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Hindi GEC rankings unchanged in week 7
MUMBAI: With no change in the pecking order of Hindi GECs for week seven, Star Plus continued to lead the list.
Star Plus was the leader with 259 (264) GRPs followed by Zee at 226 (243) GRPs, according to TAM data (HSM including 5 new LC1 markets, C&S, 4+) for the week ended 9 February, sourced from a Hindi GEC.
Colors took the third spot with 205 (206) GRPs and Sony, the only GEC in the top four to have added rating points, maintained its number four spot at 164 (160) GRPs.
The only significant change in the rankings came as Life OK gained a substantial 18 GRPs to reach 142 GRPs (124) and take the number five spot. Sab raked in 136 GRPs in week seven (132).
The gap between number one and number two spot that had narrowed down to 21 GRPs in week six widened to 33 GRPs as Zee lost 17 rating points as opposed to the loss of five rating points on Star’s part.
Consequently, the gap between the number two and number three spot reduced from 37 in week six to 21 in week seven.
The highest rated show on television for week seven was Star’s Diya Aur Bati Hum averaging 4.8 rating points through the week. The second spot was shared by Colors’ Balika Vadhu and Star’s Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai at 4.3 TVR each. Last week’s highest rated show Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke raked in 3.9 TVR (4.3) in week seven as did Sasural Simmar Ka on Colors (3.1).
Pyar Ka Dard on Star Plus garnered 3.8 TVR (3.9) while Colrs’ Madhubala secured 3.4 TVR (3.0). Zee’s Qubool Hai raked in 3.4 TVR (3.3) while Pavitra Rishta maintained ratings points of 3.3 TVR, same as last week.
Shows from the crime genre consisted of Sony’s top two shows with Crime Patrol at 2.8 GRPs (2.5) and CID at 2.3 TVR (2.8).
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McDonald’s India NE names Sara Arjun brand ambassador
Actor returns for nostalgic Buddy Meal campaign at Rs 119 for two.
MUMBAI: Sara Arjun just came home to McDonald’s because some love stories start with a childhood ad and end with sharing fries as grown-ups. McDonald’s India – North and East has appointed actor Sara Arjun as its brand ambassador, bringing her back to the brand that first captured her on screen as a child. The collaboration launches with a playful TVC introducing the Buddy Meal, a value offering priced at Rs 119 for two burgers (McAloo Tikki or Veg Surprise), two Cokes and one medium fries.
The film recreates the classic “girlfriend-boyfriend” banter from her original McDonald’s ad, with Sara joking about today’s “demanding” relationships before her buddy admits he just wants a simple McAloo Tikki. The voiceover lands the punch: “Shukar hai McDonald’s Buddy Meal for 2 hai… starts at just Rs 119,” closing on the tagline “Khao Meal, Baat Karo”, a celebration of uncomplicated joy and shared moments.
MMG Group and CPRL vice chairman Anant Agarwal said, “Sara’s return to McDonald’s is a wonderful reminder of the deep emotional connections many customers have grown up with. With the Buddy Meal, we are celebrating friendship, nostalgia and the simple joy of sharing a McDonald’s meal together at great value.”
Sara Arjun added, “McDonald’s has been a special part of my journey since childhood. Returning to the brand for this campaign feels incredibly nostalgic. The Buddy Meal captures the simple joy of sharing food and laughter with friends.”
Available for a limited period across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India via dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, the McDonald’s App and leading delivery platforms, the Buddy Meal taps into the brand’s legacy of creating relatable, feel-good moments.
In a fast-food world chasing trends, McDonald’s brings back a familiar face and a simple truth: sometimes the best dates don’t need grand gestures just good burgers, cold drinks and great company at a price that leaves everyone smiling.
