GECs
Hungama TV launches talent hunt for kids; ropes in John Abraham as brand ambassador
MUMBAI: After Sony and Zee, it’s now the turn of kids’ channel Hungama TV to go the reality way. The 18-months old channel, which has grown to become the number two kids’ channel in the country recently, has roped in Bollywood youth icon John Abraham as the brand ambassador for two years.
Additionally, John will also be endorsing the ‘John Aur Kaun?’ talent hunt, which will give two kids (one boy and one girl) an opportunity to star opposite him in one of UTV’s forthcoming movie.
The winners, apart from getting an opportunity to star opposite the hunk, will also get a cash prize of Rs 500,000 each and a three year contract with UTV to manage their career.
The applications will open in the third week of May. The channel will shortlist 1000 candidates each in five cities – Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad – where auditions will be held in June and July.
Kids’ between the age of 7 – 14 can apply and the selection criteria for the talent hunt will be based on acting and dancing skills. Finally, 40 kids (eight from each city) will be selected. These finalists will be brought to Mumbai, where they will go through a comprehensive training process during which the judges will be narrowing down the participants to four. The final two will be chosen via popular voting (SMS) and IVR (interactive voice response) exercise. Ernst & Young have been roped in as the auditors for the selection process.
The entire hunt – from the city level auditions to the grand finale – will be televised as a reality show on Hungama TV and will be aired in October. The show will be in the form of 13 one hour episodes and will air three times a week on the channel.
Hungama TV has roped in Oral B as the presenting sponsor for the ‘John Aur Kaun?’ talent hunt. Bournvita, Maggi and Sunfeast Dream Biscuits will be the co-presenting sponsors, whereas Dermi Cool, Waffy, Tata Salt and Add Gel Achiever are the associate sponsors for the event. Mitashi Edutainment is the prize sponsor.
The channel has also partnered with Radio City (official radio partner), the Times Group (print and online partner), Planet M and Star News (national news channel partner). A nationwide 360 degree marketing and promotions campaign will hit the print, television, outdoor, radio and internet media in the third week of May.
An elated Hungama TV COO Zarina Mehta said, “Indian kids have tremendous potential and Hungama TV wants to offer them a platform to showcase their talent. Kids today have the drive and inclination to learn and succeed and this is evident across all sections of the society. In keeping with this philosophy of constant innovation and distinctive content, Hungama TV is proud to bring to viewers ‘John Aur Kaun?’ – a first ever in the kids category.”
“We are also really excited to have John Abraham on board as the brand ambassador for the channel. John’s sunny personality and easy going nature, couple with his drop-dead looks and undeniable talent, have made him a role model for kids across the country,” she added.
The channel zeroed in on John as its brand ambassador after an extensive research with kids last year, wherein the dimpled-boy won over his other colleagues in popularity.
Abraham said, “It feels great to be associated with Hungama TV. I am looking forward to spending time and interacting with kids. ‘John Aur Kaun?’ will give talented kids across the country an opportunity to shine and I am very glad to be involved in this effort.” a
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
