GECs
Zee takes drama, factual and lifestyle shows to MIPCOM, celebrates 25 years
MUMBAI: Global Content Hub by Zee, the syndication division of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), has announced its slate of new shows for MIPCOM 2017. This MIPCOM also marks the start of 25 years in business for Zee TV, one of of the leading Indian broadcasters with a reach in 171 countries.
Debuting at the market is Lala’s Ladiez, Zee’s first-ever English adaptation. Based on Zee’s Indian comedy series Hum Paanch, the story is about a father living with five spirited daughters and his English wife. Each daughter possesses a different personality – one being a feminist; another is all beauty and no brains; yet another is an eco-warrior; a smart tomboy with the youngest being the most fearless. A Zee Format Factory initiative, this 20-part series is being produced in the UK by Endemol Shine.
Zee’s Indian dramas – Piya Albela, Kundali Bhagya, Woh Apna Sa, Kundali Bhagya are coming to MIPCOM for the first time.
Piya Albela is a modern love story revolving two people who are worlds apart in character. Naren is a thoughtful and spiritual young man, studying psychology at college, while Pooja is a very modern woman. Naren’s business-tycoon father hires Pooja to entice his son away from his austere life to join the family business. Pooja comes to understand Naren and develop a deep bond. Woh Apna Sa – an Indian drama series about a troubled marriage and the potential love triangle.
Kundali Bhagya is a spinoff of the family series of the very popular Indian drama series, Kum Kum Bhagya, and the show is about two young girls Preeta and Shristi who discover the existence of their mother ‘Sarla’ and sister Pragya after the death of their father.
Coming from Zee’s US lifestyle catalogue, Z Living, 34 hours of fresh content have been added to the outstanding library of 1700 hours of health and lifestyle content.
All are produced in the US in English-language including Conquered, showcasing uplifting stories about people from the everyday to the influential who have broken boundaries and conquered obstacles to achieve their goals in fitness, relationships, career, health and more as well as a second season of Altar’d — the popular wedding reality series featuring fitness and nutrition experts who work with a future bride and groom to shape them up for their big wedding day; Yoga Girls is a never-before-seen side of yoga in Los Angeles, a cut-throat city where the practice can sometimes lead to kicking some serious “asana” and Big Fat Truth is available featuring host/mentor, JD Roth, one of television’s most experienced producers of transformational programming.
JD helps contestants in this inspiring reality series, inspiring people to change their lives and gain the rewards of a healthier lifestyle.
Family reality competition programming along with the format is also being featured at MIPCOM. “India’s Asli Champion… HAI DUM!” is hosted by Suniel Shetty. This uniquely crafted show aims to find and crown the “fittest Indian.” After an intensive search across India, 12 contestants, six boys and girls each, coming from different walks of life, have been short-listed for the competition. These 12 contestants battle it out in the ultimate test of physical and mental endurance to win the glorious title of India’s Asli Champion.
From Zee’s Format Factory, come several scripted and non-scripted formats including: surreal scripted series Phantasmagoria, game show Moksha, scripted comedy Love Thy Neighbour, and family competition, Asli Champion.
ZEEL’s chief business officer – international ad sales, global syndication and production Sunita Uchil said, “Global Content Hub by Zee has dynamic new drama and comedy series, exciting formats – both scripted and non-scripted — as well as inspiring, English-language, mainstream lifestyle programmes from our US channel, Z Living.”
GECs
Sony PAL to air Sankat Mochan Hanuman from May 4 at 9 PM
Mythological series brings Lord Hanuman’s tale of devotion and courage back to TV
MUMBAI: Sony PAL is set to bring back the timeless mythological series Sankat Mochan Hanuman, with its premiere scheduled for May 4 at 9 PM. The show revisits the legendary journey of Lord Hanuman, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with one of Indian mythology’s most revered figures.
Centred on themes of devotion, courage and righteousness, the series traces Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Ram and his fearless stand against evil. With its mix of dramatic storytelling and visually rich sequences, the show aims to deliver both entertainment and spiritual resonance, appealing to audiences across age groups.
The narrative unfolds as a larger-than-life saga, positioning Hanuman as the ultimate protector and a symbol of strength and selfless service. His journey, rooted in faith and duty, continues to strike a chord with viewers, making the series as relevant today as ever.
The cast features Gagan Malik as Lord Ram, Debalina Chatterjee as Sita, Nirbhay Wadhwa in the titular role, and Saurav Gurjar as Raavan. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to characters deeply embedded in Indian cultural memory.
With its return to television, the show is positioned as more than just a rerun. It taps into a renewed appetite for mythological storytelling, blending nostalgia with timeless values.
As audiences increasingly seek content that resonates beyond entertainment, ‘Sankat Mochan Hanuman’ offers a familiar yet powerful narrative, reminding viewers that stories of faith and courage never really go out of style.
