ITV

Tag: Ranjeet Thakur

  • JioCinema partners with The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

    JioCinema partners with The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

    Mumbai: JioCinema, the Indian streaming platform of Viacom18, hosted the Semi-Final Round of Judging for the 52nd International Emmy Awards in Mumbai. The event featured an esteemed panel of industry luminaries, including Tisca Chopra, Ranvir Shorey, Bhavani Iyer, Nitya Mehra, Ranjeet Thakur, Rahul V. Chitella, Suparn Verma, Kirti Kulhari, Sonali Kulkarni, Sameer Saxena, Abhinay Deo, Divya Dutta, Sandhya Mridul, and Oni Sen.

    Commenting on being part of the jury, actor Ranvir Shorey said, “The association with the academy is going to be one of the biggest feathers in my cap. As an actor constantly on the lookout for compelling stories, it’s incredibly rewarding to see deserving content and talent being recognized, no matter their scale. Being part of the esteemed jury panel for the International Emmy® Awards 2024 is an honour, and I’m thrilled to contribute to an association that bridges the gap between local and global storytelling, giving diverse voices a platform to shine.”

    Actor Tisca Chopra added, “As a first-time jury member at the International Emmy® Awards, I am truly honoured to be part of this incredible journey. It’s a privilege to witness the creativity and dedication of such talented individuals and to celebrate their outstanding work. It’s great to see platforms like JioCinema supporting the industry on local and global.”

    Actor Sonali Kulkarni said, “I’m honoured to be a part of the jury for this year’s International Emmy® Awards. As someone rooted in regional cinema, Hindi commercial cinema and international films – I’m proud to see content from across the globe gaining deserved recognition on this prestigious stage. I look forward to contributing to this celebration of excellence and seeing more content shining worldwide.”

    The Semi-Final round of Judging is a key part of the Academy’s annual event which aims to recognize excellence in television produced outside the United States. With categories ranging from Arts Programming to Drama Series, and from Non-Scripted Entertainment to Kids programming, the competition is fierce and celebrated.

     

     

  • Sony Entertainment Television announces fourth Season of India’s Best Dancer

    Sony Entertainment Television announces fourth Season of India’s Best Dancer

    Mumbai: Dancing evokes a wide range of emotions making it a versatile and dynamic medium for emotional expression. And, inviting viewers to experience this very emotion, Sony Entertainment Television is set to elevate the entertainment fever with the coming of its homegrown dance reality show, ‘India’s Best Dancer – Season 4.’ Heightening the glamour quotient of the show will be Bollywood’s dancing diva, Karisma Kapoor who takes on the role as a judge. And, joining her in this journey will be Terence Lewis, and Geeta Kapur, as they reprise their role as judges this season. Promising a captivating journey of extraordinary talent and electrifying dance moves the fourth season of the much-cherished dance reality show urges viewers, ‘Jab Dil Kare Dance Kar!’

    Co-presented by Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, with trusted partner Garnier Color Naturals and produced by Frames Production Company, India’s Best Dancer Season 4 premieres on 13th July, every Saturday and Sunday at 8 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.

    In all of 90 seconds on the clock during the auditions, the contestants must showcase three power moves to impress the judges, also known as E.N.T specialists to go ahead in the show. Evaluated based on the criteria of ‘Entertainment,’ ‘Newness,’ and ‘Technique’ this season’s new judge Karisma Kapoor will look at the ‘Entertainment’ factor, Geeta Kapur will keep a keen eye on the ‘Newness’ element and Terence Lewis will focus on the ‘Technique’ of the overall performance. Introducing a new game changer this season, the contestants will be given a compelling task called ‘Mauka Ya Chauka’ where the contestants who get the best buzzer from the judges will face this challenge. Opting for ‘Mauka’ ensures direct entry into the Top 12, bypassing the Mega Auditions, while choosing ‘Chauka’ involves a dance-off against a former contestant of the show who is now a part of the jury panel. Then comes the Mega Auditions where the selected contestants battle it out in pairs of trios to move into the next round. And last comes the Grand Premiere where the judges will announce the Top 12 contestants as the ‘Best Barah’ who will be introduced to their respective mentors in their journey ahead. Each week, these contestants will compete to get one step closer to winning the coveted title of India’s Best Dancer!

