GECs
Zee Telugu hits the high notes with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs launch
MUMBAI: Zee Telugu is tuning up for a melodious ride as it launches the 17th season of its iconic singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, this time in the Li’l Champs avatar. The musical journey begins on 30 August at 9 pm, with fresh young talent ready to steal hearts every Saturday night.
Fronting the show is the ever-charismatic Sudheer, whose quick wit and charm promise to keep the energy buzzing. Guiding the contestants is a star-studded panel: singer SP Shailaja, director Anil Ravipudi, lyricist Ananth Sriram, and actor Niharika Konidela each bringing their own flair for music, cinema and storytelling. Together, they’ll mentor the budding singers while keeping audiences hooked with insights and banter.
The line-up of contestants is as vibrant as the stage itself. Advith turned heads with a spirited take on Chaaruseela, complete with a comical American accent, while Kruthi charmed with a soothing rendition of Kokilamma. Nithyasree electrified the crowd with Magallu Vatti Maayagalle, and Aliya Fathima from Kerala proved that music knows no language barrier with her soulful Sirimalle Poova. Meanwhile, Adharv amped up the festive vibe with Dhandalayya, and Lakshmi Chowdary wowed with her jaw-dropping dual voice modulation. A surprise highlight came when singer Sameera Bharadwaj and her daughter took the stage for a playful mom-daughter duet of Kathalenno Chepparu, blending melody with comedy.
With a mix of powerhouse voices, pint-sized confidence, and a panel that knows how to strike the right chord, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs promises to be less of a contest and more of a celebration of music, childhood and pure joy.
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… connection because this time, the game isn’t just about winning, it’s about who’s with you. Sony Pictures Networks India is gearing up to launch a new reality game show, Tum Ho Naa, expanding its unscripted slate with a format that promises both emotion and engagement.
The show will premiere soon on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on Sony LIV, with Rajeev Khandelwal stepping in as host. Known for his measured screen presence and selective choices, Khandelwal’s return to television adds a layer of familiarity and credibility to the upcoming format.
While specific details of the gameplay remain under wraps, the positioning suggests a reality format that leans as much on emotional resonance as it does on competition, an increasingly popular blend in Indian television, where audiences are gravitating towards content that offers both stakes and storytelling.
Khandelwal, reflecting on his return, noted that his choices have often been guided by instinct rather than convention, describing Tum Ho Naa as a project that feels “close to the heart”. His association also signals Sony’s continued focus on anchoring new formats with recognisable faces who bring both relatability and depth.
The launch comes at a time when broadcasters are doubling down on original non-fiction formats to drive appointment viewing, even as digital platforms expand parallel reach. By placing the show across both linear television and OTT, Sony appears to be aiming for a dual-audience strategy capturing traditional viewers while engaging digital-first consumers.
As the countdown to premiere begins, Tum Ho Naa positions itself not just as another game show, but as a reminder that sometimes, the biggest prize on screen isn’t the jackpot, it’s the journey shared along the way.
