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Tag: Siddhartha Basu

  • Sukrit Gupta and Sayudh Ray are the winners of Sony LIV’s Quizzer of the Year

    Sukrit Gupta and Sayudh Ray are the winners of Sony LIV’s Quizzer of the Year

    Mumbai: After months of intense competition and intellectually stimulating quizzes, Sony LIV’s Quizzer of the Year (QOTY) finally reached its grand finale on 26 May. The show, which captured the hearts and minds of quiz enthusiasts across the country, culminated in an epic showdown that saw four teams battling for the ultimate title. From navigating through a series of challenging rounds, boasting fierce face-offs between 64 teams from over 2000 Indian schools, Sukrit Gupta and Sayudh Ray of Delhi Public School, Newtown, Rajarhat, Kolkata emerged as the champions of the first season of Quizzer of the Year securing an educational scholarship worth rupees one crore.

    Sukrit Gupta, a class ten student with a keen interest in computer science, has been an avid quizzer since his friends introduced him to the club. Having lived in Kolkata for most of his life, Sukrit enjoys topics like tech, music, history, and literature. On the other hand, Sayudh Ray, who just completed his class ten board exams, shares a passion for history and economics. With both parents being Ayurvedic doctors, Sayudh is still exploring his future career options. Together, their diverse knowledge and great teamwork led them to victory on Quizzer of the Year.

    The top four finalists who made it to QOTY’s grand finale were:

    1    Sukrit Gupta and Sayudh Ray of Delhi Public School Newtown, Rajarhat, Kolkata
    2    Sreenandh Sudheesh P and Navaneeth Krishnan of Govt Model Hr. Sec. School Calicut University, Kozhikode
    3    Garvish Jain and Sarth Khandelwal of St. Anthony’s Senior Secondary School, Udaipur
    4    Ojasvit Pasricha and Aashman Tripathi of Sheiling House School, Kanpur

    While Sukit and Sayudh bagged the coveted title and huge scholarship, Sreenadh Sudheesh P and Navaneeth Krishnan emerged as the first runners-up of QOTY, winning a scholarship of 50 lakh rupees. Furthermore, the second runners-up, Garvish Jain and Sarth Khandelwal, secured a scholarship of 20 lakh rupees.

    Quizzer of the Year, presented by the legendary quizmaster of India, Siddhartha Basu, is an innovative quiz show conceptualised by Anita Kaul Basu and the team at Tree of Knowledge Digital (DIGITOK). Blending traditional learning with infotainment, the show provided students with a platform to test their knowledge beyond textbooks. The journey began with daily quizzes, followed by zonal rounds, and culminated in a high-stakes national championship. QOTY featured seasoned quizmasters Joy Bhattacharjya and Col. Vembu Shankar in the zonal rounds, alongside Siddhartha Basu himself hosting the quarterfinals, semifinals, and grand finale.

    Quizmaster Siddhartha Basu, the creator and host of QOTY, expressed, “It was terrific to quiz a pick of the smartest school students of the country for the final leg of Quizzer of the Year, which was the culmination of a year long digital engagement on the QOTY app on Sony LIV. In progressively tougher stages, qualifiers clashed in a series of exciting and closely fought zonal & national level encounters which climaxed in a grand final going to the wire ultimately streaming on the platform for the viewers. Congratulations to the worthy victors and challengers for the mental mettle with which they vied for top honours, and the most handsome rewards ever offered in India for an all-India inter-school quiz championship. I hope it acts as a spur to fuel the curiosity of young minds, expand their general knowledge, and test it in a fun way on an ongoing basis. That’s the aim of the QOTY app & contest.”

    Catch all the episodes of Quizzer of the Year streaming now exclusively on Sony LIV!

  • DBS Bank India hosts screening of “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: A Singapore Saga”

    DBS Bank India hosts screening of “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: A Singapore Saga”

    Mumbai: DBS Bank India hosted an exclusive, invite-only screening of the documentary “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: A Singapore Saga” in Delhi.

