GECs
Liquor Advertising: Delhi lets go
The Delhi government has lifted its policy of not allowing sale of liquor brands advertised on television in the state. The doing away of the ban became effective on 3 January and it is expected to lead to a flurry of brand launches in Delhi.
The Delhi government had earlier disallowed liquor companies, which were advertising their products on television from selling them in the state by revoking their licence. Or it had given them the ultimatum of stopping their commercials if they wanted to continue to sell their brands. This was done under the directive of the Excise Commissioner. The government took the decision to revoke its ban after considering the fact that other state governments too were strictly implementing their fiats.
Some companies chose to continue to advertise and had their products banned but these were brought in surreptitiously from neighbouring states. Some continued to sell but gave up advertising on television. Liquor brands spend more than Rs 2,000 million each year on promotions and marketing. Some of that money which was being locked up is likely to find its way back into television channels coffers.
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.
