GECs
Preity Zinta’s column for BBC website gets overwhelming response
MUMBAI: Actor Preity Zinta who penned her first column for the BBC’s website www.bbcnews.com/southasia on Monday 29 January, has attracted an overwhelming response from all over the world.
On the first day of its launch, the column recorded more than a hundred thousand page impressions, making it to the site’s top ten most widely read stories on the day.
Also, the BBC website www.bbcnews.com was flooded with hundreds of emails from India as well as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Australia, Malaysia, UK, US, Netherlands, Mozambique and Brazil.
In joining the BBC, Zinta who has starred in films like Dil Chahta Hai, Koi… Mil Gaya and Kal Ho Naa Ho has joined a heavyweight line up of some of South Asia’s most respected commentators including best selling author Ahmed Rashid, renowned economist Kaushik Basu and leading sports writer Rohit Brijnath.
Some of the comments that were posted on the website in response to Zinta’s column are:
Reema from Pakistan wrote, “I think what Preity wrote is absolutely true! She’s done an incredible job, and I hope she continues for a long time! The movies of the 80’s n 70’s were before my time but I do know that heroines were used as props back then! Its great to see the change in Bollywood! I’m truly a Hindi film fan. Its good that somebody who’s actually experienced it all is writing here!
Paval from India said, “It is great to see Preity Zinta, one of the most renowned actors to pen by herself few words on the BBC. Certainly I feel she is well qualified to give views on Bollywood and variety of subjects relating India, arts and future talks. It is inspiring and motivating me to read through Preity’s columns.”
Selwyn J Mukkath from Afghanistan said, “I am struck by the depth of this article, how it has traveled over the past years, and scanned the current era and given a new dimension to the present and future. It is remarkable to read so much in such a short piece. Congrats and Cheers.”
Looks like Zinta has been appreciated for her efforts. Although it remains to be seen whether the magic continues.
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.