    The event was attended by dignitaries such as Singapore High Commission H.E Simon Wong, Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (National CAMPA) CEO Subhash Chandra National, National Medical Commission, Ministry of Health secretary Dr. B Srinivas, Delhi Development Authority member finance Vijay Kumar Singh, YSM,SM,VSM (Retd), ex-director general, resettlement Major General Sharad Kapur, Sansad Ratna Awards Committee chairman Adv. Priyadharshni Rahul and Ministry of Commerce – CIO, Invest India Sunita Mohanty. DBS Bank India MD and head of institutional banking group Rajat Verma delivered the opening remarks, kicking off the event.

    The documentary is commissioned by the Tagore Society Singapore and sponsored by DBS Bank India. It captures Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s role in spearheading the Azad Hind movement from Singapore. Scripted and directed by Lakshmi Raman Venkat from Gravitas Media, it features engaging narration by renowned quiz master Siddhartha Basu.

    Through the eyes of a Singaporean history buff recounting Netaji’s life to a young visitor from India, the documentary takes viewers on a captivating journey. It skilfully links landmarks that played a crucial role in Netaji’s journey to the progression of the Indian freedom movement.

    The documentary delves into contributions of the Indian National Army (INA) and the remarkable involvement of women, particularly through the establishment of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment. It also features a reenactment of Netaji’s ‘Great Escape’ in January 1941, filmed at Netaji Bhawan in Kolkata. In the documentary, Subhashini Ali, the daughter of Dr. Lakshmi Sahgal (nee Swaminthan), one of Netaji’s closest aides in the INA, shares anecdotes about her mother’s role in the Rani of Jhansi Regiment.

    DBS Bank India MD and head– group strategic marketing & communications Shoma Narayanan said, “We are honoured to be associated with a compelling documentary that captures the connection between India, Singapore, and a historic figure: Subhas Chandra Bose. His spirit of resilience and dedication continues to inspire generations in both countries. Through our collaboration with the Tagore Society Singapore, we wanted to commemorate a period of history that transcended geographical boundaries. This association embodies our commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences for customers and communities, setting us apart as a different kind of bank.”

    The production team from Lakshmi’s company, Gravitas Media, comprising Rajendra Nanoskar, Prakash Parmar, Santosh Mithbawkar, and Wilson Thomas, meticulously brought Netaji’s story to life. Their efforts unearthed remarkable stories of Netaji’s time in Singapore, enriching the documentary’s narrative.

    DBS Bank India, the largest foreign bank in the country by branch presence, continues to curate experiences that go beyond traditional banking. Through strategic partnerships, the bank aims to engage a broader audience and reinforce its brand promise of ‘Live more, Bank less’.

  • Siddhartha Basu’s ‘Quizzer Of The Year’ to air its championship rounds from 15 April only on Sony LIV

    Siddhartha Basu’s ‘Quizzer Of The Year’ to air its championship rounds from 15 April only on Sony LIV

    Mumbai: Get ready for the ultimate quiz championship of the year! Sony LIV’s Quizzer Of The Year (QOTY), a nationwide challenge is all set to air and capture the imagination of quiz enthusiasts across the country. As the competition heats up, the platform is excited to announce the launch of its final rounds, promising edge-of-your-seat excitement, and fierce competition like never before! Presented by India’s grand quizmaster, Siddhartha Basu, the show is conceptualised by Anita Kaul Basu and the team at Tree of Knowledge Digital (Digitok).

    Quizzer Of The Year aims to give an exciting twist to traditional learning and explores the format of infotainment in India. In today’s world, students are not just focused on academic excellence; they also crave new experiences and knowledge beyond their textbooks, from the world around them. QOTY provides students of class IX to XII a platform to test their abilities and knowledge against peers from across the country.

    QOTY is divided into three phases, with phase one of daily quizzes already concluded. 64 teams, progressed to represent each zone, that emerged from a pool of over 2000 schools, spanning across more than 300 cities. Later, top teams from each zone will eventually move ahead and fight to win the National Championship, ‘Quizzer Of The Year’ title and stand a chance to win an educational scholarship of rupees 1 crore. The team that comes second and third will also stand a chance to win an educational scholarship of rupees 50 lakhs and 20 lakhs respectively.

    QOTY will begin streaming exclusively on Sony LIV from 15 April, kick-starting with episodes from the Zonal rounds hosted by seasoned quizmasters Joy Bhattacharjya and Col Vembu Shankar, Indian Army veteran. Winning teams will advance to the quarterfinals, semi-finals, finals hosted by Siddhartha Basu, with the ultimate winner being crowned the Quizzer Of The Year.

