GECs
Zee Content Hub originals slate for DISCOP SA: First Indian-African drama, lifestyle and factual programmes offered
MUMBAI: Global Content Hub by Zee – the syndication division of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) — announced its new, original programmes for licensing at the upcoming DISCOP market, in Johannesburg on 25-27 October.
Highlights of this year’s portfolio include the new Indian/African co-production series Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan, filmed in Dubai and the Ivory Coast. Other featured shows on offer are two new dramas and a lifestyle programme, as well as Zee’s complete rich catalogue of over 2400,000 hours’ programs in all genres.
Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan is an original and ground-breaking African-Indian co-production between Zee TV and RTI from Ivory Coast. Filmed in both Africa and the Middle East, the 13-episod ic one-hour drama features well-known African actor Ahmed Souane from the Ivory Coast, who co-stars as the protagonist tycoon’s best friend.
Renowned actor Javed Sheikh portrays the UAE real estate tycoon, Ikram Malik, and the story follows his endeavor to launch a massive real estate project in the UAE. The series is fast-paced, sophisticated and engrossing and began its broadcast in December 2016, garnering the highest rating recorded for any show in the UAE for 2016 (Average 12.1 TVR); and went on to become the top-rated show among South Asians for its entire 2-month run through February 2017. Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan is the second Indian drama series ever filmed in Dubai, the first was Parwaaz also produced by Zee.
Also on offer for the first time are two popular dramas and one factual programme: Woh Apna Sa — an Indian drama series about a troubled marriage and potential love triangle; Waaris (Heir) an Indian drama-thriller series; and English-language, transformational reality programme Big Fat Truth about healthy living.
ZEEL chief business officer – international ad sales, global syndication and production Sunita Uchil said, “Zee’s Global Content Hub is also highlighting two fantastic dramas for the first time as well as an English-language healthy lifestyle programme."
GECs
Sony PAL to air Sankat Mochan Hanuman from May 4 at 9 PM
Mythological series brings Lord Hanuman’s tale of devotion and courage back to TV
MUMBAI: Sony PAL is set to bring back the timeless mythological series Sankat Mochan Hanuman, with its premiere scheduled for May 4 at 9 PM. The show revisits the legendary journey of Lord Hanuman, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with one of Indian mythology’s most revered figures.
Centred on themes of devotion, courage and righteousness, the series traces Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Ram and his fearless stand against evil. With its mix of dramatic storytelling and visually rich sequences, the show aims to deliver both entertainment and spiritual resonance, appealing to audiences across age groups.
The narrative unfolds as a larger-than-life saga, positioning Hanuman as the ultimate protector and a symbol of strength and selfless service. His journey, rooted in faith and duty, continues to strike a chord with viewers, making the series as relevant today as ever.
The cast features Gagan Malik as Lord Ram, Debalina Chatterjee as Sita, Nirbhay Wadhwa in the titular role, and Saurav Gurjar as Raavan. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to characters deeply embedded in Indian cultural memory.
With its return to television, the show is positioned as more than just a rerun. It taps into a renewed appetite for mythological storytelling, blending nostalgia with timeless values.
As audiences increasingly seek content that resonates beyond entertainment, ‘Sankat Mochan Hanuman’ offers a familiar yet powerful narrative, reminding viewers that stories of faith and courage never really go out of style.
