GECs
Sony forms TV production JV in China
MUMBAI: Moving quickly to take advantage of a new Chinese law that allows such co-ventures, Sony Corp’s television unit announced today it has set up a joint venture with a division of China Film Group (CFG) to make Chinese language TV shows.
Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) and CFG’s Hua Long Film Digital Production Co, have formed the first US-Sino television and film co-production joint venture approved by the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC’s) national government, including regulatory bodies the State Administration of Radio, Film & Television (SARFT) and the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), a statement issued today by SPTI says. The JV, Huaso Film/Television Digital Production Company Limited, will be known as “Huaso,” an acronym combining “Hua Long” with “Sony.” CFG holds majority stake in the JV.
The announcement was jointly made by Michael Grindon, president, SPTI, and Yang Buting, chairman, CFG.
Huaso has opened offices in Beijing and will be run by a board of directors, with Dandan Zhang recently appointed as general manager to oversee day-to-day operations. Huaso currently has a number of Chinese-language projects in development, including light entertainment and sitcom properties, drama series and TV movies, for distribution within and outside the PRC.
The JV is part of SPTI’s larger commitment to increase production capabilities in Asia and adds to that already existing in India, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan.
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
