GECs
Star, Balaji make light of tiff over ‘Kyunki’ clone
Reports that there was a dispute between Star India and Balaji Telefilms over the Tamil reworking of the hit soap “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Balaji” were downplayed by both the channel and the production house today.
Balaji had been commissioned to do the programme for the Tamil language Sun TV network. Star raised objections after it was noticed that the initial episodes were virtually identical to that of ‘KSBKBT’ being shown on Star Plus.
According to Star corporate communications head Yash Khanna, since Star owns the worldwide rights to the soap it had asked Balaji to change the storyline and the television software production house had agreed to do so.
The Tamil version started this April and 104 episodes have already been shown.
Balaji CEO Sanjay Dosi said the issue had been sorted out and emphasised that Star and Balaji continued to share a most positive relationship.
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… connection because this time, the game isn’t just about winning, it’s about who’s with you. Sony Pictures Networks India is gearing up to launch a new reality game show, Tum Ho Naa, expanding its unscripted slate with a format that promises both emotion and engagement.
The show will premiere soon on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on Sony LIV, with Rajeev Khandelwal stepping in as host. Known for his measured screen presence and selective choices, Khandelwal’s return to television adds a layer of familiarity and credibility to the upcoming format.
While specific details of the gameplay remain under wraps, the positioning suggests a reality format that leans as much on emotional resonance as it does on competition, an increasingly popular blend in Indian television, where audiences are gravitating towards content that offers both stakes and storytelling.
Khandelwal, reflecting on his return, noted that his choices have often been guided by instinct rather than convention, describing Tum Ho Naa as a project that feels “close to the heart”. His association also signals Sony’s continued focus on anchoring new formats with recognisable faces who bring both relatability and depth.
The launch comes at a time when broadcasters are doubling down on original non-fiction formats to drive appointment viewing, even as digital platforms expand parallel reach. By placing the show across both linear television and OTT, Sony appears to be aiming for a dual-audience strategy capturing traditional viewers while engaging digital-first consumers.
As the countdown to premiere begins, Tum Ho Naa positions itself not just as another game show, but as a reminder that sometimes, the biggest prize on screen isn’t the jackpot, it’s the journey shared along the way.
