GECs
&TV looks back at its greatest hits of 2020
MUMBAI: As 2020 comes to an end, &TV reflects on its year in review. The channel commenced the year with big bang launches of Bhakt Aur Bhagwan Se Judi Do Kahaniyian – Kahat Hanuman Jai Shri Ram and Santoshi Maa Sunaye Vrat Kathayein in January. In the third quarter, as the shoots resumed, &TV kickstarted its creative campaign of #TayyariHumariZabardastHai, offering high-octane entertainment with Usse Bhi Zabardast Kirdars Aur Kahaniyans. Wrapping up the year on a high note, &TV recently launched the untold story of Yeshu for the first time on Hindi GEC. Produced by Arvind Babbal Productions, the show premiered on 22 December 2020.
As the channel gears up to embrace the new year of 2021 filled with renewed energy, new hope with brand-new characters and stories, let us look back at the year gone by in detail.
A fusion of Indian heartland culture
Celebrating every facet, flavour, character, and stories that authentically bring alive the essence of our Indian culture, &TV presented wide-ranging stories and characters during the year.
Santoshi Maa Sunaye Vrat Kathayein for the devout at heart, the age-old tradition of vrat kathas to attain peace and contentment in life. Conveying the message of the ultimate triumph of the sincerely devoted in a storytelling format, the socio-mythological show produced by Rashmi Sharma Telefilms, marked the comeback of popular Bollywood actress Gracy Singh as Santoshi Maa. It also featured Tanvi Dogra portraying the role of Swati, an ardent devotee and how she makes her way through various problems under the guidance of Santoshi Maa and Ashish Kadian, essaying the role of Swati's husband, Indresh.
For every God, there is a devotee. Still, it is Lord Hanuman's unyielding devotion and selfless dedication to Lord Ram that truly sets him apart and makes him the epitome of bhakti. A captivating story of devotion in its truest form, Kahat Hanuman Jai Shri Ram depicted the many unexplored sides of Lord Hanuman, including the purpose of his life. Giving viewers a glimpse of the unheard tale of Lord Shiva and the invincible evil Ravana, viewers witnessed the fascinating mythological journey of how Bal Hanuman eventually emerged as the greatest devotee of Lord Ram and managed to bring a successful end to Ravana's reign of terror. The show featured Ekagra Dwivedi essaying the young lead character of Hanuman along with Nirbhay Wadhwa as Bali, Sneha Wagh as Anjani (Hanuman's mother) and Jiten Lalwani as Kesari (Hanuman's father), amongst others.
The iconic story of Yeshu
In challenging times like today when despair is high, virtues like compassion, kindness, hope, love and forgiveness are the cornerstones of humanity that will help us sail through crisis. One iconic story where good overcomes evil and compassion trumps condemnation is that of Yeshu. &TV is proud to present, for the first time on a Hindi GEC, the untold, unheard tale of Yeshu.
Yeshu is about an exceptionally benevolent child who only wants to do good and spread happiness all around him. His love and compassion for all is a stark contrast to the dark, evil forces prevalent during his lifetime. Witnessing the various atrocities on his family and in society has a deep impact on him. His attempt to help others and ease their pain often leads to situations where he inevitably ends up being hurt and condemned, by not just the oppressors, but also people at large. But even that does not stop Yeshu from continuing on his path. The show has a stellar cast comprising Vivaan Shah portraying the role of young Yeshu, Sonali Nikam as Mary, Aarya Dharmchand as Joseph, Darpan Srivastava as King Herod and Rudra Soni as Herod Antipas, amongst others.
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.
