ITV

Tag: Zee TV

  • ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ returns with new season on Zee TV

    ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ returns with new season on Zee TV

    Mumbai: Following the success of “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs” last year, Zee TV has announced the return of its longest-running singing reality show, “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa,” starting 16 October, every Saturday and Sunday at 9 p.m.

    The upcoming season of the show will see Shankar Mahadevan, Himesh Reshammiya, and Vishal Dadlani come together as judges. “As we kick-off ‘Music Ka Sabse Bada Tyohaar’ during the festive season, I am sure we will have double the fun. It’s all the more exciting to be judging this season alongside Vishal and Himesh and I‘m hoping to have a marvellous time judging the show with the two of them,” shared Mahadevan.

    Singer-anchor Aditya Narayan will be seen turning host for the upcoming season, returning to the show after his last stint in 2018. “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has always held a special place in my heart as I started my hosting career with this show, and I feel really honoured to be associated with it. It marked the beginning of my career, and it continues to do so for numerous budding singers across India,” commented Narayan.

    “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” announced its auditions for the season three months ago with the show’s in-house creative team and production houses – Zee Studios and The Content Team evaluating fresh talent day in, day out to pick only the most promising voices with true potential, said the channel in a statement.

    “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, our deeply cherished singing reality platform has stayed relevant to music lovers of today and continues to carry forth a legacy we are collectively proud of as a nation, simply because of its golden standards of excellence in singing calibre,” said Zee TV business head Aparna Bhosle. “As we enter the festive season, we are keen to present the latest season as the biggest celebration of music ever. We hope to discover some rare gems and hone them to perfection while entertaining our audiences every weekend!”    

    The platform that has been instrumental in discovering some of the most prominent singing stars of the music fraternity over the past 25 years including the likes of Shreya Ghoshal, Kunal Ganjawala, Kamal Khan, Amanat Ali, Raja Hassan, Sanjeevani, and Bela Shende is back on television.

    “Although I have been a part of several seasons of this reality show, each season has left me surprised with the kind of talent that appears on stage,” stated Himesh Reshammiya. “They are not just adept in the field of music but have their own style and aura of presenting songs, which all the more makes each season worthwhile to watch. Even after all these years, I am quite thrilled to be a part of the judge’s panel because I truly believe that it is going to be a real treat to watch these raw talents perform.”

    “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and I go back a long way and it truly feels wonderful to return to the show after a while. What makes this season more exciting is the celebration of music that we are kickstarting as well as the chance of sharing the judge’s panel with some of the finest names in the industry,” said Vishal Dadlani. “I have a great equation with both Himesh and Shankar and whenever we have worked together, we have had a lot of fun through our music. I look forward to shaping the future of this season’s contestants.”

  • Zeel board approves merger proposal with SPNI

    Zeel board approves merger proposal with SPNI

    Mumbai: There was speculation that the investor action against the promoter family at Zee Entertainment Enterprises would force the board to take some action. And it has: early this morning Zeel announced that the board has approved a merger proposal between Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and India’s largest troubled media entity.

    The merger will result in SPNI holding a majority of 52.93 per cent with Zeel and its shareholders having 47.01 per cent of the new entity which will continue to list on the stock exchanges. The joint company will appoint Punit Goenka as the CEO and managing director, with the promoter family being free to increase its holding from four per cent to 20 per cent over time.  The combined company’s Board of directors would include directors nominated by Sony Group and result in Sony Group having the right to nominate the majority of the Board members. 

    SPNI shareholders have committed to pump in growth capital of $1.575 billion (Rs 11,575.92 crores) into the Indian company to enhance the combined company’s digital platforms across technology and content, ability to bid for broadcasting rights in the fast-growing sports landscape and pursue other growth opportunities.

    A non-binding term sheet giving the two companies 90 days to conduct mutual due diligence and come to a definitive agreement. A final transaction would be subject to completion of customary due diligence, negotiation, and execution of definitive binding agreements, and required corporate, regulatory, and third-party approvals, including Zeel shareholder vote.

    The agreement will combine the two companies’ linear networks, digital assets, production operations, and program libraries. “The combined company would be a publicly listed company in India and be better positioned to lead the consumer transition from traditional pay TV into the digital future,” said SPNI in a statement. 

    The merger was unanimously approved by the Zeel Board in a meeting held on Tuesday, where it evaluated the agreement on the financial parameters as well as the strategic value which SPNI brings to the table.

    “We have unanimously provided an in-principle approval to the proposal and have advised the management to initiate the due diligence process,” said Zeel chairman R. Gopalan said, “Zeel continues to chart a strong growth trajectory and the Board firmly believes that this merger will further benefit Zeel. The value of the merged entity and the immense synergies drawn between both the conglomerates will not only boost business growth but will also enable shareholders to benefit from its future successes. As per legal and regulatory guidelines, at the required stage, the proposal will be presented to the esteemed shareholders of Zeel for their approval.”

