ITV

Tag: Zee TV

  • Bharath C.S. takes the helm as content director at Kuku TV

    Bharath C.S. takes the helm as content director at Kuku TV

    BENGALURU: Bharath C.S.., a seasoned creative director with over two decades of experience in content creation and digital production, has been appointed as the new content director for micro drama at Kuku TV. The move, effective June 2025, sees Bharath bringing his extensive background from industry giants like Amazon and various top television networks to the burgeoning micro-drama segment.

    With a career spanning leadership roles at Amazon, Culture Machine, Udaya TV, Zee TV, ETV, and UTV, Bharath has consistently delivered high-impact content across television, digital, and over-the-top (OTT) platforms.

    During his tenure at Amazon, he was instrumental in spearheading the MPAM automation tool, which significantly enhanced content delivery speed and precision. His impressive portfolio includes producing over 500 television shows (both fiction and non-fiction), more than 1,000 television commercials, and over 100,000 digital assets.

    At Culture Machine, he successfully established regional digital channels, tapping into the unique cultural landscape of south India and boosting engagement for Tamil and Telugu audiences.

    Bharath’s appointment is expected to bolster Kuku TV’s strategic and creative output in the rapidly evolving digital content space, particularly in the creation of concise, impactful narratives

  • The slow eclipse of India’s media and broadcasting pioneers

    The slow eclipse of India’s media and broadcasting pioneers

    MUMBAI: Once, they blazed across the Indian media landscape with the swagger of pioneers. Entrepreneur-led behemoths like Subhash Chandra’s Zee Entertainment, Kalanithi Maran’s Sun TV, Prannoy Roy’s NDTV, and Raghav Bahl’s Network18 weren’t just market leaders — they were institutions, holding their own even as foreign giants circled hungrily.

    Today, those stars are fading. Some have already fallen.

    Network18 and TV18 are now firmly in the grip of Reliance Industries and Disney Star. NDTV, long a bastion of editorial independence, is under the control of the Adani Group. Its founders — Roy and Radhika — have exited stage left, their names now relics of an era that once prized journalistic idealism.

    Zee, once the crown jewel of Indian broadcasting, is barely hanging on. The Chandra family — once majority owners — now clutch a meagre four-odd  per cent stake. It’s a dramatic fall from grace fuelled by Subhash Chandra’s ill-advised adventures into infrastructure. To bankroll these forays, he pledged Zee shares, opening the gates to lenders who came calling. The result: a sharp dilution of promoter ownership and a credibility crisis. The failed merger with Sony’s Indian arm, Culver Max Entertainment, only added insult to injury — scuppered reportedly due to concerns about Zee’s financial hygiene. A company once viewed as squeaky clean had its reputation muddied.

    Sun TV, the fourth of the old guard, is also showing cracks. Helmed with iron discipline by Kalanithi Maran, it long stood as a symbol of stability. But the facade is now under strain. A family feud has burst into public view, with brother Dayanidhi Maran accusing Kala of wresting control of Sun TV through backdoor share acquisitions. Legal notices have flown, regulatory filings issued, and the company insists all was above board. Still, some reputational damage has been done — and the gossip mills are churning.

    The result is a media map being redrawn in real time. Where once these founders shaped the narrative, today they’re either sidelined, embattled, or ousted. And as corporate titans and conglomerates take over, the question is whether passion-led media can survive in an era of balance sheets, bottom lines, and boardroom power plays.

    India’s media isn’t short on ambition. But nostalgia alone won’t stop the sun from setting on yesterday’s giants.

  • India Gate brings values to the table with Bachchan’s new brand film

    India Gate brings values to the table with Bachchan’s new brand film

    MUMBAI: In a country where dal-chawal is more than dinner, it’s comfort, memory, and belonging India Gate Basmati Rice has served up a new campaign that’s as warm as a freshly cooked meal. Titled “India Ka Swaad Chakhte Hai”, the 100-second brand film features none other than Amitabh Bachchan, lending gravitas to a message about values that simmer quietly through generations.

    In this emotive montage of four stories, food is more than nourishment, it’s a language of love and respect. From welcoming strangers to comforting students far from home, the film reminds us that “Atithi Devo Bhava” and “respect for elders” aren’t just taught; they’re lived, plated and passed on. And in this film, that passing down happens via a piping hot bowl of rice.

    Anchored by Bachchan’s baritone and laced with sentiment, the narrative rests on the idea that “Values Viral Banate Hai”. Whether it’s a neighbour’s warmth, a caregiver’s quiet gesture, or a mother’s care recreated miles away, the film captures how food becomes a bridge not just between people, but between values and memories.

