Tag: Ritesh Modi

  • SonyLIV’s ‘The Whistleblower’ to begin streaming on 16 Dec

    SonyLIV’s ‘The Whistleblower’ to begin streaming on 16 Dec

    Mumbai: SonyLIV has announced its latest fictional offering “The Whistleblower” that begins streaming on 16 December.

    Produced by StudioNEXT, the series features actors Ravi Kishan, Ritwik Bhowmik and Sonali Kulkarni in leading roles. Directed by Manoj Pillai, created and written by Ajay Monga, the series also features actors Ankita Sharma, Ashish Verma, Hemant Kher, Joy Sengupta, Riddhi Khakar, Sachin Khedekar and Zakir Hussain among others in prominent roles.

    The series is inspired by a series of true events across India. The show traces the journey of Dr Sanket played by Ritwik, a final year medical student who gets himself entangled in a chain of events that trigger chaos within a system. The repercussions of Sanket’s actions take a toll on his personal life and his world starts to crumble.

    Directed by Manoj Pillai, created and written by Ajay Monga, the series also features actors Ankita Sharma, Ashish Verma, Hemant Kher, Joy Sengupta, Riddhi Khakar, Sachin Khedekar and Zakir Hussain among others in prominent roles. “This is my first directorial-debut and I couldn’t have asked for a story better than this,” said Manoj Pillai. “The script is new-age, pathbreaking and bold. I am elated to be backed by SonyLIV and StudioNEXT who are known to push the bar and create authentic and gripping content.”

    “‘The Whistleblower’ is a fictional story but is absolutely relevant to India. We are happy to bring a power-packed narrative that has been put together by StudioNEXT, Manoj Pillai and Ajay Monga,” said Sony Pictures Networks India head – content SonyLIV and Sony Entertainment Television Ashish Golwalkar.

    “At StudioNEXT, it’s our endeavour to present to our viewers ‘entertainment shows with a purpose,” said StudioNEXT head Indranil Chakraborty. “In line with this thought, we are excited to present an impactful and compelling story with ‘The Whistleblower’. With a brilliant set of actors, the series has been spearheaded by a strong team led by the creative vision of Ritesh Modi. Ajay Monga’s writing and Manoj Pillai’s direction brilliantly work together bringing alive the story with utmost authenticity.”

    “‘The Whistleblower’ is a fictional story with shades of real incidents that have frequently occurred around us,” said StudioNEXT creative director Ritesh Modi. “Hence it was our priority to keep the story authentic and engaging in its narration. I am very delighted that the show stands high on parameters that makes it a compelling watch.”

    “‘The Whistleblower’ is a story of a privileged medical student who takes his lifestyle and opportunities for granted,” said writer and creator Ajay Monga. “His casual approach and reckless actions result in his own moral compass of right and wrong being compromised. Later, his conscience ultimately leaves him with no option but to turn into a Whistle-blower.

    “Playing a character like Sanket in ‘The Whistleblower’ has been challenging yet fulfilling,” said actor Ritwik Bhowmik. “The script and director’s vision helped me shape the character of Sanket and bring depth to it. I am grateful to SonyLIV and StudioNEXT for this career-defining opportunity.”

    “Jayraj’s character has been one of the most interesting one in my career,” said actor Ravi Kishan. “The character has many layers and needed to be played with utmost conviction. I hope the viewers find it interesting and enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed playing it.”

  • Ashish Golwalkar to join Sony as Head of Non Fiction

    Ashish Golwalkar to join Sony as Head of Non Fiction

    MUMBAI: Ashish Golwalkar who recently resigned from the post of Senior VP – Programming Star Plus is set to join rival broadcaster Sony as head of non-fiction.

     

    A source close to the development said, “It was one of the last holes that needed to be filled and Ashish is the best fit. He is likely to join from December 1.”

     

    Before Star he was associated with Zee Entertainment Enterprise Limited for over 11 and half years. The last post that he had in Zee was as Head of Non-fiction Programming.

     

    The company had earlier appointed Danish Khan as EVP & business head for Sony Entertainment Television.

     

    Additionally, as a part of Khan’s core team, the company roped in Anup Vishwanathan as SVP and head marketing, Anshuman Sinha has come on board as SVP and senior creative director, whereas Ritesh Modi as VP and creative director. The trio alongside Khan will be working with a battery of seasoned professionals at MSM. 

  • MSM strengthens Sony team with four top-level hires

    MSM strengthens Sony team with four top-level hires

    MUMBAI: In an attempt to strengthen its team and galvanise renewed energy into its flagship channel Sony Entertainment Television (SET), Multi Screen Media (MSM) has made four top level appointments.

     

    The company has appointed Danish Khan as EVP & business head for Sony Entertainment Television. He steps into the shoes of erstwhile business head Nachiket Pantvaidya. Khan was previously programming head at Star Plus.

     

    Additionally, as a part of Khan’s core team, the company has made three new appointments. Anup Vishwanathan has been named as SVP and head marketing, Anshuman Sinha has come on board as SVP and senior creative director, whereas Ritesh Modi has been appointed as VP and creative director. The trio alongside Khan will be working with a battery of seasoned professionals at MSM. 

     

    As the man at the helm for SET, Khan will be driving the overall business of the channel including its objectives of channel growth, viewership and developing innovative revenue opportunities. Khan has earlier spent ten years in MSM in various marketing roles.

     

    In his new role, Vishwanathan will be working closely with Khan to amplify and support efforts towards the growth of SET and to substantiate the brand equity for the channel, primarily with its viewership base. 

     

    During the course of his work across various advertising agencies such as Leo Burnett, Mudra Communications and McCann Erickson, Vishwanathan has earlier serviced the SET portfolio from the agency side, for six years. He moves from Times Network where he was marketing head of the English Movie cluster.

     

    On the other hand, Sinha comes to MSM with 17 years of work experience. His forte lies in synergising consumer sentiment with progressive content. Sinha will join forces with Modi in charting a new creative course for SET. Modi, who has 18 years of working life behind him, specialises in non-fiction reality show formats and has a deep understanding of regional markets.

     

    MSM chief executive officer NP Singh said, “Given rising industry competitiveness coupled with a steady surge of growing audience expectations, innovation has become the key to success and growth. It is imperative that consumer insights dictate a channel’s look and feel as well as programming.”

     

    “The new team is not only seasoned and versatile but also willing to go the extra mile to ensure that consumer choice becomes the key to new offerings from SET – the flagship channel of MSM. This new team is committed to writing the next chapter of our growth story and they have my full support,” he added.