  • RPG group chairman Harsh Goenka supports Zee TV’s Punit Goenka

    RPG group chairman Harsh Goenka supports Zee TV’s Punit Goenka

    MUMBAI: The media has been full of cacophonic noise about the boardroom battle that is going on at Zee Entertainment Enterprises. Some investor groups have lauded the initiative by two of the company’s two main investors to reconstitute the board and oust CEO & managing director Punit Goenka (who represents the promoter family being Subhash Chandra’s son) for failing to professionalise the management and enhancing the shareholder value.

    Institutional Investor Advisory Services founder Anil Singhvi is quite vociferous that Zee is one of the best Indian media companies but needs to be in the hands of a good professional CEO. Speaking to moneycontrol.com he said that the promoter family should also be happy about this. “They have a four per cent stake and already their value has gone up with the share price rising 25-30 per cent on the announcement by the two institutional investors to hold an EGM to move out Goenka and the resignation of the two directors,” he pointed out.

    However, smaller shareholders voiced their confidence in Punit’s ability to get Zee back as a stellar performer during the company’s AGM on 14 September where he explained the initiatives that were underway under his leadership. Punit also reiterated that there were no hidden or shady related third party transactions under his charge as is being alleged.

    There are many in the industry who point out that Punit has definitely brought In professionalism into the company by bringing in executives at the leadership level from companies such as Hindustan Lever, Future, BCCI, and Aditya Birla group and built a good management team.

    Among them is corporate leader Harsh Goenka (chairman of the $3.80 billion RPG group and no relation to Punit). Harsh has come out in support of Punit.

    Late in the evening of 15 September Harsh tweeted: “I just can’t understand why would a large investor try to destabilise a good leader, a good management team, which has a track record to show. If valid reasons were given, it’s different. A dangerous trend! #Zee.”

     

     

    Most of his followers on Twitter seconded his view, while the naysayers said the promoter family had it coming.

    The coming days will decide whether the street and Zee’s investors will have the last word. Or the promoter family.

  • Investors seek removal of Zee TV board directors

    Investors seek removal of Zee TV board directors

    Mumbai: Invesco Developing Markets Fund and OFI Global China Fund LLC, shareholders of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) have sought the removal of long-standing directors and close associates of the Chandra family from the Board.

    Both Invesco Developing Markets Fund (formerly Invesco Oppenheimer Developing Markets Fund) and OFI Global China Fund LLC hold equity shares, which represent an aggregate of 17.8 per cent of the paid-up share capital of the Company. The change of guard comes two years after Oppenheimer bought the mortgaged shares of banks when Chandra defaulted on loans from banks.

    In a special notice sent under Section 169(21 read with Section 115 of the Companies Act, 2013, the investors have sought the organisation of an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of shareholders to remove Punit Goenka, Manish Chokhani, and Ashok Kurien as directors.

    Both Chokhani and Kurien have held the positions since Zee TV’s inception, and have resigned with immediate effect. While Kurein was a member of the CSR committee and Stakeholders committee of the Board, Chokhani was a member of the nomination and remuneration committee and risk management committee.

    The investors have also sought the appointment of Surendra Singh Sirohi, Naina Krishna Murthy, Rohan Dhamija, Aruna Sharma, Srinivasa Rao Addepalli, Gaurav Mehta as independent directors on the board for a term of up to five consecutive years.

    “The board of directors of the Company is requested to take all necessary action to call for and conduct the extraordinary general meeting, as requisitioned by us, in accordance with applicable law, including Sections 100, 101, and 102 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 23(3) of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014,” the notice read.

    However, all the appointments are subject to the approval of the ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B).

  • &TV relaunches two shows to boost afternoon band

    &TV relaunches two shows to boost afternoon band

    Mumbai: In a bid to boost its afternoon band, &TV is re-launching two successful prime-time shows “Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega” and “Badho Bahu”, in the 3 p.m to 5 p.m slot. The shows will air every day from Monday to Sunday, for an hour each.

    Both titles were popular with the audience for their refreshing storylines and entertaining characters. “Badho Bahu” featuring Rytasha Rathore and Prince Narula as Komal and Lakhan, respectively, is a lighthearted romantic drama that premiered on &TV in September 2016.

    “Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega” premiered on Zee TV in 2018 and it features Kanika Mann (Guddan Gupta), Nishant Singh Malkani (Akshat Jindal), and Savi Thakur (Agastya Birla) in the lead roles.

