the buzz even before stepping onto the field,” he recalled. “The chants, the energy fans weren’t just watching; they were living it with you. That’s what this film gets spot on.”

    The 17th edition of the Asia Cup, played in the UAE from 9–28 September 2025, will feature eight teams in a T20 format, with group stages leading into the Super Four and the final. India, the defending champions, enter the fray with a record eight Asia Cup titles under their belt.

    Rolling out in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu across Sony’s broadcast network, Sony Liv and social media, the campaign is less an ad and more a rallying anthem. For a nation where cricket is religion, Rag Rag Mein Bharat might just be the battle cry echoing through every living room, street corner and stadium.

  • Sony Sports doubles down on desi connect with new Tamil and Telugu channels

    Sony Sports doubles down on desi connect with new Tamil and Telugu channels

    MUMBAI: Sony Sports Network is speaking the language of Indian fans literally. From 10 July 2025, the broadcaster will launch Sony Sports Ten 4 Tamil and Sony Sports Ten 4 Telugu, two standalone sports channels tailored exclusively for Tamil- and Telugu-speaking audiences.

    With this move, the network is not just adding channels—it’s sharpening its pitch. The new avatars promise culturally resonant, language-specific programming designed to deliver premium sports entertainment straight to the heartlands, with zero translation lag and 100 per cent local flavour.

    The Hindi feed is also getting a style upgrade. The current Sony Sports Ten 3 (SD) and Ten 3 HD channels will be rechristened Sony Sports Ten 3 Hindi and Sony Sports Ten 3 Hindi HD, making the offering crystal clear for viewers switching between formats.

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – distribution & international business and head – sports business, Rajesh Kaul said, “The launch of Sony Sports Ten 4 Tamil and Sony Sports Ten 4 Telugu is our endeavour to provide localized content on dedicated Tamil and Telugu sports channels that make it easier than ever for fans to enjoy their favourite sporting moments in the language of their choice. This launch is about creating a seamless viewing experience and building a stronger emotional connection with our audiences in the regional markets.We aim to bring premium sports content closer to home and deliver the joy of live sports in a way that feels personal and relevant.”

    This regional realignment underscores Sony’s commitment to offering more personalised, emotionally connected viewing experiences. For fans who cheer in their mother tongue, the message is loud and clear: your game, your language, your channel.

  • India’s ‘60 overs of hell’ roar back on screen as Sony Sports cues up docuseries on epic England tour

    India’s ‘60 overs of hell’ roar back on screen as Sony Sports cues up docuseries on epic England tour

    MUMBAI: Sony Sports Network is serving cricket fans a piping hot platter of drama, nostalgia and chin music with Bharat Tum Chale Chalo – Kahani 2021-22 Ki, a gritty three-part docuseries that rewinds to one of India’s most unforgettable Test cricket campaigns — the 2021-22 tour of England. Premiering on Sunday, 15 June at 1pm across Sony Sports Ten 1, 3, 4, and 5 — and streaming on Sony LIV — the series pulls back the curtain on India’s high-octane cricketing crusade on British soil.

    Fresh from their famous Gabba heist Down Under, the Men in Blue marched into England with a searing pace battery and a score to settle. From Lord’s “60 overs of hell” to Rohit’s bat-does-the-talking moment and the leadership shake-up that had fans glued, this is cricketing cinema with sweat, swagger and plenty of sledging.

    The series ropes in a solid bench of voices who lived and breathed the campaign — from former India head coach Ravi Shastri and England’s Michael Vaughan, to bowling coach Bharat Arun, fielding wizard R. Sridhar, and Kohli and Rohit’s childhood coaches. With spicy anecdotes and rare behind-the-scenes footage, this is not just a docuseries — it’s a dressing-room pass.

    Episode guide:

    Episode 1: Pace is pace

    Virat Kohli’s long game — building a ruthless pace attack since 2014 — gets its due. Bumrah, Shami, Siraj and Shardul bowl fire and fury into Lord’s, scripting one of India’s grittiest away glories.

    Episode 2: Let the bat talk

    A redemption arc for the ages: Kohli v Anderson, Rahul’s zen mode, and Rohit’s evolution into a dependable Test opener — capped by that sweet, sweet overseas ton.

