News Broadcasting
DD’s summer bonanza for kids: ‘Bongo’
MUMBAI: No surprise here. Summer time is children’s time and the pubcaster is all geared to set the ball rolling.
DD will kick start it’s summer special with a new show for kids- Bongo. Boasting of special effects like 2D and 3D animation characters interacting with real human actors, the show is scheduled to air on Sundays at 12:30 pm.
Produced by Deepak Punjabi, Harish Punjabi and Sanjay Punjabi of Rudrakshaa Arts, Bongo’s cast includes Lalit Parimoo, Sooraj Thapar, Swapnil Joshi, Sushmita Dann, Raj Kanojiya, Yash Sinha, Flavin, Master Shadaab, Master Smit, Shammi and the animation character Bongo.
On the unidentified planet Zapata, the species are far more advanced. One day, some dangerous forces threaten the planet’s peace. The solution to ward off this danger lies on Earth. The King of Zapata summons his young and dynamic soldier Bongo. On Earth, a 10-year old boy Sunny is researching on Aliens. Sunny and Bongo become true friends, but Sunny is unaware of Bongo’s mission. What happens next forms the crux of Bongo’s story.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com at a press conference in Mumbai last evening, the Punjabi trio offered, “For this programme, we didn’t try hard for pitching it on other channels. We would like to keep the rights of our first baby. But we are virtually ready with three more projects – Kajri, Little Hero Bharat and Captain. Talks to put up these serials on satellite channels during the course of this year are on.”
Punjabis added that they were optimistic about Bongo’s success because it had been slotted immediately after Shaktiman. “It should get a good spill over audience,” said Sanjay Punjabi.
Punjabis are ready with 13 episodes of Bongo and have been granted a permission of 26 episodes. “We would love to carry it on till 104 episodes,” they concluded.
No prizes for guessing that the Punjabi trio is trying to cash in on the success of Rakesh Roshan’s super-duper hit Koi Mil Gaya. Whether they can manage to spill over the big screen craze on the small one remains to be seen.
News Broadcasting
TV9 to host What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 in Delhi
PM Narendra Modi to keynote two day forum on India and the world
NEW DELHI: TV9 Network is gearing up to host the fourth edition of its flagship What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 on March 23 and 24 in the national capital, bringing together a wide spectrum of voices to debate India’s place in a shifting global order.
The summit will open with a keynote address by Narendra Modi, setting the tone for this year’s theme, “India and the world”, as the country positions itself at the crossroads of economic growth, geopolitical shifts and technological change.
From cabinet ministers to chief ministers, business leaders to cultural figures, the event promises a crowded stage and a lively exchange of ideas. Union ministers such as Piyush Goyal and Jyotiraditya Scindia are expected to attend, alongside state leaders including Mohan Yadav, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Nayab Singh Saini and Bhagwant Mann.
Political voices from across the aisle, including Smriti Irani, Akhilesh Yadav and Asaduddin Owaisi, will also join the conversation, ensuring that the debates are as diverse as they are dynamic.
Adding a cultural and sporting touch, personalities such as yoga guru Swami Ramdev, poet Kumar Vishwas and cricketing names like Sourav Ganguly, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh are set to share the stage. Global business leaders and diplomats will further widen the lens, reflecting the summit’s international outlook.
Speaking ahead of the event, TV9 Network managing director and chief executive officer Barun Das, said India stands at a unique moment in history, combining demographic strength, technological capability and entrepreneurial energy. He noted that in uncertain times, honest conversations and bold ideas will shape the country’s trajectory.
The summit will explore themes ranging from economic growth and governance to innovation, sustainability and culture, positioning itself as a platform for dialogue at a time when the world is in flux.
With a packed agenda and a high-profile guest list, What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 aims to do more than just talk. It seeks to capture a moment where India is not only part of the global conversation, but increasingly helping lead it.
