GECs
Waman Kendre is new director of NSD
NEW DELHI: Noted theatre personality Waman Kendre has been appointed director of National School of Drama (NSD).
His appointment is for a period of five years w.e.f. the date of assumption of charge of the post or till superannuation on 62 years of age or until further orders, whichever is the earliest.
The outgoing NSD Director Anuradha Kapur’s term ended in July 2012, and she was on extension pending the decision regarding her successor. Kapur finally stepped down on 30 April this year, after which the position had been lying vacant. Several theatre persons had met the culture minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch on 27 June, seeking early appointment of the head of premier arts institutions such as NSD.
An NSD alumnus, Kendre hails from Maharashtra, known for its rich tradition of theatre, both folk and modern. He did his research in Kerala’s folklore, and played a leading role in the Dalit theatre movement in Maharashtra in the late 70s. Among his well-known plays are Mohandas, Ranangan, Janeman, Madhyam Vyayog, Zulva, Tempt Me Not and Dusara Samana. He currently heads the Academy of Theatre Arts, Mumbai University.
Kendre’s name was among the three names short-listed by a selection committee comprising Shyam Benegal, Girish Karnad, Satish Alekar, Govind Deshpande and Amal Allana. The other two contenders were Arundhati Nag from Bangalore and Abdul Latif Khatana from Kashmir.
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.
