News Broadcasting
Zee strikes a sacred chord as Bhajan Club turns bhakti into a live beat
Zee Live’s new IP blends devotion and energy, launching ahead of Mahashivratri.
MUMBAI: What happens when devotion meets the drop? Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited is betting the answer lies in rhythm, community and live energy with the launch of Bhajan Club, a new original spiritual entertainment IP from its experiential vertical Zee Live.
Positioned as a contemporary cultural property, Bhajan Club reimagines devotional music as a live-first, high-participation experience. Think bhajans with concert-style energy, curated sets, collective singing and clapping, and an atmosphere that feels celebratory while staying rooted in bhakti. The idea is simple but timely: make spiritual gatherings feel immersive, social and accessible, especially for younger audiences.
While the format is inclusive across age groups, the pull towards Gen Z is deliberate. Urban youth are increasingly gravitating towards experiences that are meaningful yet vibrant, and Bhajan Club taps into that shift by blending tradition with innovation, and community with technology. It reflects a wider cultural moment where devotion is being rediscovered in shared, music-led spaces rather than quiet corners.
The IP launches on 12 February, strategically timed ahead of Mahashivratri on 15 and 16 February. As part of the debut, audiences will chant “Om Namah Shivay” in collective celebration of the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The experience will extend beyond the venue, with Bhajan Club set to stream on Zee5 and Zee Zest. The launch aims to engage over 350 live attendees on-ground and reach more than 4 million viewers across TV and OTT.
Headlining the opening edition is Keshavam, widely regarded as a pioneer of the bhajan clubbing movement. Known for their concert-like devotional performances, the band has built a following that cuts across traditional devotees and younger listeners by fusing spiritual music with modern soundscapes.
The timing is no coincidence. Over the past year, “bhajan clubbing” has gained traction in urban culture, with ticketed events and social media conversations framing it as a new-age way to experience devotion. The trend even found mention in Mann Ki Baat, where prime minister Narendra Modi referenced the phenomenon, signalling its growing cultural relevance.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur said the IP reflects how audiences are engaging with devotional content in newer ways. He described Bhajan Club as an experience-led, content-driven format that is easy to discover, participate in and return to, with availability across multiple consumer touchpoints.
Zee Live business head Gareth Eswin Thomas added that live entertainment is evolving rapidly, with formats that combine cultural identity and contemporary energy resonating strongly with younger audiences. Bhajan Club, he said, aims to bring people together through music and shared emotion, while keeping bhakti firmly at its core.
Going forward, Bhajan Club will roll out as a series of curated live experiences supported by strong digital amplification. Each edition will revolve around devotional themes, familiar bhajans and participative moments, while building a community layer that keeps the conversation going beyond event days.
With Bhajan Club, Zee is turning devotion into a shared rhythm, proving that in today’s cultural remix, faith too can find its beat.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
