GECs
Zee Cinema to air world TV premiere of ‘Saina’ on 25 July
Mumbai: ZEE Cinema is all set to bring the world television premiere of ‘Saina’ on 25 July, 12 noon.
The biopic on badminton champion Saina Nehwal, Saina follows the dreams of a small-town girl who went on to conquer the world of badminton and become the pride of an entire nation. It also highlights the immense support system including her family, coach, and friends that turned her dreams into a reality.
Directed by Amole Gupte, the film features Parineeti Chopra donning the role of Saina along with the remarkable Manav Kaul, Meghna Malik, and Eshan Naqvi in pivotal roles.
Talking about the film, Saina Nehwal said, “It was surreal to see my own life on screen. Amole Gupte’s creative vision, Parineeti, and Naishaa’s portrayal of myself are both a delight to watch. This experience of rewatching my journey has made me realise that sure, hard work and talent are what drive you to live your dreams, but one of the most important aspects is the support system. I am indebted to my parents, my husband, and my coaches as without them, my life wouldn’t be the same. They constantly motivated me and pushed me to chase my dreams, and that’s what kept me going on the most difficult days. I can only hope that my story will positively motivate young dreamers to go all out in the pursuit of their dreams.
Sharing her experience, Parineeti Chopra said, “Saina has inspired millions and it was extremely fulfilling to play her on screen. It took blood and sweat to transform myself. I vividly remember spending my days as an athlete and even crying out of pain on the court. But it was all worth it. Saina Nehwal was my initial guiding force. Priyanka Chopra even gave me pointers on how to mould myself for the role, since she played a sports character in the past. I am so excited as Zee Cinema brings the story to a much wider audience yet again with the World Television Premiere of Saina on 25 July.”
Amole Gupte shared, “My journey with project Saina began about 6 years ago and it was no less than a rollercoaster. My passion grew with every setback faced by the film, however at one point I may have had lost hope, but, like Saina’s support system in the movie, my diligent team helped me keep the show running. I am grateful that Saina, herself, advised Parineeti which added to the authenticity of the character. We were able to tell a story that’s a must-watch for anyone driven by passion, and with the World Television Premiere of Saina on Zee Cinema, we get to achieve that.”
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… connection because this time, the game isn’t just about winning, it’s about who’s with you. Sony Pictures Networks India is gearing up to launch a new reality game show, Tum Ho Naa, expanding its unscripted slate with a format that promises both emotion and engagement.
The show will premiere soon on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on Sony LIV, with Rajeev Khandelwal stepping in as host. Known for his measured screen presence and selective choices, Khandelwal’s return to television adds a layer of familiarity and credibility to the upcoming format.
While specific details of the gameplay remain under wraps, the positioning suggests a reality format that leans as much on emotional resonance as it does on competition, an increasingly popular blend in Indian television, where audiences are gravitating towards content that offers both stakes and storytelling.
Khandelwal, reflecting on his return, noted that his choices have often been guided by instinct rather than convention, describing Tum Ho Naa as a project that feels “close to the heart”. His association also signals Sony’s continued focus on anchoring new formats with recognisable faces who bring both relatability and depth.
The launch comes at a time when broadcasters are doubling down on original non-fiction formats to drive appointment viewing, even as digital platforms expand parallel reach. By placing the show across both linear television and OTT, Sony appears to be aiming for a dual-audience strategy capturing traditional viewers while engaging digital-first consumers.
As the countdown to premiere begins, Tum Ho Naa positions itself not just as another game show, but as a reminder that sometimes, the biggest prize on screen isn’t the jackpot, it’s the journey shared along the way.
