GECs
Sahara snares Sridevi for small screen debut
Its Sridevi, finally.
After letting rumours that Bollywood top glitter would stud forthcoming Sahara TV programmes permeate the industry, the channel has finally zeroed in on the yesteryear queen bee to play the lead in its new serial.
The as-yet-unnamed 104-episode serial promises to showcase Sridevi’s talent, hitherto unseen on the small screen. This will be the actress’ first celluloid appearance (big or small screen) after a three-year hiatus, claims Sahara. The announcement that Sridevi will be the channel’s star value comes as a dampener of sorts after reports that Amitabh Bachchan might be appearing next on Sahara, after the Kaun Banega Crorepati season ended in January.
Sahara TV promoter Subroto Roy had in July 2001 set up a committee consisting of Modi Entertainment Group’s Buena Vista Television CEO Pratik Basu, programming head Basaav Raj, its ad agency Percept Advertising’s promoters Harindra and Shailendra Singh, and other senior managers from within the company. The Percept duo along with the Sahara team were given the task of looking after the programming and marketing of the channel. With some Rs 100-120 million set aside for the channel’s overhaul, it was clear there was some serious intent to get the channel up and going. November saw Sahara really get into the groove with the launch of a host of new programmes on its prime time slot, between 8 and 9 pm, ranging from mythological series to family dramas. It was around the same time that the reports about Bollywood biggies being roped in surfaced.
One interesting fallout of this new initiative is that the small screen will see the revival of an old rivalry. That between Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit. In fact it was Madhuri who displaced Sridevi from her perch as the Queen of Bollywood. With the Madhuri-hosted marriage show Shubh Vivaah certain to have its debut on Sony Entertainment any time after 30 June how Sridevi’s show fares will be watched with interest.
And judging by the fact that there there are no details forthcoming as to what the new Sahara show entails, it seems to indicate that the programme launch might take a few months. This may well mean that both shows will be ready to air at around the same time.
Certainly something to look forward to.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
