GECs
AXN Asia, Animax on hiring spree
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) Networks Asia has recently hired 29 people in key positions for its channels, AXN and Animax.
The latter is expected to debut in India later this year, while AXN in India continues to be the frontrunner in action and adventure programming.
SPE Networks Asia MD Todd Miller says, “We searched region-wide for the best talents to suit our operations, functional roles, and also serve as brand ambassadors for AXN and Animax.”
“Our new hires include Indian and Hong Kong nationals, Singaporeans, Taiwanese, and many others who have honed their skills all over the world. This will not only bring a global flavour to the two channels, but also the all-important local market knowledge to the teams.”
India’s Abid Hussain and Taiwanese Lisa Yang join as AXN producers while Hong Konger Miranda Ng and Taiwanese Kitty Chung join as Animax producers. Hussain will be in charge of the look and feel of AXN India. Speaking to Indiantelevision.com SET India’s assistant VP marketing and sales Rohit Bhandari who looks after AXN in India said that Husain understood the creative requirements of the Indian market as well as the nuances needed for creating promos and events.
Asked about Animax, Bhandari said that as of now there were no concrete plans as to when it would be brought into the country. As and when that happens, further appointments would be made for the country.
Another key recruit is Anna Teo who is the programming manager for Animax Asia. A former employee of TMS Entertainment, Teo marketed and licensed Japanese animation programmes to broadcasters in the Asia-Pacific region, including AXN Asia. At Animax, Teo is responsible for programming, new product acquisition and scheduling. She reports to Animax programming and production VP Betty Tsui.
“Virtually all departments from ad sales to marketing, from creative services to network presentation, and from programming to distribution have experienced an increase in headcount.” Miller adds.
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
