MxMIndia

Tag: Star Plus

  • Meena Sharma, bureau chief with Sahara Samay, talks about how the show could bring about a change on social issues

    Satyamev Jayate has started the debate again: Meena Sharma

    A foggy video, shot with the help of a hidden camera, shows a doctor telling how they can “get rid of” the girl foetus for just Rs2,000.

     

    This was the sting operation carried out by Sahara Samay journalists Shripal Shaktawat and Meena Sharma in 2005 which was highlighted by Satyamev Jayate -Star Plus’s newest show.

     

    A large number of doctors were also caught on camera expecting money to perform the “operation” for people who didn’t want a girl child.

     

    Enough and more has been written and talked about how Aamir Khan has taken a bold step by bringing this social issue to the forefront. However, there are many who have been trying to do so for years now. But they’ve failed to generate the same amount of debate and horror as the show’s first episode has.

     

    MxMIndia’s Meghna Sharma spoke to Meena Sharma, now bureau chief with the same news channel, about how the show could bring about a change. Excerpts:

     

    You did the sting operation a few years ago, but no action was taken against the culprits…

    Yes, it’s been almost seven years and the culprits still continue to practice. You do feel hurt when you realise that all your hard work has failed to bring crooks to book. We still think ‘why those involved – doctors and families – in such heinous crimes still walk freely?’

     

    The tape of your sting operation was shown on Satyamev Jayate. Will things change now?

    The show was watched by almost everyone in the country. It could be out of curiosity or because of the actor. But the issue was once again brought out in the open and people were shocked to see how female foeticide is still very much prevalent in our country. Everyone is talking about it now. So we are grateful that the tape was shown. At least, something might be done now.

     

    What are your expectations?

    Now that the debate has been reopened, I hope a follow-up is done because one episode isn’t enough to bring about change. People might talk about it till the next issue is discussed on the show. We have to stand together to make sure people are punished. The government might be convinced to do something if the whole nation stands together.

     

  • While Aamir pocketed a few crore rupees as the nation wept on Sunday morning over the female foeticide issue, must say it's a commendable social effort, writes Anil Thakraney in Hard Knocks

    Anil Thakraney: Oprah Khan

    By Anil Thakraney

     

    Some observations on Aamir’s much publicized chat show.

     

    Satyamev Jayate (SJ) reminds me of Oprah’s talk show. Ordinary people’s tear jerker stories, and all the emotions involved. It’s a good idea. Have always wondered why Ms Winfrey hasn’t inspired India so far.

     

    While Aamir pocketed a few crore rupees as the nation wept on Sunday morning over the female foeticide issue, must say it’s a commendable social effort. If SJ inspires even a few people to stop killing the girl child, all the big moolah spent on its production becomes worth it.

     

    I am not sure if the malls and the streets in the urban areas were deserted, like it used to happen on the Ramayana/Mahabharata Sundays. I did tweet to ask for clues, but didn’t get enough responses to form an accurate opinion. Even if the young gen continued with their routine stuff, who knows, as more episodes roll by, they might want to watch the show. Though I have my doubts. Sadly, I don’t think the ‘Har Ek Friend’ virtual India desires to connect with the real India. Even if Aamir is in the house.

     

    In an earlier post I have already mentioned that the simultaneous broadcast on DD is an excellent idea. So even if the metros ditch SJ, the producers are assured of reasonable TRPs.

     

    On the show itself: I like Aamir’s sincerity. He exhibits all the right expressions and makes all the right noises. Tears, concern, disappointment, shock, anger, hope… that he is a talented actor, must help. Also, happy that Aamir chose to launch his TV career with a show that matters. Very different from all the other big stars who indulge in mindless game shows. This is what makes Aamir special. Good luck to him.

     

    Most importantly, the show isn’t boring. This was the concern many had expressed once it was announced that SJ will deal with serious social issues. Aamir manages to pack in a little entertainment. A few laughs and some gana bajana too. This also helps break the tension. Having said that, one hour would have been just the right duration. 90 minutes is pushing things a bit.

