GECs
Ekta Kapoor rounds off ‘Asiaweek’s’ Power 50 list
Balaji Telefilms’ creative director Ekta Kapoor is in the news again, and how. Indian television wonderkid’s hold on the popular pulse has been acknowledged by Asiaweek in its latest Power 50 list for 2001.
The Asiaweek survey on the region’s most influential communicators, technologists, artists, entrepreneurs and politicians, is all praise for the young TV serial producer, saying: “Since producing her first blockbuster television programme at 19, Ekta Kapoor has rewritten the script on TV entertainment for the masses. She has created more than 20 soaps on 10 major Indian networks; a comedy series she created ran for five years. The Indian showbiz community watches her every move, and older, more experienced producers are quick to copy any new Kapoor concept.
Being listed is the icing on the cake, literally speaking, for Kapoor, as it was only on Saturday that her staff threw a big birthday party for the soap specialist.
Other notable Indian names from the ICE world (information, communication, entertainment) on the list are Infosys chairman NR Narayanamurthy, who has has improved his ranking to 27 from 40 last year and editor of the “news and views” portal tehelka.com, Tarun Tejpal, ranked 48 because of his “expose” against government and military officials for allegedly accepting bribes.
A Malaysian of Indian origin T Ananda Krishnan, 63, who aims to become Southeast Asia’s answer to Rupert Murdoch is ranked 29.
“Having made his fortune from property, gaming and oil trading, Krishnan’s MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems offers high-quality alternatives to stodgy government programmes over 24 television and eight radio channels. His multiplex cinemas bring the latest movies to Malaysians. Ananda also plans to offer TV services featuring Web-based interactivity. The ethnic Tamil tycoon may be known as a recluse, but that has not stopped him from touching people’s lives every day.” Asiaweek says.
Talking of Murdoch, while he is not on the list son James Murdoch has been ranked 43. Installed as CEO last year Murdoch’s primary task is to work towards making the Southeast Asian operations of Star (mainland China in particular) profitable. Star’s India operations are its only profit-making venture at the moment and the younger Murdoch’s task is to change that.
GECs
Sony PAL to air Sankat Mochan Hanuman from May 4 at 9 PM
Mythological series brings Lord Hanuman’s tale of devotion and courage back to TV
MUMBAI: Sony PAL is set to bring back the timeless mythological series Sankat Mochan Hanuman, with its premiere scheduled for May 4 at 9 PM. The show revisits the legendary journey of Lord Hanuman, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with one of Indian mythology’s most revered figures.
Centred on themes of devotion, courage and righteousness, the series traces Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Ram and his fearless stand against evil. With its mix of dramatic storytelling and visually rich sequences, the show aims to deliver both entertainment and spiritual resonance, appealing to audiences across age groups.
The narrative unfolds as a larger-than-life saga, positioning Hanuman as the ultimate protector and a symbol of strength and selfless service. His journey, rooted in faith and duty, continues to strike a chord with viewers, making the series as relevant today as ever.
The cast features Gagan Malik as Lord Ram, Debalina Chatterjee as Sita, Nirbhay Wadhwa in the titular role, and Saurav Gurjar as Raavan. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to characters deeply embedded in Indian cultural memory.
With its return to television, the show is positioned as more than just a rerun. It taps into a renewed appetite for mythological storytelling, blending nostalgia with timeless values.
As audiences increasingly seek content that resonates beyond entertainment, ‘Sankat Mochan Hanuman’ offers a familiar yet powerful narrative, reminding viewers that stories of faith and courage never really go out of style.