    Presenter and creator Siddhartha Basu, “For the past year, our team at Tree of Knowledge Digital (Digitok) has diligently worked to engage with the top high school quizzers from across India to select teams for the national play-offs. We aimed to make QOTY inclusive, allowing everyone to play, test, and expand their knowledge through quizzing. Even those who didn’t qualify for further rounds can continue playing on the app round the year. With my four decades-long involvement in infotainment, I am excited to venture into the world of OTT with Sony LIV to reach students beyond all barriers. We hope QOTY becomes a tool for fostering a factual culture and building a strong knowledgeable community among young minds.”

    Watch Quizzer Of The Year exclusively from 15 April, Mon-Sun at 11 am only on Sony LIV!

  • Applause Entertainment reunites with Hansal Mehta for biopic on Mahatma Gandhi

    Applause Entertainment reunites with Hansal Mehta for biopic on Mahatma Gandhi

    Mumbai: Applause Entertainment has once again teamed up with acclaimed director Hansal Mehta for a biopic series on the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi.  

    The series will be an adaptation of notable historian and author Ramachandra Guha’s two books ‘Gandhi before India’ and ‘Gandhi-The Years that Changed the World. Actor Pratik Gandhi will play the lead while Hansal will be enrolled as director of the project.

    Post success of Scam 1992, Hansal and Pratik are reuniting for Gandhi which will be set in the Indian Independence struggle era. Applause is looking forward to making Gandhi at an international standard for a global audience and will be filming it extensively across several Indian and foreign locations. Siddhartha Basu will join the project as the historical consultant, factual advisor, and creative consultant.  

    Applause Entertainment founder and CEO Sameer Nair said, “The story of Mahatma Gandhi is more than just the story of a great individual; it is also the story of the birth of a nation and many other dramatis personae, who along with Gandhi, gained freedom for India. We at Applause are honoured to have this opportunity to tell this important story of India and to bring alive the rich history of the Indian Freedom struggle in a deeply layered multi-season drama series. A story of this magnitude needs a filmmaker of equal stature and in Hansal we have found our perfect storyteller. Collaborating once again with Hansal and Pratik makes this all the more exciting.”

    Filmmaker Hansal Mehta said, “When you speak of a historic and iconic figure like Mahatma Gandhi, there is already a great deal of responsibility on you as a filmmaker. Our vision with the series is to make it as true-to-life as possible and supported by Ramachandra Guha’s work, we are confident and enthusiastic that we will bring audiences something to remember. With a common vision for this ambitious narrative, I am excited to kickstart a new journey, yet again with
    Sameer and the team at Applause.”

    Nair further added “The making of Gandhi will be an emotional experience, and when a series of this magnitude and importance is made, it needs people who truly believe in its import. With Hansal’s directorial vision, Pratik’s delicately nuanced performance and Siddhartha Basu joining the creative process, we are excited to bring Gandhi’s, and India’s journey, to a global audience.”

  • Sony TV ropes in 12 sponsors for KBC 13

    Sony TV ropes in 12 sponsors for KBC 13

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India has announced the 13th season of “Kaun Banega Crorepati” (KBC), starting 23 August. Produced by StudioNEXT and hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, the show will air on Sony Entertainment Television, every weekday at 9 p.m. 

    The show has roped in BYJU’s and Cadbury Dairy Milk as ‘co-presenting’ sponsor, Hyundai Motor India, Asian Paints Royale Glitz, Ultratech Cement, and Zydus Wellness (Complan) as ‘co-powered by’ sponsor and CERA, Pharmeasy, IDFC First Bank, LIC of India, Bharat Matrimony as associate sponsors. The Reserve Bank of India has come on board as a ‘special’ partner.

    “For a show like KBC that has followed a certain creative pattern, it was time for us to break the mold and approach it differently. While digital auditions replaced the regular audition process, it didn’t deter the volume of entries. In fact, the ease of digital audition encouraged a lot more aspirants, based in the remotest areas possible to participate. We are happy with the spiritedness of each contestant, and we are hopeful that they fulfil their KBC journey,” said Sony Entertainment Television, head of content and digital business, Ashish Golwalkar. “While we did introduce AR (Augmented Reality) in the previous seasons, this year, the use of AR is far more superior and immersive. From refurbishing the entire set with the play of lights to the graphical elements and LED panels, India is the only country to host the format with the inclusion of such refined technological detailing. With distinct modifications to the game this season, we look forward to rewarding gameplay and promise an enhanced viewing experience to the audience.”

