GECs
Zee makes Choti Maa a daily
There’s a glut of daily soaps. Here’s another joining that rash. Choti Maa Ek Anokha Bandhan, a remake of the super successful Tamil soap Chithi (it is running in its 440 episode), is slated to become a five-day-a-week affair (from the current thrice a week telecast now) come 17 September. Choti Maa is touted as the big driver in Zee TV’s struggle to charge ahead in the programming and viewership sweepstakes.
Choti Maa, portrays the life of a woman of strength and extraordinary substance who seldom uses tears as a crutch, who decides a future for which she can write her own script , which she does with amazing success.
It is a co-production between Chithi producer Radaan Mediaworks India (chaired by Radikaa & M.R.Mohan Ratha) which is looking after the creative and production aspects, and United Television (promoted by Ronnie Screwvala, Zarina Mehta and Deven Khote), which is handling the marketing, communication and promotion of the show. Schedules for shooting take the cast to Bangalore, Pandharpur,and Satara .
Chithi has achieved phenomenal viewership and consistently makes its appearance in the top three shows in all India ratings across channels C& S homes.Zee is hoping to get the same results with Choti Maa. in the Hindi version. The channel will need all of Choti Maa’s blessings to get the results that are envisaged.
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
