GECs
Zee TV encrypts; rivals allege severe problems; company says no way
Zee Telefilms’ effort to migrate the free to air (FTA) analogue Zee TV to pay TV digital mode is facing teething problems. At the time of writing, rivals and some cable ops alleged that the channel is not available in almost 70 per cent of Indian cable and satellite TV homes ever since the analogue FTA beam was switched off on Sunday, 10 June. Zee, however, strongly denied this.
“They have not been able to distribute enough of the digital IRDs nationally,” alleged an official from a rival channel. “The result is that the channel is not available in most of interior India.”
Zee Telefilms CEO RK Singh denied this was true. “The figure is actually the reverse. Zee TV is available in almost 70 per cent of Indian cable and satellite homes,” he says.
According to him, a distribution team of 80 is beating the streets in order to reach the IRDs to cable TV operators. “So far, 4,500 digital boxes have been distributed. Another 2,000 should be rolled out in the next eight to 10 days and all the problems will be sorted out,” he reveals. “Viewers have nothing to worry about. Ditto cable TV operators.”
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.
