GECs
Star Utsav spells magic this Children’s Day
Mumbai: “A little glitter, a little shine, that’s what I always ask fairy God mother of mine……”, this, is what 215 kids of Shri Manav Seva Sang an NGO wished for this Childrens day. Their wish echoed and reached the ears of Star Utsav who spelt magic and turned it into reality and brought them their very own God Mother-Sonpari.
For the very first time, 215 little beaming faces spent an afternoon with their Sonpari. The air was filled with laughter and fun as children played games and were given little goody bags making it a memorable day for everyone present there.
Says, Mrinal Kulkarni (Son Pari), “I am truly honoured to be a part of this Children’s day celebration. These little children have not only touched my heart but have left me speechless with their warmth and love”.
Says Shruti, age 6 “It has been my dream to meet pari ma and share a magical evening with her. I enjoyed playing with Fruity. I also liked the flower dance put up by my friends for this occasion.”
Fun, surprise and joy was the agenda of the day and keeping that in mind, Shri Manav Seva Sang’s children surprised Son Pari with a Flower dance followed by the traditional Lavani. 20 children all dressed for the occasion danced to their hearts content and filled the afternoon with music and laughter.
Says Fruity, “It was so much of fun meeting and making so many friends. I was pleasantly surprised seeing their performance which by far was the best I have seen. Hours flew by just cracking jokes and laughing.
As part of its children’s day celebrations, the channel also announced the “Mera Jaduee Dost” contest, wherein, kids can vote for their favorite Jaduee Dost through SMS, Dial Net (IVR) or through Tele voting. The lucky winner gets to spend a magical evening with their Jaduee Dost. Competing for the first prize are the channel’s most loved Jaduee Dost’s–Sonpari from Sonpari, Sanju from Shaka Laka Boom Boom, and Vikraal from Vikraal aur Gabraal.
Shaka Laka Boom Boom is the story of a magic pencil and a young boy named Sanju. Like any other boy his age, he leads a normal school-going life until the day he discovers a pencil by accident. Would you call Sanju your favourite Jaduee Dost? If yes, then SMS Dost A to 7827 or dial 1902 424 2222 01
Son Pari is the story of a young girl, Fruity, who meets a fairy. Fruity and Appy’s mother passes away, leaving a void in their lives that their father, Rohit, desperately tries to fill. Fruity meets Son Pari, a fairy, and forms an emotional bond with her. Achieving a unique fusion of fantasy and reality, Son Pari is a delight to watch. So is Sona Aunty your favourite Jaduee Dost? To vote for her type Dost B and send your SMS to 7827 or dial 1902 424 2222 02
Vikraal aur Gabraal, a tale of ghosts, black magic, monsters and creepy creatures under your bed,” is a unique brand extension of the two most popular characters of Shhhh… Koi Hai. Does Vikraal stand to be your favourite Jaduee Dost then SMS Dost C to 7827 or dial 1902 424 2222 03.
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.
