GECs
UTV Q1 revenue up 7% at Rs 523 million
MUMBAI: UTV Software Communications Ltd. has posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 34 million for the quarter ended 30 June 2006, same as in the year-ago period.
While revenue rose seven per cent to stand at Rs 523 million, operating profit was at Rs 46 million. The company has consolidated the financials of post production outfit United Entertainment Solutions Ltd (UESL), UTV-US, UTV-UK and UTV-Mauritius. The board of directors, in its meeting held today, have taken on record the un-audited consolidated financial results of the company and its subsidiaries.
Commenting on the quarterly results, UTV CEO Ronnie Screwvala said, “The first quarter of the current fiscal has witnessed a marginal growth in revenues over the same quarter last year. This growth is largely driven by the new shows in the television and A&S segments and film revenues have largely remained flat as most of our releases for this fiscal are during the third and the fourth quarter. The margins of the company haven’t shown a corresponding increase mainly because the new shows introduced would take some time to mature in TV and airtime sales business. In our animation business, during past few quarters we have focused on overall scale by strengthening order book, moving up the value chain by entering into production of DVD and theatrical movies and expansion of facilities. These investments are expected to translate into higher revenues and margins going forward.”
The UTV scrip shed 4.01 per cent to close today at Rs 167.35 in the BSE. Even in the NSE, it lost 4.23 per cent to end at Rs 167.60.
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
