GECs
Epic channel unveils its logo & shows line up
MUMBAI: As Epic channel elevates its brand proposition to the infotainment space, it is all set to take on an innovative brand identity. Poised to be the only Hindi language India-centric infotainment channel, Epic will soon unveil its new logo and fresh programming, with the new seasons, new shows and new avatar going live on TV from 4July.
Interpreting the new brand logo, a feature that prominently stands out is the simple dot on the ‘i’ of Epic. The dot in the logo represents a Loupe – a small yet powerful magnifying device commonly used by jewellers to observe things closely and minutely. The design is symbolic of the channel’s promise of focusing on and revealing the finer details and various facets of India.
The colours used in the logo depict deep meanings in the Indian culture and beautifully spell out the spirit of this country, where gold signifies prosperity and magnetism, whereas brilliance comes together with the dynamism, richness and fieriness of the shade red. The new lowercase font of the logo aims to subtly convey the younger and approachable positioning of the channel.
The crux of the channel’s ethos lies in exploring India’s untold stories, facts and possibilities. The channel will be introducing a slew of new shows taking Indians on an EPIC journey throughout India.
With a massive fan following for its previous two seasons, ‘Devlok by Devdutt Pattanaik’ Season 3 starting from July 4th, will take viewers on the voyage to delve deeper into the fascinating world of Hindu mythology. Famous mythologist Devdutt Pattnaik, tells stories from the tomes of Indian mythology in his inimitable style.
Celebrated Chef Ranveer Brar has come on board for a revamped avatar of Raja Rasoi – ‘Raja Rasoi Aur Andaz Anokha’ which will air from July 7th. Unlike conventional table top cooking shows, Raja Rasoi and Andaz Anokha will be a conversational and discovery-oriented programme with the maverick chef experimenting and deconstructing old and new flavours.
Another content series set to intrigue audiences on the channel will be ‘Drishti’ – a tastefully curated collection of documentaries that explore the diversity of India. Airing from July 10th, the series narrates varied perspectives told with a distinctive style, from art and culture to ecology and ethnicity. They reveal quirky stories, examine traditions as well as traverse unique landscapes, featuring unsung heroes and provide a fresh insight into India.
Perhaps the most awaited amongst Epic’s launches will be ace cricketer Virender Sehwag’s first-ever stint as a show host – ‘Umeed India’, scheduled to be aired on July 20th. The series will reveal famous and lesser-known promising athletes, who are preparing to make India proud at international sporting events including the Olympics. The 13-part series will see Virender travelling across corners of India to the players’ homes and training academies to give viewers a first-person account of our sportspeople and their strenuous journey towards glory.
Other shows in the pipeline includes a unique travel series through India – Indipedia – hosted by a Hindi-speaking Caucasian anchor who explores the Indian commonplace; the stories behind which are lesser known even to Indians. Faith Diaries – an account of holy sites of India stitched together by the tales of the pilgrims is another much awaited offering.
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.
