Further queried whether NGC is open to joining a DTH platform that would not charge any subscription from its customers - as DD is proposing to do initially when it makes a foray into KU-band TV service some time this year - Gandevia said, "Let them first approach us and then we will take a decision. But, principally speaking, we would like our programming and the channel to be available on as many platforms as possible."

Meanwhile, he claimed that NGC would be reaching between 25-30 million cable homes in India, but added, "Don't ask me for the number of homes we are paid for. It'd be quite shocking."

Gandevia also ruled out any immediate plan to introduce feeds of NGC or The History Channel (distributed as part of the Star bouquet) in other Indian languages, though he admitted that Bengali and Tamil are two languages that are "always under active consideration" of the company.