GECs
Star Plus enhances fiction programming; goes seven days
MUMBAI: Star India’s Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) Star Plus is all set to redefine its fiction programming.
The channel will run its primetime shows all seven days from Monday to Sunday.
All the shows between 8.00 PM to 10.30 PM slot will be aired on Saturdays and Sundays as well.
A source close to the development informed Indiantelevision.com, “The step is taken to give fiction more importance. The channel is going to aggressively promote and back its fiction programming. This is why the reality show Nach Baliye’s season 8 has been kept on hold for atleast two months.”
The channel had already extended its early primetime slot by stretching all the shows slotted between 5 pm to 7.30 pm to all seven days. Mohi – Ek Khawab Ke Khilne Ki Kahani, Mere Agne Mein, Suhani Si Ek Ladki, Saath Nibhana Saathithya and Yeh Hai Mohabbatein.
On the other hand shows like Siya Ke Ram at 8 pm, Silsila Pyar Ka at 8:30 pm , Diya Aur Baati Hum at 9pm, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai at 9:30 pm, Tamanna at 10 pm and channels upcoming show Dehleez at 10 :30 pm was slated on weekdays only. But now after Star’s decision to extend the weekday programming the shows will run all seven days.
GECs
Sebi sends show-cause notice to Zee over fund diversion, company responds
Regulator questions 2018 letter of comfort and governance lapses; company vows robust legal response
MUMBAI: India’s markets watchdog has reignited its long-running scrutiny of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, issuing a sweeping show-cause notice that drags the broadcaster and 84 others into a widening governance storm.
The notice, dated February 12, has been served by the Securities and Exchange Board of India to Zee, chairman emeritus Subhash Chandra and managing director and chief executive Punit Goenka, among others. At its heart: allegations that company funds were indirectly routed to settle liabilities of entities linked to the Essel Group.
The regulator’s probe traces its roots to November 2019, when two independent directors resigned from Zee’s board, flagging concerns over the alleged appropriation of fixed deposits by Yes Bank. The deposits were reportedly adjusted against loans extended to Essel Group entities, triggering questions about related-party dealings and board oversight.
A key flashpoint is a letter of comfort dated September 4, 2018, issued by Subhash Chandra in his dual capacity as chairman of Zee and the Essel Group. The document, linked to credit facilities availed by certain group companies from Yes Bank, was allegedly known only to select members of management and not disclosed to the full board—an omission SEBI believes raises red flags over transparency and governance controls.
Zee has pushed back hard. In a statement, the company said it “strongly refutes” the allegations against it and its board members and will file a detailed response. It expressed confidence that SEBI would conduct a fair review and signalled readiness to pursue all legal remedies to protect shareholder interests.
The notice marks the latest twist in a saga that has shadowed the broadcaster since 2019. What began as boardroom unease has morphed into a full-blown regulatory confrontation. The final reckoning now rests with SEBI—but the reputational stakes for Zee, and the message for India Inc on governance discipline, could scarcely be higher.
