the new and improved Star Plus

Of late Star Plus has been undergoing a makeover. First it was the new logo. Then a new tag line- Rista wahi Soch Nayi.  But lets take a look if the channel is on the right track or is it overdoing it.

When the channel began with its new campaign “Rista wahi soch nayi”, it was unknown what was coming up from the channel. But of late, after seeing the new shows that are already on air as well as the shows that are about to air, it is very clear that the channel is gearing up for the young India. And in no way do they want to loosen their grip on the TRP charts.

Before going further lets take a look at the new shows that dressed the FPC of the channel. At the very onset of their campaign came Suhana with Sasuraal Genda Phool. The show was a romantic family comedy set in old Delhi. The freshness in the treatment of the show need not be mentioned again. The show rocked and it left behind all the tear jerkers, weeping behind. Then came Kali and Maryaada – two late night shows which were bold and realistic in their story as well as treatment. Both the shows had ratings that was fair to their time slot. Even the show from Balaji stable- Tere Liye, deals with a love story and thankfully there are no 20 year leaps in sight in near future.

Its not that the channel in order to cater to the young India, has forgotten their loyal family audience. This is where the channel scores again. For every Sasuraal Genda Phool, they have Saath Nibhaana Saathiya and for Tere Liye they have Gulaal. While Gulaal has a rustic setting, Saathiya is set in Mumbai, yet is revolves around the relationship between a saas and a bahu. ( And this show surprised everyone in the industry when it became the numero uno show of the country despite a very early time slot.)

Even the new shows that have been launched this weekend have a very young appeal. Infact Pyar Main Twist looks more like a Bollywood caper than a show that could be a prime time show on Star Plus. The other two shows, Luv U Zindagi as well as Wife Bina Life are also targeting the young indian audience. But at the same time, all these shows though might look youthful and fresh, they have maintained the core values that are essential to any middle class indian family. Truly ‘Rishta Wahi Soch Nayi”.

No one can beat Star Plus when it comes to programming. But I think they are overdoing their bit in promoting their new tag line. The female singing ‘ Rista Wahi Soch Nayi ‘ in every single ad beak has started sounding too irritating to the ears. Even their new ANTHEM is a major let down. Neither does the music appeal to the ears nor are the visuals any treat for the eyes. ( in fact Star Plus has some excellent videos in past be it for Star Parivaar or any other promotional purpose)

On the whole things seem to be working in the favor of the channel. the channel has once again started its ascent to the numero uno position and hopefully will be able to attain back its undisputed leadership amongst the Hindi GEC soon.

G-U-J-J-U - star plus simply loves you...!!!

When ever i hear the surname Virani, i am reminded of only one thing. And am sure even each one of us are reminded of the same thing, irrespective of the fact whether we followed the 'The Mother of all Shows'. The show changed the fate of every single person who was even remotely linked with it. And from this show came an era in Indian television where every second show was based on a Gujarati family. With this show came an era of 'theplas' and 'garba' and not to forget the eternally loving BAA.

After Kyunki ended, atleast Star Plus stopped too many gujrati families from entering their shows. ( Though lot of shows across various channels still loved gujju families. In fact SAB should rename its own channel as SAB-GUJRATI.)

But dear Gujju lovers do not be sad. Star Plus has re- embraced the gujju culture. And trust me it has worked again. Back is the typical gujju accent (which is used only periodically as if just to remind viewers that we are watching a gujrati family) and back is Kinjal ben as well as Gopi Vau.

We are talking about the new family on Star Plus called Saathiya Saath Nibhana. The show has nothing new in terms of story or treatment. But yes it has enough drama to keep the audience hooked to the show. And seeing the show do really well one thing is for sure, Shaadi can always be a high point in an indian television show.

Currently the track in the show is focusing on Kinjal Ben's shaadi as well as poor Gopi Vau becoming the bali ki bechaari bakri. What sells for this show is the cast which seems to be just perfect in the characters that they are playing. Gopi Vau as a timid and sanskaari bahu of Modi family has enough sheen to gather the sympathy of the female audiences. Also Rashi though is not the typical adarsh bahu, yet she looks adorable on screen. Also the plot of the show is kept simple, yet it provides enough masala to keep the drama element intact. Therefore there is nothing surprising that the show is working.

If this was not enough there is a third show on Star Plus called GULAL which is again based in Kutch region of Gujrat. So there is more of gujrat yet to come on Star Plus. And lets hope that the Gujratis once again make Star Plus the number one channel in the country.

Who told only sex and shahruk sell in India. There are Gurjatis as well....!!!