    Episode 3: Oh captain, my captain

    When the final Test got postponed, so did destiny. With Kohli stepping down and Bumrah stepping in, England entered the Bazball era. The finale dives into legacy, leadership, and all the ‘what-ifs’ still echoing at Old Trafford.

    Timed to perfection ahead of the upcoming India-England clash, this is Sony Sports Network reminding fans why red-ball cricket still packs the biggest punch.

  • Test and furious India heads to England with grit glory and a new guard

    Test and furious India heads to England with grit glory and a new guard

    MUMBAI: It’s no longer just about technique and turf, it’s about taming old ghosts with new fire. Sony Sports Network is set to bring viewers the cricketing showdown of the year, the India tour of England 2025, a five-Test epic that kicks off June 20. Played on iconic English grounds like Lord’s, The Oval, and Old Trafford, the series carries weight not just on the scoreboard, but in the psyche of Indian cricket.

    What makes this tour doubly dramatic? It’s the first major Test series in a post-Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli era. With a fresh captain and a young, fearless squad at the helm, Team India is ready to challenge a century-long struggle India has only clinched 3 out of 19 Test series in England. This time, they arrive armed with swagger, skill, and a new spirit: ‘Naya India, Dhaakad India’.

    “The India tour of England will be a ‘test’ in the truest sense of the word… With ‘Naya India, Dhaakad India’, we are celebrating the courage and determination of this new generation… Sony Sports Network aims to rally the nation behind Team India as they embark on this crucial Test series,” said Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer for distribution & international business and head for sports business Rajesh Kaul.

    Adding his voice to the call is Cheteshwar Pujara, who noted, “With a young and dynamic squad, this tour represents a significant turning point for Indian cricket… I look forward to witnessing how this group rises to the occasion.”

    For Irfan Pathan, the series isn’t just about stats, it’s about seizing the stage: “Ground Tumhara, Jeet Hamari perfectly captures the fearless attitude… I am confident this team has the talent and determination to take on the toughest challenges.”

    To amplify the buzz, Sony Sports Network has launched ‘Ground Tumhara, Jeet Hamari’, a fiery, animated campaign packed with emotion and edge. One standout film features iconic captains Ajit Wadekar, Kapil Dev, and Rahul Dravid reflecting on their rare Test triumphs on English soil reminding fans just how elusive victory here has been.

    Another short, ‘Fury in Harmony – Bumrah’, taps into Jasprit Bumrah’s explosive spell from the 2020-21 series, reinforcing the visceral thrill of red-ball cricket. And in a not-yet-aired third film titled ‘Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki’, set to the iconic 1984 Bollywood song, cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan join forces with English stars like Mark Wood and Harry Brook to dramatise the rivalry and resistance India faces in England.

    With more than just points on the line, this tour is a statement of intent from a resurgent Indian side determined to rewrite Test history on England’s toughest pitches.

    Catch every ball, every twist, and every cheer Live starting 20 June 2025, only on Sony Sports Network. Because this time, the turf might be theirs but the win? That’s ours to take.

  • Sony Sports Network-Akon drop the beat on “Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar”

    Sony Sports Network-Akon drop the beat on “Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar”

    MUMBAI:  Drugs might give you a fleeting high, but can they match the adrenaline rush of a game-winning goal or a last-second slam dunk?

    Sony Sports Network is stepping back into the ring with a knockout move—this time, they’ve got global music icon Akon in their corner! The five-time Grammy nominee is bringing the beats to the battle, lending his track Akon’s Beautiful Day (Konvict Kulture / 9122 Records) to the third phase of “Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar”. The game plan? Crystal clear: Ditch the drugs, pick up a ball, and play for the win—because real champions choose sports, not shortcuts!

    The “Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar” campaign has already struck a chord with millions, and now, Akon’s anthemic song adds a fresh wave of energy to the movement. The latest campaign film, featuring a dynamic montage of Indian sports icons, reinforces how sports provide a healthier, more fulfilling path for young minds. Inspired by the uplifting beats of Akon’s track, the campaign aims to guide the youth away from drugs and towards a life of passion and purpose.

