GECs
T-Series YBR label announces summer music launch
MUMBAI: T-Series big boss Bhushan Kumar is looking at transforming his very Indian music group, Super Cassettes into one that has international music on its roster. To achieve this goal, earlier this year, he flagged off YBR Records, headed by former Universal executive Vinay Sapru.
Since then YBR has been jetting around the world, in order to sign on artistes at various festivals and markets. And Sapru reveals that his push has been a success. “We are on the verge of doing deals with two artistes from the US, a band and a girl singer from Czechoslovakia, and an artiste from Germany,” he says.
Sapru points out that the artistes will have crossover appeal, in the sense that though they may be international in their broad approach, their music will have Indian elements built in so that it would appeal to Indian audiences. “It was earlier done with a band like Truth Hurts wherein we strung in strains like Kaliyon Ka Chaman into its track and the ploy worked like a charm,” he elucidates.
Releases under the new label are expected to debut in the summer. “We will take the 360 degree marketing approach with radio, TV, live, outdoors, digital, online – the works while promoting the albums and the artistes. We have been very successful with Himesh Reshmaiyya if you see our track record.”
Sapru, who is just back from Midem, believes that the annual music market which just concluded in Cannes a week ago is the best platform for the music trade. “We shook hands with most of our partners and the new artistes I am talking about at Midem,” he says. “We will be signing on the dotted line with them very soon.”
Kumar points out that the group is looking at tying up with an international major very soon. With Universal, Sony BMG, Virgin already entrenched in the market who could it be? Both Sapru and Kumar are not telling but when it does happen it will bring in a new sound to the Indian music market surely.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
