Zee Network’s popular regional channel Zee Punjabi will be revamping its entertainment to offer a multi-genre palate of new shows.

Marking its tenth anniversary in the UK, the all new Zee Punjabi will showcase a vast 17 hours of original shows per day whilst introducing a new line up of programmes and increasing its News updates, from 27 February.

The channel, which caters to one of the largest South Asian community, will be extending its appeal to all appetites of Punjabi entertainment lovers  with brand new genres spanning from astrology, female chat shows, crime to sports news and more – making Zee Punjabi the only complete Punjabi entertainment channel in the UK. With dramas, reality shows, religion, comedy, music and even Punjabi movies all covered – the channel offers something for every member of the household.

Watch out for the of the first ever dedicated Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Punjabi singing competition show, starting from Saturday 3 March, Saturday-Sunday at 9pm. For the first time ever, the series will feature a UK judge – London’s very own Juggy D , who is synonymous with Punjabi music in the UK and will be judging the talent alongside Jaspinder Narula and Bally Sagoo. Zee  Punjabi celebrated the launch of the show with auditions across the UK, coming up in the series on 3 and 4 March.

There will be six fresh News bulletins throughout the day, reporting up to date stories along with the following:

News

· Sports Round Up, Daily @ 10pm - All the latest happening in the world of sports

· Satsriakal Pradhan Ji, Sundays @ 8pm - Chat show presenting a meeting with a different state minister or government officer in each episode

Crime

· Charge Sheet, Sundays @ 10:30pm - A factual crime based weekly show, bringing the dark side of India to light

· Underworld, Mon -Thu @ 10:30pm - Crime series with snippets from the underworld of India

Astrology

· Aaj Da Rashiphal, Mon-Fri @ 10am - Daily Astro predictions

· Thuade Sitare, Sat @ 10am - Astro based programme with weekly predictions

· Sitare Ke Kahnde Ne, Sun @ 10am - Famous astrologer Mr P Khuarna predicts weekly astro forecasts

Comedy

· Comedy Club, Mon-Thu @ 9pm - Comedy show with gags to keep you entertained

Lifestyle

· Saanjh Dilan Di, Mon-Thu @ 1:30pm - Heart to heart talk - In an interactive format we call experts from various fraternities namely medicine, fashion, astrology, psychology, lifestyle and alike to help women find answers to issues and questions that boggle them in their day today lives

Celebrity based

· Ki Haal Chaal Hai, Sat @ 8pm - A day with a celebrity each week, exploring their lifestyle, hobbies, family and more – bringing the true rustic flavours of Punjabi soils at its best.

Continue to enjoy the dedicated religious shows, with live Gurbani from Bangla Sahib, daily at 4am and 4pm, as well as Ek Onkar featuring learnings of Sikhism, daily at 8:30am. Also continue to follow popular series Kanch Diya Wanga, Udaari, Sarhadein, Tadka Punjab Da and lots more.

Vasdev Tuli, Zee Punjabi Channel Head, Zee Europe said, “The new avatar of Zee Punjabi will take it from being at the heart of the community to being at the centre of Punjabi entertainment. Zee Punjabi has pioneered the way in regional South Asian entertainment in the UK, with a stronghold over Punjabi hearts. With this new line up of shows the channel will be going a long way in giving its viewers more of what they enjoy. The channel  has listened to the Punjabi speaking community and raised the bar of wholesome regional entertainment. We hope the community will embrace the new programming and continue to take pride in their very own Zee Punjabi.”

Last year, Zee Punjabi was honoured by leading Sikh religious organizations in the UK for its exemplary service to propagate Punjabi culture and Sikh values across the globe.

To give viewers a sample of the revamped Zee Punjabi, the channel will be FREE to watch from Monday 27 February up until Wednesday 14 March on Sky 798. For schedule details visit www.zeetv.co.uk. Brought to you In Association with Accident Genie.

In this week’s episode shoot of Dance India Dance, Geeta Ma’s blue eyed boy, Abhik Bau, was in for a shocking surprise! The seventeen year old lad from Ranchi, had no idea what was in store for him till he heard an old familiar voice in the background saying, “Abhik you are doing a brilliant job… With every performance you are emerging as a better dancer. It’s amazing to see you come this far today! My blessings and best wishes will be with you always!”

