GECs
Zee Zest set to bring ‘Dude aur Deewani’ on 29 July
Mumbai: Tea or Coffee, ever wondered where your morning ‘cuppa’ came from? Or how MTR’s Rawa Idli took the country by storm in the early 1940s? To pique the curiosity, Zee Zest has announced its latest show called ‘Dude aur Deewani’, hosted by real-life couple Anurag Mallik and Priya Ganapathy.
In each of the 20 episodes, Anurag, who is a travel writer and tourism consultant, and Priya, a former journalist and anchor, will together uncover lesser-known facts about food through a variety of topics. They will share their experiences with viewers through humorous banter with exciting fun facts and trivia about fascinating food history from across the globe, said the channel in a statement.
“With digital platforms gaining strength during the pandemic, the medium is playing a pivotal role in shaping the entertainment industry and therefore important for us to invest in both linear and digital,” said Zee Zest business head, Amit Nair. “Furthermore, the love for food has always been a driving force for setting lifestyle trends. Dude aur Deewani is a show that brings to our viewers, culinary history through the eyes of food and culture enthusiasts, thereby making it relatable for all. It is a show that aims to connect the culinary dots in a fun and informative way.”
Viewers can catch Dude aur Deewani on Zee Zest’s YouTube channel, with a digital-first premiere on 29 July at 10 am. The show is also available for streaming on Zee Zest’s official website.
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.
