GECs
Doonya premieres on Zee TV Americas
MUMBAI: Zee Americas has added Doonya: The Bollywood Workout to its fall weekend schedule. The Doonya series premieres on 5 October 2013 on Zee TV, Zing and Zee Cinema in North America bringing dance and fitness (with a Bollywood twist!) to 800,000 homes.
Doonya’s founders – Priya Pandya and Kajal Desai – have created a program that takes Bollywood inspired movements and connects them to target muscle groups. Their clear and easy-to-follow instruction allows the audience to burn calories (up to 800 per hour) and build strength and stamina through cardio and conditioning workouts.
“We know south Asians love to dance,” says Desai, “but working out isn’t something our community is known for.”
“Diabetes, coronary artery disease and obesity are all issues plaguing our community right now. And it can be hard to combat these diseases when working out isn’t always fun,” adds Pandya.
“Doonya bridges that gap and provides a workout that is fun for the entire family! You’ll dance to songs you recognise using moves you already know, but will do them in a way that gives you results,” says Desai.
Pandya finishes, “Over the last seven years we’ve been teaching Doonya, we’ve seen our students’ bodies transform through our program. We are excited to share a program that is so rooted in our culture and upbringing with our community.”
Zee Americas GM Sameer Targe said, “Doonya is the first of its kind fitness program that is based on Bollywood dancing. We are very excited to partner with them as it coincides with our programming philosophy of “Entertainment with a Purpose”. A locally produced show was a natural move for us as it further strengthens our leadership position in the US.”
Zee subscribers would be able to catch Doonya’s workouts on Zee Cinema every Saturday at 9:30 am, Zee TV on Saturdays at 11:30 am, Zee TV Canada on Saturdays at 11:30 am and on Zing every Sunday at 11:00 am.
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.
