GECs
An Ode to Father’s
Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks decided to mark Father’s Day with an extraordinary cinematic creation. Collaborating with their Distribution Trade Community across India and the SAARC region, they embarked on a remarkable and heart-warming venture.
This unique initiative involved engaging with their clients, ensuring their involvement through using their voices for the narrations—a pioneering step that no other broadcaster from the has taken before. It is also a brilliant case point on how user-generated content can be utilised effectively and it doesn’t confine under the boundaries of digital. The Distribution Trade Community serves as the vital link between the broadcaster and consumers like us, making their inclusion in this project unprecedented.
The endearingly captivating video pays tribute to the timeless love of fathers. Through the artistry of 8 distinct poems, each in a different language, the film encapsulates the depth of a father’s affection for his children. These genuine poems evoke profound emotions, touching the hearts of viewers and shining a spotlight on the talented members of the distribution community.
Each of the eight poems tells a unique story, closely tied to a specific region and the language spoken there. The narration of these films is beautifully delivered by individuals representing each of the eight regions.
Today, Sony Pictures Networks not only honours Father’s Day but also celebrates the distribution community as a whole. This initiative by Sony Pictures Networks exemplifies their close collaboration with clients and their commitment to involving the community in various endeavours.
Father’s Day serves as a reminder to express gratitude, love, and appreciation for the crucial role fathers play in our lives. It presents an opportunity to acknowledge their contributions, sacrifices, and the profound impact they have on their children and families. From the very beginning to the most pivotal moments of our lives, fathers provide unwavering support, much like the sturdy banyan tree within a family.
Let us celebrate and cherish the significance of our fathers every day, recognising their importance not only on Father’s Day but throughout the year.
GECs
Zee tops fiction charts across six languages with strong show lineup
Broadcaster secures nearly half of top 10 spots as fiction strategy pays off
MUMBAI: Fiction is proving to be Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd’s winning script. The broadcaster has emerged as the dominant force in television fiction, occupying an average of five spots in the top 10 charts across six major language markets.
Across Hindi (Pay), Marathi, Bangla, Odia, Kannada and Telugu general entertainment channels, the company commands a 48 per cent share of the top 10 fiction rankings, according to BARC data for weeks four to seven of 2026 among urban audiences aged 15 and above.
The strong showing reflects the company’s renewed focus on storytelling driven by cultural insight and local relevance. With family viewing still centred around prime time, Zee continues to attract more than 20 per cent viewership share across genres in this high engagement window, outperforming competitors.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur, said the results underline the effectiveness of the company’s sharply defined multilingual content strategy.
“The achievement is a firm testament to our content strategy across languages, which is clearly resonating with viewers,” Hunsur said. “Fiction shows remain the heart of entertainment. We will continue building both fiction and non fiction offerings that are authentic, engaging and rooted in local storytelling.”
The company’s Hindi flagship channel Zee TV has placed four relatively new launches among the top 10 shows in the Hindi Pay GEC category. These include Tumm Se Tumm Tak, Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan, Vasudha and Lakshmi Nivas, all introduced within the past 18 months.
Regional markets are delivering equally strong performances. Zee Marathi has recorded a 470 basis point rise in market share to 34.7 per cent in January 2026 compared with January 2025. Four of its shows, Kamli, Taarini, Veen Doghatli Hi Tutena and Lakshmi Nivas, feature among the top 10 in the Marathi GEC genre.
In eastern India, Zee Bangla has reclaimed leadership in the Bangla GEC segment in week seven of 2026, driven by five shows in the top 10 including Parineeta, Taare Dhori Dhori Mone Kori, Jowar Bhata, Amader Dadamoni and Chirodini Tumi Je Amar. The top ranked show Parineeta draws inspiration from Gen Z insights, reflecting changing audience sensibilities.
Zee Sarthak continues its five year leadership streak in the Odia GEC space with shows such as Sathi Sata Janmara, Suna Jhia, Tu Khara Mu Chhai, Tuma Bina and Bhagya Rekha occupying the top positions.
In the south, Zee Kannada maintains its long standing dominance, leading the Kannada GEC market for seven consecutive years. Seven fiction titles including Karna, Lakshmi Nivasa, Annayya, Amruthadhaare, Naa Ninna Bidalaare, Adi Lakshmi Purana and Brahmagantu form the top 7 shows in the category.
Zee Telugu is also gaining ground, emerging as the biggest channel across genres in Hyderabad while strengthening its position in the Telugu GEC segment across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Shows such as Jagadhatri, Meghasandesam, Jayam and Chamanthi occupy four of the top 10 spots.
With its regional channels gaining traction, Zee says it will continue sharpening its content playbook, focusing on stories that reflect everyday lives while tapping into evolving viewer preferences across markets.