    India Gate head of marketing Kunal Sharma summed it up, “This campaign is a tribute to the values that shape us. With Mr Bachchan’s voice, we’re hoping to stir hearts and highlight the emotional richness that food carries in Indian homes.”

    The rollout is ambitious: over 560 cinema screens across 32 cities, top national and regional TV channels (including Star Plus, Sun TV, Zee TV, and Star Jalsha), and a strong digital push via OTT, CTV, and influencer-led storytelling.

    More than a celebration of basmati rice, India Ka Swaad Chakhte Hai is a quiet ode to Indian culture where every grain has a story, and every meal is a reminder that we don’t just eat to live… we eat to connect.
     

  • Zee TV rolls out ‘Aapka Apna ZEE’ with a heartwarming mohalla moment

    Zee TV rolls out ‘Aapka Apna ZEE’ with a heartwarming mohalla moment

    MUMBAI: Zee TV has unveiled a refreshed brand identity with its new campaign ‘Aapka Apna ZEE’, celebrating the power of connection, community and collective resilience.

    Rooted in the emotionally resonant tagline “Saath aane se baat banti hai”, the campaign serves as a love letter to the everyday stories that unite India — the bonds that go beyond biology, and the strength found in shared joys and struggles.

    The campaign’s flagship brand film centres on an army officer called away on duty days before his daughter’s wedding. In his absence, the entire neighbourhood rallies behind the family, orchestrating every detail — from Genda Phool decor to the sound of the dholak — creating a wedding as heartfelt as any kin could imagine. On his return, the officer is overcome with emotion, his wife gently saying, “Itna bada parivaar hai, aaram se ho gaya.”

    Set in the vibrant alleys of Faridabad, the film is as much a cultural portrait as it is a brand message — complete with sangeet nights, Boondi Ladoos, rooftop camaraderie and the unmistakable warmth of North Indian mohallas. It features a mix of beloved Zee TV artists like Devansh, Vasudha, Neel, Riddhi, Reet and Raghav, further grounding the story in familiarity and shared nostalgia.

    The channel’s content slate is also getting a viewer-first refresh. Shows like Saru, which follows a village girl chasing big-city dreams, and the upcoming Tumm Se Tumm Tak, a mature love story that challenges age-based norms, reflect Zee’s push toward storytelling that feels personal, progressive, and rooted.

    With Aapka Apna ZEE, the network isn’t just rebranding — it’s re-bonding with audiences, one shared story at a time.

    Speaking about the logo transformation and content lineup, Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni said, “As we deepen our connection with viewers, our content palette grows richer, more diverse, and more reflective of contemporary India. ‘Aapka Apna ZEE’ reflects our dedication to genuine storytelling. We carefully created this brand film to authentically capture the Indian cultural fabric, ensuring every detail, from landscapes to rituals, it mirrors the lived experiences of our viewers. While the film draws inspiration from North Indian culture, the emotions and relationships it portrays are universally relatable. We are building a content ecosystem that’s rooted in cultural familiarity but speaks to today’s sensibilities. We want to reflect not just who our viewers are today, but who they’re becoming, navigating new family dynamics, career ambitions, and social transformations with resilience and hope.”

    The campaign was unveiled with great impact during the telecast of the 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, where all seven versions of the brand film premiered simultaneously across ZEE’s channels and digital platforms, allowing viewers to experience one powerful idea through seven unique regional voices, all at once.

    With ‘Aapka Apna ZEE’, the network emerges as a companion that reflects every home, every voice, and every lived emotion. A brand that belongs to its audience, because it speaks their language, shares their values, and grows with them.

     

  • Shaurya Sharma tunes Into Zee TV as new marketing head

    Shaurya Sharma tunes Into Zee TV as new marketing head

    MUMBAI: From hyperlocal deliveries to high-decibel dramas, Shaurya Sharma is making a channel change that’s set to shake things up. The marketing maven has officially joined Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd as head of marketing for Zee TV (vice president for marketing), bringing with him a powerhouse portfolio that spans Disney-Star, Sun TV Network, Pernod Ricard, and more. With this move, Sharma takes charge of one of India’s most iconic general entertainment channels at a time when content consumption and audience loyalty is shifting faster than TRP charts.

    Armed with more than a decade of cross-category experience from liquor to logistics to linear TV Sharma’s trajectory is defined by versatility and results. Most recently, he served as Cluster marketing head for Sun Neo, Sun Marathi, and Sun Bangla at Sun TV Network, leading communication planning, social media strategy, and content marketing across diverse audience bases.