    Sony Pictures Networks India CRO – distribution & international business and head – sports business, Rajesh Kaul shared his enthusiasm for the campaign, “‘Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar’ is more than just a campaign; it’s a mission. Having a powerhouse like Akon join us amplifies our message tenfold. ‘Akon’s Beautiful Day’ perfectly encapsulates the spirit of choosing sports over harmful distractions.”

    Akon, known for hits that have transcended generations, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, “Music has the power to change lives, and I am grateful that my song can contribute to such an important cause. The world needs love and positivity, and if Akon’s Beautiful Day can inspire even one person to make the right choice, it’s a blessing.”

    The song’s inspiring message and powerful beats seamlessly align with the campaign’s mission. Akon’s Beautiful Day serves as the perfect backdrop to the stories of athletes who have harnessed the power of sports to transform their lives. This collaboration underscores the belief that sports are not just a game; they are a way of life, fostering discipline, perseverance, and resilience.

    Sony Sports Network has amplified the campaign across its platforms, reaching over 16 million+ social media followers. The movement continues to spread far and wide, with previous films from the campaign racking up impressive engagement numbers.

  • Sony Sports to go regional with Hockey India League telecast deal

    Sony Sports to go regional with Hockey India League telecast deal

    MUMBAI: The Hockey India League (HIL) has got an additional live telecast partner for the next three years  – the Sony Sports Network (SSN). The league has signed a contract with the broadcast network.  Mid-last week, DD had announced that it was coming on board for the whole tournament’s telecast. 

    What’s special about the SSN deal is that it will be airing the matches with Telugu and Tamil commentary as well as Hindi and English in a bid to broad base the appeal of the sport. The tournament can be viewed on Sony Sports Ten 1 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), and Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil and Telugu) channels in both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD). The league, featuring domestic and international players, is to take place in Ranchi and Rourkela for both  men and women and will be flagged off on 28 December. 

    Said Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer & head sports business Rajesh Kaul : “Hockey has gained significant popularity in India with the Indian team’s success in consecutive Olympics contributing to the resurgence. At SSN, we have always been committed to serving Indian fans with a diverse sports portfolio. The inclusion of one of the world’s premier franchise-based hockey leagues will undoubtedly bring fans closer to the game. We see our partnership with it as a key step toward establishing ourselves as the home of hockey, just as we have done with other major sports in our portfolio.”

    Highlighted  HIL governing committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey: “Sony Sports’ expansive coverage across multiple channels and languages will ensure that fans from all corners of the country can enjoy the league. This season is poised to be bigger, better, bolder, and we are confident that Sony’s unmatched telecast capabilities will help take the excitement of Indian hockey to new heights.”

    Added HIL governing committee member Bhola Nath Singh: “Our focus has always been on promoting hockey to a wider audience, and this partnership with SSN allows us to do just that. With their multilingual telecast plan, we are making the sport accessible to a larger audience, bringing them closer to the game. We believe this season will set a new benchmark in terms of viewership and fan engagement.”

    (Picture courtesy Hockey India League)

  • Reliance-Disney Star: joint venture to finally fall in place by 18 November

    Reliance-Disney Star: joint venture to finally fall in place by 18 November

    MUMBAI: Here’s more on the Reliance-Viacom18-Disney Star India. Disney Star India distribution and international head Gurjeev Singh Kapoor is moving on. That came across as a shocker to many in the industry as he was known to be close to vice-chairman Uday Shankar and has had a good track record in terms of achieving targets and getting in revenue. Rumours are that he is likely to be headed to Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) to work closely with CEO Gaurav Banerjee. Others say he is going to be turning entrepreneur.

    Questions are being raised as to the fate of IndiaCast COO Piyush Goyal and international head Govind Shahi as the buzz in the organisation is that a new professional is likely to take Gurjeev’s place. Some fingers are being pointed towards SPNI’s Rajesh Kaul hopping on board. 

