GECs
Sonys Indian Idol comes to Mumbai
MUMBAI: “It is not about unveiling some Pop Star, nor is it about another jury star. But Indian Idol is really all about unearthing one amazing talent.”
Taking a clear jibe at the rest of the musical talent hunts going around, Sony Entertainment Television Indias executive vice president, programming and response Tarun Katial, flagged off the Mumbai leg of the ground hunt at a press conference held at Mumbais JW Marriott today.
Promising some high drama and emotions, the talent hunts Mumbai auditions will be held at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Mumbai on 25, 26 and 28 September. Accompanied by a 360° promotional campaign, Indian Idol is being tomtommed as the key driver for Sonys programming.
According to the Katial, the Delhi and the Kolkatta auditions were a huge success with over 3,000 candidates auditioning at each centre. Delhi, according to him, did surprise them with its talent.
With the channels latest launches like Hum 2 Hain Na and Aayushman flickering on the popularity charts, a lot is being pinned on the talent hunt. But the channel is hopeful that the seven-month long activity, which will culminate into a grand finale in February 2005, will help it turn around its fortunes like the original Fremantle Media concept Pop Idol did for its broadcaster ITV. The original hunt managed to catapult ITV’s rating by 57 per cent.
But the conference really was an attempt by the channel to give the sneak preview of the programming to come. The easy banter between the celebrity judges, music director Anu Mallik, singer Sonu Nigam and director-choreographer Farah Khan, was a clear plus, just like in the hugely successful American version of the hunt “American Idol”. While there are no prizes for guessing who will play Paula Abdul, what could well be worth watching out for is Anu Mallik’s mean impression of Simon Cowell.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
