GECs
Sagar Arts gears up for ‘Durga’ on DD
MUMBAI: Sagar Arts is now gearing up to realise the family’s dream of creating another epic Durga – the third in the trilogy, following Ramayan and Shri Krishna.. The serial will be aired on Doordarshan and the public broadcaster must be hoping that the serial will be a revenue spinner just like the earlier two.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Sagar Arts’ marketing director cum producer Prem Sagar confirms: “Durga will be the biggest and the greatest. It will have the most lavish sets – perhaps some of the most ambitious ones depicting Vaikunth. We have conducted some painstaking research on the script and developed a pictorial version of the same so that we are very clear about every little detail.”
Sagar however adds that the telecast days and the slots haven’t been finalised as yet. “We are passionate about creating a quality product and realising our dream. Good software doesn’t need a slot or a vehicle to become popular. We have always believed in making entertainment products with a soul – with passion,” he adds.
Sagar Arts is also working closely with private channels and announcements related to new sponsored programmes is expected within two-three months.
Currently, Ramayan on DD-2 has a TRP of 8.2 (23 February to 1 March) and 7.8 (2 March to 8 March) in the 8pm to 8:30 pm slot on Mondays. Ankhen, which is airing on the 10 pm slot on Thursdays has a TRP of 10.8 (23 February to 1 March) and 11.5 (2 March to 8 March). Amrit and Shakti Sagar, who belong to the third generation of the Sagar family, have conceptualised Ankhen.
Sagar Arts has also built a film and television arts training institute on a 40 acre plot in Vadodara. “It is the only institute where one gets to work on location and gets training in outdoor activities such as horse riding. The first batch of students completed their training and were awarded certificates,” adds Sagar.
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.
