GECs
Is Shekhar Suman quitting as ‘Jab Khelo Sab Khelo’ host?
Game shows are losing their fizz. Star’s Kaun Banega Crorepati’s viewership has been slipping. Zee’s Sawaal Dus Crore Ka came and went without a by your leave. Sony’s Jeeto Chappar Phaad Ke is not living up to its promise. So where does that leave Sabe TV’s Jab Khelo Sab Khelo?
The buzz is that host Shekhar Suman may not renew his contract with Sri Adhikari Brothers Entertainment Television Network Ltd (SABTNL) when it expires in the next two months. Should that happen, the show is likely to be given a burial.
Suman is believed to be concentrating more on movies this year. He has close to five movies planned. Two with Kundan Shah and one each with Kalpana Lajmi, Mani Iyer’s Vipul Films, and David Dhawan.
SABTNL vice chairman Markand Adhikari denied any such moves were afoot. Said he in a telephonic interview: “Shekar Suman is the show. So far there are no plans to bring in any changes. It has proved highly beneficial to our channel. It was quite popular amongst viewers considering the million or so phone calls it was generating.”
He added: “There is no truth to the statement that Shekhar Suman will be leaving the show. Call me tomorrow and we will talk.”
Suman was not available for comment.
However, the grapevine is pretty strong that Suman, while keen on continuing with the show, may not find the time to give it the attention it needs on account of the film offers coming his way. According to a source, the show takes a lot out of him, his gift of the gab notwithstanding. He has to be constantly on the ball with repartees et all for the hour he is on the show and that is proving a little too much for him.
For more on this watch this space.
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.