    Celebrating talent, diversity, and sheer entertainment, India’s Best Dancer Season 4 promises a dynamic fusion of dance, expression and emotion. Get ready to witness a spectacular showcase of skill and creativity as these dancers compete to captivate audiences and secure their place in the spotlight.

    Tune in to watch the new and talented dancers bring excitement and intrigue to India’s Best Dancer Season 4 starting 13th July every Saturday & Sunday at 8 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television

    Comments:

    Neeraj Vyas, business head – Sony Entertainment Television, Sony SAB, Sony PAL, and Sony MAX Movie Cluster

    Setting new standards and unearthing exceptional dance talent from every part of the country, India’s Best Dancer is a format that not only entertains but also inspires. Season 4 is set to deliver a captivating mix of stunning performances and expert critiques, while also underscoring the transformative power of dance.

    Ranjeet Thakur and Hemant Ruprell, producers, Frames Production company

    We are delighted to collaborate once again with Sony Entertainment Television for yet another exhilarating season of India’s Best Dancer. Our partnership with SET has been instrumental in bringing this platform to life by showcasing unparalleled dance talent from across the country. With our new judge Karisma Kapoor joining our seasoned judges Geeta Kapur and Terence as the ‘ENT’ (Entertainment, Newness and Technique) Specialists on the judges’ panel; season 4 promises to be phenomenal.

  • Sony Entertainment Television’s India’s Best Dancer to premiere on 29 February

    Sony Entertainment Television’s India’s Best Dancer to premiere on 29 February

    MUMBAI: After the roaring success of Super Dancer – a dance reality platform for kids, Sony Entertainment Television will launch India’s Best Dancer, a platform for dancers between the age group of 15 – 30 years on 29 Febraury. Industry’s best and most proficient names in the field of dancing, Malaika Arora, Geeta Kapur and Terence Lewis will helm the mantle as judges of the show and will leave no stone unturned to pick the finest talent and challenge them week on week reiterating what the show stands for – Jab Tak Best Nahi, Tab Tak Rest Nahi. 

    The show marks the comeback of ace choreographer Terence Lewis on television as a judge after 8 years. Hosted by the impeccable duo Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa, India’s Best Dancer will air every Sat-Sun at 8 pm.

    Produced by Frames Production Company, India’s Best Dancer will showcase the journey of some of the best talent who, with their solo performances, will compete to win the title. The show promises to be the toughest dance reality show on Indian television and the makers have ensured to make it challenging at every step. Starting with the Auditions, the contestants will get only 90 seconds on the clock to impress the judges with at least 3 Power Moves to head further in the competition. As the clock keeps ticking, the judges, or E.N.T specialists, will keep a close eye on the Entertainment, Newness and Technique that the contestants bring forth through their dancing. 

    While Malaika will assess the ‘Entertainment’ quotient in each act, Geeta will look for ‘Newness’ in the moves and Terence will account for perfection in the ‘Technique’. The second phase of Mega Auditions will see the selected contestants battle it out in pairs and trios post a solo performance to move into the next round. In the Grand Premiere, the judges will announce the Top 12 contestants as the Best Barah who will have a respective mentor in the journey ahead. Week-on-week these 12 contestants will have to impress the judges and audience alike to move closer to winning the most coveted title of India’s Best Dancer!

    The show auditioned across various cities to find talent that is not just the best but contestants who are constantly bettering themselves every single day. Passion, dedication and determination is what defines the talent on India’s Best Dancer and the audience will see a perfect mélange of power-packed performances and inspiring stories every week.

