GECs
‘Pavitra Rishta’ to be replaced by Ekta Kapoor’s ‘Kumkum Bhagya’
MUMBAI: Two decades ago, Ekta Kapoor started her association with Zee TV with the popular sitcom – Hum Paanch.
And since then there is no looking back. The queen of television especially the primetime slot is back with a new show on the channel. The new offering will be replacing her own successful and popular show ‘Pavitra Rishta’.
The show ‘Kumkum Bhagya’ will once again see Kapoor’s blue-eyed boy Shabbir Ahluwalia who has shied away from facing the camera since 2012, essaying a role of Rockstar with a cult following on the show. The lead actress of the show is played by Sriti Jha who will play the elder amongst the two sisters on the show loosely based on Jane Austen’s classic ‘Sense and Sensibility’.
The Indian interpretation follows the life of a mother who runs a marriage hall and lives with the hope of seeing her two daughters – poles apart in bearing, outlook and disposition, happily married some day. Known for making shows that are women-centric, the pivotal characters of the show are a bunch of strong, feisty women, living together in an all-female, matriarchal family.
On her new show, Kapoor said, “All I can say is that it’s a very passionate story of love …!”
But does this spell ‘The End’ for the former show? Not really, ‘Pavitra Rishta’ will now be aired Monday to Friday at 6:30 pm on the channel.
Talking about the time shuffle amongst her projects, Kapoor said, “Pavitra Rishta has been on-air for over four years now and the journey has been most gratifying for me as a maker. After ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhie Bahu thi’ if there is any other show which is close to my heart, then it is ‘Pavitra Rishta’. The characters of Manav, Archana, Arjun, Purvi and now Ankita-Naren have endeared themselves to the audience, so much so that they are an inseparable part of their lives. While the audiences who are hooked on to ‘Pavitra Rishta’ will continue to enjoy the show at 6:30 pm, the new show ‘Kumkum Bhagya’ will open at 9 pm, drawing maximum eyeballs.”
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.