    Prior to that, he helmed marketing at Shadowfax, where he not only curated the brand’s voice but also launched India’s first ad-film on delivery jobs featuring Aparshakti Khurana and Supriya Shukla, reducing CPO by 15 per cent with his loyalty-building initiatives.

    His Disney-Star stint was equally action-packed, leading digital marketing for brands like Star Bharat and managing subscription strategy for the network’s vast distribution footprint.

    From boosting NPS scores in hyperlocal delivery to driving channel loyalty in competitive regional markets, Sharma’s work reflects a razor-sharp focus on brand resonance and consumer behaviour, both essentials in the ever-evolving GEC space.

    With Zee Tv now under his marketing stewardship, the small screen is likely to see big moves. And if history is any clue, Sharma’s campaigns won’t just sell shows, they’ll start conversations.

  • Zee steals the show at Goafest as creativity gets its day in the sun

    Zee steals the show at Goafest as creativity gets its day in the sun

    MUMBAI: The glittering second day of Goafest 2025 turned into a proper awards ceremony slugfest  as Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd strutted away with the coveted ‘broadcaster of the year’ crown, leaving its competitors nursing wounded egos and consolation prizes.

    With the swagger of a seasoned prize-fighter, Zee knocked out the competition with a knockout punch of 28 points, courtesy of two golds, one silver, one bronze and a merit. Not bad for a day’s work, really.

    Star India Pvt Ltd  put up a respectable fight, clinching second place with 18 points after bagging one gold, one silver and two merits. Meanwhile, Viacom18 Media Private Litd  had to settle for bronze medal position with 16 points, managing two silvers and one bronze—a performance that suggests they’re more silver screen than silver medal material.

    The others weren’t entirely left empty-handed. Cheil India and Culver Max Entertainment each snagged a gold apiece, earning themselves eight points and a modicum of bragging rights at the office water cooler.

    The Abby Creative Awards 2025, powered by The One Show, didn’t stop at the broadcaster shakedown. Day two saw the advertising industry’s finest duke it out across specialist categories including public relations, digital specialist, design specialist, mobile specialist, technology specialist, and direct specialist. Because apparently, everyone’s a specialist these days.

    The awards, which have become something of a premier benchmark for excellence in Indian advertising and media, continue to prove that creativity isn’t dead—it’s just very competitive and occasionally ruthless.

  • Star-studded and purple-perfect, Zee Cine Awards rolls out fanfare first

    Star-studded and purple-perfect, Zee Cine Awards rolls out fanfare first

    MUMBAI: It wasn’t just the stars who shone this time, the fans had the final curtain call. The 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, presented by Maruti Suzuki, turned Mumbai’s NSCI Dome into a pulsating celebration of Indian cinema, where fandom met flair and the purple carpet shimmered with both glamour and gratitude.

    This wasn’t your usual awards night. It was fantertainment, as Zee dubbed it, a grand ode not only to the cinematic hits of the past year but to the people who made them resonate: the audience. With a stage set for celebration, the night transformed into a carnival of charisma, dance, drama and dazzling recognition.

    The purple carpet looked straight out of a Bollywood dream. Kartik Aaryan oozed old-school charm in an all-grey ensemble, while Ananya Panday stunned in a crisp white saree. Rashmika Mandanna and Tamannaah Bhatia set the black-dress bar high, joined by head-turners like Sharvari, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vaani Kapoor, and Shanaya Kapoor. From Tiger Shroff’s street-smart swag to Bobby Deol’s white-suited flair, the fashion parade was nothing short of fabulous.

    And when the lights dimmed, the drama dialled up. Kartik kicked off the performances with Bhool Bhulaiyaa energy, while Ananya, Tamannaah, and Tiger kept the heat alive with high-octane dance numbers. Sharvari, Rasha Thadani, Jacqueline, and Vaani followed suit, bringing a fresh mix of grace and groove. The lively trio of Vikrant Massey, Aparshakti Khurana, and Ravi Kishan took hosting duties to entertaining new highs with sharp humour and seamless banter.

    But the night wasn’t just about razzle-dazzle. It was about recognition with heart, honouring not just the big names but also the behind-the-scenes powerhouses: directors, technicians, debutantes, and everyone who made magic on screen in 2024. And for the first time, the event truly acknowledged the power of the public those who clap, stream, binge, rewatch, and believe in cinema.

    The 23rd edition also delivered poignant moments: fan tributes, heartfelt speeches, and curtain calls that brought cinema’s emotional pulse to the forefront. In a world obsessed with box office numbers, this night was a reminder that cinema is, at its core, about connection.

    So if you missed the magic, don’t worry Zee Cinema, Zee Tv and Zee5 are where the show goes on. Because when cinema’s brightest gather and fans take the spotlight, it’s not just an awards show, it’s a love letter to the stories that bring us together.

