GECs
Star’s ‘Kahaani…’ goes to Melbourne
MUMBAI: Star Plus’ Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii has taken a flight to Melbourne, Australia. In a strategic move to add zest to the prime time drama and tap into the mind set of the growing Indian travel market, producers from Balaji Telefilms worked in association with the Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) to create a plot that unfolds in Melbourne.
Kahaanis Om, Parvati, Shruti and Aryaan are caught in a twisting and scheming story line that captures stunning aqua marine Melbourne aquarium, the Federation Square the new centre piece of Melbourne, Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Wildlife Park and the Royal Botanical Garden. Other locations the crew will be shooting include the Crown Entertainment Complex and the beautiful bay-side environs of St Kilda.
Australian Tourist Commission general manager, South and South East Asia Maggie White said, “India is a key emerging market for Australia and, thanks to Balaji, millions of viewers across India will be exposed to Melbournes vast spectrum of experiences set against the backdrop of the worlds most livable city.”
“Melbourne wears its history close to its heart and its urban sophistication on its sleeve. Divided into precincts containing a treasure trove of individual attractions, unique characteristics and cultural adventures, these individual locales span the landscape of this beautiful city from the river to the sea. Artistic, entertaining, historic and cosmopolitan, this life story of marvelous Melbourne reflects in every aspect of the destination,” said White.
Balaji Telefilms creative director Ekta Kapoor said, “A well etched story line coupled with scenic locales is a potent combination for any visual drama on television or film. Melbourne provided the perfect visual landscape that was scenic and artistic as well as glamorous. Melbourne has it all.”
“Black Cat Production house is thrilled to be the line producer for Balaji Telefilms and help showcase Melbourne in all its splendour. It has been great fun working with the Indian crew and combining the best of the vibrant locations of Melbourne, the energy of the Indian crew and the professionalism of our Australian crew,” says Black Cat Productions EP Mitu Bhowmick.
Balajis crew is currently shooing for 15 days starting first week of April 2004 in Melbourne. The Balaji visit was co-sponsored by Tourism Victoria.
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.







