We at Sony are not daunted by being left behind
Says Sony spokesperson, on being surpassed by Zee
Subhash K Jha
In what could be viewed as one of the biggest turn-around in channel wars, Zee has suddenly raced ahead of Sony Entertainment to become Star's main competitor in the satellite sphere.
"It is an interesting development in satellite business. Zee has conclusively taken over from Sony to become our main competitor. Zee has arrived in the competitive arena for the first time in five years. This is quite an achievement," says Star's COO Samir Nair.
Nair attributes Zee's sudden success to their shows – Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Saat Phere. "It's interesting to see them surge forward in such a big way, especially after being the underdogs for so long. They have got their act together, thanks to their new team and new look. Zee is now competition to look out for."
Talking about Zee's shows, he is all praise for the talent showcased on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa defines the music-talent genre. It wouldn't be right to say that we at Star don't do musical reality television. We did Popstars for three years, Kya Masti Kya Dhoom and Meri Awaaz Suno. We also had Nach Baliye on Star One."
Ashish Kaul, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Brand Development Group (Zee) is upbeat about the channel's newly acquired status. "Sure we've made progress and surpassed Sony. And I'm flattered to know that Star considers us their main competitor. But I feel we've a long way to go. I feel Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge and then Saat Phere Saloni Ka Safar have been largely instrumental in our turn-around. It's a soap that plays on one of the biggest middleclass insecurities-the complexion. We at Zee thought, if viewers wanted to see something different from 'K' serials what would it be? This question has been an area of concern for some time. Earlier we tried to move away from the 'K' syndrome by doing Sarrkar. It came too late. All the political intrigue had gone to the news channels. With Saloni we've hit a chord. As for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, we're very proud of it. The work that Gajendra Singh has done through this show is exemplary. In fact, we're returning with a fresh innings of the show right after the finals. Then we've Zee Bazigar and other shows lined up. Like I said, this is just the start for Zee."
Admitting to Sony lagging behind Zee in TRPs, Senior Vice-President, Anupama Mandloi, says, "It's all a number game. And we, at Sony are certainly not daunted by being left behind. We've big plans to re-consolidate our position."(thus maddy, pari are brought back, jjkn is brought back to track, and sony is trying to get back its #2 position...good that ghatiyal left...kya kya kiya usne😡)
now purab uncle info
Show me the money, honey
How do out-of-work TV actors maintain their high standard of living?
Reena Thapar Kapoor
They have been at the top of the television heap for a few years, enjoying immense fame and wealth. But the projects have dried up suddenly, and they have been left without work for over a couple of years. We find out how much the ex-superstars of TV spend to maintain their expensive lifestyle.
Sameer Soni : The charming actor who wooed Jassi in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi became more popular than her. But after his appearances in Dil Kya Chahta Hai and Kumkum, he seems to have disappeared from the television circuit. The actor is hoping to gain entry into Bollywood with Sooraj Barjatya's upcoming venture.
Life & style: Sameer's prized possession is his flat in Versova, where he has been living for a few years now. It's approximate cost is said to be Rs 65 lakh. He drives around in a silver Hyundai Accent, whose EMI is about Rs 20,000 per month.
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