Biz Asia - Main

Former 'NOTW' Showbiz Editor joins 'Reveal'

Ex News Of The World Showbiz Editor, Rav Singh, has been snapped up by National Magazine Company.

He has been appointed as assistant editor (celebrity) at the company's Reveal title.

He spent eight years at the News of the World, where he was showbusiness reporter of the year in 2004 for scoops about Heather Mills pregnancy and Zoe Ball's private life.

"He has a brilliant contacts book, he's one of the best, most experienced operators in the business – and, on top of that, he is a really nice guy. He is going to be a fantastic addition to the magazine," said the Reveal editor, Michael Butcher.

Singh added, "It's great to be working for a dynamic magazine like Reveal. The magazine has so much potential and it's an honour to join such an extensive celebrity team."

Related link:
Rav Singh to leave News of the World

9XM launches new 'Badshah' character

INX Network's music channel 9XM is launching a new character, 'Badshah Bhai' - the new addition to the 9XM family.

According to a channel release, "Badshah Bhai is a fan of the ultimate Baadshah of India – Shahrukh Khan. He believes he too is a huge superstar like his idol – King Khan and thinks that Bheegi Billi is the biggest loser. Badshah Bhai loves the singing style of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and tries to sing the popular Bollywood songs in his own peculiar style. The Betel Nuts in their free time are Badshah Bhai’s backing band."

Vikas Varma, Head Music Entertainment Channels, 9XM, says, "Badshah Bhai has been persistently knocking at my door, everyday, since the launch of 9XM. He wants to be a part of the "team". I have been ignoring him for over a year now, but recently he got hold of a few of my school time secrets and has blackmailed me into giving him a role in 9XM. How could I say no to Badshah Bhai after that?" "On a more serious note", adds Vikas, "I am confident, that Badshah Bhai will receive an equally encouraging response from all the viewers of 9XM."

Betel Nuts have expressed their delight on Badshah Bhai’s entry. According to them, "We are extremely delighted that Badshah Bhai has joined the 9XM gang and are hoping that he will also recite our sher-o-shayari in his own style."

'Badshah' joins the 9XM family from Monday 6th July.

Peace TV Urdu begins testing on Sky Digital

The Urdu version of Islamic educational channel, Peace TV, has begun testing on Sky Digital, ahead of its official launch later this month.

]]> Peace TV, which currently broadcasts an English service on the same platform, will be joined by its Urdu sister station in the coming days.

Since 2006, Peace TV has increased its footprint in various cities around the world including Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and North America.

The channel is known for Islamic lecture shows targeting adults, youth and basic shows for children.

Peace TV Urdu is likely to launch on the Sky Digital EPG, week commencing Monday 13th July. BizAsia.co.uk awaits confirmation from the broadcaster.

Video and audio tests can be tuned in by following the steps below:

-> Using your Sky Digi remote, go to Services Menu
-> System Setup (4)
-> Add Channels (4)
-> Enter the frequency: 11.488 (V), FEC 2/3, Symbol Rate 27500
-> Find Channels and Press SELECT
-> Highlight "54064" service and press Yellow button.
-> Return to Services Menu
-> Other Channels (6) on STB / (8) on Sky+
-> "54064" should be listed and available

Related link:
New Islamic channel begins tests on Sky

Kejal to leave Sunrise Radio; joins A.Network

Sunrise Radio's 'Drivetime' presenter Kejal will be leaving the station, to join the BBC Asian Network.

Kejal who joined Sunrise Radio in 2005, was previously with Club Asia where he hosted the lunchtime show, as well as late night discussion show 'No Holds Barred'.

Kejal is expected to leave Sunrise Radio this month. A source at the BBC Asian Network said that he will work as a producer at the station. It is not yet known, whether he will take up any presenting duties.

Kejal joins his old Club Asia pals on the BBC Asian Network - Jas Rao (Drivetime) and Noreen (Chart show).

BizAsia.co.uk tried contacting Kejal but was still awaiting a response at the time of filing this article.

Related link:
K-Jal defects Club Asia to Sunrise Radio

India ratings: ZEE TV returns to number one

After nine long years of hard work, old favourite ZEE TV has returned to the coveted numero uno position, according to Week 26 TAM viewership data.

