Kids
Bilingual Hungama set for August launch
MUMBAI: Hungama, the bilingual (Hindi and Tamil) kids’ channel floated by UTV and to be distributed by Star India, will begin airing by ‘a Sunday in August 2004’, says a confident UTV CEO Ronnie Screwvala.
The channel, that fills the need for a children’s channel in Star’s bouquet will be priced between Rs 4 and 8, says Star India COO Sameer Nair. At a media briefing to announce the five year distribution alliance between the two entities in Mumbai today, Nair reiterated that Hungama’s coming on board the Star platform would be no hindrance to the an alliance with the Disney channels that are also poised for an India entry. “Talks are on with Disney and we are definitely interested,” he said.
Nair also said that talks are on with a European media house for bringing a similar channel to India on the Star platform, but that the deal was yet to be firmed up.
A split feed would be provided to provide Hungama TV in Tamil from day one for southern audiences, Screwvala said. The multi genre kids channel, will also kick off a nationwide kids’ captains hunt this weekend that will get together a batch of children who would act as the advisory board of directors which will oversee the kind of programmes that Hungama will eventually have.
The Hungama team, headed by COO Purnendu Bose, has already screened 274 concepts, out of which 60 projects have been commissioned for pilots.
Both Nair and Screwvala pointed out that while other kids’ channels in India have satisfied the need for animation content, original content in Hindi that caters to the live action, adventure, fantasy and thriller genres for the 315 million under 15 kids in the country, is still lacking on the existing channels.
UTV, which will also create some content inhouse for the homegrown channel, has thus far produced the hugely popular (thrice as popular as the highest rated show on Cartoon Network, according to Nair) Shaka Laka Boom Boom, for Star Plus, and Nair believes that Hungama should work, as this proves that ‘Hindi language fictional programming does work.’
Kids
Sony YAY! launches ‘House of Masti’ to celebrate 20 years of Shin chan
Comedian Kiku Sharda joins the fun with a special rap track as the mischievous icon returns to Indian TV.
MUMBAI: Shin chan is back and this time, he’s bringing the whole house of masti with him! Sony YAY!, India’s leading kids’ entertainment channel, has unveiled ‘House of Masti’, a specially curated programming block to mark 20 years of the iconic animated series Shin chan on Indian television. The campaign transforms the beloved character’s mischievous world into a fresh, high-energy viewing experience. It features new episodes, fan-favourite moments, and themed programming stunts, all designed to stand out from regular broadcasts.
Adding extra sparkle to the celebration, popular comedian Kiku Sharda has joined the campaign. He anchors the integration with a lively rap track titled ‘Shin chan ka YAY! Dhamaal’, infusing contemporary music and humour into the beloved series.
Sony YAY! business head of kids and animation Ambesh Tiwari said, “Over the past 20 years, Shin chan has built a strong and enduring connection with audiences in India. With ‘House of Masti’, we are celebrating this milestone through a differentiated, campaign-led experience. Kiku Sharda and the rap track add a fun, high-energy layer that will resonate with today’s kids and families.”
Starting 27 April, viewers can enjoy the World Television Premiere of Shin chan along with new episodes and an exciting lineup of blockbuster movies on Sony YAY!.
By blending nostalgia with fresh, engaging content, Sony YAY! is ensuring that the cheeky, laughter-filled adventures of Shin chan continue to entertain and connect with new generations across the country.
In a world full of serious cartoons, Shin chan remains delightfully naughty and with ‘House of Masti’, Sony YAY! is making sure his brand of chaos stays as fresh and fun as ever. Get ready for some serious masti!
