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Tag: Zee Kannada

  • Zee TV’s ‘Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan’ celebrates strength of single motherhood

    Zee TV’s ‘Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan’ celebrates strength of single motherhood

    MUMBAI: Holding her daughters’ hands, she’s walking into prime time with courage, grit and grace. Zee TV is set to launch its new drama, Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan, a heartwarming tale of a single mother who rebuilds her life from scratch and raises her daughters to stand tall against society’s taunts.

    Adapted from Zee Kannada’s hit show Puttakana Makkalu, the Hindi remake shines a light on women’s resilience in the face of abandonment and stigma. Set in the culturally vibrant backdrop of Varanasi, the series is produced by Ravie Dubey and Sargun Mehta’s Dreamiyata Dramaa.

    The show follows Ganga Mai (played by Shubhangi Latkar), who raises her daughters Sneha (Amandeep Sidhu), Sahana (Srishti Jain) and Soni (Vaishnavi Prajapati) with dignity, self-respect and an unbreakable spirit. Each daughter brings a unique flavour to the story: Sneha, the fiery dreamer aiming to be a district collector; Sahana, the nurturer whose cooking and wisdom hold the family together; and Soni, the playful yet mature spark who keeps optimism alive at home.

    Adding another layer to the drama is Sheizaan Khan as Siddhant, a feared yet soft-hearted moneylender whose life changes when he crosses paths with Sneha.

    To mark the launch, Zee TV hosted an experiential set tour in Chandigarh, where media were treated to a soulful meal at the family’s on-screen dhaba, mirroring the warmth and simplicity of the characters.

    Zee TV,  chief channel officer, Mangesh Kulkarni said, “With shows like Saru, Tumm Se Tumm Tak, Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, and now Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan, we are bringing forth stories that are rooted in culture yet contemporary in their outlook.”

    Zee Entertainment, chief content officer, Raghavendra Hunsur added, “What moves us most is not just Ganga Mai’s struggle, but the everyday grace with which she turns hardship into hope.”

    For lead actor Shubhangi Latkar, the role has been transformative. “Ganga Mai is a symbol of every woman who chooses dignity over despair. Portraying her has been an emotionally enriching journey for me,” she added.

    With its message that daughters are never a burden but a source of pride, Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan promises to strike an emotional chord with families across India.

     

  • Zee hits a high note with 18.2 percent share and 855m viewers tuned in

    Zee hits a high note with 18.2 percent share and 855m viewers tuned in

    MUMBAI: Zee has struck gold on the small screen and the numbers prove it. The content powerhouse has hit a four-year high in the linear TV landscape, clocking an 18.2 per cent market share and reaching 855 million viewers across 99 per cent of Indian TV households. From metros to remote hamlets, the network has entrenched itself as a fixture in family living rooms.

    The broadcaster’s strategy of weaving culturally rooted storytelling with mass-appeal blockbusters has paid off handsomely. Eight of its channels now reign supreme in their genres from Zee TV’s 15 per cent share in Hindi GECs (its best in three years) to Zee Cinema’s chart-topping premiere of Pushpa 2, the biggest Hindi film debut of FY26. Lifestyle too had its moment, with Zee Zest continuing a three-year winning streak.

    Regional dominance has been equally emphatic. Zee Kannada scored an all-time high 44 per cent share thanks to new launches like Karna, while Zee Tamil surged with Ayali and evergreen favourites like Karthigai Deepam. Zee Telugu notched a staggering 18.1 TVR with Sankranthiki Vasthunam, the biggest Telugu TV premiere in two years. Zee Sarthak maintained its Odia GEC crown for five consecutive years, Zee Talkies led Marathi movies with a 54 per cent category share, and Zee Bangla reclaimed leadership in West Bengal.

    “Eight of our channels leading the pack shows the power of stories crafted with cultural depth but tuned to modern appetites,” said Zee chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur. Zee EVP of network research and planning Rituparna Dasgupta added: “Reaching 855 million people and 99 per cent TV households isn’t just scale, it’s trust. An 18.2 per cent network share cements Zee as a family member in Indian homes.”

    With 50 domestic channels across 11 languages and two new launches, Zee Power (Kannada) and Zee Bangla Sonar, the broadcaster continues to fine-tune its role as both entertainer and cultural mirror, one that India, clearly, can’t switch off.