This was one voice that Abhik can recognize even in deep slumber as it happens to be of his first Guru – the  celebrated choreographer Saroj Khan. Saroj ji paid him a surprise visit on the sets of Dance India Dance this week.  Hands clasped over his mouth…Abhik could not believe his eyes. “This is the sweetest surprise I have received in my life. I just cannot thank Zee TV and Saroj Maam enough! Thank you Maam for coming here today and blessing me.” Saroj Khan is one of the most eminent Indian dance chorographers with more than 200 films to her credit. While Masters Geeta, Remo and Terence gave her a standing ovation Grandmaster Mithun Da bent down to touch her feet. It was a sight to behold, one of the rarest moments in the history of Dance India Dance.

On seeing the exemplary acts by the “Terrific 13’, Saroj Ji told the Masters, “It must have been a very difficult task getting such brilliant dancers from across the country on a common platform. I’m totally awestruck by their performances. Every dancer is a star and I wish all of them all the very best in life.” Abhik is a trained Kathak dancer and has been assisting Saroj Khan for the past 4 years which explains his special bonding with her. He is the youngest contestant of the show. Saroj Khan’s presence on the sets gave Abhik an extra pair of wings and he rocked the stage with his breathtaking, energetic performance on the song Tera Hi Karam from the movie Karam using a bed as his prop.

In this Saturday’s episode, viewers will see every contestant dancing with a household item as a prop. Like Rajasmitha Kar (from Orissa) will be seen using two LPG gas cylinders each weighing 14 kgs each. Pradeep Gurung (from Guwahati) will be seen playing around with storage boxes made of steel. Sneha G (from Delhi) will be seen using a dressing table to her advantage. Abhik Bau (from Ranchi) will use a bed to showcase his mastery over prop. Redhead Raghav ’Crockroaz’ Juyal (from Dehradun) will be seen using  a commode to tickle everybody’s funny bone while Neerav’s  (from Ahmedabad) command on props will come to the fore through a  cupboard. Urvashi (from Mumbai) will be seen using an iron board whereas Varun (from Bangalore)will use a bean bag. Piyali (from Siliguri,West Bengal)  will use a mat to its best whereas Mohena (from Rewa, MP) will charm everyone with her graceful moves with curtains. Sanam (from Delhi)  will be seen using a vacuum cleaner and Vaibhav (from Mumbai) a garbage bin.

ABHIK BAU

This Ranchi lad is all of 17 years which makes him the youngest contestant this Season. He is a trained Kathak dancer and has been assisting celebrated choreographer, Saroj Khan for the past 4 years. The youngest contestant in any season is smothered with love and affection and Abhik is no exception. The young Kathak exponent’s comfort level lies in freestyle dance and it does not come as a surprise that his dance idol is none other than Hrithik Roshan. He wants to emulate his idol and become an actor and choreographer in the future. Abhik believes that a dancer has to have an ear for music to have a sound understanding of rhythm and beats. The young kid loves to study which is an unusual fetish for a person of his age.

Do not miss the 25 February, Saturday’s episode of Maruti Suzuki Dance India Dance Season 3 at 7pm, on Zee TV!

Do not miss - this Sat & Sun 7pm on @ZeeTVUK, Sky 788 - #DanceIndiaDance

Love was in the air of Zee TV’s Dance India Dance Season 3 as newlywed Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza came to promote their upcoming movie ‘Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya.’ Coming on the sets of DID 3, their first appearance together on a reality show, was a natural choice for the duo as they are big fans of the show, both sharing a passion for dance.

Riteish and Genelia were all smiles from the moment they entered the sets. Mithun Da, who Ritesh considers family gave them a warm welcome and made them feel at home. Once the performances began Riteish obliged Vaibhav and Mohena’s request to shake a leg on stage. Remo D’Souza who had earlier choreographed Riteish joined him on stage, danced on the title track from Remo’s movie ‘Faltu.’