    Sony Entertainment Television content & digital business head Ashish Golwalkar said, "After the successful season of Indian Idol, we are excited to announce our very own IP – India’s Best Dancer, a platform that focuses on bringing forth only the best of talent and showcasing their journey. It has been our constant endeavor to bring forth formats that are not only clutter breaking but also high on engagement with our audience. For the very first time, the audience will get to see contestants in a dance off at the initial rounds of India’s Best Dancer. To ensure that the contestants keep putting their best foot forward week-on-week, they will be mentored by the best choreographers in the industry, reiterating the core of the show – Jab Tak Best Nahi Tab Tak Rest Nahi. Judging this kind of talent is not an easy feat and we are confident that our panel of judges – Malaika Arora, Geeta Kapur and Terence Lewis will do justice to their role of the ENT specialists, scrutinizing talent on the Entertainment, Newness and Technique they bring to the table. Bharti and Harsh mark their debut as the hosts of a dance reality show and we are confident they will charm their way into the hearts of our audience."

    Frames Production Company producers Ranjeet Thakur and Hemant Ruprell said, "India’s Best Dancer as a format is not just tough but in true sense a test for the best. While the talent that has participated is outstanding, it’s their journey in the show that will redefine the level of dancing and entertainment. There are various stages in the show that have never been explored on television so far and we are confident that these will engage the audiences throughout the course of the show. It is always a great pleasure to collaborate with Sony Entertainment Television, and we value our long-standing association with the brand."

  • Reality shows: Kids’ personal lives come into focus

    Reality shows: Kids’ personal lives come into focus

    MUMBAI: Children-based reality shows or talent-based shows are gaining in popularity in India. But do they leave behind unwholesome after effects on the little contestants?

    Exploring this question at the OTTV Kids & Animation 2017 on 22 November were Frames co-founder Ranjeet Thakur, singer and musician Abhas Joshi, Billabong High International School – Santacruz principal Kusum Kanwar and moderator Dveo Media CEO Deepak Ramsurrun. They spoke on the topic ‘Do kids’ reality shows have more negative than positive impact on participants & young audiences.’

    Thakur has been producing reality shows for years and stated that they have remained the same as the talent-based shows that have been on TV since always.

    Joshi, who has been on shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in 2004 and Jury’s Choice Voice of India, feels that shows today have changed since the last decade. Though the shows start off with the motive to promote talent, within a few episodes, the focus shifts to unravelling the personal lives of contestants. This also leads to bias in votes for those with interesting backgrounds.

    Kanwar agreed with Joshi’s views and admitted, “Children get a talent platform but after that are we scaffolding them. Do we have a cushioning for them to understand the success and failure that comes with it? I guess we are not doing that.” She revealed that there have been instances where kids skip studies in favour of these shows. She added, “Today reality shows are catching the emotional side of the audience for TRPs and other reasons.” Clarifying that she is not against the competition but when children realise that certain shows are scripted or the outcome is known, it eventually becomes difficult for a child to cope with that. Counsellors should guide children about both the positive and negative sides of these shows.

    To counter that, Thakur said that channels comply with government rules and have a psychologist, dietitian, nutritionist and doctors on the sets 24X7. He added, “We make sure that parents are around the children and that they are rested and given enough help and support from counsellors, psychologists and parents. We do not shoot for more than 10 hours a day.”

    However, Kanwar, said that channels’ focus on ‘star’ parents also adds to their experience of fame and they start living in a virtual world. “In the class, we have to treat them in the same way as others but due to this the kid’s curriculum and everyday interaction suffer. So, it’s misleading and a dichotomy actually.” Her school has a team of five counsellors and special educators to get the children back into reality.

    Sharing his experience from 2004, Joshi said it wasn’t so glamorous then. But today, kids become popular at a young age and get into the professional world, minting money at an unfair age. This leads to a change in their attitude and they leave the grooming part behind which can eventually end their careers in four to five years.

