MAM
The verdict is out: Kids love Selfie with Bajrangi
MUMBAI: Cosmos-Maya’s Selfie With Bajrangi airing on Hungama TV is on its way to become the next big thing in kids’ animation. Given its consistently high ratings, trade is abuzz with reports of the show being touted as the next big thing.
Selfie with Bajrangi’s success can be attributed to the fact that it has the ability to speak to its target audience in a language and manner that the kids love and appreciate. The protagonist Ankush's life changes when he meets Bajrangi, the 7-year-old avatar of Hanuman, who no one but he can see. The show is modeled on kids’ day to day lives and it beautifully captures the nuances of Indian culture. Bajrangi does not just help his buddy Ankush with his day to day problems, he also inspires millions of kids who watch the show. He is a true friend and an angel figure to the viewers.
After its successful launch on Amazon Prime Video in Oct, 2017, the first half was launched on Hungama TV as a summer holiday attraction early this year. The kids have loved absolutely every aspect of the show
Now the second half has made the show an even bigger hit. It is now rubbing shoulders with the likes of Motu Patlu, another Cosmos-Maya IP. It began airing on Hungama TV 29 Sep, 2018 onwards and has been a category topper ever since. It has managed a 30% increase in average ratings in comparison to the first half!
Speaking on the development, Anish Mehta, CEO, Cosmos-Maya said “Selfie With Bajrangi is the first ever series to have little Hanuman as a buddy. Only Ankush can see Bajrangi. He is invisible to the rest of the world. This is a new idea which has worked. He is not out to save the world, rather he befriends Ankush and helps him with his day to day issues in a mundane setting. Both Bajrangi and Ankush are extremely loved by kids and families across markets.”
The show is currently airing across day-parts on Hungama TV and is available in Hindi – Tamil – Telugu.
Dheeraj Berry, SVP, Development & Current Projects, and creator of Selfie With Bajrangi said “The idea of having the revered figure in a slice of life, buddy comedy has worked wonders with young viewers. As a leading studio, our endeavor has always been to come up with novel ideas to create futuristic trends.”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