  • Punit Goenka: “I am focused on bringing back the original Zee way of working, with 20 per cent margins”

    Punit Goenka: “I am focused on bringing back the original Zee way of working, with 20 per cent margins”

    MUMBAI: Punit Goenka, chief executive of Zee Entertainment, has weathered a storm of challenges during his five-year tenure at the helm of the once-dominant Indian media powerhouse. From offloading stakes to resolve debt issues and battling with major shareholder Invesco, to the spectacular collapse of the Sony merger and facing scrutiny from market regulator SEBI, Goenka’s career has resembled something of a corporate soap opera – perhaps befitting for a man who runs a television empire.

    Despite seeing the company’s value plummet from Rs 40,000 crore to less than Rs 10,000 crore and losing his board position, the embattled executive remains undeterred in his mission to revive the struggling media giant, in an interview he gave to the BusinessLine newspaper.

    “I have always treated myself as a professional promoter,” said Goenka, explaining his continued dedication despite now holding less than four per cent stake in the company. “I could have just sat at home and enjoyed my dividends,” he quipped, though one imagines those dividends are considerably smaller these days.

    Reflecting on past decisions, Goenka acknowledged he might have approached Zee’s digital transformation differently. “I would have probably invested in Zee5 in a more staggered manner,” he admitted, suggesting his “entrepreneurial mindset” may have led to over-investment in anticipation of the ill-fated Sony merger.

    Despite industry challenges, Goenka reports having increased EBITDA margins from 10 per cent to 16 per cent over the past year – “60 per cent growth in profitability is not a small task,” he noted, with the subtle pride of a man who would very much like to keep his job. 

    “The industry is bound to grow at 10 per cent CAGR. It may happen in six months or it may take a year or so more. But it is bound to happen. And this market is going to be television AND digital. It will not be an OR market,” he said.

    When questioned about competing with deep-pocketed rivals like Netflix and Jio, Goenka maintained that Zee’s strategy focuses on ideas rather than extravagant budgets. “Fortunately for me, I don’t need deep pockets,” he claimed, in what might be the understatement of the year given the company’s current market position.

    As for his future strategy, Goenka aims to position Zee as a “content and tech company” while targeting a return to 20 per cent profit margins. “Even today, at 16 per cent, I can confidently say that we are amongst the best in class on margins, compared to anyone else in the industry. FY25 was a year to get our cost optimisation in place. Before that, we were scaling the company for a merger. In that situation, a lot of our costs got inflated. Plus, we had one-time costs of the merger itself. So in FY25, we spent the first six to eight  months trying to prune all the costs and bring it back to the original Zee way of working, which we have successfully done, and now our focus is purely on growth.” 

    Whether he can successfully navigate the company back to its former prominence remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – in the entertainment business, everyone loves a comeback story.

  • Bodhitree Multimedia to launch new drama series Beintehaan Chahatein on Zee TV

    Bodhitree Multimedia to launch new drama series Beintehaan Chahatein on Zee TV

    MUMBAI: The Sukesh Motwani-Mautik Tolia promoted production house Bodhitree Multimedia is pushing the envelope on TV dramas. Come 27 January, and its latest series Beintehaan Chahatein  will premiere on Zee TV. The series delves into the intricacies of relationships, ambition, and love, exploring the tension between personal desires and family values.

    The storyline follows Mugdha, a woman caught between her aspirations for a luxurious lifestyle and her mundane middle-class existence with her honest husband, Siddharth, and their son, Vansh. When Siddharth meets Devika, the emotionally fragile daughter of his wealthy boss, a complex web of desires and moral dilemmas emerges, leading to heightened emotional stakes.

    Beintehaan Chahatein promises an engaging journey of self-discovery, greed, and the challenges that define marital bonds.

    Bodhitree Multimedia  co-founder & chief creative officer Sukesh Motwani remarked, “With Beintehaan Chahatein, we present a narrative rich in layers of love, morality, and ambition, forcing characters to make choices that could irrevocably alter their lives. The series aims to provoke thought about the cost of ambition and the sacrifices we make for love.”

    Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni noted, “As audience preferences evolve, storytelling must adapt. This mini-series format addresses the demand for engaging, snackable content across diverse genres, presenting stories that explore new themes not yet seen on Hindi general entertainment channels.”

    Kulkarni is just following the mandate of Zee Entertainment Enterprises CEO Punit Goenka to create standout content which appeals to viewers. 

    Beintehaan Chahatein promises a captivating blend of drama and emotional depth, drawing viewers in from the outset. 