    Thakur has travelled to the smallest of towns in search of talent and found how gifted children don’t have opportunities. These children have the chance to turn their family’s fate. “We have seen positive impacts on various families across the country,” he said.

    Sticking to her point, Kanwar countered that while changing the fate of the family, kids have gone through a lot of pressure of earning money. She strongly felt that kids should be told and shown the career path after they complete their 10th or 12th standard education.

    She pointed out that kids are made to do unimaginable things such as flirting with a female judge six times his age on a show recently, making it difficult to bring back their innocence. Thakur agreed that drama is inserted in reality show to make them look ‘cool’.

    The panel concluded with stating that parents need to keep children grounded while reality shows need to have proper management methods to not negatively impact children.

  • Star Plus gears up for ‘Dil Hai Hindustani’ launch in January

    Star Plus gears up for ‘Dil Hai Hindustani’ launch in January

    MUMBAI: After launching P.O.W, Star Plus is geared up to launch its yet another grand singing reality show “Dil Hai Hindustani.” Though the channel has not officially announced the launch date, but the show is slated to go on air by January 2017, and will be replacing Masterchef India at 8pm time slot.

    Produced by Frames Production, the show will celebrate the popularity of Bollywood music through talent from across the globe, from different cultures and nationalities, bound together by their love for Bollywood songs.

    Vivo has come on board for the show as the presenting sponsor.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Frames Production founder Ranjeet Thakur said, “Dil Hai Hindustani is a unique show and we are very excited. We have gone far and wide across the world in search of a good talent. People will see and realize how different it will be from the other reality shows.”

    “Dil Hai Hindustani” promises to be a musical extravaganza showcasing phenomenal performances through not just solo, but also duet and group performances consisting of bands, choirs, acapella; a first of its kind on Indian television.

    The talent on the show will be judged by an expert panel who India on the world map for music. The panel would consist of director Karan Johar who travelled the globe to handpick singers for the show, while Bollywood’s favourite rapper, Badshah, will be seen making a debut as a judge on television. Music sensation — Shekhar Ravjiani and Shalmali Kholgade will be seen monitoring the contestants and judging the show.

    Bollywood’s finest director Karan Johar, known to create magic with every project he undertakes, said, “I am thrilled to be associated with and have an opportunity to curate performances based on talent from across the globe. It is rare to find a platform which takes Bollywood to the centrestage and with ‘Dil Hai Hindustani,’ we are ready to entertain the world with extraordinary performances.”

    Asked about launching his digital platform anytime soon, addressing the media Johar replied in the negative, and said, “Digital is definitely a very strong medium and a great means to scout talent. I have always been on the lookout to hunt for talented people on the web. As for venturing into it, I am still not ready. Right now, every failed script becomes a web series or short film, but I want to wait and see how the medium moves ahead. I will let others make the stairs and happily climb on when the time is right. Digital is a kid right now, when it will grow, it will be massive.”

  • Star Plus gears up for ‘Dil Hai Hindustani’ launch in January

    Star Plus gears up for ‘Dil Hai Hindustani’ launch in January

    MUMBAI: After launching P.O.W, Star Plus is geared up to launch its yet another grand singing reality show “Dil Hai Hindustani.” Though the channel has not officially announced the launch date, but the show is slated to go on air by January 2017, and will be replacing Masterchef India at 8pm time slot.

    Produced by Frames Production, the show will celebrate the popularity of Bollywood music through talent from across the globe, from different cultures and nationalities, bound together by their love for Bollywood songs.

    Vivo has come on board for the show as the presenting sponsor.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Frames Production founder Ranjeet Thakur said, “Dil Hai Hindustani is a unique show and we are very excited. We have gone far and wide across the world in search of a good talent. People will see and realize how different it will be from the other reality shows.”

    “Dil Hai Hindustani” promises to be a musical extravaganza showcasing phenomenal performances through not just solo, but also duet and group performances consisting of bands, choirs, acapella; a first of its kind on Indian television.

