GECs
Big Magic launches short format ‘Big Googly’
MUMBAI: To up the entertainment quotient, Big Magic has launched an innovation within its programming and content that goes with its character to have funny and unpredictable elements within the channel.
Titled Big Googly, it is a topical short format with refreshing comical scripts for two minutes. The format went live starting 4 May.
Keeping in mind the nature of the fillers each capsule will last for two minutes and will be played throughout the day. The best comical interstitial will be featured at the beginning of the shows to ensure that the laughter riot continues.
Big Googly has ace comedians Ali Asgar and VIP as its lead protagonists to be supported by other Big Magic comedy characters such as Kiku Sharda, Mantra, Upasana Singh and more.
With a focus on serving wholesome entertainment for the entire family, Asgar and VIP will cover situational and topical issues, disguised as famous personalities from Bollywood, politics, sports and so on. Some of the episodes will feature iconic characters from the channel’s shows like Narad Muni.
Reliance Broadcast Network (RBNL) network creative director Paritosh Painter said, “Big Magic believes in bringing refreshing content and with Big Googly we want to look beyond the traditional sitcom space along with creating a niche position for ourselves as the ultimate comedy destination. In the coming few months, we shall have various such innovative and unique formats which will have element of surprise, fun and thus instantly connect with our viewers as a result of their topicality.”
The show launch will be supported by a multi-media marketing campaign.
GECs
Sebi sends show-cause notice to Zee over fund diversion, company responds
Regulator questions 2018 letter of comfort and governance lapses; company vows robust legal response
MUMBAI: India’s markets watchdog has reignited its long-running scrutiny of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, issuing a sweeping show-cause notice that drags the broadcaster and 84 others into a widening governance storm.
The notice, dated February 12, has been served by the Securities and Exchange Board of India to Zee, chairman emeritus Subhash Chandra and managing director and chief executive Punit Goenka, among others. At its heart: allegations that company funds were indirectly routed to settle liabilities of entities linked to the Essel Group.
The regulator’s probe traces its roots to November 2019, when two independent directors resigned from Zee’s board, flagging concerns over the alleged appropriation of fixed deposits by Yes Bank. The deposits were reportedly adjusted against loans extended to Essel Group entities, triggering questions about related-party dealings and board oversight.
A key flashpoint is a letter of comfort dated September 4, 2018, issued by Subhash Chandra in his dual capacity as chairman of Zee and the Essel Group. The document, linked to credit facilities availed by certain group companies from Yes Bank, was allegedly known only to select members of management and not disclosed to the full board—an omission SEBI believes raises red flags over transparency and governance controls.
Zee has pushed back hard. In a statement, the company said it “strongly refutes” the allegations against it and its board members and will file a detailed response. It expressed confidence that SEBI would conduct a fair review and signalled readiness to pursue all legal remedies to protect shareholder interests.
The notice marks the latest twist in a saga that has shadowed the broadcaster since 2019. What began as boardroom unease has morphed into a full-blown regulatory confrontation. The final reckoning now rests with SEBI—but the reputational stakes for Zee, and the message for India Inc on governance discipline, could scarcely be higher.
