GECs
Star Plus’ next kids’ show ‘K3D’ ready to roll
UMBAI: Hatim has not set the TRP ratings soaring so Star Plus will be hoping for better things from its next kiddies show that launches 21 May. Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Dhoom (K3D), a story that revolves around seven adopted children, has been assigned a Friday 7:30 pm slot.
Produced by Smita Thackeray’s Rahul Productions, the show replaces Karishma kaa Karishma (the Indian version of Small Wonder).
Announcing the launch, Star India senior V-P content and communications Deepak Segal said, “Star Plus has pioneered original children’s programming on Indian television with shows like Shaka Laka Boom Boom, Son Pari and Karishma Kaa Karishma. In our endeavour to bring in variety in this segment, we are launching a new show which has no fantasy, magic or fairytale,” he said.
K3D is the story of seven orphans and the pranks they play on Poster, the servant who looks after them (sounds somewhat on the lines of the character Calendar from the movie Mr India which also had a bunch of orphans) played by Ali Asgar, aunty Savitri (played by Pallavi Joshi) and the visitors who drop in occasionally. Savitri resides in a huge bungalow along with the seven kids adopted by her late husband.
The main supporting cast comprises Vishal Singh as Anuj (the trustee’s son who lands up as a cook in the bungalow because he wants to maintain peace and harmony) and Dilip Joshi as Taneja (the builder who has an eye on Savitri’s property) along with the kids Abhishek Sharma, Anuj Pandit, Lavina Tandon, Shivani Joshi, Arun Dev Sharma, Samarth and Akshita.
According to Thackeray, she would have loved to see the show being aired on Sunday mornings, but Segal opined, “We have done fairly well with Sonpari on Wednesdays and Shakalaka Boom Boom on Fridays, hence not having it on Sundays won’t make a difference.”
When indiantelevision.com asked Thackeray her future projects on television, she said, “We want to do lots more on television and are looking forward to genres of thrillers and soaps as well. We have given some scripts to Sahara and Sony and are awaiting a reply from them.”
On the TV front, Rahul Productions has Khel (SET), Jhep (ETV), Bhagya Vidhata (ETV) to its credit so far.
Joshi was not present at the launch, but Asgar more than made up for her by bubbling with awesome energy and going around saying, “This show gives me opportunity to do what is my forte. No words can describe the happiness and satisfaction I derive in doing comedy,” adding that it has not been easy shooting for it. “With kids, it is very difficult to get the same expression in retakes.”
A point of note as regards the first episode of K3D that was screened at the launch is that it has lots of similarities to films like Brahmachari and Mr India. However, Samir Kulkarni (director) denies this saying, “This is a feeling you might get from the first episode or two, but later on, it’s going to be altogether different.”
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
