English Entertainment
All-new series from animal planet and the dodo – “Dodo Heroes”’ 0 spotlights powerful bonds between animals and people
MUMBAI: Animal Planet and DODO, the #1 animal brand on digital, will premiere a new series ‘DODO HEROES’ which will feature inspiring stories of animals in need from around the world, and the compassionate humans who go to unimaginable lengths to give them hope. With each episode focusing on one inspiring and moving story of people who go to any lengths to help animals, the series will explore the personalities and emotions of both humans and animals, while highlighting their unique connection. DODO HEROES marks Animal Planet’s first-ever global series launch which will premiere on Friday, June 15 at 9 PM in India and in over 220 countries and territories worldwide.
In India, Animal Planet is launching a campaign ‘Be Kind to All Kind’ in its endeavor to raise support for select NGOS dedicated to the welfare of stray animals. The channel has roped in celebrities Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kapoor to create awareness about this sensitive issue.
“The situation of stray animals in India is a matter of concern, and we will all have to come together to help these lovely beings. I have personally met many people who would like to support stray animals but can’t because they don’t know how to. The campaign ‘Be Kind to All Kind’ aims to reach out to people, and provide access so that they can support the cause they believe in,” said, Soha Ali Khan. “Animals are surprisingly human in the way they emote, they express. Infact, I don’t pamper my dogs (3 pets), they pamper me with unending selfless love. I enjoy each moment that I spend with them. It is amazing how much satisfaction one can gain by just being ‘natural’ with the most adorable creatures God has created.”
Kunal Kapoor, added, “It is our responsibility to stand up for all living beings especially animals. We can’t just look the other way when the situation demands help…infact we need to take a decisive action. There are NGOs who work towards the rescue and rehabilitation of needy animals who run shelters, ambulance services, sterilization programs, treatment camps and disaster rescue missions. If we cannot personally go and help these animals then least we can do is support the NGOs dedicated to animal welfare. I hope more and more people joins hands contribute to this genuine cause, and help make India a better place to live for all animals.”
As a part of Be Kind to All Kind campaign, Animal Planet will urge people to directly support NGOs including ‘World For All’ to raise funds to run their monthly rescue and treatment programme and fostering first aid to the needy strays, ‘The Feline Foundation’ to help control the population of stray cats and dogs in Mumbai and ‘Wild Life Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre’ to help them feed and care for 5 elephants rescued from a life in chains. To donate, visit www.animalplanet.in and lend a helping hand!
English Entertainment
ZEE5 UK partners Narrative Entertainment to add UK channels
Six FAST channels added as platform sharpens hybrid play in Britain
LONDON: ZEE5 UK struck a first-of-its-kind deal with Narrative Entertainment, bringing mainstream UK television channels onto an Indian streaming platform as it pushes to deepen its footprint in a crowded, mature market.
The partnership adds six of Narrative’s FAST channels to the service, including Great! Movies, Great! Romance, Great! Mystery and kids brands POP, Tiny Pop and POP UP, widening ZEE5 UK’s appeal across genres and age groups.
The move reflects a clear shift in strategy. ZEE5 UK is betting on a hybrid model that blends on-demand content with curated, always-on channels to drive discovery and increase time spent on the platform.
“This partnership represents a meaningful evolution in how we serve audiences in mature markets like the UK, where viewers are defined by habits, convenience and choice rather than geography or language alone,” said Parul Goel, territory head, Europe, Zee Entertainment. “By bringing trusted mainstream UK channels together with our premium originals, movies and kids’ content, we are building a more consumer-centric platform that simplifies viewing while increasing depth and relevance.”
Fateha Begum, commercial director, Narrative Entertainment, said the tie-up would fuel growth for both sides. “Our portfolio of quality programming, with such wide and enduring appeal, is a perfect complement to ZEE5 UK. This is a strong partnership that will support growth for both parties, and we share Zee Entertainment’s vision of an increasingly partnership-led future for the industry.”
ZEE5’s global library spans over 4,000 films and more than 500 originals, with over 130 new titles added annually. The addition of Narrative’s channels strengthens its kids offering and introduces genre-led linear experiences alongside its on-demand catalogue.
The deal also gives Narrative access to ZEE5 UK’s fast-growing user base, extending reach without diluting brand identity, while reinforcing ZEE5 UK’s network of more than 40 live channels.
As streaming wars intensify, ZEE5 UK is widening its playbook, blending content, convenience and partnerships in a bid to win screen time in one of the world’s toughest markets.
