GECs
Star’s ‘Kahaani…’ goes to Melbourne
MUMBAI: Star Plus’ Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii has taken a flight to Melbourne, Australia. In a strategic move to add zest to the prime time drama and tap into the mind set of the growing Indian travel market, producers from Balaji Telefilms worked in association with the Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) to create a plot that unfolds in Melbourne.
Kahaanis Om, Parvati, Shruti and Aryaan are caught in a twisting and scheming story line that captures stunning aqua marine Melbourne aquarium, the Federation Square the new centre piece of Melbourne, Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Wildlife Park and the Royal Botanical Garden. Other locations the crew will be shooting include the Crown Entertainment Complex and the beautiful bay-side environs of St Kilda.
Australian Tourist Commission general manager, South and South East Asia Maggie White said, “India is a key emerging market for Australia and, thanks to Balaji, millions of viewers across India will be exposed to Melbournes vast spectrum of experiences set against the backdrop of the worlds most livable city.”
“Melbourne wears its history close to its heart and its urban sophistication on its sleeve. Divided into precincts containing a treasure trove of individual attractions, unique characteristics and cultural adventures, these individual locales span the landscape of this beautiful city from the river to the sea. Artistic, entertaining, historic and cosmopolitan, this life story of marvelous Melbourne reflects in every aspect of the destination,” said White.
Balaji Telefilms creative director Ekta Kapoor said, “A well etched story line coupled with scenic locales is a potent combination for any visual drama on television or film. Melbourne provided the perfect visual landscape that was scenic and artistic as well as glamorous. Melbourne has it all.”
“Black Cat Production house is thrilled to be the line producer for Balaji Telefilms and help showcase Melbourne in all its splendour. It has been great fun working with the Indian crew and combining the best of the vibrant locations of Melbourne, the energy of the Indian crew and the professionalism of our Australian crew,” says Black Cat Productions EP Mitu Bhowmick.
Balajis crew is currently shooing for 15 days starting first week of April 2004 in Melbourne. The Balaji visit was co-sponsored by Tourism Victoria.
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.
