GECs
Sahara looks to expand viewer base with new shows
MUMBAI: Sahara seems to be finally getting its prime time programming line up in shape. Apart from the star studded Karishma – The Miracle of Destiny and Humaari Bahu Malini Iyer, two new serials are ready for launch in the next two weeks.
Producer actor Sachin Pilgaonkar makes his debut on Sahara with a children’s programme Gilli Danda, beginning 1 May. Yesteryear’s film star Saira Banu also premieres her debut production Kisse Apna Kahein on 18 May on the channel.
Both shows are placed strategically, one a little before the Karishma show, and the other immediately after, presumably to keep the viewer engaged and hooked for more. Kisse Apna Kahein replaces the year old family saga Virasat, while Gilli Danda replaces the Ruby Bhatia anchored Hello.
Sahara TV programming head V Basav Raj says: “Just like its namesake local Indian game ‘gilli-danda’, the kids programme scheduled to air on Thursdays at 7 pm is a good old fashion entertainment for kids.”
The storyline explores the relationship between Gulshan aka ‘Gilli’ and the next-door retired neighbour Mr. Dhandha, ‘Danda uncle’. Produced under the Sushriya Arts banner, by the Tu Tu Main Main director and Chalti ka naam antakshari anchor, the show, claims an official release, is fictional story minus any special effects.
Kisse apna kahein, meanwhile, is a daily that has been in the pipeline for some time now. Starting on 18 May, the programme is a prime time daily soap tentatively scheduled to air at 9:30 pm, just after the big ticket Karisma Kapoor show. Based on the trial and tribulations of a Muslim family, the show promises to offer something different than the previous ones based on Muslim families.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