]]> ZEE TV has surged ahead to claim the number one spot with an all day GRP of 243.1. Colors is at number two with 242.8 GRPs, while STAR Plus slips this week to number three. It could only manage 218 GRPs.

NDTV Imagine continues to rule the roster at number four with 108 GRPs. Sony Entertainment Television Asia's new look has still got some work to do, it comes next with 91 GRPs.

Other channels include SAB TV at 61, STAR One at 52, Sahara One at 29, STAR Utsav at 22, 9X at 19 and Real at 12.

Balaji movie CEO joins Sony TV as biz head

After shedding up to 50 jobs at its main office in India, Multi Screen Media has now confirmed the appointment of former Balaji Telefilms movie CEO Ajit Thakur.

He will join as Sony Entertainment Television Asia's business head from 1st July, a source in the company says. Albert Almeida, who was heading the channel, had to quit the organisation amid a clean-up operation in March.

One of Thakur's main jobs will be revive the flanking channel, which has struggled in the TRP race. It continues to face stiff competition from Colors, ZEE TV, STAR Plus and distant number four NDTV Imagine. This, despite the channel launching a slew of new shows and repositioning at the end of May.

Sony TV to telecast Shilpa's 'Royals' cricket

Sony Entertainment Television Asia will broadcast the British Asian Challenge Rajasthan Royals v Middlesex Panthers, live on Monday.

Rajasthan Royals, the 2008 IPL champions headed by Shane Warne, will play the champions of the 2008 Twenty20 Cup in England, the Middlesex Panthers, captained by former England International, Shaun Udal. The match will be played in aid of the British Asian Trust, a Prince of Wales’ charity.

Shilpa and her partner, UK businessman Raj Kundra, have bought a 12 per cent stake in the team.

The game will be shown between 16:00 and 20:00 on Monday 6th July.

Related link:
Shilpa Shetty signs up for upcoming IPL

Sony TV's 'Iss Jungle Se...' delayed

Sony Entertainment Television Asia's Indian answer to 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here' has been delayed by a week due to technical issues.

A source told TellyChakkar, "Unfortunately, the show may be delayed by a week. The reason is that we are facing some technical problems that are delaying the telecast of the show. Also we expected all the contestants in Malaysia by the first week of July but some of them might reach late there. Though practice sessions are being conducted in Malaysia for the contestants who have reached it will take some time to start the real shoot."

A source at Sony TV UK confirmed that the show has been delayed until Monday 13th July. The time slot remains the same - Monday to Thursday at 22:00 and Fridays at 21:00.

Details emerge of Yash Raj Films TV show

Details of the much awaited Yash Raj Films TV production have finally come to light today.

]]> According to Mumbai Mirror, Yash Raj Films is all set to enter the small screen with a comedy show titled 'Rishta.com'.

Although Yash Raj Films is trying its best to keep the project a secret, Mumbai Mirror ferreted out that Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Ritesh Deshmukh, Tabu, Rani Mukerji, Uday Chopra, Jugal Hansraj and others will have cameo roles in the show. It will also feature several new faces.

A source told Mumbai Mirror, "YRF is leaving no stone unturned to make a grand entry in television. They have spoken to most of the top actors, who have worked with them. While most of the actors have already agreed to make an appearance in Rishta.com, some are still being approached. The show is about a matrimony office through which couples meet."

"There have been several rumours about the show that YRF is making for a popular entertainment channel. However, contrary to reports, these prominent film stars will only be making special appearances," said the source.

The show is expected to be broadcast on Sony Entertainment Television Asia, the channel, which holds the exclusive worldwide telecast rights for the entire Yash Raj Films movie catalogue.

'Rishta.com' launches in October. The rehearsals, costumes and the look of the show have already been finalised. The show will be directed by Rishabh Seth.

India ratings: STAR Plus & Colors share top spot

In Week 25, STAR Plus and Colors are at par, with a relative channel share of 21 per cent each, in the Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) genre, according to data from TAM Media Research (C&S, 4+, HSM).

STAR Plus, which has garnered 242 GRPs in Week 25, has lost 2 percentage points; while Colors has added a few GRPs and stands at 241 GRPs.

ZEE TV has maintained its number 3 position this week, with a 19 per cent relative share of the GEC pie. The channel has garnered 227 GRPs in Week 25.

