GECs
Lagardere, Vivendi strike pay- TV deal
MUMBAI: French media group Lagardere agreed to pay $624 million to Vivendi and transfer its 34% stake in CanalSat to get a 20% stake of Canal+ France.
The swapping of Lagardere’s stake in CanalSat, will see Canal’s French pay-television channels as well as its satellite platforms under a single ownership.
Lagardere is joining Vivendi Universal, TF1 and M6 in the merged Canal+ France venture, taking a 20-percent stake with an option to increase that stake to 34 percent in three years.
“The new group will be a leader in French broadcasting, able to take on competition from large foreign media groups as well as cable and internet operators. It will reinvigorate and broaden the French pay-TV market, offering consumers a more rich, diversified and attractive product,” the companies said in a statement.
This draft agreement is subject to approval by the Conseil Superieur de l’Audiovisuel and antitrust authorities. The deal is expected to close by the third quarter.
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.
