GECs
Sagar Arts gears up for ‘Durga’ on DD
MUMBAI: Sagar Arts is now gearing up to realise the family’s dream of creating another epic Durga – the third in the trilogy, following Ramayan and Shri Krishna.. The serial will be aired on Doordarshan and the public broadcaster must be hoping that the serial will be a revenue spinner just like the earlier two.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Sagar Arts’ marketing director cum producer Prem Sagar confirms: “Durga will be the biggest and the greatest. It will have the most lavish sets – perhaps some of the most ambitious ones depicting Vaikunth. We have conducted some painstaking research on the script and developed a pictorial version of the same so that we are very clear about every little detail.”
Sagar however adds that the telecast days and the slots haven’t been finalised as yet. “We are passionate about creating a quality product and realising our dream. Good software doesn’t need a slot or a vehicle to become popular. We have always believed in making entertainment products with a soul – with passion,” he adds.
Sagar Arts is also working closely with private channels and announcements related to new sponsored programmes is expected within two-three months.
Currently, Ramayan on DD-2 has a TRP of 8.2 (23 February to 1 March) and 7.8 (2 March to 8 March) in the 8pm to 8:30 pm slot on Mondays. Ankhen, which is airing on the 10 pm slot on Thursdays has a TRP of 10.8 (23 February to 1 March) and 11.5 (2 March to 8 March). Amrit and Shakti Sagar, who belong to the third generation of the Sagar family, have conceptualised Ankhen.
Sagar Arts has also built a film and television arts training institute on a 40 acre plot in Vadodara. “It is the only institute where one gets to work on location and gets training in outdoor activities such as horse riding. The first batch of students completed their training and were awarded certificates,” adds Sagar.
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