  • Siddhesh Maldikar joins Zee TV as director of marketing

    Siddhesh Maldikar joins Zee TV as director of marketing

    Mumbai: Siddhesh Maldikar has joined Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd-owned Hindi GEC Zee TV as director of marketing.

    In his most recent role, Maldikar was associated with Sony Pictures Networks India, where he worked as senior manager of marketing.

    “New Beginnings as I start my journey with Zee TV as Director – Marketing,” Maldikar wrote in a LinkedIn post, announcing his move.

    An alumnus of N L Dalmia Institute of Management, Maldikar is a marketing professional with experience in FMCG and media & broadcasting.

    Prior to Sony, he worked with Hindustan Unilever Ltd as a senior brand executive, Magnum Ice Creams. While at HUL, Maldikar helmed the launch of Magnum in India in five cities which includes a test launch in Chennai in 2013. He also had a stint at Temptation Foods Ltd.

  • ZEE TV to hold world TV premiere of ‘Radhe’ on 15 August

    ZEE TV to hold world TV premiere of ‘Radhe’ on 15 August

    Mumbai: ZEE TV has announced the world television premiere of ‘Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai’ on 15 August at 12 noon. Directed by Prabhu Deva and starring Salman Khan, Disha Patani and Randeep Hooda in lead roles, the film was released on 13 May via multiple platforms.

    During its release, theatres remained shut because of lockdown restrictions, so the film was made available for viewing on the OTT platform ZEE5 via its pay-per-view service ZEEPlex as well as DTH operators such as Tata Sky, Dish, D2H, and Airtel Digital TV. The film was also distributed in theatres worldwide while adhering to Covid protocols issued by governments.  

    To create anticipation for the film’s TV premiere on Independence Day, ZEE TV will create the biggest fan-sourced mosaic depicting the actor Salman Khan as ‘Radhe’ that encompasses 6,500 images sourced from across the country. “All one needs to do is upload their picture on their social media page tagging @ZeeTV and using the #BhaiKoSalaam in their post. The lofty 32 ft x 20 ft recreation of Salman Khan’s Radhe is being installed at the Carter Blue Promenade in Bandra, Mumbai and is open for all Salman Khan’s fans till 14th August,” said the channel in a statement.

    “For millions of fans across the nation, Salman Khan has been this larger-than-life hero they worship, a symbol of incomparable charisma and effortless swagger,” said ZEE TV business head, Aparna Bhosle. “It is with the intent of enabling every Salman fan to express their love for him in an extremely personal way that we are inviting them to contribute their selfies, which in turn will be assembled and curated into an almost God-like avatar – a gigantic mosaic of their idol at the busy Carter Road promenade in Mumbai. We hope this celebration of Salman’s fandom mirrors the euphoria surrounding the world television premiere of his film Radhe we’re bringing our viewers on Independence Day.”

    The film is produced by Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Atul Agnihotri, and Zee Studios.

  • ZEE TV to launch new show ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’ on 3 August

    ZEE TV to launch new show ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’ on 3 August

    Mumbai: ZEE TV is all set for the launch of its new show ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’ on 3 August. The show will air every Monday to Saturday at 8.30 pm only on ZEE TV.

    Coming from the stable of Balaji Telefilms, ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’ follows the journey of Lakshmi through the changes that come in her life on moving to Mumbai from Punjab after her parents’ demise. While Lakshmi is a true believer in God’s plan and the power of goodness and destiny, Rishi is a flamboyant and practical businessman. The story unfolds as these two completely opposite characters meet in a twist of fate. The show features actors Aishwarya Khare and Rohit Suchanti in the lead roles as Lakshmi and Rishi.

    The show launch was preceded by a social media initiative centred on the theme #NekiKiDor which is in tune with Lakshmi’s selfless character. Through the initiative, Lakshmi encouraged netizens to come forth and do a simple good deed every day by helping someone and spreading positivity.

    “Our collaboration with Balaji Telefilms is a time-tested one with some of television’s most precious gems having come out of our joint synergies. From ‘Hum Paanch’ in 1995 to ‘Kumkum Bhagya’ and ‘Kundali Bhagya’ that still continue to rule people’s hearts on our primetime, we continue to co-create content that strongly resonates with our audiences,” said ZEE TV business head Aparna Bhosle.

    Commenting further on the new launch she added, “Our latest labour of love is a story about someone selfless in a selfish world – a girl who believes in prioritising the needs of others above her own and expects little in return. The audience will root for destiny to treat her kind as we all want to see good things happen to those who live a life of good values and good karma. But is life always that simple? Viewers can tune in to find out!”

