Hindi GEC Dangal has also bought back mythological epic, ‘Ramayana’ starring Gurmeet Choudhary and Debina Bonnerjee in lead roles. It will be telecast daily at 7.30 pm followed by its repeat telecast at 9.30 am.
On bringing back Ramayana, a Dangal spokesperson said: “At Dangal, we are committed to keeping our viewers entertained especially during unprecedent times like these. Over the years, our viewers have supported us and it is now upon public demand that we have brought back one of India’s most followed epics and revered show of all times, Ramayana. By showcasing a culturally rooted show like Ramayana with traditional ideologies and strongly entrenched lessons, we are sure that viewers will stay engaged while staying safe indoors. Moreover, while Ramayana will invoke nostalgia among the older generations, it will be a new and beautiful experience for the younger audience.”
In the beginning there was Ramayana. It was the day, or rather the Sunday morning, when the world stood still as millions watched the televised dramatization of one of India’s best-known epics. Close on its heels was the sweeping soap opera of Indian mythology, the Mahabharata, and then came Bharat Ek Khoj which gave us facts laced with dramatized enactments of India’s myths and legends.
Those were the days of Doordarshan. With the explosion of cable and DTH, and technological strides enabling better and better CGI, viewers are now spoilt for choice in the realm of mythology. The most popular currently is the magnetic Lord Shiva on Life OK, with the delectable Parvati and cutesy Ganapati capturing hearts of all ages.
It is this raging popularity which has led Mahesh Samat, former Walt Disney India head, to plan an entire channel based around mythology. For someone who is has a passion for history this may seem an obvious move. “With digitization, today, people have access to various channels and hence, an availability to launch new genres. We did a lot of research and dipsticks before taking this decision. People want to have a connection with history,” says Mr Samat when asked about his decision to launch India’s first genre-specific Hindi entertainment channel – Epic.
“Epic stands for story-telling. Here we are not just going to rehash history but create new characters from our history,” he adds.
But is there really enough TG of this genre to launch a channel? “I think for such a genre, the TG is universal. Anyone who is in the mood to watch the genre will switch to our channel. Of course, we know that people won’t be watching the channel all the time. We would be an important part of people’s choice wherein they choose to watch us when they feel a need to watch something mythological or from our past,” believes Mr Samat.
Pratap Bose
According to Pratap Bose, COO, DDB Mudra group, for any genre, be it action or mythological, content is important for a channel to be a hit or a miss. “If the content is 10/10, nothing else matters. People should like what you give them and they will come to you if it appeals to them.” However, he does believe that apart from great content it is important that one effectively distributes and promotes the channel so that more and more people know about it.
The channel launch is being planned for August, provided all regulations are cleared. And a 360-degree marketing mix has been planned for it. Aparna Pandey, who will be looking after content and packaging, will also be in charge of the channel’s marketing. Ravina Raj Kohli is the development head. The team is already in talks with various producers, though a lot of development work will be done in-house.
Very few know that Mr Samat is a comic book writer and has authored a comic called The Adventures Of Vanayu – The Spirits Of Ixora. Will he be lending his talent to the channel, too? “I would leave that to my very talented and professional team. However, I wouldn’t deny I have a very good sense for such content.”
With various networks launching regional channels or dubbed feeds, the Epic Television Networks Pvt Ltd knows the importance of regional space. However, they want to take things slowly. “We would like to build the brand in Hindi first and then go ahead… step by step,” says Mr Samat.
And what about syndication? With Indians spread across the globe and an interest in Indian history at an international level, one cannot rule it out. “Syndication is a very good revenue option as well. But we will only think about it after we get it right here,” reaffirms Mr Samat.
Remember those Sunday mornings when the whole nation was glued to their television sets? No, we aren’t talking about Satyamev Jayate, but about a show for which the country stood still – Ramayan.
The characters were larger than life and people prayed in front of their TV sets to please the gods. Apart from Ram and Sita, one character which is still fresh in people’s memories is Hanuman, played by none other than the wrestler-turned-actor Dara Singh.
The 6.2 feet tall, strong-built man known as a ‘gentleman’ departed from this world yesterday morning, leaving a gap which will never be filled by any one else.
As the nation bid goodbye to Dara Singh, who died in his home following a brief illness, his fans – from ministers to common man – were talking about their beloved ‘Hanuman’. Many took to social networking sites to pay tribute to their hero. The late actor was among the top five trends on microblogging site Twitter.
Dara Singh as Hanuman in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan (Pic source and courtesy: www.sagartv.com)
Here what a cross-section from the industry tweeted about the loss:
Ashok Lalla: Dara Singh. The 70mm pehelwan and one-man @WWE industry long before it was invented.
Sneha Rajani: Met him just once, that too in the early 80s…but etched in my memory forever. Such was his impact. RIP Dara Singh ji
Cricketwallah: Dara Singh earned more money & became more famous thru films but it was in the ring that he was the undoubted star. Remember aeroplane spin?
Tanuj Garg: RIP Dara Singh, the real He-man.
Rajdeep Sardesai: Maybe we need Dara Singh back in the parliament. Might ensure our MPs don’t jump in well of the house!
Satbir Singh: Dara Singh’s endorsement of Verka Ghee remains till date the only believable celebrity endorsement
After the success of Ramayana, Fever FM will air a new radio play, Gandhi beginning March 12. Fever FM is said to have put together a story for the youth that revisits the life of Mahatma Gandhi. The radio play, Gandhi, is aimed to make the youngsters understand that there is an alternate way of thinking for everyday situation they come across.
With celebrated artists such as Farooq Sheikh, Rajit Kapoor, Heeba Shah and Sachin Khedekar as a part of the play, Gandhi promises to be one of the most ambitious and out of the box radio projects of all time. Farooq Sheikh will be voicing the role of Bharat, Rajit Kapoor voices Gandhi, Sachin Khedekar voices Ambedkar and Heeba Shahand voiced Kasturba Gandhi.
Harshad Jain, Business Head, Radio & Entertainment, HT Media Ltd said: “Mahatma Gandhi needs no introduction. He is one of the greatest men this country could possibly ever have. Through Gandhi, we are paying a tribute to the Father of Our Nation and reliving the life of the man for the present day world. This is another ‘first’ that Fever 104 FM brings for its listeners. Packaged with great music and superior production quality, I’m sure it will be loved and much appreciated across age groups”.
Fever FM’s radio play, Gandhi is sliced over 60 episodes. The first episode will be aired on March 12. Gandhi will be a two month long series with episodes airing every day.
Fever 104 FM (radio operated by HT Media Ltd.) is available in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata with a vibrant, youthful, creative and interactive programming, that just lets the music play! HT Media Ltd’s association with Virgin brings global strengths and expertise in radio markets across the world including Bangkok, South Africa,ParisandMalaysia. With the best quality and most quantity of music on-air, constantly playing only the top contemporary hits Fever 104 FM is synonymous with less talk, more music.
Hindi GEC Dangal has also bought back mythological epic, ‘Ramayana’ starring Gurmeet Choudhary and Debina Bonnerjee in lead roles. It will be telecast daily at 7.30 pm followed by its repeat telecast at 9.30 am.
Remember those Sunday mornings when the whole nation was glued to their television sets? No, we aren’t talking about Satyamev Jayate, but about a show for which the country stood still – Ramayan.