GECs
Sahara TV to take on a new look 15 August; slew of new shows being readied
For long a has-been, Sahara TV is now gearing up to stand up and be counted. In preparation for a major programming revamp that is rolling out in September, the channel is going in for a new look on 15 August. Aimed to coincide with Independence Day, the channel will sport new graphics as well as a couple of new shows.
The channel also has plans to introduce a special weekend programming line-up within the next two months, says Sahara TV president Satish Menon.
Among the new programmes that are to be launched on the channel in a phased manner in the next few months is Parchhaiyan, a suspense soap that premiered on Monday. Slotted in the 9 pm prime time band Mondays to Thursdays, the Ravi Rai directed series starring Milind Gunaji and Reena Wadhwa is pitched directly against family soaps on mainstream satellite channels, says Menon.
The channel’s Independence Day programming line up includes a mega entertainment show titled Bharat Parva featuring Bollywood’s top stars. And continuing in that nationalistic vein, an hour long weekly show Mission Fateh, an ode to soldiers on the battlefront, launches 16 August at 9 pm. Each episode will feature the saga of a martyr fighting for the country in the unfriendly terrain of Kargil.
Among the channel’s new shows lined up for September is an adapted version of the classic hit series I Love Lucy with retired former Bollywood superstar Sridevi in the lead role. Post-September will also see Sahara coming out with a strong weekend programming line up, says Menon.
The channel recently appointed SSC&B to promote its programmes, Shubh Mangal Savdhan and Parchhaiyan in a multi media campaign encompassing print, outdoor and radio. The task of making the new graphics and new look of Sahara TV has been given to graphics major Crest Communications, says Menon.
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.
