Kids
CBeebies’ two new shows to celebrate UK’s cultural diversity
| MUMBAI: CBeebies controller Michael Carrington has announced two new in-house commissions for transmission in 2010. The shows are Let‘s Celebrate and Same Smile. |
| Both series focus on live action filming of real children‘s lives to celebrate the nation‘s culture and diversity as experienced by the under-sixes. Carrington says, “Both these series will hold up a mirror and reflect the varied and colourful lives of our young viewers and their families, with an engaging, thought-provoking and celebratory feel to life across the UK and the cultures and faiths that make up 21st century Britain.” From Chinese New Year to Christmas, Let‘s Celebrate shows how children experience different religious and cultural festivals around the UK. The show visits a different UK community each episode to join in the fun and excitement of their celebrations by visiting a family or group of children who are getting ready for a festival – be it dressing up, decorating the house, preparing food or exchanging gifts. The programmes then showcase a musical or dramatic performance which tells the story behind the festival before returning to the children and their families at a party or event in full celebratory mode. Presenter and children‘s performer Patrick Lynch introduces the festivals from his ‘party house‘ which literally tingles with excitement – it seems that this house and the street outside can‘t wait to celebrate… and each show ends with a call for young viewers at home to join the celebrations as a street party explodes into life. Other festivals featured in the series include Vaisakhi, Eid-ul-Fitr, Holi, Wesak, Purim, Diwali, Easter, St Patrick‘s Day, St David‘s Day, St George‘s Day, St Andrew‘s Day and Norouz.The show targets four-to-six-year-olds. Carrington adds, “Behind the festivities, the fireworks and the feasting are stories and customs which underpin the whole event. Let‘s Celebrate does just that – engaging and encouraging our young viewers to celebrate along with their peers.” Same Smile blends live action and animation as presenter Nisha Anil cycles across the UK with her group of three cuddly pandas visiting children to discover that they are just like them but different. A collaboration involving teams from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London, the series is being created for two to four year olds offering a window on the world of young children and celebrating the diversity of their lives. In each episode, Nisha and her trio of bears will visit a nursery or group of children and then delve into the Same Smile box to discover the theme for the day – be it a favourite place, favourite food, the garden or family. Whilst Nisha stays with the group to play games or creative activities, two of the cuddly pandas go home with two children to explore their own versions of the day‘s theme. Carrington adds, “Same Smile is really owned by the children who take part in the series, they‘re absolutely at its heart. Each episode, children take the pandas home and introduce them to their worlds and their imaginations. So each film is a unique look at a child‘s life and their world, showing us that we are all the same, but different.” |
Kids
Sony YAY! launches ‘House of Masti’ to celebrate 20 years of Shin chan
Comedian Kiku Sharda joins the fun with a special rap track as the mischievous icon returns to Indian TV.
MUMBAI: Shin chan is back and this time, he’s bringing the whole house of masti with him! Sony YAY!, India’s leading kids’ entertainment channel, has unveiled ‘House of Masti’, a specially curated programming block to mark 20 years of the iconic animated series Shin chan on Indian television. The campaign transforms the beloved character’s mischievous world into a fresh, high-energy viewing experience. It features new episodes, fan-favourite moments, and themed programming stunts, all designed to stand out from regular broadcasts.
Adding extra sparkle to the celebration, popular comedian Kiku Sharda has joined the campaign. He anchors the integration with a lively rap track titled ‘Shin chan ka YAY! Dhamaal’, infusing contemporary music and humour into the beloved series.
Sony YAY! business head of kids and animation Ambesh Tiwari said, “Over the past 20 years, Shin chan has built a strong and enduring connection with audiences in India. With ‘House of Masti’, we are celebrating this milestone through a differentiated, campaign-led experience. Kiku Sharda and the rap track add a fun, high-energy layer that will resonate with today’s kids and families.”
Starting 27 April, viewers can enjoy the World Television Premiere of Shin chan along with new episodes and an exciting lineup of blockbuster movies on Sony YAY!.
By blending nostalgia with fresh, engaging content, Sony YAY! is ensuring that the cheeky, laughter-filled adventures of Shin chan continue to entertain and connect with new generations across the country.
In a world full of serious cartoons, Shin chan remains delightfully naughty and with ‘House of Masti’, Sony YAY! is making sure his brand of chaos stays as fresh and fun as ever. Get ready for some serious masti!