    The talent on the show will be judged by an expert panel who India on the world map for music. The panel would consist of director Karan Johar who travelled the globe to handpick singers for the show, while Bollywood’s favourite rapper, Badshah, will be seen making a debut as a judge on television. Music sensation — Shekhar Ravjiani and Shalmali Kholgade will be seen monitoring the contestants and judging the show.

    Bollywood’s finest director Karan Johar, known to create magic with every project he undertakes, said, “I am thrilled to be associated with and have an opportunity to curate performances based on talent from across the globe. It is rare to find a platform which takes Bollywood to the centrestage and with ‘Dil Hai Hindustani,’ we are ready to entertain the world with extraordinary performances.”

    Asked about launching his digital platform anytime soon, addressing the media Johar replied in the negative, and said, “Digital is definitely a very strong medium and a great means to scout talent. I have always been on the lookout to hunt for talented people on the web. As for venturing into it, I am still not ready. Right now, every failed script becomes a web series or short film, but I want to wait and see how the medium moves ahead. I will let others make the stairs and happily climb on when the time is right. Digital is a kid right now, when it will grow, it will be massive.”

  • Star India to initiate creative freedom discussions with TV producers

    Star India to initiate creative freedom discussions with TV producers

    MUMBAI: Remember the terms perestroika? Glasnost? The first stands for reformation, the second for openness. Both were popular terms used in reference to the USSR as it crumbled to herald the freedom that hit it in the late eighties and nineties.

    Some of that is about to hit Indian television. Remember last week’s admission by Star India deputy chief creative officer Gaurav Banerjee that the network may have erred by starting the mad race of pursuing seven days of soap and drama every week from the five days formula earlier. Speaking at the Indian ScreenWriters’ Conference in Mumbai he candidly stated: “I confess that it was a mistake because we reduced the ideation time of writers and of actors as well. We thought that we could manage the workload and it won’t affect the product but unfortunately we were thinking of a TV industry as a pizza delivery service which was big mistake.”

    He also announced that Star India would cut back the seven-days-a week to five days once again.

    Now Star India and Gaurav are going a step further. He has told producers that he would be more than happy to extend creative freedom to them, something they have been pleading for, demanding and crying for. Each show, said Banerjee, would have a single show runner giving it the much needed vision. He has invited producers for a meeting in Star India’s office on 20 August to further spell out what he means by creative freedom.

    The producers’ fraternity is very excited about the new initiative by Star and are welcoming it. Says Frames Production founder Ranjeet Thakur: “It’s a very great move for the industry on the whiole because the minute the producer comes with a certain plot thought or idea I think it works better. The producer has some vision behind the show and if that creative freedom is given to them to execute in the same manner, it’s a wonderful thing to be happening in the industry. It’s a very positive note. It’s a great move by Gaurav and Star and slowly it will become the norm of the industry.”

    Colosceum Media CEO Lalit Sharma adds, “Firstly, it’s a very good take towards producing good content. Now the show runner will have the responsibility. It’s the happiest moment for the Indian producers but along with that there comes a responsibility. It looks like a win- win situation but one has to be extremely responsible for what they are producing.”

    Fortune Production founder Farhann Salaruddin opined, “It’s totally yes to the intention of giving creative freedom to producers and a lot of people must been waiting for this day to have the ball in their court. Whatever you make good or bad the credit will be yours. It’s a good move but how successful it will be only time will tell us.”

    Shakuntalam Telefilms founder Shyamasis Bhattacharya adds: “ It’s a welcome move. I think we all (producers community) have been wanting this to happen. Last year we met all the CEOs of different channels asked for the same and Star taking the lead is appreciated. Now there will be one vision that can be of the broadcaster’s show runner or the producers. That’s exactly what happens across the world and also in India but not to that extent. If you see Balaji’s shows’ success rate its high because their shows run after Ekta’s vision. I believe the shows’ success rate will go up after this move.”

