GECs
Aman, Sonali to switch shows in anniversary episodes on Star Plus
MUMBAI: It’s a unique way to celebrate a first anniversary. But trust Star Plus to take the innovative route even when it comes to something as simple as two of its shows completing one year of telecast.
The fact that both Khullja Sim Sim and Kya Masti Kya Dhuum will turn one during the extended ‘Independence weekend’ has probably also prompted the channel into getting the respective anchors to switch roles for the anniversary edition. At 8 pm on KMKD, host Aman Verma will take the place of Sonali Bendre. The lady on the other hand, will take Verma’s post as anchor of the game show at 9 pm.
Kya Masti Kya Dhuum has had, till date, over 250 children participating with 65 celebrities – Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Fardeen Khan, Aftab Shivdasani, Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Salman Khan, Esha Deol among them. Khullja Sim Sim has had 500 participants for prizes worth over Rs 60 million, of which Rs 25 million worth of prizes have been disbursed over 52 episodes (including Rs 1 million worth of cars).
The anniversary episode will have Verma hosting the musical talent show Kya Masti Kya Dhuum, with Sonali coming in as the guest. While Aman charms his way into the show, Sonali keeps lighting up the stage with her valuable suggestions to the new host, Aman, says the channel. In Khullja Sim Sim, Sonali anchors in Aman’s place. Both episodes have lots of gifts, cash and a jackpot prize worth over Rs 3,00,000.
According to Verma, “I’ve never done theatre before, but the very first schedule of Khullja Sim Sim itself helped me learn to control my voice. I’ve learnt a lot from Khullja Sim Sim – dealing with live audiences, which is about 400-odd people. This has instilled confidence in me. The popularity I got for Khullja Sim Sim, helped several other shows to come my way. Life has taken a turnaround.”
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.
