GECs
Viacom18 notches up the fight against counterfeit merchandise
MUMBAI: In its endeavour to fight counterfeit products and illegal usage of Intellectual Property (IP), Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. joined hands with Economic Offence Wing of Mumbai Police to conduct raids on businesses trading in counterfeit products of its popular kids brand Peppa Pig. The raids conducted at Choice Gifts in Abdul Rahman Street and Rolex Novelty at Princess Street in Mumbai collectively seized a sizeable amount of counterfeit merchandise.
Anil Lale, General Counsel, Viacom18 said: “The Govt. of India has taken up the issue of piracy and illegal usage of IP significantly over the past few years and we are proud to have worked with public agencies such as Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Maharashtra Cyber Crime Cell and Mumbai Police’s EOW to amp up these efforts. It is important to acknowledge that sale and purchase of counterfeit products are as serious offences as piracy since it takes away from the brand’s loyalty and diminishes its value for the creator.” He further added, “As rightful exclusive licensees, we feel its our duty to the customer – which in this case are young children, to safeguard their interest against fake products.”
Tim Pfeiffer, SVP Business Affairs, Family & Brands, Entertainment One, said: “eOne believes in taking vibrant brands from screens to stores and it is very encouraging to see our international partners and authorities undertake efforts that ensure only real products reach our young audience. Counterfeit merchandise is not only against the licensor’s interest but also has a colossal impact on safety and health of the user due to absence of quality standards.”
The Economic Offenses Wing of Mumbai Police has been at the forefront of a rigorous fight against counterfeit products. Over the course of last year alone they have been able to seize surreptitious businesses that trade in counterfeit products, severely denting the illegal counterfeit merchandizing business.
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.