    And that is exactly what Gaurav is hoping will happen.

  • Star India to initiate creative freedom discussions with TV producers

    Star India to initiate creative freedom discussions with TV producers

    MUMBAI: Remember the terms perestroika? Glasnost? The first stands for reformation, the second for openness. Both were popular terms used in reference to the USSR as it crumbled to herald the freedom that hit it in the late eighties and nineties.

    Some of that is about to hit Indian television. Remember last week’s admission by Star India deputy chief creative officer Gaurav Banerjee that the network may have erred by starting the mad race of pursuing seven days of soap and drama every week from the five days formula earlier. Speaking at the Indian ScreenWriters’ Conference in Mumbai he candidly stated: “I confess that it was a mistake because we reduced the ideation time of writers and of actors as well. We thought that we could manage the workload and it won’t affect the product but unfortunately we were thinking of a TV industry as a pizza delivery service which was big mistake.”

    He also announced that Star India would cut back the seven-days-a week to five days once again.

    Now Star India and Gaurav are going a step further. He has told producers that he would be more than happy to extend creative freedom to them, something they have been pleading for, demanding and crying for. Each show, said Banerjee, would have a single show runner giving it the much needed vision. He has invited producers for a meeting in Star India’s office on 20 August to further spell out what he means by creative freedom.

    The producers’ fraternity is very excited about the new initiative by Star and are welcoming it. Says Frames Production founder Ranjeet Thakur: “It’s a very great move for the industry on the whiole because the minute the producer comes with a certain plot thought or idea I think it works better. The producer has some vision behind the show and if that creative freedom is given to them to execute in the same manner, it’s a wonderful thing to be happening in the industry. It’s a very positive note. It’s a great move by Gaurav and Star and slowly it will become the norm of the industry.”

    Colosceum Media CEO Lalit Sharma adds, “Firstly, it’s a very good take towards producing good content. Now the show runner will have the responsibility. It’s the happiest moment for the Indian producers but along with that there comes a responsibility. It looks like a win- win situation but one has to be extremely responsible for what they are producing.”

    Fortune Production founder Farhann Salaruddin opined, “It’s totally yes to the intention of giving creative freedom to producers and a lot of people must been waiting for this day to have the ball in their court. Whatever you make good or bad the credit will be yours. It’s a good move but how successful it will be only time will tell us.”

    Shakuntalam Telefilms founder Shyamasis Bhattacharya adds: “ It’s a welcome move. I think we all (producers community) have been wanting this to happen. Last year we met all the CEOs of different channels asked for the same and Star taking the lead is appreciated. Now there will be one vision that can be of the broadcaster’s show runner or the producers. That’s exactly what happens across the world and also in India but not to that extent. If you see Balaji’s shows’ success rate its high because their shows run after Ekta’s vision. I believe the shows’ success rate will go up after this move.”

    And that is exactly what Gaurav is hoping will happen.

  • Star Plus reinvents its weekend programming with ‘Dance +’ season 2

    Star Plus reinvents its weekend programming with ‘Dance +’ season 2

    MUMBAI: With an aim to give more space and importance to fiction programming, Star Plus redefined its fiction programming by airing its primetime shows on all seven days from Monday to Sunday since February. All the shows between the 8.00 pm to 10.30 pm slots were aired on Saturdays and Sundays as well. The channel wanted to aggressively promote and back its fiction programming and this is why its reality show Nach Baliye season 8 has been kept on hold for at least two months.

    Also the channel had already extended its early primetime slot by stretching all the shows slotted between 5 pm to 7.30 pm to all seven days. Mohi – Ek Khawab Ke Khilne Ki Kahani, Mere Agne Mein, Suhani Si Ek Ladki, Saath Nibhana Saathithya  and Yeh Hai Mohabbatein.

