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
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.