Abhik and Urvashi did a bolero (slow tempo romantic latin dance) act on Piya O Re Piya, the romantic track from Riteish and Genelia’s upcoming movie Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya. Master Geeta, who has choreographed the duo in the movie, dedicated the act to the lead pair and thanked them for giving her the opportunity to choreograph such a beautiful romantic number for them. Dada said, “You guys just got married… hence after such a romantic number first dance toh mandatory hai.” Riteish and Genelia did an endearing slow dance to the lilting tune of the track. The couple escorted Master Geeta Kapur on stage and thanked her for being the wonderful person that she is.

Dada noticed that Riteish said, “I Love You” too all the female contestants of the show. In his reprimand he said, “Hamare ghar ke bahu ke saamne ye sab nahi chalega”. Genelia jumped at the opportunity of Dada supporting her cause and said that throughout the making of the movie Ritesh kept saying the same to Master Geeta who is the choreographer of their upcoming movie. At this Riteish got up, went upto Geeta, kept his palm on her head and said, “Main Geeta ke sar pe haath rakh ke kasam khata hun Genelia, ki main tumse aur sirf tumse pyaar karoonga.” After saying this Riteish ran to Genelia, went down on his knees and proposed to her once again. All that one could after this moment was ‘Awwww…’ that resonated from every corner of the sets.

Rishi Kapoor to inaugurate week long activities at LSE’s India Week - TONIGHT 7pm

The talk tonight will focus on Mr Kapoor’s journey in Bollywood over the years and use this to understand how the industry is changing.

One week dedicated to making the world more knowledgeable about this beautiful nation of over one billion people. From Economics to Bollywood, from Tradition to Food, discover Incredible India through the eyes of its youth at the LSE.

For more details, click here:

http://www.indiasociety.co.uk/index.php?page=india-week-3

Zee TV brings TV’s favourite couple together after 18 years of separation.

Now after almost two decades of separation, viewers will be excited to know that the two will be living together under a roof again! No .. don’t rejoice just as yet … all isn’t well in paradise, at least not just as yet!

While Archana’s idealistic daughter Purvi wants to halt the divorce and reunite her aai and baba, Sachin would like to see his father Manav peacefully terminating his marriage with Archana, in the hope that one day he will reunite with Sachin’s biological mother Shravani. Through what can only be called divine intervention, the court orders Manav and Archana to give their marriage a second chance if only for six months wherein the couple are required to live together under the same roof. With a painful, bitter silence of 18 years between them, how will they survive living with each other for 6 months?! Only time will tell what lies in store for the two!

Only on @ZeeTVUK, Sky 788 www.zeetv.co.uk

When actresses are young, attractive and single, there are good chances they may balk at the prospect of having to play mommy on screen and even sulk at the thought of being around kids 24/7 on the sets as they usually lack maternal instincts. In fact, several actresses even quit their shows when a generation leap happens and kids are brought in. But such is not the case with the adorable Kratika Sengar who is all set to play Aarti in Zee TV’s upcoming primetime show, Punarvivaah. She enacts the role of a young mother who single-handedly raises her son after being deserted by her husband. With the father of her child walking out on them, the story captures Kratika’s character Aarti forming a deeper, stronger  bond with her son. So, writer-producer Shashi Mittalwas extremely keen that a very palpable mother-child chemistry should shine through in every scene between Kratika and child artiste, Divyam who plays her son Ansh in the show.

Allaying the producer’s initial concerns about how she will bond with the child artiste, Kratika turned out to be extremely fond and affectionate towards Master Divyam right from the word ‘Go’. Insiders from the set reveal, “Kratika, as a person, is in touch with her inner child. She is spontaneous, lively and brimming with mischief. Divyam is almost a carbon copy of her in these respects. Together, the two of them are a boisterous duo who keep everybody on the sets in good spirits with their practical jokes and tomfoolery. What’s more, Kratika is deeply protective of him and ensures that nobody keeps Divyam waiting and that he gets adequate time on the sets to finish his homework.”

Speaking of her bond with the child artiste, Kratika said, “Divyam is ultra cute. He doesn’t sit still even for a minute. He is very bindaas. But never arrogant or over-smart. I was exactly like this as a child. Spending time with him brings back so many childhood memories. Since most of his scenes are with me, I get to pamper and spoil him on the sets.”