NDTV Imagine remains unshaken at number 4 with 104 GRPs, the channel holds a 9 per cent share. Sony Entertainment Television Asia, at number 5, with a relative channel share of 8 per cent, seems to be inching closer to Imagine. In Week 25, the gap between the two is 6 GRPs.

SAB TV is at number 6 with a 6 per cent share and had 67 GRPs, while STAR One is at number 7 and has managed to get a 5 per cent share with only 53 GRPs. DD1 retains its 4 per cent share. This is followed by Sahara One at number 9, which holds a 3 per cent share, with 32 GRPs in its fold.

Among the other channels, STAR Utsav and 9X have 2 per cent share each with 23 and 20 GRPs respectively each; while Real has 1 per cent share with only 11 GRPs.

Among the Top 10 programmes on Hindi GECs, 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' rules the charts again, with the highest TVR of 6.7. 'Bidaai' has recorded a TVR of 5.4, followed by 'Balika Vadhu', which garnered 4.7. ZEE TV's 'Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo' is at No. 4 in Week 25, with a TVR of 4.3. At No. 5 is Colors' 'Uttaran', which fetched a TVR of 3.9.

Report from TelevisionPoint

NDTV Imagine goes into 'Rakhi' overdrive

NDTV Imagine has left no stone unturned to promote its new reality TV adventure 'Rakhi Ka Swayamvar'.

As well as a half-hour daily fix of updates on Rakhi Sawant's matchmaking at 22:30, the channel has also confirmed a spin-off -'Rakhi – Mann Ki Baat', which will air straight after the main show.

The format of 'Rakhi – Mann Ki Baat' will see an informal chat between Ram Kapoor (the host) and Rakhi talk about the main episode and her likes and dislikes of what's been happening on the show in a candid way.

The UK telecast will be shown on a day-delay basis to India. In India, the show kicks off on Monday (29th June), in the UK on Tuesday (30th June) at 21:30 - 22:30.

Interview: Stephen Uppal of 'Hollyoaks'

Channel 4's daily soap 'Hollyoaks' recently saw the introduction of an Indian family with hunk 'Ravi Roy', played by Stephen Uppal first cropping up on screen from the family last year.

The 27-year old has had a string of challenging storylines since his entry in the Merseyside soap. Viewers have seen the character come to terms with his sexuality. His bi-sexuality resulted in Ravi being entangled in a threesome with Kris and Nancy. In episodes screened earlier this week, Ravi has been diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm. We caught up with Stephen to find out more on his whirlwind 'Hollyoaks' adventure...

Stephen you joined 'Hollyoaks' last year, how did you land the role of 'Ravi'?
I had just finished the Royal National Theatre's production of the History Boys in the West End and my agent phoned with a casting for the role of Ravi. I auditioned and was lucky enough to land the job.

Your character has had quite a turbulent time since its inception, how has that been for you?
Great! I'm an actor who likes to be challenged and tackle difficult subjects. Acting for me is about being able to step away from who you are and become this whole different person, and when I'm put outside of my comfort zone I relish in the opportunity.

What has been the most exciting part of Ravi you have enjoyed playing?
Definetly the aneurysm storyline and what’s coming up. I have learnt so much about myself not only as an actor but as a person. It has also made me realise how fortunate I am.

The biggest storyline we've seen you in is battling with your sexuality, what was your initial reaction when you were told about this?
The same as brushing my teeth in the morning! If it phased or bothered me then I am in the wrong profession. All that concerns me is trying to play the truth within every scene I do.

You've had some intimate scenes with Kris on the show, how did you feel about doing this?
Like I said, it doesn't faze me. I'm grateful that the producers trusted me as a professional to deal with such a difficult issue.

With you being Asian, what kind of feedback have you had since "coming out" on screen?
I haven't had any negative feedback which is good. I think the Asian community are open minded and liberal and have enjoyed this storyline.

Is there any man on the show you wish to see Ravi settle down with?
Well the character is bisexual so it could be a man or woman. That is up to the Producers and as long as the story is good and challenging I don't mind.

You're known for wearing very little on the show and recently you went partially nude for a photo shoot for Cosmopolitan magazine, do you enjoy wearing next to nothing?
That shoot was for awareness for testicular cancer and my father died three years ago from bowel cancer so even if they wanted to paint me green I would have done it. I wouldn't say I'm known for wearing next to nothing, but if you've got it...!