    “It’s the 21st year of my association with Kaun Banega Crorepati and I can never get enough of this show,” said Amitabh Bachchan. “It was probably for the first time, last season, that the studio audience wasn’t a part of the show and we saw a major change in the lifelines as well. I, for one, truly missed them and their energy… it’s infectious! I am happy that the studio audience is back this season with a newfound vigour and so is the lifeline – Audience Poll. It’s an enriching experience for me, each year, to be surrounded by contestants from all walks of life and I look forward to engaging and fulfilling gameplay. These contestants inspire me in every way,” Bachchan said.

    “It’s the 21st year of India’s longest-running show, and it’s heartening to know that KBC remains such a strong family favourite, that it still resonates with viewers across the social spectrum, and from all age groups,” said Siddhartha Basu, consultant for KBC season 13. “Each season, we’ve seen participants coming on to the hot seat from across the country, with varied levels of education and occupations, each with a distinct dream and story. Among a host of reasons that drive them, a key one is the search for ‘sammaan’ or respect. And they win that respect along with what can be life-changing amounts of winnings through a knowledge game. Gyan or knowledge is what provides a level playing field in our society, and viewers can now look forward to an exciting and entertaining new season of the show with a signature offering of gyan, dhan, and sammaan.”

    Fans of KBC may also log on to SonyLIV to participate in the gameshow via KBC Play Along, starting from 23 August, said the channel.

  • Sony opts for interactivity with Salman’s ‘Dus ka Dum’

    Sony opts for interactivity with Salman’s ‘Dus ka Dum’

    MUMBAI: The debut TV show of actor Salman Khan nearly a decade ago, is back with a bang but promises to take the offering up a few notches.  After nine years, he will be back on screen on Sony Entertainment Television (SET) with Dus ka Dum.

    While the initial seasons depended on the entertainment factor, SET EVP and business head Danish Khan said that this time it will be socially-driven. Several heads were put together to decide the right set of questions.

    “The format of the show has been changed from two rounds to having three rounds. Our sample size has increased from 5000 people to 1.5 million people and makes the record of the largest survey ever done across the world. The product is premium, the ad rates are also premium. The response of the brands has been quite encouraging,” Khan told Indiantelevision.com.

    The brands on board till now are Kamla Pasand which is the presenting sponsor and Priyagold SuperStar and Syska LED as powered by sponsors.

    The show has been planned for 26 episodes with a focus on urban and semi-urban audience. The runtime is 90 minutes from 8:30 pm on Monday and Tuesday. Millions of Indian citizens will get to test their observation skills and stand a chance to come on air.

    SPN India CEO NP Singh said that Sony’s in-house creative team and Sony Pictures Television, UK have re-envisioned Dus Ka Dum. It will have more second screen engagement, something that didn’t exist a few years ago, and the channel already showed the power of digital during Kaun Banega Crorepati where it got 40 million users registered for KBC Play-Along last year in a span of 10 weeks.

    SET VP-marketing Aman Srivastava told Indiantelevision.com that promotions for the show begin from 31 May on outdoor and print and the launch day print ad on 4 June. In television, promotions will be aired across the Sony 
    network channels and others like Masti, 9XM, Aaj Tak, News18 and India TV.

    The 1.5 million people Khan was talking about were via the SonyLIV app, giving people an opportunity to audition for the show and stand a chance to play the game as a participant on television.

    Big Synergy consultant Siddhartha Basu said, “It is always a pleasure to be associated with the channel, Danish Khan and his team. The registration response was overwhelming and we do hope the nation once again enjoys the much-loved show and star in this brand new outing.” 

    Salman Khan said, “The show marked my debut on television and will always stay close to my heart. I am happy to return with it after nine long years! I feel a lot richer with the experiences shared by the participants on the show and the everlasting love of my fans.”

