Comedy
This Diwali, India TV introduces comedy show Fakir-e-Azam
New Delhi: This festive season India TV is introducing its Diwali Dhamaaka – ‘Fakir-e-Azam”, a comedy show that is sure to give you relief from all the tension around. Set in the Pakistani PM’s office Fakir-E-Azam is a political satire that focuses on the day to day struggles of the current prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, that faces in the his office.
The show follows Imran Khan, as he goes about his daily routine, calling heads of various countries trying to get his agenda across, but no one seems to take him seriously, instead, they make fun of him, threaten him and humiliate him, the situation reaches a point where he gets frustrated and ends up making fun of himself.
Khan is often seen mumbling to himself that no one listens to him, as most people he calls keep the phone down without listening to what he has to say. Besides trying to connect with heads of other countries Khan is seen struggling with the problems within his own ranks and often trying to solve issues caused by their actions.
Besides all this the most important thing that Khan wants to talk about is India and how he feels threatened by Modi’s regime as they take immediate action as compared to the previous regime who did nothing. The other thing that features in Imran Khan’s conversation, which also gives the show its title ‘Fakir-e-Aazam’, is the fact that Pakistan’s economy is in shambles, it is literally a bankrupt state and that is why Khan is asking everyone for money especially China, by painting a sorry picture of Pakistan.
The show Fakir-e-Azam tries to be as current to the situation in Pakistan, but also touches topics that have been a permanent fixture of the countries landscape, terrorism and Kashmir. Renowned voiceover and character artist Vishwas Kapoor creates some hilarious moments to this show as he plays the Pakistani PM Imran Khan.
MUMBAI: If laughter is the best medicine, Sony Marathi seems to have found a way to bottle it and now, uncap it. After nine years, 950 plus episodes and a cult following that treats Maharashtrachi Hasyajatra (MHJ) like a weekly family ritual, the channel has taken the comedy blockbuster beyond the stage with MHJ Unplugged, a digital-only podcast that lets fans peek behind the punchlines.
Season 1 of MHJ Unplugged became an instant favourite, thanks to its refreshing premise: nine beloved MHJ artists dropping their on-stage personas to share raw, reflective, and often emotional stories. From childhood struggles to backstage chaos, each episode offered a rare, unfiltered look at the people behind Maharashtra’s most-watched comedy universe, a contrast fans embraced wholeheartedly.
The numbers tell the story. The debut season clocked 23 million plus views across Sony Marathi’s digital platforms, proving that the MHJ fandom doesn’t end when the cameras stop rolling. And for brands, the podcast became a high-engagement playground for integrations that didn’t feel shoehorned instead blending organically into the show’s storytelling.
Presenting partners Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers and Ravetkar Group rode the wave, with both receiving prominent host mentions and consistent visibility via L-bands, Aston bands and episode-level branding. Ravetkar Group even levelled up with on-set physical branding, rooted in the show’s community-first sentiment.
But the jewel in the crown quite literally was Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers’ now-signature integration: the “Waman Hari Pethe Soneri Kshan moment”. Each episode spotlighted a heartfelt moment between the host and guest, capped with a gifted silver coin that aligned perfectly with the brand’s motto “Soneri Kshananche Sobti”. It wasn’t just product placement, it was emotional placement.
Ravetkar Group founder and managing director Amol Ravetkar said, “Just as we build homes, we want to build moments of joy. Sponsoring this beloved show, which celebrates local talent and humour, reinforces our commitment to the culture and values of the communities we serve. We are proud to support quality regional entertainment and be a part of the incredible ‘MHJ universe’ that has captured millions of hearts.”
Waman Hari Pethe partner Ashish Pethe said, “Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers is delighted to partner with Sony Marathi’s MHJ Unplugged. This collaboration allows us to connect directly with our customers. MHJ Unplugged is a perfect vehicle for us as there is a perfect synergy between our customers and the audience of MHJ. Happy that we could share in the joy and laughter that this unique platform brings to the MHJ universe.”
Much of the show’s resonance comes from the way host Amit Phalke anchors it steering conversations with warmth, humour, and an ear for the stories that deepen fans’ emotional connection with the MHJ family.
Now, buoyed by Season 1’s success, Sony Marathi is gearing up for a bigger, bolder Season 2, with new sponsors already circling and an expanded content slate in the works. The channel calls MHJ Unplugged a “milestone in Marathi entertainment,” an experiment that not only paid off, but opened doors for high-engagement digital IPs rooted in regional storytelling.
If Season 1 brought fans closer to their favourite comedians, Season 2 promises to pull them right into the greenroom. After all, in the MHJ universe, the laughter doesn’t end, it simply goes unplugged.