    While many have been saying that the new joint venture entity is going to be called JioStar and the email addresses are going to be jiostar.com, others are saying that the merged entity is going to be under Star India and the email addresses will be startv.com. Mails have been zipping around to executives in the two organisations and to clients announcing this, if sources are to be believed.

    Sources indicate that the final announcements of the executives who will be staying or moving on are going to be made by 15 or 16 November with everything finally falling into place by 18 November. 

    Here’s hoping that we, at indiantelevision.com, are not adding to the oodles of speculation being floated around. Only time will tell. 
     

  • Arm wrestling excitement returns with Pro Panja League Season 2

    Arm wrestling excitement returns with Pro Panja League Season 2

    Mumbai:  Arm-wrestling fans around the world are all set to witness some of the best arm-wrestlers live in action as India’s very own arm-wrestling league, Pro Panja League, returns for the second season from 4 October 2024 to 20 October 2024. The league is continuing its partnership with India’s leading sports broadcaster, Sony Sports Network ensuring extensive live coverage of the tournament on Sony Sports Ten 3 SD and HD channels every day from 7 00 pm onwards.

    As part of the pre-launch buzz, Pro Panja League and Sony Sports Network had launched its campaign featuring superstar John Abraham championing the league and his film, Vedaa.

    This season will feature a total of 180 arm-wrestlers from all parts of the country across 6 teams, competing against each other in the men’s, women’s and specially abled categories for the coveted trophy.

    Pro Panja League, co-founded by Bollywood actors & producers Parvin Dabas and Preeti Jhangiani along with Bollywood Legend Mr Suniel Shetty as partner, previously held two editions of ranking tournaments, multiple mega matches along with several promotional events before the first season in 2023, which turned out to be a huge success with 32 million unique viewers (BARC CS 2 + Live + Non-live). The Pro Panja League has helped catapult the sport of arm wrestling to a wider audience in India.

    Expressing his thoughts ahead of Season 2, Pro Panja League co-owner Mr. Parvin Dabas said, “The first season proved that there is a huge audience for the sport of Panja if presented in the right way and we are grateful for the audience’s love. This season promises to be even more electrifying, with players realising the huge stakes involved and having prepared now on a different level altogether. We are committed to showcasing the best talent to bring Panja as Sports Entertainment to Bharat and are excited to be partnering with the Sony Sports Network again in this endeavour.”

    Talking about the partnership, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “We believe in supporting home-grown leagues and are glad to continue our partnership with Pro Panja League as the broadcasters for the second season. We believe that the audience for arm-wrestling as a sport is growing in India and we are excited to be a part of driving up this momentum.”

  • Sony Sports Network presents ‘Desh ka Cup’

    Sony Sports Network presents ‘Desh ka Cup’

    Mumbai: Sony Sports Network (SPN) has continued its association with the prestigious IndianOil Durand Cup. The broadcaster had acquired the exclusive media rights to broadcast Asia’s oldest tournament in India, between 2023 and 2024 last year. Besides India, the 133rd edition of the tournament is currently also being broadcast in neighbouring Afghanistan, Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

    The Durand Cup is the only cup in India that can truly be called ‘Desh Ka Cup’, because of its deep rooted 136-year-old legacy and  more so because this legacy is intertwined with that of the Indian Armed Forces.

    The 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup features 24 teams spread across six different groups in four cities, with the toppers and the best two second-placed sides maling it to the quarter-finals.

    This year’s Durand Cup received a touch of grandeur, when in a rekindling of a very old tradition and in a historic moment for Indian football, no less than the Hon. President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, unveiled the three coveted winner’s trophies, the President’s Cup, the Shimla Trophy and the original prize the Durand Cup, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s cultural centre on 10 July, 2024, while also flagging-off this year’s Trophy Tour.

    The grand finale meanwhile, is scheduled for 31 August 2024 at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in football-crazy Kolkata, which saw a full-house of 65,000 roaring fans last time around.

    The group league games are being played in Jamshedpur, Shillong and Kokrajhar, besides Kolkata. The first two named will be hosting the tournament for the first time.

    Football fans can catch all the action on the Sony Sports Ten 2 channel and the matches will also be available for livestreaming, exclusively on SPN’s premium OTT platform, Sony LIV.

