News Broadcasting
Zees DID, Buddha get takers at Mipcom
MUMBAI: It’s time for broadcasters to take stock of business at the recently concluded Mipcom 2013 and Zee TV, it seems, has emerged a winner.
The formats were the highlights for Zee at Mipcom says Sunita Uchil
Not only is the channel’s Dance India Dance a topper in terms of ratings, the show featured prominently on buyers’ lists at the content festival.
“It is the only dance format show, which is home grown. The dance format was largely viewed by buyers who came to our booth with the prospect of using the concept,” says Zee global head syndication Sunita Uchil.
Apart from DID, Zee’s new series Buddha struck a chord with international buyers. “We had a lot of inquiries even for the new series, which has never been made,” says Uchil.
The historical series Jodha Akbar too found resonance among buyers. “Historicals are always popular. Last year, Jhansi ki Rani was the talking point for buyers and this year, it was Jodha Akbar. It is known and liked because of the images, characters and shots,” says Uchil.
It was a busy MIPCOM for Zee, which had close to 90 meetings during the four-day fest. “The formats were the highlights for us,” exults Uchil and adds: “So while there were takers for Dance India Dance from Japan, the Asia Pacific region and Europe; the historical series got preference from the Middle East and Africa region. And, there were takers for our drama scripts from the Latin American market.”
Additionally, the Zee booth had buyers looking for bulk purchase of drama series such as Pavitra Rishtaa, Punar Vivaah, Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke and Badalte Rishton ki Daastan. “All these drama shows are a part of anybody’s buy. So when buyers consider us, they look at us with the bulk of our shows,” says Uchil.
Just how many deals has Zee cracked at Mipcom? “We are still talking to the buyers, but will soon close the deals,” says Uchil without really answering our question…
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
