GECs
Zee readies a Bengali news channel
MUMBAI: Star Ananda might soon have competition as Zee News Pvt Ltd readies plans to launch a Bengali news channel.
Going by a working name of Chobbees Ghanta (24 Hours), the proposed news channel is awaiting government and other procedural clearances.
When contacted by Indiantelevision.com, Zee News Pvt LTD confirmed the development with a senior executive saying, “We are planning to launch a Bengali news channel as we feel there’s a market for such a product.”
The new channel will be launched and managed by Zee Akash, a new company that is likely to be managed by Zee News Pvt LTD in association with Akash Bangla, a channel that is said to be funded by supporters of the Left parties.
The company is targeting to launch the channel this quarter, provided various clearances come through by March.
After having restructured itself in September last to conform to government norms for news channels, Zee News Pvt LTD is now charting out a growth path.
In the restructured news entity, Zee Telefilms’ equity stake is 35 per cent, which works out under a complex formula on a pro rata basis to about 20 per cent of foreign holding to comply with the 26 per cent cap.
The restructuring of the news business was necessitated as being part of Zee Telefilms LTD, the foreign holding in the news channels, Zee News and Zee Business, were way above the stipulated government norms.
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.