    Bhosle also shared that ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’ – the new addition to ZEE TV’s primetime – is only the first of “several exciting new content offerings coming up this festive season”.

    Talking about Lakshmi’s character, Balaji Telefilms’ producer, Ekta Kapoor stated, “Lakshmi is one of the purest souls we have worked on as a character in a long time. She represents inherent goodness – neki, a value that’s perhaps diminished in people’s vocabulary over the years, but it shouldn’t. As mankind, we’ve been through a lot lately and some of the toughest times have a way of bringing forth shining examples of kindness and benevolence. We’ve all read stories of people who went out on a foot during the pandemic and helped others in need. Lakshmi’s a lot like that. And when you see someone like that, you fall in love with them and want to see life presenting them with good ‘bhagya’ (destiny). Aishwarya Khare with her endearing sincerity and warmth is the right fit for Lakshmi and Rohit (Suchanti) will win hearts as always with his role as the flamboyant, practical, and dashing Rishi.”

    “While Lakshmi and I are different personalities, I feel there is a very strong connection between both of us and that is our common belief in Karma,” said Aishwarya Khare. “Just like Lakshmi, I truly believe that you get what you deserve in life, and selflessness and kindness towards others always attract the blessings of destiny. Lakshmi’s story is very different from some of the characters I have portrayed until now, which makes the whole process even more exciting.”

    Rohit Suchanti remarked, “I believe Bhagya Lakshmi brings forth a very unique story, something very distinct from what we have seen on television till date. My character Rishi is a very grounded and practical person who believes in shaping his life his own way. He believes in working hard, but also knows how to celebrate those victories. There is a lot of similarity between us, and I am sure I am going to have a lot of fun exploring this character.”

  • ZEE TV organises vaccination camp for viewers from 3 August

    ZEE TV organises vaccination camp for viewers from 3 August

    Mumbai: ZEE TV has always placed viewers on the highest pedestal over the past three decades and now to take one step further to ensure the safety of its viewers in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the network channel has organised a vaccination camp for citizens across multiple states to get their Covid vaccine shots. Starting 3 August, the initiative will install camps at various locations across Maharashtra, Delhi NCR, and Uttar Pradesh.

    With the campaign’s primary motto being ‘corona ko harana hai, toh vaccine lagana hai’, ZEE TV urges all its viewers to get the first or second dose of Covishield at their nearest vaccination center. All vaccinations will be provided free of cost to the registered applicants and their families at the camp, the channel said in a statement on Monday.

    Talking about the initiative, ZEE TV business head, Aparna Bhosle said, “While we continue to entertain our kutumb of viewers through a variety of exciting new content offerings on the channel, it is our humble endeavour to secure their well-being and help them stay safe in these testing times. However, the only way to truly minimise the impact of this pandemic is to get ourselves vaccinated appropriately while continuing to abide by the government recommendations.”

    “While the nation still strives to get all its citizens vaccinated, we would like to extend a helping hand to our loyal viewers through the ZEE TV vaccination camp. We sincerely urge each citizen across the country to get themselves vaccinated and spread the word among their friends and families,” Bhosle added.

    To book their respective slots, viewers must fill in their details and register themselves on the website, www.ZEETVvaccinationcamp.in, as well as on the government-authorised Cowin app, making them eligible for a jab at the camp, the channel said.

  • ZEE TV announces launch of ‘Zee Comedy Show’

    ZEE TV announces launch of ‘Zee Comedy Show’

    Mumbai: ZEE TV on Friday announced the launch of its brand new reality show called ‘Zee Comedy Show’. Premiering on 31 July, the show will be aired every Saturday & Sunday at 10 pm.

    The show will feature some of the country’s best comedians and artists such as Ali Asgar, Chitrashi Rawat, Punit J. Pathak, Ballraaj, and Divyansh Dwivedi trying to entertain choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan who plays the judge.

    As the pandemic continues to cast its shadow of stress over India, Zee TV makes an attempt to lighten up the nation’s collective mood by offering its viewers an escape from all the stress via the route of some much-needed humour and rib-tickling comedy, read the official statement by Zee.

    The activity was further amplified by influencers among whom Mayur Jumani came up with a catchy number for Khan. The song was inspired by the show’s tagline #HasiOnStressGone. The campaign clocked over two million views on Instagram.

    “The whole scenario in the country has got everyone, including me, stressed out. I never thought Mayur, so many of my fans and my own Zee Comedy Show family would go out of their way to make me laugh, but I must say the #HasiOnStressGone song and the hilarious videos really made me laugh,” said Farah Khan. “I can’t wait for all the people across India to be stress-free as well. Hence, we are coming out with Zee Comedy Show which is an attempt by Zee TV to lighten up everyone’s mood through humour.”