GECs
MAX signs on Indian cricket captain Saurav Ganguly?
MUMBAI: Is it a game of “me too” going on in sports broadcasting land? First was cricket “World Cup Network” SET MAX’s announcement that it had signed on cricket legend Kapil Dev as its brand ambassador. Going one better, ESPN Star Sports announced cricket demi-god Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador. The latest, according to reliable industry sources, is that MAX has signed on India’s cricket captain and the “prince of Kolkata” Saurav Ganguly to represent the channel.
When contacted for a response to reports that Saurav had entered into an association with Sony, Rajat Jain, executive V-P & business head, MAX, while not denying the news outright, said: “I have no knowledge at the moment as to the veracity of this information.”
It is not clear yet in what capacity Saurav could represent MAX as it already has a brand ambassador in Kapil. Still, it could well be that Kapil, a World Cup winning captain and Saurav, the man who the whole country must be praying will hold aloft the coveted trophy in South Africa, next year, will be used to reinforce the message of Sony as the World Cup Network.
Kapil’s signing has proved a bulls eye hit for Sony, especially as soon after the deal was done, he was declared Wisden’s Indian Cricketer of the Century, pipping both Sachin and batting maestro Sunil Gavaskar in the race for honours. If Saurav is indeed coming aboard, Sony would certainly be hoping the Indian captain leads from the front and inspires his young turks to perform on the field like they did in the recent Natwest Finals at Lords. There is nothing that will jack up viewership and bring ad money rolling in like a winning performance from the Indian cricket team.
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.
