GECs
Sumangali in talks to acquire RPG Netcom
MUMBAI: Sumangali Cable Vision is on the prowl. The Chennai-based multi system operator (MSO) is in talks to acquire RPG Netcom, a move which coincides with Sun Network’s plans to launch a Bengali channel ‘Surjo’ this April.
Sources say RPG Netcom, the dominant MSO in Kolkata, has given the mandate to Ernst & Young to find a buyer. The buzz is that Deloitte is carrying out the due diligence on behalf of Sun Network.
Neither companies were willing to talk about the negotiations. When contacted, Vittal Sampadakumaram of Sumangali Cable Vision declined to comment. RPG Netcom CEO Amit Nag also said he was not in a position to comment on the issue.
RPG Netcom has been trying to find an equity partner for the last few years. The negotiations with Star India broke down after the government passed legislation on the conditional access system (CAS). Star’s argument was that CAS would require huge capital infusion while there was no estimate on the cash earnings that would come into RPG Netcom.
RPG’s disadvantage is that it has very few direct points and, like the other MSOs, has little control over its last mile operators. Besides, the scope to offer value-added services in West Bengal is limited.
So why is Sun Network’s Sumangali Cable Vision showing interest? Analysts believe the acquisition of RPG Netcom will provide Sumangali an entry strategy while Surjo channel will get distribution support.
The talks were initiated over a month ago and RPG Netcom officials went to Chennai for discussions. Sumangali officials, according to a source, have also visited the RPG Netcom office for further talks.
Sun Network is planning to move out of its traditional southern bastion to reach out to a pan national market. Kalanidhi Maran has already announced plans to launch a Hindi channel in 2006. So it would be logical to expect Sumangali to make a similar march outside the south into other markets after it has breached “Bangla land”.
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.