    However starting 2 July, Star Plus will revive its non-fiction programming with its new offering Dance + season 2. The talent hunt produced by Frames Productions will be aired on Saturday and Sunday at the 8 pm time band. 

    Speaking with Indiantelevision.com, Frames Production founder Ranjeet Thakur said, “We received a good response for season one even though it was our first experience with the show. This time around, the second season will take the show to a higher level. The talent in this country is exceptional and audiences will see that in this season.” 

    For this season the makers have roped in talented choreographer Remo D’Souza who will don the hat of a super judge. Moreover, the show will have three mentors Dharmesh Yelande, Shakti Mohan and Punit Pathak who will be teaching the contestants and choreographing the acts. “This season we have Punit in the show as Sumeet Nagdev has some other engagements so he said no for this season”, informed Thakur.

    The makers have done auditions in 20 cities including Lucknow, Jaipur, Ranchi, Assam and all the metros and mini metros cities. 

    Dance+ will be a 26-episode show of one hour duration each. “There will be no change in the format as such, except we are moving to a one hour show on Saturday and Sunday, while during the earlier season it was a two hour show only on Sunday.” 

    The channel has roped in Hyundai as the presenting sponsor and co-powered by Cera and Oppo. 

    Star Plus’ new non-fiction offering, Dance + season 2  will be pitched against Zee TV’s  Tashan-e-ishq, Balaji’s new show on Colors Kawach at 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday, Sony TV’s Aadlat, Life OK’ s Savdhaan India and Sab TV’s Tarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma.  

  • Star Plus reinvents its weekend programming with ‘Dance +’ season 2

    Star Plus reinvents its weekend programming with ‘Dance +’ season 2

    MUMBAI: With an aim to give more space and importance to fiction programming, Star Plus redefined its fiction programming by airing its primetime shows on all seven days from Monday to Sunday since February. All the shows between the 8.00 pm to 10.30 pm slots were aired on Saturdays and Sundays as well. The channel wanted to aggressively promote and back its fiction programming and this is why its reality show Nach Baliye season 8 has been kept on hold for at least two months.

    Also the channel had already extended its early primetime slot by stretching all the shows slotted between 5 pm to 7.30 pm to all seven days. Mohi – Ek Khawab Ke Khilne Ki Kahani, Mere Agne Mein, Suhani Si Ek Ladki, Saath Nibhana Saathithya  and Yeh Hai Mohabbatein.

    However starting 2 July, Star Plus will revive its non-fiction programming with its new offering Dance + season 2. The talent hunt produced by Frames Productions will be aired on Saturday and Sunday at the 8 pm time band. 

    Speaking with Indiantelevision.com, Frames Production founder Ranjeet Thakur said, “We received a good response for season one even though it was our first experience with the show. This time around, the second season will take the show to a higher level. The talent in this country is exceptional and audiences will see that in this season.” 

    For this season the makers have roped in talented choreographer Remo D’Souza who will don the hat of a super judge. Moreover, the show will have three mentors Dharmesh Yelande, Shakti Mohan and Punit Pathak who will be teaching the contestants and choreographing the acts. “This season we have Punit in the show as Sumeet Nagdev has some other engagements so he said no for this season”, informed Thakur.

    The makers have done auditions in 20 cities including Lucknow, Jaipur, Ranchi, Assam and all the metros and mini metros cities. 

    Dance+ will be a 26-episode show of one hour duration each. “There will be no change in the format as such, except we are moving to a one hour show on Saturday and Sunday, while during the earlier season it was a two hour show only on Sunday.” 

    The channel has roped in Hyundai as the presenting sponsor and co-powered by Cera and Oppo. 

    Star Plus’ new non-fiction offering, Dance + season 2  will be pitched against Zee TV’s  Tashan-e-ishq, Balaji’s new show on Colors Kawach at 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday, Sony TV’s Aadlat, Life OK’ s Savdhaan India and Sab TV’s Tarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma.