GECs
Star ropes in Amitabh Bachchan as host for ‘Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi’
MUMBAI: The “Nau Baj Gaye Kya?” question way back in the year 2000 is imprinted in the minds of one and all. That was when megastar Amitabh Bachchan came on the small screen for the first time to host Kaun Banega Crorepati for Star Plus. The show re-wrote Indian television history. Now, after a span of almost 15 years, Star India and Bachchan have come together again.
Come October and the channel is once again looking at changing the grammar of creativity and entertain and inspire a nation with Bachchan in a never-been-seen avatar. This time round, Bachchan will be seen hosting a new show on Star Plus called Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi, which is an adaptation of the British series Tonight’s The Night, which is aired on BBC One. The show will also be made available on hotstar.
BBC One’s Tonight’s The Night is a series combining show-stopping acts from world-class artists with once-in-a-lifetime performances that make people’s dreams come true. The BBC One show is hosted by actor and singer John Barrowman.
Star India CEO Said Uday Shankar said, “Our vision has been to inspire a billion imaginations and we have aimed to do that with every content offering we bring forth as a network. With Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi, we have once again collaborated with the biggest superstar of the country Amitabh Bachchan for a unique project on Indian television that will not only entertain but also inspire individuals and leave them with a reason to smile.”
Bachchan added, “Having started my television journey with Star India, I was always looking to associate with Star Plus again. However, I was keen that we come together for a befitting show that carries forward the legacy. When I heard about Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi, I instantly connected with it. I genuinely believe that media is a powerful vehicle to inspire change but we have to achieve this in an entertaining manner. What I love about this show is that it is a thoroughly entertaining show, but has its heart in the right place. I am really looking forward to it.”
The first promo of the show featuring Bachchan is out on hotstar, where he can be seen in an elevator clapping his way to happiness and dancing to the tunes of peppy beats in Macarena like dance steps.
Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi has brought on Maruti Suzuki as the presenting sponsor, whereas Cadburys Dairy Milk is the powered by sponsor.
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.