  • Zeel shows smart bottom line, despite a slippage in its top line IN Q3 FY 25

    Zeel shows smart bottom line, despite a slippage in its top line IN Q3 FY 25

    MUMBAI: A sharp focus on its expenditure and tight cost controls have resulted in Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel)  notching up a respectable showing in its latest quarter FY2025 results as well as for the nine months of FY2025.  The net result: there has been a growth in profitability despite revenues slipping because of a challenging advertising environment.

    The company’s operating revenue for Q3 2025 ended 31 December 2024 stood at Rs 19,788 million, reflecting a three per cent  decline year-over-year (YoY) due to a weak festive season and lower advertising revenues.

    In the investor call which followed, CEO Punit Goenka confessed  that “the green shoots we witnessed during the beginning of the quarter did not pick up the required pace to drive a positive growth momentum. This, coupled with muted spending by FMCG brands in a festive quarter, further slowed the pace of growth for the industry at large, although there was a marginal pickup in the rural recovery. The lacklustre sentiment in the urban market led to weaker demand November and December.  This, in turn, also impacted our advertising revenue during the quarter.” 

    Punit, however, expressed optimism of a recovery in the coming months. Said he: “Going forward, we are hopeful that the upcoming union budget will encompass pertinent steps by the honorable finance minister to revive the consumption cycle in order to spur growth. On the back of these factors, we remain optimistic about a gradual recovery in the new fiscal that will enable us to capitalise on the increased spending by advertisers.”

    Added deputy CEO &  CFO Mukund Galgali: “The TV industry landscape remains healthy, and the overall industry wide TV viewership has increased by 1.4 per cent further. We continue to be strong, number two entertainment network in India, and we have gained 40 BPS share to 16.9 per cent as  compared to the same period last year. And as Punit mentioned again, Zee  Marathi has shown a consistent progress four car intervention. And Zee  Tamil has also gained healthy share on a year on year basis compared to the same period last year. on the digital side, Zee5 has further narrowed its operating losses in this quarter. Its EBITDA loss is lower by Rs 22.6 crores in QoQ and Rs 107.8 crore YoY basis. A B2B deal which is still being discussed and was not renewed impacted our top line for Zee5.” 

    In contrast to ad revenues, subscription revenues grew by  seven per cent year on year to Rs 9,406 million driven by linear TV and digital platform Zee5. EBITDA for Q3 FY25 increased by 52 per cent YoY to Rs 3,184 million, with a margin of 16.1 per cent  (up from 10.2 per cent in Q3 FY24). Profit after tax (PAT) from continuing operations rose by 207 per cent YoY to Rs 1,636 million, underscoring effective cost management and operational efficiency. Total expenditure decreased by 10 per cent  YoY to Rs 16,604 million, driven by optimised programming and technology costs.

    For the nine month period ended 31 December for FY25, total revenue was at Rs 61,100 million a six per cent decline YoY, while expenditure decreased 10 per cent, reflecting disciplined cost control.  EBITDA for 9M FY25 rose by 31 per cent  YoY to Rs 9,110 million, with margins improving to 14.9 per cent  (up 410 basis points YoY). PAT from continuing operations increased by 167 per cent  YoY to Rs 4,988 million.

    Zee Network’s TV viewership share grew by 40 basis points YoY, driven by strong performances in Hindi movies and Marathi content. New show launches like Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile (Zee TV) and Lakshmi Nivas (Zee Marathi) contributed to the viewership growth. Zee5 recorded an eight per cent  YoY revenue growth in Q3 FY25, releasing 14 shows and movies, including seven originals. EBITDA losses for Zee5 reduced significantly YoY, reflecting better cost structures. Zee Music Company remained the second-largest music label with 160 million YouTube subscribers, adding 3.6 million during the quarter. The channel clocked 43 billion video views during Q3 FY 2025. Zee Studios released five films in Q3, including two Hindi and three regional movies.

    The company spent a lot more this quarter on promoting its shows as well as on building its brand following the collapse of the merger with Sony. Its advertisement and promotion expenses stood at Rs 2826 million  in Q3FY25 as against Rs 2275 million  in the previous quarter and Rs 2065 million Q3 FY 2024.  In the 9 months in FY2025, it has spent Rs 7725 million as against Rs 6963 million in 9m FY2024. 

    The company also announced the appointment of media veteran Divya Karani as an additional director in the category of independent director for three years with effect from 23 January 2025  based on the recommendation of the nomination & remuneration committee and subject to the approval of the ministry of information and broadcasting and shareholders of the Company.  Finally, Zeel’s sustainability efforts saw a 33 per cent  reduction in waste sent to landfills and an 11 per cent decrease in daily carbon emissions during FY24.