  • Siddhartha Basu’s ‘News Wiz’ quiz series on India Today TV

    Siddhartha Basu’s ‘News Wiz’ quiz series on India Today TV

    MUMBAI: Indian news is primarily consumed by older males 20 and above. Or at least that is the perception. And that has been a challenge for most news channel sales folks  when they have reached out to media planners and buyers to get on brands targeting a younger demographic to advertise. The latter’s rationale for their aversion has been that the generation is mostly getting its information through the web or  on social media, computers, tablets, phones or watching anything but news on TV. 

    Now India Today is taking a stab at filling that perception gap by creating a TV show that hopefully will lure  back the school going lot with a challenging and brand new television quiz show titled News Wiz. Slated to launch on 24 July, the thirteen episode long programme will be hosted by senior journalist and an ardent quiz buff himself Rajdeep Sardesai. Something along the lines of The Bournvita Quiz Contest which in its early days aired on Sunday mornings on TV. 

    With a duration of an hour, News Wiz  will air every Sunday at 11 am.

    public://rajdeep--621x414.jpg

    Produced by Anita and Siddhartha Basu of Big Synergy who brought mega quiz shows Kaun Banega Crorepati, Dus Ka Dum, Mastermind India, University Challenge, etc for television, News Wiz will have the brightest and the best informed students from 27 schools around the country competing for the title of India Today News Wiz 2016. The competitors will show off their knowledge of news and current affairs, incidents and events around the world, with each episode featuring three school teams  (two students each) being pitted against each other . The top scoring teams in the nine preliminary episodes and three semi-finals will participate in the grand finale the likes of which has never been seen before on Indian news television.

    “News is knowledge and knowledge is news. But today there is a lot of misinformation going on as there are so many mediums – TV, newspapers, magazines and most importantly internet. How do people get to know about things, particularly young people,” says Big Synergy chairman and MD Siddharth Basu.

    Adding further, “We shortlisted these 27 schools from close to 1000 entries we received. Some of the schools – around  400 – entered via an online test while the others the regular way. In the end we were down to 60 schools, and of these, after interviews and further elimination procedures, we arrived at 27. These 27 schools will now face each other.”  

    The competition is open to class IX to class XII  students. The aim:  encourage bright young minds to dig deeper and read more, going beyond the headlines, and take a shot at winning the title. Other than the title, on offer are various prizes … up for grabs but only for the best of the best.

    The teams will be provided with a phone-in helpline where they can take help on their answers from a journalist in the concerned field. Apart from that, the show will also have a web guide station where one team member can look up the answers and assist the other team member who will be attempting the question in an allotted time.

    Sardesai  is quite kicked up about anchoring News Wiz. Says he:  “It was a dream to host a quiz show. One of my proudest moment as a young school boy was winning the Bournvita Quiz Contest at the age of 12 or 13. This was with Ameen Sayani for a radio show. I am delighted to be the quizmaster on a news TV show.”

    Sardesai strongly believes that youngsters will start taking interest in news through this show. “I think that quiz shows grab the attention of school going kids and also encourage them to follow news more closely”

    While Tata Motors has come on board as the title sponsor, discussions are on with six other brands to hop on as co-presenting sponsors and associate sponsors. Among those interested include:  personal finance and new age tech gadget advertisers.

    “We couldn’t have managed to get an anchor better than Rajdeep who also has a quiz connection. He welcomes the show with his hands wide open. India Today is already the leader in this space and was keen on broadcasting this show,” adds Basu.

    A promo has been rolled out featuring Salman Khan posing a question to viewers. He will also be seen in the first episode where viewers can ask questions to the Bollywood star. 

    The channel will promote News Wiz through both traditional and non-traditional media. A massive outdoor campaign in the metros supported with a 3600 TV plan across various genres including sister channels has been drawn up.  And ads and promos will roll out in print,  theaters, and online.

    “An array of promos will mount with various celebrities throughout the series. Apart from marketing this show across our network, there will be heavy promotional campaigns on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. We have planned various marketing innovations happening on the digital front to increase interactivity with our viewers. There will be a daily quiz organised on various social media platforms and the users will be rewarded with exciting prizes,” voices TV Today VP marketing Vivek Malhotra. 

    Kudos to Basu, Sardesai and their team for finally bringing an exceptional brain twisting show back on TV!

