Kids
‘Sesame India’ to hit Cartoon Network & Pogo next year; Miditech roped in as production house
MUMBAI: Supporting India’s Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (universal access to education) initiative, the nonprofit educational organisation — Sesame Workshop and Turner — have announced the local version of the same titled Sesame India. Sesame India is the local adaptation of kid’s series Sesame Street, which will debut on Cartoon Network and Pogo in February next year. |
Miditech will be producing the series. The team spent two weeks in New York to begin developing the series’ characters and set, which will be ultimately created and built in Delhi. Miditech’s writers and puppeteers were trained by US-based counterparts from Sesame to suitably hone their skills. In-studio production for the 65 half-hour episode series will begin in February 2006. India’s rich cultural diversity will also be reflected in the music and regionally produced live action and animation films. To address the local needs of children and to ensure relevance and resonance, Sesame India will incorporate an innovative curriculum developed by Dr. Asha Singh, research head of Sesame India, and other Indian educators. In addition to teaching basic cognitive skills such as literacy, Sesame India will represent the vibrancy of India’s multi-culturalism. The series will celebrate the similarities and differences that are part of children’s every day lives. “We are proud to have been selected as the producers for an innovative new series for India’s children. We will intimately work with two of the top media companies in the world to ensure a truly local and culturally-relevant program that is authentic and distinct,” said Miditech president Niret Alva. Turner Entertainment Networks Asia senior vice president and general manager Ian Diamond said, “Having successfully shaped the kids’ television genre in India, and drawing on our decade long experience, we will push the boundaries and redefine, yet again, meaningful television for young kids in India.. The collaboration will combine the rich understanding and unique expertise of each partner to create ground breaking, premium quality content that is guaranteed to stimulate and engage young kids.” “Sesame India will provide daily access to millions of children with quality educational content based on a curriculum determined by Indian educators with intentions of achieving measurable impact. Our goal is to work with the most innovative partners, which we have, to educate and entertain India’s children in a culturally sensitive manner, and encourage them to laugh, learn and grow,” said Sesame Workshop president and CEO Gary E Knell. In addition to the television series, educational outreach materials and activities will be developed to enhance the impact of the educational messages and to provide parents and caregivers tools to help their young children. The Sesame India project consists of two phases namely – development and implementation. The development phase was funded by USAID and ICICI Bank. Turner will provide support for the second phase, which involves the television series and some of the educational outreach. |
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!