     

    Also, there is an attempt to provide solutions. The show doesn’t stay at the level of discussing morbid details. That’s good. But it’s important that Aamir doesn’t forget to do the follow-ups he’s promising on air. And disappears as soon as his pay check arrives. The star is notorious for his fly-by-night activism.

     

    Lastly, Aamir kept repeating he’s not a judge, and that he would leave that activity to the courtrooms. A good lesson for all the news channel anchors who love dishing out justice to the aam junta every single evening.

     

    Net net: A promising show that can lead to some social change. Maybe only a little change, but it’s a good start all the same.

     

     

    PS: An interesting presentation on how advertising objectifies women. Should serve as an eye opener for all of us in the ad industry. Have we, in the search for higher sales, been corrupting our culture and values? Something to chew on, lots to introspect on.

     

  • Star's no-holds-barred show promises to be a tear-jerker, as Aamir Khan brings out facets of India’s gritty reality.

    High EQ at Aamir Khan talk show Satyameva Jayate

    By A Correspondent

     

    From Lagaan to Rang de Basanti to 3 Idiots and the hard-hitting Peepli Live which dealt unabashedly with home truths – for Aamir Khan, the next logical step seemed to be tackling real life itself, live.

     

    His no-holds-barred talk show Satyameva Jayate has already garnered praise from industrywallahs – singer Sukhwinder Singh is gaga about it, for one – and, from all accounts, promises to be an eye-opener.

     

    Shooting for the episodes has begun and is said to be proceeding as per schedule.

     

    Besides the guests on the show, the live TV audiences have also been moved by the issues tackled on the show. While the mood is not always sombre to begin with, as the issues get revealed and the guests share their touching stories, it is often Mr Khan himself who is seen to have tears in his eyes. The actor with a heart does succeed in getting the guests to talk about the most difficult times in their lives, but not without also extracting mugfuls of tears from practically everyone, according to eyewitnesses.

     

    “I will put it this way, that the ‘EQ’ or emotional quotient is very high on this show,” said a participant who attended one of the studio shoots. “Aamir Khan is really dedicated and really cares about the people and their problems that are being discussed. He’s wonderful. We came because we are Aamir fans, but then we just forgot that he is a star actor,” she added.

     

    After heavy doses of manufactured reality programmes, the Star offering seems to be a breath of genuine fresh air, as the show sets out to reveal the India that lives in far-flung villages and only sometimes breaks out in the form of a headline.

     

  • The channel delivered 306 GRPs this week, clearly underscoring its leadership position across channels and categories

    STAR Plus the undisputed leader in 9 primetime slots

    By A Correspondent

     

    STAR Plus scaled a new high in the popularity charts, with four of its prime-time shows cornering the top honours across general entertainment channels in this week’s ratings, TAM data show.

     

    ‘Saath Nibhana Saathiya’ and ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hain’ brought in the highest ratings for the Star franchise, with a 5.3 TVR each, while ‘Diya Aur Baati Hum’, the channel’s gender-stereotype breaker, had a strong 5.2 TVR. ‘Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon’ (4.2 TVR) completed the top 4 sweep. The crowning glory was that nine of Star Plus’ shows were declared slot leaders.

     

    The channel delivered 306 GRPs this week, clearly underscoring its leadership position across channels and categories.

     

    Nitin Vaidya, Business Head, Hindi Channels, STAR India, said: “The consistent performance and popularity of our shows reiterate STAR Plus’ commitment to quality entertainment and world-class programming. Our constant endeavour is to re-invent the ‘nayi soch’ in the society with every show we conceive, design and offer.”

     

    Star India is a leading media and entertainment company, broadcasting 33 channels in eight languages to more than 400 million people every week across India and more than 100 countries across the globe. Its channel portfolio includes household brands Star Plus, Life Ok, Star Gold, Channel [V], Star Jalsha, Star Pravah, Star World, Star Movies, Star Utsav and joint venture channels Asianet, Asianet Plus, Star Vijay, Suvarna, Star News, ESPN and Star Sports.

     

  • Indian showbiz just does not have writers who can pen such superlative scripts and dialogues like 24. The very average quality of writing in our movies and soaps is a clear indication of that.

