GECs
Code Red to present a special series ‘Talaash’
MUMBAI: Folklore and urban legends have, over the years, impacted human behavior and played a critical role in shaping our belief in the existence of the paranormal. While to many these folklores are figments of imagination, most urban legends stem out of human frailties. After successfully tackling various topics like suicide, violence against women and children, and entrapment, COLORS’ solution-driven show, Code Red will now throw light on some of the most popular paranormal occurrence in the country and narrate the untold story behind every supernatural incidence through a brand new series titled Talaash. To take viewers through tales that have influenced their mindsets, COLORS has roped in Anita Hassanandani and Shaleen Malhotra. Produced by A Lost Boy Productions, Code Red’s Talaash series will narrate urban legends and popular ‘hearsay’ that have impacted the society and will go on-air starting 20th April, 2015 at 10:30 PM on COLORS.
Speaking about the launch of the new series, Manisha Sharma, Programming Head – Colors said, “Through Code Red, we have sensitized viewers about issues that impact society based on human frailties while empowering them to deal with inner and outer demons. Through the initial episodes on Code Red, we have created a ray of hope to viewers who might have been on the verge of giving up. After Umeed, Awaaz and Chakravyuh, we are now announcing the Talaash series – which brings to light stories that set beliefs in society. Our aim is to bust popular myths that have been passed along generations, forming opinions and set patterns in people. As another aspect of human frailty comes forward, we hope to inform viewers about the existence of certain paranormal energies around us.”
Commenting on the series, producer Vikas Gupta from A Lost Boy Productions said, “There are stories of oddities and abnormalities which have, over the years, become legends. Code Red’s Talaash series promises to create an engaging proposition for viewers while building empathy for the wandering spirits along with the underlying message of hope.”
Code Red Talaash touches upon the unknown and the reasons why these paranormal energies exist while building empathy for them in the minds of the viewers. The series highlights the lasting impact that injustice has had on the minds of those offended. Very often, the impact affects that soul of the person wronged; much after the person is deceased. An unusual yet humane way of addressing the unknown, Code Red Talaash aims at demystifying popular myths and urban legends that have been passed along generations.
Commenting her association with the show as an enabler of change, Anita Hassanandani says, “We are often told by our friends and family members to not go to a particular place owing to some unkown energies that might have existed there, making us form superstitions in our mind. These beliefs are then passed on to our acquaintances and then take the shape of an urban legend that the society blindly accepts without questioning its authenticity. Code Red’s Talaash series investigates these superstitions and strives to create a sense of relatability in the minds of viewers for the unknown phenomenon which have shrouded their judgments and set beliefs.”
Adding further, Shaleen Malhotra comments, “The concept of Code Red’s Talaash series is very intriguing and different. It is not a horror show; in fact, it talks about incidents that we have all heard of and adds an emotional quotient to it – making us empathize with these supernatural elements.”
Some of the tales that will be revealed on Code Red’s Talaash during the course of the show include an autorickshaw story based in Mumbai’s suburb of Borivali, a legend about a water-well in Rajasthan, and even the true story behind the ‘unsafe’ claim for Delhi’s Cantonment Road. Television’s well-known faces such as Asha Negi, Shilpa Saklani, Suhasini Mulay, Sana Amin Shaikh among others will play key roles seen during the course of the show on Code Red Talaash.
GECs
Sebi sends show-cause notice to Zee over fund diversion, company responds
Regulator questions 2018 letter of comfort and governance lapses; company vows robust legal response
MUMBAI: India’s markets watchdog has reignited its long-running scrutiny of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, issuing a sweeping show-cause notice that drags the broadcaster and 84 others into a widening governance storm.
The notice, dated February 12, has been served by the Securities and Exchange Board of India to Zee, chairman emeritus Subhash Chandra and managing director and chief executive Punit Goenka, among others. At its heart: allegations that company funds were indirectly routed to settle liabilities of entities linked to the Essel Group.
The regulator’s probe traces its roots to November 2019, when two independent directors resigned from Zee’s board, flagging concerns over the alleged appropriation of fixed deposits by Yes Bank. The deposits were reportedly adjusted against loans extended to Essel Group entities, triggering questions about related-party dealings and board oversight.
A key flashpoint is a letter of comfort dated September 4, 2018, issued by Subhash Chandra in his dual capacity as chairman of Zee and the Essel Group. The document, linked to credit facilities availed by certain group companies from Yes Bank, was allegedly known only to select members of management and not disclosed to the full board—an omission SEBI believes raises red flags over transparency and governance controls.
Zee has pushed back hard. In a statement, the company said it “strongly refutes” the allegations against it and its board members and will file a detailed response. It expressed confidence that SEBI would conduct a fair review and signalled readiness to pursue all legal remedies to protect shareholder interests.
The notice marks the latest twist in a saga that has shadowed the broadcaster since 2019. What began as boardroom unease has morphed into a full-blown regulatory confrontation. The final reckoning now rests with SEBI—but the reputational stakes for Zee, and the message for India Inc on governance discipline, could scarcely be higher.