    The Durand Cup, first held in 1888, got its name after its founder Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, the then Foreign Secretary to the Government of India. It is the only Cup competition at the top level of Indian football which pits all Indian Super League (Indian top division) teams against top I-League (second division) and other invitational teams, as well as teams from the Armed Forces, against each other. This year a team from the Royal Nepal Army are also participating.

    Football fans have already witnessed one thrilling derby this season, with NorthEast United FC securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Bodoland FC in the Assam Derby. But the excitement doesn’t end there.

    The spotlight now shifts to one of the grandest derbies in the world, the Kolkata Derby, scheduled for 18th August, where Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face off against rivals Emami East Bengal FC.

    Fans can look forward to some top-quality football matches with the cream of Indian football playing in the Durand Cup including the likes of Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhinghan, Adrian Luna, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Dimitrios Diamantakos, among others. With such elite talent expected to grace the pitch, the tournament promises to elevate the excitement and thrill for the fans.

    Comments:

    Sony Pictures Networks India Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business Rajesh Kaul said, “It’s an honour for us to have a competition of football heritage and immense prestige as Durand Cup on our roster. It further reaffirms Sony Sports Network’s position as the Home of Football in India. This year’s edition brings a lot of promising competition to the table and fans can look forward to some top-quality games as the new football season kicks off in style.”

    Durand Cup Organizing Committee (DCOC) VSM Chief of Staff, HQ, Eastern Command and Chairman Lt. Gen. RC Srikanth said, “The Durand Cup Organising Committee is extremely happy to continue their partnership with a world-class broadcaster like the Sony Sports Network for the prestigious IndianOil Durand Cup, this year into its 133rd Edition. The Durand Cup is no ordinary tournament as it provides a unique platform for budding footballers from every corner of the country to rub shoulders with world class legends. We are confident that the legacy of the Durand shall be carried forth to greater heights with a partner like Sony Sports Network standing by steadfastly.” 

  • Sony Sports flags off anti-drugs movement

    Sony Sports flags off anti-drugs movement

    MUMBAI: Drugs and their abuse are two of the most worrisome habits amongst India’s youth. And Sony Sports Network has put its best foot behind an effort to curtail the consumption of hallucinogens. Titled ‘Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar,’ its mission is to motivate Indian youth and do it over the long term.

    According to a United Nations study, approximately 13 percent of drug abuse victims in India are below 20, with the nation experiencing a 70 percent rise in narcotic consumption over the past eight years. And in most instances, drugs are usually introduced to youngsters  by someone they know, in many cases, a friend.

    “Sony Sports Network is extremely proud to launch the Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar’ movement and we sincerely believe that sports has the power to instil and bring about a positive change among the youth,” says  Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer -distribution & international business and head – sports business Rajesh Kaul. “In association with India’s top athletes across disciplines, we are confident of making a statement and inspiring young India to stay away from the influence of drugs.”

    Prominent athletes of India across disciplines have joined hands with Sony Sports Network to spread the Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar message to young India. In the films, these sporting icons are spreading awareness of the harmful effects of drugs and aiming to inspire as well as encourage people to choose the life of a champion by saying no to drugs.

    Newly appointed head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, Gautam Gambhir, football stalwarts like Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia, multiple grand slam winner Sania Mirza, icons like Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal, Indian women’s cricket team vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, Indian Hockey veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, Indian men’s hockey team’s former captain Manpreet Singh and two-time world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen are featured in these films. In addition to this, Indian football team captain and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, former team India cricketer Ashish Nehra, team India cricketer Deepak Chahar, Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal, ace Indian shooter Anjum Moudgil, Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia, Asian Games gold medallist Chirag Shetty and Satwik Rankireddy, Puja Tomar who created history as the first Indian to win a fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Indian women’s team bowler Sneh Rana are just some of eminent personalities who have come forward to be a part of Sony Sports Network’s public service movement.

    ‘Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar’ is aimed at potential first-time drug users to make the right choice and saying NO to sampling drugs. The whole movement of Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar aims to motivate young India and emphasize living a fit, fulfilling, and healthy life through sports rather than succumbing to drug abuse.