GECs
Rising from the Ruins: South Asian Quake revisited on CNN
Airtimes: Indian Standard Times
Saturday, Feb 18 at 1800hrs, 2200hrs
Sunday, Feb 19 at 0700hrs, 1400hrs and 2000hrs
Chronicling the story of a tragedy that left more than 83,000 people dead and millions homeless, CNN correspondent Stan Grant revisits Pakistan and the families devastated by the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that rocked the region on October 8, 2005. The special half hour program, “Rising from the Ruins”, follows the physical and emotional progress of those affected by the South Asia quake.
Millions are rebuilding their lives, with the coming of spring a chance to start anew. The Anwars are one such family and “Rising from the Ruins” follows them as they trek 45 km back up the mountain to their destroyed village of Bagh. Stan Grant witnesses how they are rebuilding their home from the ground up, while also laying their son and devastating reminders of the disaster to rest.
If faces could tell a story, then Zareena Bibi’s is a tragedy. Only 30, but old before her time, the mother of three is coping with the post-quake trauma as well as the death of a son. In a tearful interview, Bibi reveals her fears for the future as she faces problems providing even basic necessities for her family, particularly as her husband is unable to find employment. Once the relief agencies move on, “Rising from the Ruins” asks what the future will hold for her family and thousands like them.
AIRTIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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.
