GECs
TV actor Ajit Vachhani dies at 52
MUMBAI: Film and television artiste Ajit Vachhani passed away at a private hospital in the city today, following a prolonged illness. He was 52. The nature of his illness is not known yet.
Vachhani was a popular television figure. He started his TV career with Samvaad Video’s Bante Bigadte in 1985. Rakesh Chaudhary, producer of the serial, who debuted with Vachhani says, “Vachhani was a really different man — someone you can call a kind soul. He was a very helpful, accommodative and understanding guy.”
Chaudhary and Vachhani worked in six serials together. Bazaar and Aaisa Bhi Hota Hai were some well-known ones. “I wish we could have done a couple of more serials together,” Chaudhary laments.
Vachhani has acted in over 50 Hindi films, three Sindhi films and was a regular in Gujarati and Marathi plays. He acted in Sooraj Barjatya’s Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun… a nd Hum Saath-Saath Hai. His other films include Mr India, Aankhen, Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani and Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa.
Vachhani’s last serial, Ek Mahal Ho Sapnon Ka, ran for 1,000 episodes in Gujarati, Hindi and Marathi. He made a name in the industry as a character artiste.
Vachhani’s body has been taken to his Yari Road residence. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
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.
