STAR, ZEE at loggerheads over Antakshari

Source: IANS

However, ZEE isn't crying over spilt milk. The channel has quickly got its act together for a new antakshari show with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa contestants Sunil Pal and Himani Kapoor as hosts.

But STAR, which plans to telecast the show in February, is unfazed.

"Getting Singh was enough of a USP for us. We're designing our own music shows with him," said Sameer Nair, Chief Executive Officer of STAR Entertainment, India.

Singh, the man behind ZEE's two flagships shows "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa" and "Antakshari", is proceeding full steam with getting the musical show in place.

The pre-production work is on. The masterstroke was getting the original "Antakshari" host Anu Kapoor, who has been virtually languishing since the show was closed down.

Jatin-Lalit's niece Shweta Pundit is expected to join Anu as the co-host.

"We're delighted to have Anu. He has the musical knowledge, singing voice, passion and sense of televised drama that we need. As for the telecast date, our 'Antakshari' begins in the first week of February," said Nair.

There seems to be no insecurity in STAR about ZEE rush-telecasting "Antakshari".

"Why should there be any insecurity? All this time when I was with ZEE, there seemed to be no interest in reviving 'Antakshari' after it was closed down two years ago. Suddenly they are as keen to have the show back as we are to begin it on STAR," said Singh.

The entire format and set design of STAR's "Antakshari" will be different from ZEE's. Omang Kumar has been roped in to design the set.

"I'm not looking at repeating my success with 'Antakshari' at ZEE. I'm looking at carrying it forward," said Singh.

It remains to be seen which channel secures a better viewership for its "Antakshari". But the music season never seemed more melodious.