Rahul's wedding propels Imagine to peak ratings

Indiantelevision.com Team

(10 March 2010 8:15 pm)

MUMBAI: Imagine TV's big draw at this stage seems to be the Swayamvar series. If it was Rakhi's oomph that caught audience attention, Rahul Mahajan's on-screen marriage lifted the Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) to its peak ratings ever during its two-year run.

The channel, which has changed ownership from NDTV to Turner International, reaped a GRP of 172 for the week ended 6 March, knocking out Sony Entertainment Television in the process to grab the fourth spot in the Hindi GEC space.

The over three-hour grand finale (Subh Vivah) of Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega got a TVR of 5.6 as 25.4 million viewers hooked on to the show, according to Tam data.

Though Rahul, the son of deceased BJP political leader Pramod Mahajan, warmed up audiences, it couldn't match up to Rakhi's Swayamvar. Rakhi's finale (Faisale Ki Raat) had touched a whopping 8.4 TVR, that too when the bombshell had not married on the screen.

As per Tam data, Rahul Dulhaniya… is the most watched finale of a reality show since Rakhi Ka Swayamvar, overtaking finales of reality shows like Bigg Boss 3, Fear Factor Khataron Ke Khiladi (Colors), Perfect Bride, Sach ka Saamna (Star plus), Dus Ka Dum, DPL (Sony Entertainment TV) and Saregama Lil Champs (Zee TV).

Imagine TV EVP Content Shailja Kejriwal said in a statement, "We are pleased that the main purpose of the show was fulfilled and Rahul Mahajan found his bride and got married to her. The viewership for the finale was once again massive, indicating that viewers across the country really enjoy our unique swayamvar format."

Star Plus retained its top spot with 316 GRPs, while Colors stayed in hot pursuit with 311 GRPs. Zee TV jumped from 246 to 301 GRPs, aided by Zee Rishtey Awards (7 TVR).

Imagine, however, plans to keep its 'Swayamvar' series alive. Speculation is that the third season of the property would feature a cricketer. Time for Indian TV audiences to be bowled over yet again!