GECs
Zee tipped to be Nimbus’ telecast partner; uncertainty in the UK
MUMBAI: A day after Nimbus Communications clinched a $612.18 million (Rs 27.24 billion) global media rights deal for cricket to be played in India for the next four years, all speculation revolved around the telecast partner Harish Thawani’s production company would announce on 22 February.
Nimbus begins its term as global media rights owner for all international and domestic BCCI-organised cricket with England’s tour of India that kicks off with the first Test in Nagpur from 1 March. England is scheduled to play three Tests and seven ODIs in the country over the next one and a half months.
All bets currently are on Zee Telefilms being the broadcaster that will be the telecast partner for this series (and for the rest of the four years that the deal runs uptil 31 March, 2010). Media rumblings around this have already begun. A report in Kolkata’s The Telegraph newspaper quotes some of Zee’s rivals as expressing “suspicion that Nimbus will resell the rights to Zee.” The paper cites unconfirmed reports that ESPN-Star Sports and some other bidders were huddled in strategy meetings over the matter.
And further afield, in the UK, both television and radio coverage remains in limbo as Nimbus has reportedly hiked its asking price.
First there is News Corp-controlled British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB), which incidentally had bid for the UK territory but was disqualified because it included caveats in its bids. BCCI vice-president and marketing panel chairman Lalit Modi had clearly specified at the time of submission of tenders that any conditions or caveats introduced as adjuncts to any bid would mean automatic disqualification.
In the past, BSkyB has secured rights for matches involving India and England for well short of £1million. This time round though, reports coming in the British press quoting industry insiders say Nimbus has hiked its asking price to over £5 million. BSkyB has had a virtual monopoly on England’s overseas Tests for over 10 years.
Even on the radio front, there is uncertainty with a BBC radio spokeswoman being quoted as saying, “We’re still in negotiations with Nimbus.”
As regards the TV rights, BSkyB could also face competition from Asian-run TV channels in the UK, such as Zee, Sony and Pakistan’s ARY Digital. All three broadcasters target the strong South Asian population in the UK and having this series to showcase would get in huge subscription revenues.
Whether any of these three have the financial muscle to fork out over £5 million for telecast rights remains the moot though.
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.
