Factual
UTV expects to launch 8 new shows on 7 channels
MUMBAI: UTV claims to have beefed up its television programming front with a clutch of new shows on channels, both domestic and overseas.
From pubcaster Doordarshan to Sony, regional channel Vijay TV to Malaysian channel Astro to the BBC, the production house says it plans to launch eight new shows across seven channels in the next quarter. While Sony Entertainment Television refuses to confirm the launch of the UTV created Sarfarosh, UTV says the show will go on air shortly, and is the story of an ordinary man who will go against all odds to save his family and his country. He is torn between dedication for his country and love for his family when his daughter gets kidnapped.
While a response could not be garnered from Star Plus, UTV says its two shows Shanno Ki Shaadi and Sim Salabi Choo Choo are to begin airing shortly. Shanno Ki Shaadi, a comic soap about a traditional Punjabi family having trouble finding a suitable match for the middle daughter. Shanno is shy, introvertish and makes the best parathas. This show is about laughter, tears, love and romance.
Sim Salabi Choo Choo is about two 10-year-old superkids who are devotees of Goddess Durga. They are blessed with powers to vanquish all evil.
UTV also says Devi, a supernatural thriller will launch on Doordarshan in December. Prayalam, a UTV creation has already premiered on Vijay TV is about a hidden treasure, which offers the power to lead the human race. The king of the state is looking for a child to sacrifice in order to acquire this treasure. This child happens to be the daughter whose existence the king is not aware of, says a UTV release.
UTV has also made a show Casa Idaman 3 for Astro RIA in Malaysia, continuing the strong programming base in Bahasa Malay built over the years by UTV’s wholly owned subsidiary in Malaysia. Casa Idaman is a tale of two matriarchs and their families. It is a story of their rivalry and how their doings are visiting and wreaking havoc on the next generation.
UTV has also ventured into the non-fiction arena, with two shows on BBC and another, identified only as ‘one of the biggest non fiction global channels headquartered in the US’.
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
