GECs
Spiritual channel Ananda to follow Zoom ’12 weeks later’
MUMBAI: The spiritual channel from the Bennett, Coleman stable has been christened Ananda and is expected to launch approximately 12 weeks after lifestyle channel Zoom goes on air.
According to Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited president Arun Arora, Ananda ahould launch around mid-December 2004.
While a business news channel is still ‘far away’, the launch of a music based ‘lighter’ channel from the BCCL stable is being firmed up six months from now, though no name has been finalised for it so far. “We are working on the format for the channel, but it is not being thought of as a Times Music addendum. Even our Planet M stores are not Times Music shops, they are more a destination store for all music companies. The spiritual channel will also be run at an arm’s length from Times Music, while recognising and exploiting the synergies of existing Times products,” says Arora.
The business news channel, which continues to build its team (with NDTV’s Arnab Goswami roped in to head operations and a large chunk of the aborted Videocon channnel’s team also among the recruits) is around nine months away. “We are looking at buying some space in Delhi too, we have shortlisted some 17 properties from which we are trying to finalise some for the channels,” says Arora.
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.
