GECs
Zee comes out with five new shows
After Sony now it is the turn of Zee Television to announce new programming initiatives. In the press conference in Mumbai, Zee elaborated on its programming run up for the coming months. Well actually three new serials, a series on theatre once in a month and the old blockbuster Antakshri will be in a new format.
‘Babul Ki Duwayen Leti Jaa’ on air every Mon-Fri at 10.15 PM is a emotional and social soap which revolves around five girls who are very close to each other. The story is about their dreams and what they manage to realise. The serial is produced by Shobhana Desai and directed by Aziz Khan, Satish Rajavade and Kamal Moonga.
Another new prime time serial is ‘Ittefaq’ launches erstwhile superstar Rajesh Khanna on the small screen. It is a story of people who are strong-willed but at the same time vulnerable and emotional. The serial is produced by Pawan Kumar and Sanjiv Narang and directed by Indrajit.
The fantasy of Arabian nights will come to viewers in the form of ‘Thief of Baghdad’ on every Wednesday at 8:30 PM. It is produced by Reena Wadhwa of Karnik Communications and directed by Vijay Pandey. The outdoor shooting is being done in Jodhpur palace in Rajasthan to give the feel of Baghdad.
Considerable attention has been provided towards special effects, which is the heart of any fantasy serial. Even though the name of the serial seems to be suggestive of a children’s serial it is meant for all age groups.
“From two year olds to 80 year olds are our target viewers,” replied Reena Wadhwa when asked.
The real innovative programme is ‘Rangshala’, which covers theatre activities. On the last Saturday of every month it will show a drama on the small screen. The dramas will be selected from theatre groups all over India.
The shooting will be done on stage only, but will not be continuous. Veteran theatre and film artist A.K.Hangal said that the new initiative will definitely help theatre rather than hampering it, it will be interesting to see how theatre people adapt to television.
Answering on the expected TRPs and Advertising revenue on ‘Rangshala’, R.K.Singh, CEO Zee TV said that not all programming is done taking into account revenue generation. “It is our endeavour to give something unique and creative. “
Talking on the overall programming strategy he said it is our continuous efforts to give new and innovative things to viewers. In eight years of programming on Zee, utmost care has always been taken to give entertainment and information of all kind and colour to society in the most holistic and composite way. As far as the cost of programming and the expected revenue is concerned Singh replied that cost forms percentage of revenue. Initially the cost will be high but revenues will follow later.
The Good old Antakshari will be in a new format with the slogan “Come, Play and Win the big money of Rs 1,28,00,000.” The aim of the new improved programme is to appeal to all segments of society, with higher amount of prizes. Anu Kapoor and Rajeshwari Sachdev will now anchor the show.
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.
