Close on the heels of former Sahara One CEO Shantonu Aditya’s appointment at UTV, the company has announced that yet another Sahara executive Sameer Ganapathy has been roped in to head the distribution for UTV Broadcasting Ltd.

Ganapathy will report to Aditya, who is executive director of UTV Broadcasting and whose mandate is to set up the entire distribution bouquet of the group’s forthcoming broadcast initiatives. UTV Broadcasting is a 100 per cent subsidiary of the diversified media entity.

Aditya said, “We are delighted to have Sameer join UTV. He brings with him almost a decade of rounded experience in distribution of a broadcasting bouquet. Has seen the distribution space evolve, thus a perfect fit for our forthcoming broadcast venture.” (more…)

Sahara One Media & Entertainment Ltd CEO Shantonu Aditya has quit the organization, with immediate effect.
An official announcement of his resignation released today has put all industry speculation to rest.

Aditya joined Sahara in June 2005 and prior to that he was heading SET Discovery as president.

The new music channel of Sahara One Media & Entertainment Limited has been christened hit. he company has appointed Sameer Ganapathy as head of allocation for the Sahara One Television Network, which includes Sahara One, Filmy and also the proposed music channel.

He will report to Sahara One CEO Shantonu Aditya, steps into Rakesh Lamba, who had quit the company late last year. He comes on board from SET Discovery where he was assistant vice president distribution for the western region. Earlier to that he was with Discovery for four years as regional manager distribution (west).

He said, “I am delighted to welcome Sameer to our company. Sameer has over 10 years of experience in distribution and has an excellent track record. With his joining the company, Sahara One will now focus on distribution in a major way and am sure the results will be seen soon.”

Sameer said, “I am very happy to join Sahara One and take on this responsibility. Sahara One is run professionally and has a great team. I look advance to taking up this challenge and working in an excellent environment.”

Ali Ejaz the Pakistani director is all set to direct the first ever India-Pakistan television serial, “Dil Aur Fasley” which will be aired on Indian television channel Sahara One. Sareeta from Sahara One is the co-director of the play. Preetam Kaur the Indian folk singer will sing the titian song of the serial, and Shahid Askari is the assistant director.

Sahara One Television has launched one more innovative primetime show with a brawny female leading role. Sati… Satya Ki Shakti will be aired in the 8 pm slot from Mondays to Fridays from 29 May and will replace Buniyaad.

The story has been penned by Rang De Basanti writer Kamlesh Pandey and his team of writers. Sati… is about a victim of rape, who fights for her rights, challenges the decisions of the law and attains justice. The show revolves around an all women law firm who are shown to be fighting their personal and skilled battles at home and in the court.

Purnendu Bose COO of Sahara One Television said,” “Sati… Satya Ki Shakti is the story of today’s varying times, where women are speaking up not only for themselves but for others as well. This show is yet another color and quill in the cap of Sahara One Television pursuit basket - Television Ka Naya Rang.

This is a story about one woman’s fight against the carnage unswerving against other women. Above all, it sends out a message of hope that justice will prevail if women stand together in times of hardship.” Watch Sati… Satya Ki Shakti at 8 pm from Monday to Friday from 29 May on Sahara One Television.

Shaan has been replaced by Rohit Roy in Zee TV’s Ek Main Aur Ek Tu serial. Rohit will be seen accompanying Ishitta Arun from, 25 May. After Shaan announced that he wanted to take a break for his tour last week, there were a lot of candidates who were under deliberation to take his place. Rohit Roy was one of them.

“Shaan is joining us in four week. I wanted someone who could fit in with the image of the show, yet have his own characteristics of being a good actor or singer and Rohit fitted the bill flawlessly. I am thankful to him for agreeing at such short notice,” says director Gajendrra Siingh.

Rohit had earlier hosted the Desi version of Dance Fever, Dance Divas on Zoom and Sahara One’s Dial One, besides being part of dance based reality show, Naach Baliye. The actor will soon be seen on Star Plus playing the lead in Ravi Chopra’s Virasaat. Will the actor be able to match the high principles set by his forerunner, will he be able to strike an affinity with the contestants at this crucial occasion? Only time will tell.