  • Finale Countdown Hits a High Note with Zee5’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Live

    Finale Countdown Hits a High Note with Zee5’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Live

    MUMBAI: Cue the drumroll, Karnataka, your favourite musical face-off is tuning into the digital age like never before. Zee5 is turning up the volume with a first-of-its-kind exclusive livestream of the Zee Kannada Sa Re Ga Ma Pa grand finale, streaming before TV on 5 June 2025. One of the biggest digital leaps in Indian reality television, this grand event marks the platform’s most ambitious live telecast yet, and it’s pulling out all the stops from fan-voting rewards to legendary judges and Rs 99 subscriptions that come with a side of surprises.

    Hosted by fan-favourite Anushree, the finale brings together a power-packed panel of judges Vijay Prakash, Rajesh Krishnan, and Arjun Janya who’ve helped shape Karnataka’s contemporary music scene and mentored countless rising stars along the way.

    What’s more, viewers are now part of the action like never before. From 14 May till two days before the finale, fans can log into the Zee5 app and vote for their favourite singer to win the title of “Most Popular Singer.” One lucky superfan might even be crowned the “Most Favourite Voter”, unlocking exclusive goodies.

    Zee5 and Zee Kannada business head Deepak Sriramulu stated, “Regional content continues to be a key pillar of our growth at Zee5, along with music playing a powerful role in connecting communities. The Grand Finale of Zee Kannada Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is a celebration of Karnataka’s rich musical legacy, and we are proud to bring this iconic cultural experience live to audiences across the globe. With exclusive digital-first access on Zee5, we’re taking regional entertainment to the next level, making it more immersive, interactive, and accessible than ever before. This marks the first time such a landmark event is being brought to life in the digital space, and it sets the stage for many exciting opportunities in the future as we continue to redefine how audiences engage with regional culture and music.”

    With its growing emphasis on regional-first entertainment, Zee5 continues to hit the high notes when it comes to local engagement. The platform’s Rs 99 subscription offer not only gets users early access to the musical finale but also puts them in the running for rewards making bingeing both emotional and rewarding.

    So whether you’re team high-octane vocals or rooting for that soulful crooner, this June 5th, your living room becomes the front row of Karnataka’s biggest musical celebration streaming exclusively, only on Zee5.

  • Zee Entertainment wraps FY25 with a bang

    Zee Entertainment wraps FY25 with a bang

    MUMBAI:  Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) has closed its financial year on a high note, reporting a 32 per cent rise in EBITDA to Rs 11,962 million for FY25, powered by sharp cost control and solid performance across its digital and television businesses. The company’s board has recommended a dividend of Rs 2.43 per equity share of Re 1, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming annual general meeting.

    Zee’s traditional TV business held its ground, maintaining a stable 16.8 per cent share of the Indian TV network viewership, even as sports broadcasts slightly ate into general entertainment viewership. Notably, Zeel’s regional channels — Zee Marathi, Zee Kannada, and Zee Telugu — emerged as strong performers.

    On the digital front, Zeel’s streaming platform Zee5 recorded a six per cent year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching Rs 9,760 million in FY25. Even more impressive was the platform’s ability to rein in losses, slashing its EBITDA losses by Rs 5,572 million over the year. Zee5’s growth was fuelled by 20 new original titles, which helped it maintain user engagement despite a challenging digital ad market.

    Zee Studios had a busy quarter, releasing eight films across Hindi and regional languages, bolstering its presence in the domestic film market. Meanwhile, Zee Music Co (ZMC) continued its YouTube dominance, reaching 164 million subscribers with a whopping 190 billion views in FY25. ZMC added 14.7 million new subscribers during the year, solidifying its position as the second-largest music label on YouTube.

    Zee’s financials reflected strong cost discipline. Total revenue for FY25 stood at Rs 82,941 million, with an EBITDA margin of 14.4 per cent — a 390 basis point increase from FY24. Profit after tax (PAT) from continuing operations surged by 245 per cent to Rs 6,874 million, a testament to the company’s focus on profitability.

    The balance sheet looked rock-solid with cash and cash equivalents swelling to Rs 24.1 billion by March 2025, including Rs 2 billion from the first tranche of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB). The company’s net profit for the year came in at Rs 6,795 million, a massive 381 per cent jump over FY24.

