GECs
Zee TV scripts a stellar surge in primetime power
MUMBAI: Zee TV has proved that good stories travel fast and ratings travel faster. The channel has hit a three-year high with a 14.7 per cent urban market share in Q2FY26, powered by a refreshed content slate packed with emotion, ambition and sweeping family drama.
Backed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, the flagship Hindi GEC now leads all general entertainment channels across Pay and FTA in core primetime. Its winning streak continues in the Pay Hindi GEC genre, where it commands a 40 per cent share of the top ten shows, thanks to the strong debuts of four new fiction titles.
The line-up of Tumm Se Tumm Tak, Vasudha, Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan and Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile has clicked with audiences, weaving familiar emotions and modern aspirations into stories that resonate across households. Characters such as Vasudha and Saru have become anchors of positivity and depth, helping Zee TV strike a balance between tradition and contemporary sentiment.
Adding more colour to its fiction catalogue, the channel recently launched Jagadhatri and is preparing for the arrival of Lakshmi Niwas, which promises grounded, compelling storytelling.
Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni, said the success of the slate marks a defining moment for the network, crediting strong viewer connect and a sharp programming strategy for its primetime dominance and market share milestone.
ZEEL chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur, said the channel remains committed to crafting narratives that reflect India’s diverse stories, adding that the audience’s embrace of its new characters reinforces the power of quality storytelling.
While fiction may be driving the momentum, Zee TV is also strengthening its non-fiction space. The channel’s experimental daily format Chhoriya Chali Gaon earned appreciation for its fresh approach, while Kahani Har Ghar Ki, hosted by Juhi Parmar, spotlighted real stories of courage and resilience. Its latest non-fiction show Ideabaaz brings budding entrepreneurs face to face with investors in a pitch-powered format.
With both fiction and non-fiction firing up audience interest, Zee TV’s programming engine shows no signs of slowing down.
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.
