GECs
Star denies report on Phoenix pullout
MUMBAI: The Star Group has strongly refuted a recent report in the Financial Times that News Corp “has discussed withdrawing from Phoenix Satellite Television, its Hong Kong-based Chinese television joint venture.”
“We have not considered or discussed any exit from Phoenix. There is no logic in the report. Why should we pull out of what is an extremely profitable venture,” Jannie Poon, spokesperson at Hong Kong-based Star TV, News Corp’s Asian arm, has told Indiantelevision.com
The FT report, quoting people familiar with the situation, said News Corp was internally debating whether to sell of its entire 38 per cent stake in Phoenix over its JV partner’s failure to facilitate Star’s till now fruitless attempts to expand further in China. Star TV is currently restricted to upscale hotels and apartments and China’s southern province of Guangdong.
News Corp and Liu Changle, chairman of Phoenix, hold an equal 38 per cent stake (value roughly HK$ 2.2 billion at current exchange rates) in China’s leading commercial broadcaster.
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.