    * Operating revenue for FY25: Rs 82,941 million, down four per cent YoY due to advertising pressure.
    * Expenditure fell by eight per cent to Rs 70,979 million, reflecting strong cost control.
    * EBITDA for FY25 rose to Rs 11,962 million, with a margin of 14.4 per cent, up 390 bps YoY.
    * Profit before tax (PBT) from continuing operations surged 143 per cent to Rs 9,261 million.
    * Zee’s all-India TV network share: 16.8 per cent, marginally down by 30 basis points YoY.
    * Regional powerhouses included Zee Marathi, Zee Kannada, and Zee Telugu.
    * TV revenues saw a mixed bag, with advertising under pressure but subscription and syndication revenue offering a cushion.
    * Zee5 revenue: Rs 9,760 million, up 6 per cent YoY.
    * EBITDA losses cut by Rs 5,572 million in FY25.
    * Original content: 20 new titles, driving user engagement.
    * Syndication revenue provided an additional boost.
    * Zee Studios: Eight films released in Q4 FY25 across Hindi and regional languages.
    * Notable releases included Chirodini Tumi Je Amar (Zee Bangla), Naa Ninna Bidalaare  (Zee Kannada), Lakshmi Nivasam (Zee Telugu), and Gatti Melam (Zee Tamil).
    * Zee Studios maintained its focus on a balanced mix of in-house and distributed titles.
    * ZMC: Total subscribers: 164 million across all channels, up 14.7 million YoY.
    * Total video views: 190 billion in FY25.
    * ZMC remains the second-largest music label on YouTube globally.

  • Nivea Purna and Zee Kannada champion a cultural shift in self-care

    Nivea Purna and Zee Kannada champion a cultural shift in self-care

    MUMBAI: Nivea India has teamed up with Zee Kannada to launch Nivea Purna – Self-Care is Complete Care, a campaign that transforms body lotion marketing into a movement celebrating women’s well-being and empowerment.

    The campaign struck a deeply emotional chord by integrating beloved TV characters Seetha (Vaishnavi Gowda) and Shravani (Asiya Firdouse) into its narrative. These fan-favourite figures helped deliver the message authentically, positioning self-care as an achievable and essential part of women’s daily lives.

    By partnering with Zee Kannada and its digital extension Zee5, the campaign embedded itself into the cultural heartbeat of Karnataka. It brought the self-care conversation into living rooms through content that women already trust and connect with.

    The activation gained further momentum with the Nivea Purna Contest, which encouraged women across Karnataka to share personal stories of self-care. What started as a call to action quickly evolved into a community-driven movement, amplified by genuine engagement on social media.

    The campaign reached its crescendo at the Zee Entertainers event, celebrating participants and spotlighting women’s wellness through engaging activities such as rapid-fire rounds, meet-and-greets, and a felicitation ceremony. It was more than an awards night-it was a vibrant community celebration that solidified the emotional link between the brand and its audience.

    “This campaign wasn’t about marketing a product; it was about being part of a larger movement,” the brand stated, underscoring the campaign’s broader purpose and impact on brand sentiment and market performance.

    “Nivea Purna was more than a campaign-it was a movement to make self-care essential, not optional. Partnering with Zee Kannada helped us connect deeply with women in Karnataka, bringing this message to life in a culturally relevant way. The overwhelming response inspires us to keep driving meaningful conversations that empower women to prioritise their well-being every day.”

    Nivea India marketing director Shweta Dalal “Nivea Purna highlights how brands that authentically connect with their audience-through storytelling, inclusivity, and cultural relevance-can drive lasting changes in perception while achieving tangible business results.”

    OMD India associate vice-president Tanushree Chakraborty “This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to delivering impactful brand solutions by leveraging Zee’s vast network and strengths to seamlessly amplify brand stories across multiple touchpoints and drive maximum impact on brand equity. As the undisputed leader in the Kannada market, our channel and content enjoy a cult following, enabling us to craft authentic, high-engagement brand campaigns. With Zee’s beloved characters, who share a deep emotional bond with audiences, we provide the perfect platform to spark meaningful brand conversations in millions of homes. A big kudos to the entire team, with a special mention to Nivea and the OMD team, who partnered with us to make this campaign a resounding success. We remain committed to setting new benchmarks with more such innovative and high-impact brand collaborations.”

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. chief growth officer Ashish Sehgal, Through Nivea Purna, the brand didn’t just promote a product-it created a movement rooted in cultural relevance, emotional connection, and empowerment.

  • Shah Rukh Khan lights up DP World ILT20 with his cinematic glamour

    Shah Rukh Khan lights up DP World ILT20 with his cinematic glamour

    MUMBAI: The DP World ILT20 just got its biggest blockbuster moment yet—Shah Rukh Khan made his grand return, sprinkling his signature cinematic charm over cricket’s most exciting T20 showdown. As if the electrifying matches weren’t thrilling enough, the ‘Badshah’ of Indian cinema added a touch of cinematic magic, making his third consecutive appearance at the tournament.

