GECs
[V] = reality: A new equation for ’04
MUMBAI: Reality works! And Channel [V] knows that better than most. After all, Star’s 24-hour music channel came back into the ratings reckoning through its reality talent hunt Popstars.
During the Mumbai launch of the model hunt [V] Get Gorgeous, channel head honcho Amar K Deb offered, “It was channel [V] that started off the reality trend in the true sense in India. With the launch of Get Gorgeous, we are just building on that brand.”
Touted as a Cinderella hunt, this eight episode-long reality show will show the transformation of the four chosen faces into models. The ‘power’ partner Elite will be grooming these ladies and managing their careers. The hunt is sponsored by self-proclaimed leaders in CDMA phones, LG CDMA.
Says Deb, “Reality has been something that [V] has believed strongly in. This is our third hugely promoted reality show after Popstars and [V] on The Run and we have a couple more aces up our sleeves.” When quizzed if [V] had abandoned plans for the third installment of Popstars, Deb hinted that something bigger was coming up and an announcement would be made within two-three weeks.
For now, the Get Gorgeous hunt has reached its last stage. The last round will be held at JW Marriott’s Enigma on Wednesday, 5 May at 9:30 pm. The music channel claims that it has received over 1,000 entries thus far and the last date for accepting entries has been extended for another three weeks.
Speaking about the reality genre and Channel [V] equation, Deb couldn’t resist taking a jibe at rival MTV. “With their latest Roadies, they have tries to ape both Popstars and our former travelogue Reality Express, but look at the results!
“We have got some excellent footage and good reviews from even the critiques for our road show [V] on The Run. Now with the launch of Get Gorgeous, I think that they will have to run off to the jungle,” he asserted.
GECs
Sebi sends show-cause notice to Zee over fund diversion, company responds
Regulator questions 2018 letter of comfort and governance lapses; company vows robust legal response
MUMBAI: India’s markets watchdog has reignited its long-running scrutiny of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, issuing a sweeping show-cause notice that drags the broadcaster and 84 others into a widening governance storm.
The notice, dated February 12, has been served by the Securities and Exchange Board of India to Zee, chairman emeritus Subhash Chandra and managing director and chief executive Punit Goenka, among others. At its heart: allegations that company funds were indirectly routed to settle liabilities of entities linked to the Essel Group.
The regulator’s probe traces its roots to November 2019, when two independent directors resigned from Zee’s board, flagging concerns over the alleged appropriation of fixed deposits by Yes Bank. The deposits were reportedly adjusted against loans extended to Essel Group entities, triggering questions about related-party dealings and board oversight.
A key flashpoint is a letter of comfort dated September 4, 2018, issued by Subhash Chandra in his dual capacity as chairman of Zee and the Essel Group. The document, linked to credit facilities availed by certain group companies from Yes Bank, was allegedly known only to select members of management and not disclosed to the full board—an omission SEBI believes raises red flags over transparency and governance controls.
Zee has pushed back hard. In a statement, the company said it “strongly refutes” the allegations against it and its board members and will file a detailed response. It expressed confidence that SEBI would conduct a fair review and signalled readiness to pursue all legal remedies to protect shareholder interests.
The notice marks the latest twist in a saga that has shadowed the broadcaster since 2019. What began as boardroom unease has morphed into a full-blown regulatory confrontation. The final reckoning now rests with SEBI—but the reputational stakes for Zee, and the message for India Inc on governance discipline, could scarcely be higher.
