GECs
Engaging content: Akbar Birbal folklore completes 500 episodes
MUMBAI: Big Magic is all set to create a new benchmark with the completion of 500 episodes of its marquee show Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal.
The flagship show which features famous actors Kiku Sharda and Vishal Kotian in the titular roles of Akbar and Birbal, respectively, gained popularity within a short span of time and won the hearts of millions. India’s first-ever historical comedy aired its 500 episode on 26 September 2016.
The show, launched in 2014, presents the folklore of Akbar and Birbal in the most humorous way. Through its interesting and engaging content, the show has not only redefined the comedy genre, but also pioneered a new genre in itself – historical comedy.
On the successful completion of 500 episodes, a Big Magic spokesperson said, “It is a moment of pride for the entire Big Magic family, as we thank the audience for showing so much love and appreciation towards Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal and its characters. The achievement is a result of the combination of great teamwork, and more importantly great content. With every passing episode and season, we strive to formulate engaging content which ensures an enjoyable experience for the viewers. Through ‘Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal’, we hope to continue catering to the entertainment needs of a large and steadily growing audience base in future as well.”
GECs
Sebi sends show-cause notice to Zee over fund diversion, company responds
Regulator questions 2018 letter of comfort and governance lapses; company vows robust legal response
MUMBAI: India’s markets watchdog has reignited its long-running scrutiny of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, issuing a sweeping show-cause notice that drags the broadcaster and 84 others into a widening governance storm.
The notice, dated February 12, has been served by the Securities and Exchange Board of India to Zee, chairman emeritus Subhash Chandra and managing director and chief executive Punit Goenka, among others. At its heart: allegations that company funds were indirectly routed to settle liabilities of entities linked to the Essel Group.
The regulator’s probe traces its roots to November 2019, when two independent directors resigned from Zee’s board, flagging concerns over the alleged appropriation of fixed deposits by Yes Bank. The deposits were reportedly adjusted against loans extended to Essel Group entities, triggering questions about related-party dealings and board oversight.
A key flashpoint is a letter of comfort dated September 4, 2018, issued by Subhash Chandra in his dual capacity as chairman of Zee and the Essel Group. The document, linked to credit facilities availed by certain group companies from Yes Bank, was allegedly known only to select members of management and not disclosed to the full board—an omission SEBI believes raises red flags over transparency and governance controls.
Zee has pushed back hard. In a statement, the company said it “strongly refutes” the allegations against it and its board members and will file a detailed response. It expressed confidence that SEBI would conduct a fair review and signalled readiness to pursue all legal remedies to protect shareholder interests.
The notice marks the latest twist in a saga that has shadowed the broadcaster since 2019. What began as boardroom unease has morphed into a full-blown regulatory confrontation. The final reckoning now rests with SEBI—but the reputational stakes for Zee, and the message for India Inc on governance discipline, could scarcely be higher.