    SRK was spotted at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, passionately cheering for his team, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, during their clash against the Dubai Capitals. With his trademark charisma, he turned up the energy both on and off the field, proving yet again that cricket and cinema are a match made in entertainment heaven.

    The DP World ILT20 has rapidly become the second-most watched T20 league globally, boasting a stellar lineup of cricket’s finest. Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Sam Curran, Andre Russell, and Nicholas Pooran have delivered knockout performances, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. But let’s be honest—when SRK walks into the stadium, the decibel levels go off the charts!

    With world-class facilities, perfect weather, and the vibrant hospitality of the UAE, ILT20 has evolved into a cricketing carnival. It’s no wonder the tournament is drawing a global audience, cementing Dubai as a premier sporting destination.

    This high-octane fusion of cricket and Indian cinema glamour has turned the DP World ILT20 into more than just a tournament—it’s an entertainment extravaganza. Whether it’s the on-field action or the off-field star-studded spectacle, the league continues to redefine sports entertainment.

    Indian fans can watch the adrenaline-pumping tournament live across Zee’s 15 linear TV channels, including &Pictures, Zee Cinema, Zee Action, Zee Telugu, Zee Tamil, Zee Kannada, &Flix, and more. Not near a TV? No worries! Zee5, one of India’s top OTT platforms, is streaming the event for fans on the go.

    With more epic clashes on the way, the DP World ILT20 is far from over. So, the real question is—are you ready for more cricket, more entertainment, and maybe another SRK grand entrance?

    Watch SRK’s electrifying stadium moment here: 

  • IN10 Media Network appoints Anup Chandrasekharan as COO of regional content

    IN10 Media Network appoints Anup Chandrasekharan as COO of regional content

    Mumbai: Anup Chandrasekharan has been appointed chief operating officer of regional content at IN10 Media Network to lead its expansion in the southern markets.

    He will report to Aditya Pittie and work closely with the network’s film division CEO Vivek Krishnani, and Juggernaut Productions (OTT) CEO Samar Khan.

    On this appointment, Chandrasekharan said, “I have always been fortunate to wear many hats in my career and manage unique multi-situational assignments. At IN10 Media Network, I look forward to expanding the network’s regional footprint.”

    He added, “Having made a significant positive impression along the journey, I am delighted to start a new challenge at IN10 Media Network and look forward to contributing to its growth story.”

    IN10 Media Network MD Aditya Pittie said, “Today, regional content is cutting across barriers and as content becomes platform agnostic, I believe it is the right time to enter the competitive market with great stories. With his experience in scaling businesses and creating disruption in the southern markets, I believe Anup will play a vital role in our growth plans by identifying new opportunities and strengthening our content studio portfolio.”

    Chandrasekharan has over three decades of experience in leadership positions across the media and entertainment industry verticals. At IN10 Media Network, he will oversee the development and supervision of projects for feature films and web series in Southern languages.

    Before joining the IN10 Media Network, Chandrasekharan was senior vice president & business head at Colors Tamil. In the past, he has worked in leadership positions in organisations like Star Suvarna, Zee Kannada, DNA Networks, and CNBC. He also launched Derana TV, a free-to-air Sinhalese entertainment channel, in Sri Lanka.

  • Charter communications signs deal with Zee for distribution in the US

    Charter communications signs deal with Zee for distribution in the US

    Mumbai: Charter Communications announced the launch of new South Asian-focused video packages with up to 24 new channels as part of a programming expansion made possible in part by a distribution agreement for all of India’s Zee channels.

    The new India View packages, which feature significantly more content than Charter’s previous South Asian video offerings, are available to spectrum TV subscribers as well as customers who prefer to receive a streaming video package over the Internet+.

    The most popular Indian networks and Zee channels have been added to the India View tiers as part of Charter’s new distribution agreement with Asia TV USA, a Mumbai-based affiliate of Zee Entertainment Enterprises.

    The agreement includes the addition of 22 ZEE channels in multiple languages for spectrum video customers, including &TV, Zee Bangla, Zee Kannada, Zee Keralam, Zee Marathi, Zee Punjabi, Zee Tamil, Zee Telugu, Zee News, Zee World, and WION, in addition to the renewal of the agreement for the flagship Hindi general entertainment channel Zee TV, which is already offered by Charter.

    Charter’s executive vice president of programming acquisition, Tom Montemagno, said,”Our agreement with ZEE gives Spectrum customers access to some of the most popular news, sports, and entertainment programming from India in multiple languages.”

    He further said, “The addition of ZEE’s channels to our lineup enables us to offer our customers South Asian-focused video packages that are meaningfully more robust, with enhanced flexibility and value, and directly aligns with our commitment to provide programming that reflects our customers’ diverse interests and perspectives.”