  • Siddhartha Basu’s ‘News Wiz’ quiz series on India Today TV

    Siddhartha Basu’s ‘News Wiz’ quiz series on India Today TV

    MUMBAI: Indian news is primarily consumed by older males 20 and above. Or at least that is the perception. And that has been a challenge for most news channel sales folks  when they have reached out to media planners and buyers to get on brands targeting a younger demographic to advertise. The latter’s rationale for their aversion has been that the generation is mostly getting its information through the web or  on social media, computers, tablets, phones or watching anything but news on TV. 

    Now India Today is taking a stab at filling that perception gap by creating a TV show that hopefully will lure  back the school going lot with a challenging and brand new television quiz show titled News Wiz. Slated to launch on 24 July, the thirteen episode long programme will be hosted by senior journalist and an ardent quiz buff himself Rajdeep Sardesai. Something along the lines of The Bournvita Quiz Contest which in its early days aired on Sunday mornings on TV. 

    With a duration of an hour, News Wiz  will air every Sunday at 11 am.

    public://rajdeep--621x414.jpg

    Produced by Anita and Siddhartha Basu of Big Synergy who brought mega quiz shows Kaun Banega Crorepati, Dus Ka Dum, Mastermind India, University Challenge, etc for television, News Wiz will have the brightest and the best informed students from 27 schools around the country competing for the title of India Today News Wiz 2016. The competitors will show off their knowledge of news and current affairs, incidents and events around the world, with each episode featuring three school teams  (two students each) being pitted against each other . The top scoring teams in the nine preliminary episodes and three semi-finals will participate in the grand finale the likes of which has never been seen before on Indian news television.

    “News is knowledge and knowledge is news. But today there is a lot of misinformation going on as there are so many mediums – TV, newspapers, magazines and most importantly internet. How do people get to know about things, particularly young people,” says Big Synergy chairman and MD Siddharth Basu.

    Adding further, “We shortlisted these 27 schools from close to 1000 entries we received. Some of the schools – around  400 – entered via an online test while the others the regular way. In the end we were down to 60 schools, and of these, after interviews and further elimination procedures, we arrived at 27. These 27 schools will now face each other.”  

    The competition is open to class IX to class XII  students. The aim:  encourage bright young minds to dig deeper and read more, going beyond the headlines, and take a shot at winning the title. Other than the title, on offer are various prizes … up for grabs but only for the best of the best.

    The teams will be provided with a phone-in helpline where they can take help on their answers from a journalist in the concerned field. Apart from that, the show will also have a web guide station where one team member can look up the answers and assist the other team member who will be attempting the question in an allotted time.

    Sardesai  is quite kicked up about anchoring News Wiz. Says he:  “It was a dream to host a quiz show. One of my proudest moment as a young school boy was winning the Bournvita Quiz Contest at the age of 12 or 13. This was with Ameen Sayani for a radio show. I am delighted to be the quizmaster on a news TV show.”

    Sardesai strongly believes that youngsters will start taking interest in news through this show. “I think that quiz shows grab the attention of school going kids and also encourage them to follow news more closely”

    While Tata Motors has come on board as the title sponsor, discussions are on with six other brands to hop on as co-presenting sponsors and associate sponsors. Among those interested include:  personal finance and new age tech gadget advertisers.

    “We couldn’t have managed to get an anchor better than Rajdeep who also has a quiz connection. He welcomes the show with his hands wide open. India Today is already the leader in this space and was keen on broadcasting this show,” adds Basu.

    A promo has been rolled out featuring Salman Khan posing a question to viewers. He will also be seen in the first episode where viewers can ask questions to the Bollywood star. 

    The channel will promote News Wiz through both traditional and non-traditional media. A massive outdoor campaign in the metros supported with a 3600 TV plan across various genres including sister channels has been drawn up.  And ads and promos will roll out in print,  theaters, and online.

    “An array of promos will mount with various celebrities throughout the series. Apart from marketing this show across our network, there will be heavy promotional campaigns on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. We have planned various marketing innovations happening on the digital front to increase interactivity with our viewers. There will be a daily quiz organised on various social media platforms and the users will be rewarded with exciting prizes,” voices TV Today VP marketing Vivek Malhotra. 

