GECs
Sony claims huge response as ‘Idols’ kicks off first leg in Kolkata
MUMBAI: The journey of Sony’s Indian Idol on what the network hopes will be its road to TRP riches officially kicked off today in Kolkata.
And if the number of registrations the channel claims have been received thus far, 200,000 in all, are anything to go by, the Indian avatar of the global reality hit should be off and running.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com over the phone from Kolkata, Sony’s executive vice president programming and response Tarun Katial says, “Well, in Kolkata alone we have received 50,000 entries, and the place is charged with energy. Due to auditions taking place by prior appointment, the situation is pretty much under control at the venue.”
Considering a figure of 50,000 in Kolkata alone, the question of converting every registration into an audition is not only an uphill task, but appears well nigh impossibile. Queried as to how his team was managing such huge numbers, Katial had this to say, “We have reworked our format in terms of our infrastructure, space and have pumped up our size to accommodate more people. What we have realised is that India is a different market and hence our means need to be in tandem. We’ve also extended our audition timings from 7 am – 10 pm.”
Two days (8 and 9 September) have been set aside for the auditions with an additional day (10 September) slotted as a walk-in day for people who didn’t manage to register.
Katial says all sorts of people have come in to contest, there have been sisters competing, a train driver accompanying his son, new moms. Also people from states outside West Bengal from as far away as Tripura, Jharkhand, Assam have come in to try their luck at fame, says Katial. There was even a boy from Bihar who had to be sent back as he was not carrying the appropriate papers, he added.
With the Kolkata chapter ending on 10 September, Idol’s next destination is the capital.
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.
