From telecasting Diwali specials or weaving a plot around the festival, telly channels and show makers are trying their best to offer something for everyone to keep them glued to their TV sets. SANGEETA YADAV reports
This Diwali, channels have come up with many specials. The formula of tweaking the story in such a way so that the Diwali plot comes in between is a tried and tested one. This year too, in order to garner viewership and bring the family and friends together, the production houses and channels follow the same formula.
Besides this, star TV’s actors along with some Bollywood actors like Sonakshi Sinha are going to take the stage in Star Diwali...Thodi Si Muskaan Dher Sara Pyar. To be aired from 5pm, the programme will be followed by Indian Television Awards at 9 pm.
Apart from dance and music, there is drama filled with mysteries and thrillers. In Sony’s CID, ACP Pradyuman with his team members will enthrall you by unravelling the mystery of Black Diwali. A man is being chased by goons and is shot. In a lavish bungalow, Diwali is being celebrated by Dhananjay’s family. They light crackers and soon everyone becomes unconscious. The cops get a call that Ananya, (Dhananjay’s daughter) is missing. There is another sinister plan which endangers the life of hundreds of people. There is a race against time and the cops must save the girls and catch the culprits before disaster strikes.
Not just thriller-mystery, there will be romance in the air as well between Saanchi (Sangeeta Ghosh) and Dhruv (Ruslaan Mumtaaz) of Sony’s Kehta Hai Dil… Jee le Zara. Grapevine has it that Saanchi will pour her heart out and confess her love. In Maharana Pratap, the Diwali celebrations kick start with the return of the Maharana Pratap to his kingdom Mewar. The entire Mewar is overjoyed with his return. There is everything for people of all ages. Discovery Kids is going to air The Adventures of Tenali Raman at 10 am.
The show bonanza doesn’t end with Diwali. Post Diwali, a long list of interesting shows find their way from November 4. AXN is going to unveil the new series of Sherlock, Chosen and So You Think You Can Dance on November 4. “AXN is revamping its weekday primetime line-up as part of its Diwali dhoom celebrations with three new shows — the tenth season of So You Think You Can Dance, cult British version of the legendary detective Sherlock and a psychological thriller Chosen which is one of the first made-for-web series to premiere on India TV. December will see the launch of a thrilling series around a female protagonist titled Orphan Black from BBC, which will ensure that the viewers remain seated in front of their TVs,” says Arpit Mankar, programming head, AXN India.
Discovery Turbo will feature actor turned car racer Patrick Dempsey’s life from November 7 at 9 pm. He will be seen tackling the world’s oldest and most grueling race, France’s 24 Hours of le Mans. From sponsor recruitment, to time trials, to juggling his family and Hollywood career, the four-part mini series offers access to Dempsey and his Porsche 911 GT3 RSR team as they prepare to risk everything on Europe’s most historic track.
Then there is dance reality show — Nach Baliye season 6, life OK’s Tumhari Paakhi and season 2 of Kaisa Yeh Ishq Hai Ajab Sa Risk Hai, and Sahara One’s Firangi Bahu.