    Kudos to Basu, Sardesai and their team for finally bringing an exceptional brain twisting show back on TV!

  • Fox Life to go places!

    Fox Life to go places!

    MUMBAI: Fox Traveller which underwent a vibrant makeover to become Fox Life has decided to visit places. Yes, the channel has got a new philosophy and tagline-Go Places!

     

    This was recently revealed by NGC Network India and Fox International channels managing director Keertan Adyanthaya who said that “Fox Traveller’s journey has been exciting, fun, and fruitful. And as we continue on our next journey with Fox Life, it will only get bigger and better.”

     

    The makeover which took place on 15 June saw a change in the name, logo and also packaging of the channel. The channel catering to the lifestyle segment was originally launched in Italy and now reaches to 73 countries in 19 different languages. In its new form, the channel will host a mix of both US and India produced reality programmes, designed to match its modern target audience.

     

    Adyanthaya made the announcements at a launch party to welcome the new avatar. The event saw many celebrities, among these were Michelin Star Chef Vikas Khanna, designer Rocky S, India’s rock stars Uday Benegal, Indus Creed and Hipnotribe.

     

    Indus Creed lead vocalist Uday Benegal said, “It’s been a great journey with Fox Life and the show Soundtrek. The channel definitely took me on a fun journey and I am certain it will be the same for its viewers.”
     

    Vikas Khanna commented, “My association with Fox Life for the show Twist of Taste has been a great experience. The channel gave me the chance to explore exciting journeys.”

     

    NGC and Fox International Channels vice president marketing and communication Debarpita Banerjee had earlier said, “Being leaders in the category, it was necessary for us to reinvent, in order to grow. Also, this gave us the opportunity to align with the global brand Fox Life.” 

     

    Celebrities like Gul Panag, Rajeev Khandelwal, Purab Kohli, Shibani Dandekar, Kirat Bhattal, Siddhartha Basu, Keith Sequira, Diandra Sores, Sameer Kochchar, Manish Paul, Gaurav Kapoor, Raghu Ram and Rajiv Lakshman were also present at the launch party

  • Telugu version of KBC to go on air from 9 June

    Telugu version of KBC to go on air from 9 June

    MUMBAI: The biggest knowledge-based game show Meelo Evaru koteeswarudu (MEK) announced by MAA TV, the No.1 Telugu GEC, has received excellent response from the Telugu TV audiences.

     

    For the Call for Entry (CFE) conducted between 24th April to May 1st to select the contestants, more than 1 million viewers sent SMSs, expressing their interest to participate in the game show

     

    Of the 1 million plus responses, about 1500 were short-listed through randomization process by a 3rd party agency with a fool-proof process audit by E&Y audit firm.

     

    With auditions in Vijayawada, Tirupathi and Hyderabad, about 100 participants were selected to play the game with Nagarjuna

     

    Nagarjuna is hosting a show on a TV for the 1st time

     

    In the 6 episodes that were shot so far, 9 contestants took the hot seat and a few of them are truly heart touching stories.

     

    The telecast of the game show will commence on 9th June (Monday). It will be at 9.00 PM to 10.30 PM from Monday to Thursday (4 days a week)

     

    Every contestant’s back-end story has been recorded and addressed in the show..  It will be a life changer for most of the contestants who make it to the hot seat.

     

    The prize money is from Rs. 1,000  to Rs. 1 Crore and the rules are the same like the KBC.  Those who answer all the 15 questions correctly will get Rs. 1 Crore prize

     

    The International Format tasted success worldwide in more than 150 countries, and 7 languages in India including Hindi

     

    Big Synergy, which is headed by the well known quiz master Siddhartha Basu, is producing the show

     

    Maa TV, which is known for programming innovation based on the understanding of Telugu viewers’ preferences, is now taking the Telugu television to the next level with MEK, both in terms of quality of content and host presence. Nagarjuna known for his out of box thinking and being ahead of times in style and substance is the first big host after Amitabh to be doing this show .

     

    MEK brings out all the human emotion, drama and intrigue that is required for any show on television.  It’s the reality show which can only be real as everything is transparent right from the selection of questions to selection of contestants ..

     

    The entire process of MEK is monitored and audited by EY, the prestigious global audit firm.