    Anil Thakraney: Star India’s massive gamble

    By Anil Thakraney

     

    Actor Anil Kapoor, who played a smallish role (after hectic lobbying) in the cult American TV serial 24, now wants to re-make it in India. Have we totally run out of desi programming ideas? Well, that’s a topic for another day. What interests me urgently are media reports which suggest that Star Plus has bought the rights to the Indian version for a mind-numbing sum of Rs 85 crore. No TV show in the history of Indian television has commanded that sort of a price tag.

     

    One sincerely hopes Star is rejoicing over this sensational investment. Because quite honestly, I have serious doubts if the Indian cast and crew can pull this one off. I watched two seasons of 24, and I can tell you the show is simply unstoppable. I had to postpone work assignments and a lot of sleep in order to finish all the episodes, it was that riveting. Now, here are the reasons why I believe 24 rockedAmerica: the pace is extremely brisk, the script is powerful with many sudden twists and turns, the acting is superlative and the special effects, fantastic. However, what shines the most are the kickass dialogues, they keep you hooked.

     

    I am not sure if we can deliver all of that in India. And my scepticism is rooted in three huge areas of concern. One, Indian showbiz just does not have writers who can pen such superlative scripts and dialogues. The very average quality of writing in our movies and soaps is a clear indication of that. Two, our directors seldom deliver on both, form and content together. On 99 per cent of those projects, when it comes to producing with style and chutzpah, the content gets compromised. If a talented Farhan Akhtar can commit that folly (Don 2), you can easily imagine what a risk this is with others in the frat. And three, 24 is a gritty show that pulls no punches when it comes to featuring political debates and communal tensions. That’s one of the reasons the American audiences connected with it. In a hyper-sensitive and a vote bank politics-led India, where people are ready to protest at the drop of a hat; that will be a tough act to follow. And too much caution will kill this particular show.

     

    Well, all I can say is that Anil Kapoor and many others are about to hit the jackpot. Good for them. And I hope the Star network isn’t the only one left short-changed. Good luck to the channel!

     

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    PS: BBC’s Top Gear presenter, Jeremy Clarkson, has pissed India off. The mischief-monger made fun of our ‘lack of hygiene’ in his India series. Now, instead of ignoring the man’s rubbish, even laughing it off, the Indian High Commission inLondonhas formally complained about the programme. And they have demanded an apology. Come on guys, the man is a comedian. Surely a billion plus Indians can’t be so under-confident as to take a joker seriously. When will this nation learn to be cool?

     

  • One more reality show on TV featuring a superstar. And this time, it’s Star that’s joined hands with Aamir Khan.

    Aamir-Star reveal mega-show plans

    By A Correspondent

    Superstars on television don’t always work, but they are also known to succeed with a bang, and the Aamir Khan-Star combo is a good candidate to win.

    At a press conference on October 22, though officials from the broadcast major and Mr Khan too did not reveal much about the show, the buzz is that it will be a talk show, where the perfectionist will take the lead in telling stories of the common man. The format, however, is not clear.

    The official communiqué released at the event carries some information about the show:  “A show about India and its stories. A show that will change lives. A show that will touch the heart of every Indian. A show that will inspire a billion imaginations.” Time will tell if the show is really able to inspire a billion imaginations. But, the duo of Mr Khan and Star CEO Mr Uday Shankar were successful in inspiring imaginations at the press gathering.

    The show will be aired simultaneously in eight different languages, on network channels – Star Plus, Star World, Star Majha, Star Jalsa and Asianet, among others.

    Walking down memory lane, we know that Star has been the frontrunner in doing path-breaking shows, redefining television content on occasion. KBC was a huge success, as was Kabhi Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kiran Bedi’s Aap Ki Kacheri. But in this case, the brain behind the show is Mr Aamir Khan, who rejected several television offers for this piece, which was playing in his head ever since he first thought of it some three or four years ago. So it is a case of him choosing Star, more than anything else. The show will be produced by Aamir Khan Productions, and will be marketed by Star Network.

    January 2012 is thus a date to watch, and, from what the industry and viewers know of Star and Mr Khan, it is likely to be a rousing success.