In the coming days, Ravi's world comes crashing down after a fight with Caleb, what happens?
I don't want to spoil it for the viewers but I really hope they like it! We've recently seen that Ravi has a potentially fatal brain aneurysm and he struggles to deal with the news.

How is it to play a character with aneurysm?
It has been great for me, such an opportunity to learn and push myself and to grow artistically. The research involved was intense and I really enjoyed learning about it. I met people living with the condition and that was hard but it gave me a better insight into what I was dealing with. It was hard hearing their stories so I really hope I do them justice.

Kris helps Ravi during this hard time, will we see the two characters getting back together?
No they are just good friends but Kris and Nancy find love over Ravi's bedside!

We hope with this new storyline, Ravi's not on the way out of 'Hollyoaks'...
Wait and see! But you wont be disappointed!

How has it been working with your on screen brother Ash and the rest of the Roy family?
Its been an absolute pleasure...I seriously love them all.

In your personal time, what does Stephen enjoy doing?
I studied English at uni before heading off to drama college so as geeky as it sounds I love to read. Picture of Dorian Gray is my favourite novel and a remake of the film will be at cinemas in November. A good friend of mine Ben Barnes is playing Dorian so if you see it please be supportive!!!

Any plans for a Bollywood break?
Seriously I love Bollywood! I have actually performed in two West End musicals but my Hindi is non existent. I'd be there if they would have me..my mum would be over the moon!!

A message to your fans...
Thank you sooooooooooo much for your support it seriously means a lot to any actor. I hope you keep enjoying what I do and I will try my best not to let you guys down! Thanks!

'Iss Jungle Se Mujhe...' rumoured celebs

Sony Entertainment Television Asia's Indian answer to 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here' kicks off next week and rumours of the celebrities joining the Malaysian jungle have been doing the rounds.

According to India-Forums, Channel [V] presenter Ruby Bhatia has been approached for the show. Another name that is floating around is of the item girl, Deepal Shaw who is popularly known as Baby Doll. Karan Wahi, actor of STAR One's show 'Remix' also has been asked to feature on the show but rejected the channel's offer due to other work commitments.

Few other big names who have been approached are Faizal Khan brother of Aamir Khan, Adnan Sami's wife Sabah and the Bollywood sexy siren Antara Mali.

Shweta Tiwari, Fiza Chand Mohammad and Mouli Ganguly are also tipped to be part of the show as contestants.

'Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao' will be presented by Sony TV favourite Mini Mathur alongside VJ turned actor Yudhishtir (Yudi). Mini has previously fronted 'Indian Idol' for the channel.

The show commences on Monday 6th July at 22:00.

Brit Asia TV drops BARB viewing ratings

Popular British Asian music channel Brit Asia TV has decided to opt out of its audience being measured by the Broadcasters Audience Research Board (BARB), according to AGB Nielson.

The website has reported that Brit Asia TV will cease reporting after Tuesday 30th June.

It is not known why the channel has made this decision but costs could be a factor. BizAsia.co.uk did attempt to contact the channel but did not receive a response in time of filing this article.

BARB subscribers pay an annual registration fee of over £5,000 and a quarterly subscription fee. UK Asian subscription TV broadcasters instead depend on subscriber figures to observe the popularity of its channel(s). Free-to-air channels determine the success of their programmes and the channel on the whole by its income revenue.

According to BARB data, the channel regularly attracts a weekly reach between 150,000 - 200,000.

ZEE Muzic, Sunrise TV and Prime TV are now the only three Asian broadcasters currently registered to BARB.

Related link:
Brit Asia TV signs up to BARB system

ZEE Network UK secures more cricket

ZEE Network UK has confirmed that it will broadcasting even more cricket, in addition to the upcoming Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka, starting in early-July.

]]> The latest acquisitions mean that ZEE Network has secured enough cricket to keep fans entertained until at least the end of this year.

The new deal consists of the following series':
- New Zealand v Sri Lanka (August/September)
- Tri Nation Series (September/October)
- Hong Kong Sixes (October/November)
- Pakistan v New Zealand (November)

All matches will be shown under encryption on its ZEE Cinema channel.

According to Govind Shahi, ZEE Network Territory Head – Europe, "This year cricket on ZEE is one of our key strategies to rope in additional viewers to ZEE Network. In addition to our existing subscribers we are confident that our line-up will also excite Pakistani and Sri Lankan cricket fans."