Pavitra Rishta, DID, propel Zee to No. 2 spot

The GEC warfare was mainly restricted to Star Plus and Colors, but the Indian Premier League has restored parity, thereby enabling other key players to up their ante. Cashing in on this is Zee TV, which has pushed Colors aside to reclaim the second spot.

Taking the charge for Zee TV are 'Pavitra Rishta' and 'Dance India Dance 2', especially the grand finale. The two shows clocked in a TVR of 5.7 and 5 respectively. While the former was the number two rated show, the latter came in tied at fifth with Star Plus' Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Zee TV's 'Jhansi Ki Rani' and 'Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo' occupied the eighth and ninth spot, respectively, for Week 17 (18-24 April).

Leading the pack once again is Star Plus with 298 GRPs followed by Zee TV (284) and Colors (276). Interestingly, Zee trailed Colors by just one GRP in the previous week, but this time it has gained 16 GRPs to Colors' 7. Star Plus lost 19 GRPs but maintained its numero uno position.

Coming to the IPL, the first semifinal between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore on 21 April fetched a TVR of 7.4 while the second semifinal featuring Chennai Super Kings and Deccan Chargers drew TVR of 5.8 across the country.

The rating of the IPL final will come next week but the Hindi GECs will now breathe easy as the IPL storm is over.

- Mayur Lookhar / TellyCafe.com