    To promote the new programming and India View tiers, Charter and Zee have launched a co-branded marketing campaign in Spectrum markets with large South Asian populations, such as Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas, focusing on the streaming packages India View Stream ($19.99/month) and India View Stream Plus ($29.99/month).

    Zee’s agreement with the companies is the latest step in the company’s efforts to serve the growing South Asian communities in the United States. Since 1998, Zee has been present in the United States, promoting culturally rich stories while connecting South Asian audiences to their heartland.

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises content and international markets president Punit Misra said,”The U.S. market is an important part of Zee Entertainment’s international strategy, and the increase in the South Asian population in the U.S. gives us an opportunity to serve the content needs of the growing population segment,”

    He added, “The vast majority of our audiences who live in the U.S. are foreign-born and have immigrated to the U.S. There is a very strong brand affinity in this group towards ZEE. We are delighted to expand our partnership with Charter to make this premium suite of channels available to Spectrum customers.”

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises chief business officer for international business Ashok Namboodiri said, “Our partnership with Charter is extremely vital to our growth objectives in the U.S., and the agreement facilitates the availability of a large variety of entertainment options targeted towards the South Asian audiences for Spectrum customers.”

    He added, “In addition to the Hindi content, we firmly believe that our next set of growth is expected from the vernacular languages like Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, and Punjabi, and ZEE is evaluating various production opportunities which will bring immense value to this growing population segment in the United States.”

  • Zee Kannada completes 16 years; leads Karnataka market

    Zee Kannada completes 16 years; leads Karnataka market

    Mumbai: Zee Kannada completes 16 years as a general entertainment channel today. The channel is leading the Karnataka market with 40 per cent share for the last 181 weeks as per Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) data.

    Zee Kannada’s content strategy involves offering thought-provoking fiction shows, clutter-breaking reality shows, intriguing talk shows and blockbuster movies to woo viewers to the channel. The channel has its expertise and uniqueness in both the fiction and non-fiction space, appealing to all age groups of people. It has also provided a stage for emerging talent with its non-fiction properties such as Maharishi Vaani, Drama Juniors, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Dance Karnataka Dance, Comedy Kiladigalu, Golden Gang, Weekend with Ramesh amongst others.

    Similarly, Zee Kannada’s fiction properties have also resonated with Kannada audience, especially shows like Hitler Kalyana, Puttakkanna Makkalu, Sathya or Manhanayaka, which have gone on to be cult classics.

    The year 2021-2022 has been a hit year for the channel with many of its shows garnering high launch TVRs (TV ratings) including Hitler Kalyana garnering 9.3 TVR, Puttakkana Makkalu at 13.5 TVR, Drama Junior Season Four at 8.4 TVR, and Dance Karnataka Dance Season 6 at 7.0 TVR. Notably, Puttakkana Makkalu launch week rating is a record for any new show in the history of the Kannada television industry.

    The channel has also bagged the satellite rights of top upcoming films like KGF 2, Vikrant Rona, Bajrangi 2, Ek Love Ya, Garuda Gamana Rishaba Vahana, Ratnan Prapancha, Galipata 2, Gandhada Gudi, Rider, and Drishya 2.

    “With an aim to inspire our viewers and help open doors for them to achieve their goals, we at ZEE Kannada and ZEE Picchar have always put the audience at the forefront and that is something that has truly worked well for us,” said Zee Kannada and Zee Picchar business head Raghavendra Hunsur.

    “From celebrating several milestones to emerging as the market leader, to taking social media by storm and having a highly successful season of fiction and non-fiction shows, Zee Kannada has had quite an eventful year. As the channel completes 16 successful years, it shows how we have grown as a brand and become leaders in our own right. The recognition also helps us understand and motivates us that we are on the correct path, and we hope to continue entertaining our viewers. I also hope that the viewers continue showering our shows with their love and support for years to come,” he added.

  • Shriram BR joins TV9 Kannada as senior brand marketing manager

    Shriram BR joins TV9 Kannada as senior brand marketing manager

    Mumbai: Shriram BR has joined regional news channel TV9 Kannada as senior brand marketing manager, according to his LinkedIn profile.

    Shriram was earlier associated with Zee Entertainment as senior brand manager for Zee Kannada. He left Zee Kannada in July 2021 after a six-year stint with the organisation.

    He is a marketing professional with over 11 years of experience in events, radio, hospitality, and media. Shriram’s previous stints also include Radio Mirchi and Brigade Hospitals.