Factual
AETV 18 buys ‘Chef In Your Ear’, Bomanbridge to bring Asian versions
CANNES: The Format People announced that Chef In Your Ear completed its successful first season on France 2, under the title Un Chef A L’Oreille. Produced by Warner Brothers International TV Production France, the 25-episode series aired daily in January and February of this year, improving the time period for France 2 by 125% from the previous slot.
Additionally, Singapore-based Bomanbridge Media announced the sale of 26 episodes of the English-language finished version of “Chef In Your Ear” to Indian broadcaster AETV 18.
Chef In Your Ear is a cooking competition format in which two professional chefs aim to deliver a restaurant quality dish – by remote control. All the cooking is done by two novice cooks, many of whom claim to be kitchen disasters, each wearing an ear-piece. They take instruction from a chef whom they have been paired with, and who is locked away in a booth, unable to smell or taste the food.
Singapore-based production/distribution agency, Bomanbridge Media CEO Sonia Fleck said, “Chef In Your Ear is one of those very unique shows that is so fun, yet full of drama as well as instructive. India has a rich food culture and the show is sure to be a hit on AETN 18. Bomanbridge is pleased to represent Chef In Your Ear in the Asia Pacific and we hope to soon announce Asian formatted versions in the near future.”
The show originally aired on both Food Network Canada (English language) as well as on Radio-Canada (French Language) – earning top ratings. It was produced by HLP+ Partners and The Format People; and developed by famed Canadian chef Ricardo Larrivée, Michel Rodrigue and Henry Less with assistance from Justin Scroggie who originally conceived the Format. Food Network Canada announced the commission for a second season.
Scroggie added, “All great formats evolve, and Un Chef A L’Oreille produced by Warner Bros for France 2, is a wonderful evolution, with a daily stripped format following the same chefs and novices across a week on their culinary journey. A perfect cast with host Elodie Gossuin, top production values and some surprise elements, create the ideal TV serving.”
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
