Research
Star Plus sets new viewership record in week 6
MUMBAI: It’s the leader in the Hindi general entertainment space in India and has been so for most part since the beginning of last decade.
In week 6 of TAM TV ratings, Star Plus showed its might. The channel’s viewership during the week was the highest ever in the history of Indian television, helped by its bollywood awards show Star Guild Awards and its decision to extend all its weekday prime time fiction properties to Saturday.
Star Plus fetched 728,231 GVTs, up from 626,570 GVTs in the previous week. The channel’s Star Guild Awards show scored 8,063 TVTs.
Star Plus’ epic series Mahabharat too had its highest ever ratings since its launch and recorded 7,850 TVTs, up from 7,136 TVTs in the previous week.
Zee TV was in the second position in week 6 with 495,313 GVTs, up from 467,656 GVTs in the previous week. All the other Hindi GECs saw a drop in viewership ratings during the week.
Zee TV’s fiction property Aur Pyar Ho Haya saw a huge rise in ratings with 5,129 TVTs, up from 4,232 TVT a week earlier. The viewership ratings of its sitcom Bha se Bhade dropped to 1,492 TVTs from 1,645 a week earlier. The channel’s dance reality show – DID 4 – witnessed a rise on Saturday with 4,254 TVTs, up from 3,766 TVTs a week ago, but saw a drop on Sunday with 3,132 TVTs against 3,859 TVTs a week ago.
Viacom18’s Colors was in the third position with 424,431 GVTs, down from 446,579 GVTs a week earlier as both its highly-rated properties saw a huge drop in viewership. India’s Got Talent scored 5,876 TVTs in week 6, down from 7,403 TVTs, and Comedy Nights with Kapil’s viewership fell to 7,300 TVTs from 8,878 TVTs a week earlier.
Life OK scored 343,882 GVTs, down from 386,659 GVTs in the previous week. Sab was in the fifth position with 291,599 GVTs, down from 318,766 GVTs. Sony continued to be at the bottom of the chart and recorded 251,650 GVTs, down from 298,060 GVTs. Its dance reality show Boogie Woogie Kids Championship does not seem to attract much eyeballs and scored 1,721 TVTs, witnessing a fall from 2,758 TVTs. Sahara One fetched 35,896 GVTs, down from 39,172 GVTs.
In the movie genre, Zee Cinema had 185,836 GVTs in week 6, down from 198,751 GVTs; Star Gold 193,648 GVTs, down from 202,153 GVTs; Movies OK 134,400 GVTs, up from 130,648 GVTs; &pictures 83,202, down from 88,620 GVTs; Zee Anmol 79,408 GVTs, up from 65,415 GVTs and Max 206,080 GVTs, up from (192,801).
MUMBAI: Food and travel are officially the ultimate power couple.
As National Tourism Day approaches, the Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 has spotlighted culinary tourism as the driving force behind a revolution in Indian travel. No longer a side dish to the main event, food has claimed centre stage, transforming vacations into unforgettable, flavour-filled journeys.
In 2024, Indians travelled more frequently and for longer durations, with vacation spending surging nearly 25 per cent. A significant chunk of this increase was fuelled by travellers seeking unique and immersive culinary experiences that connected them to local cultures. Whether exploring bustling spice markets or learning time-honoured recipes from community experts, food became the heartbeat of modern Indian vacations.
The Godrej Food Trends Report 2024, curated by Godrej Vikhroli Cucina with insights from over 190 food experts, revealed the top culinary trends shaping Indian travel:
1. Street food and market tours
With 94.1 per cent of experts highlighting their popularity, vibrant food streets and spice markets emerged as must-visit attractions. From the zesty flavours of pani puri to the aromatic whiffs of garam masala, travellers immersed themselves in the diverse culinary fabric of India.
2. Culinary site tours
Nearly 92.3 per cent of experts predicted continued interest in these immersive experiences, where travellers visited tea estates, artisanal cheese hubs, and other production sites. These tours offered behind-the-scenes glimpses into the craft of food making, adding an educational edge to the journey.
3. Home dining experiences and local expertise
Around 87.5 per cent of experts noted a surge in travellers booking home dining experiences. These intimate interactions with local experts allowed visitors to learn traditional cooking techniques, taste signature regional products, and gain a deeper appreciation for India’s culinary heritage.
“Food is no longer just a part of the travel experience, but its very essence,” said A Perfect Bite Consulting MD & the annual report editor Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal. “Today’s travellers are not just seeking destinations but connections—immersive, authentic experiences that allow them to explore the heart of a place through its culinary heritage. Whether it’s walking through vibrant spice markets, learning traditional recipes from local experts, or savouring unique regional flavours, food has become the bridge that links people to cultures and stories,” she elaborated.
This surge in culinary tourism isn’t just reshaping Indian vacations; it’s creating opportunities for local communities and small brands to showcase their culinary culture. From bustling street vendors to small-scale producers, the movement is helping amplify India’s rich food heritage on a global stage.
As the country celebrates National Tourism Day, travellers are invited to embrace the fusion of food and travel—a blend that promises to redefine how people experience culture and destinations in the years to come.
The Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 is available for download at www.vikhrolicucina.com.