  • A week of surprises and a Diwali extravaganza airs from October 17 to October 21 at 6:30pm on Star Plus

    Diwali fun on Star Plus

    By A Correspondent

    Star Plus is treating viewers to a week-long Diwali celebration that ends on October 21, with drama, laughter and performances by some favourite television artists in Diwali Rishton Ki Mithas – Peedhiyan Anek, Tyohaar Ek.

     

    The  celebrations kick-started on October 17 with Lakshmi Pooja that showcased dance performances and aerial stunts, then for Bhai-Duuj there is shor-sharaba with some light-hearted moments between reel life siblings —Ahem-Kinjal and Ayush-Navya, and Antakshari between Suhana-Ishaan and the Kashyap family. King Khan and his chammak challo will make a special appearance with their latest track from Ra.One.

     

    The celebrations get louder as the television jodis and families get together to celebrate their happiness while commemorating the season of festivity by lightening everybody’s spirits.

  • Star Plus named ‘Best Entertainment Channel’ at CNBC Story Board Awaaz Awards 2011.

    Star Plus gets CNBC award

    By A Correspondent

    STAR Plus, India’s No 1 Hindi Entertainment Channel, has been adjudged the best in its class at the prestigious CNBC Story Board Awaaz Awards 2011.

    STAR Plus topped viewers’ choice in a pan-India survey of over 5,500 viewers in the country. According to the survey conducted by CNBC Awaaz and AC Nielsen in the run up to the awards, STAR Plus emerged a clear leader with maximum viewership in the country and was voted as “The Most Recommended Television Channel of the Year” in the Entertainment Category.

    “Viewers are at the core of STAR Plus’s content. They are the force that drives us to constantly raise benchmarks with shows that set a social agenda, while simultaneously improving on the viewing experience through HD channels and Apps that make content available on-the-move,” Mr Nitin Vaidya, Business Head, Hindi Channels, STAR India said, thrilled by the recognition. He added: “To be voted as the most favorite channel is a huge compliment and an honor. We, at STAR, are humbled at receiving the CNBC Story Board Awaaz Awards 2011.”

    The channels refreshed brand philosophy “Rishta Wahi, Soch Nayi” is not just a tag line but the operating brand philosophy which is best expressed through the actions of its progressive protagonists. These iconic women characters, reflects India, what’s changing and what’s reassuringly remaining the same.

  • Star Plus has announced the launch of its app for the iPhone and iPad, becoming India’s first GEC to make an entry into the iPad/ iPhone app store.

    Star Plus launches iPhone & iPad app

    By A Correspondent

    Star Plus has announced the launch of its app for the iPhone and iPad, becoming India’s first GEC to make an entry into the iPad/ iPhone app store in India and over 120 countries around the world. This initiative will make entertainment content available on the go.

    With iPhone sales topping 100 million and over 25 million iPads already sold, the Star Plus App is an enriching addition to viewers, who can download the app on to their devices from the iTunes App store.

    Mr Sanjay Gupta, COO of Star India, said, “We have always provided our growing viewers with discerning content using cutting-edge technologies. Our entry into the iPad, iPhone App store will enable our upwardly mobile viewers to watch their best loved programmes on the iPhone and iPad wherever they are and whenever they want to.”

    Mr Lalit Bhagia, VP Digital of Star India, added, “The iPhone and iPad devices have changed the way people consume content globally. With the Star Plus app discerning viewers will now have access to the best entertainment content available on their personal iPhones and iPads.”

    The app offers features like, live TV, catch-up of missed episodes of the last two days, and updates/news from Star Plus current and upcoming shows. A unique, built-in interactive feature also allows users to connect with their favourite Star Plus characters through audio blogs and pictures.

    The application has been launched in India and in over 120 countries around the world. The app also offers unique interface which enable users to browse content either by the show or by the characters.

    The launch of the application comes soon after Star India announced global same-day telecast of its flagship GEC brand in India, Star Plus, with English subtitles. Star has been leading the industry in bringing to viewers new and innovative products including Asli HD that is shot, recorded and edited in HD and mixed for 5.1 Dolby surround sound.