Looks like Kratika will not need to really “act” like his mother on screen … it’ll come rather naturally to her.

Watch out the brand new series Punar Vivaah, Monday to Friday at 10:30pm and repeated at 1:30pm and 6pm on Zee TV. Watch it FREE until 8 March.

Manav and Archana of Zee TV’s Pavitra Rishta, have easily been one of television’s most loved on-screen jodis. And while viewers have always wished the best for these love birds and prayed for them to stay together forever, life has sadly not always been that kind. Now after almost two decades of separation, viewers will be excited to know that the two will be living together under a roof again! No .. don’t rejoice just as yet … all isn’t well in paradise, at least not just as yet!

The show is all set to take some unexpected turns. While viewers have seen the pair file for a divorce, fate seems to have plans of intervening and preventing in what would have otherwise been a tragic end to India’s most eagerly followed love story on television. This time, Manav and Archana have their children jumping into the fray. After all, as young adults, they do have a say in their parents’ lives. While Archana’s idealistic daughter Purvi wants to halt the divorce and reunite her aai and baba, Sachin would like to see his father Manav peacefully terminating his marriage with Archana, in the hope that one day he will reunite with Sachin’s biological mother Shravani. Through what can only be called divine intervention, the court orders Manav and Archana to give their marriage a second chance if only for six months wherein the couple are required to live together under the same roof. With a painful, bitter silence of 18 years between them, how will they survive living with each other for 6 months?! Only time will tell what lies in store for the two!

Stay at home and enjoy the upcoming episodes of Pavitra Rishta, Monday-Friday at 9pm only on Zee TV, Sky 788.

Give the gift of quality entertainment this #Valentine’s Day! Join the Zee Family and enjoy great entertainment with true romantic #Bollywood movies throughout the month on Zee Cinema, new Zee TV serial Punar Vivaah and lots more www.zeetv.co.uk

Zee Network, in association with Iconic Productions, presents a crossover Bollywood, Brit-Asian movie, releasing on 9^th March.

The fast paced thriller centres around the struggles and hardships faced by a young immigrant from India, Jai, who feels that London will allow him to fulfil his dreams and aspirations. London is his most beautiful dream; he finds a friend on a council estate as well as love on the underground but one phone call changes his life forever. Jai is left trapped in a dark and dangerous world where only a jungle law exists.

The upcoming movie marks the debut of Zing’s very own popular presenter Asad Shan, from UK based Bollywood show Brit’s Bollywood. The talented British model-turned-actor is the leading man in the movie as well as its director. He calls out to his existing fan base, “The Brit’s Bollywood and Zee Network audience is my family and I love being a part of their lives on the small screen. Zing has allowed me to grow as an artist and as I embark on a new stage in my life, I would like you to be part of that. So now with a lot of pleasure and love I would like to take our relationship further into the cinema halls with ‘7 Welcome to London’ which releases on 9^th March. I know you have been enjoying the trailers and the music videos from the film and I am hopeful that you will enjoy the film as well. Thank you for all your support over the years.”

Archana Kanade, Zing Channel Head, UK “Zing is hugely supportive of UK talent and to see one of its own talented Brit-Asian members venture out into the exciting world of film-making is wonderful. Zing is passionate about showcasing all facets of Bollywood and with Brit’s Bollywood, presented by the hip Asad, it strives to tailor Hindi cinema to UK Bollywood lovers, building a bridge between Bollywood and Britain. We hope its viewers will support Asad and go out to watch his thrilling movie whilst continuing to enjoy him on Brit’s Bollywood.”

‘7 Welcome To London’ is a grisly thriller crafted in a gritty manner to draw on contemporary UK issues. It brings homegrown UK talent to the forefront right from the cast to the entire film unit.  Bafta and Oscar winning editor Chris Dickens is the creative producer for ‘7 welcome to London’ and has seamlessly blended Bollywood with international film techniques.

For your chance to win a pair of tickets to this ‘on the edge of your seat’ romantic thriller, and for  a chance to meet the charming Asad Shan, enter the ‘7 Welcome To London’ competition at www.zingtv.co.uk.

Catch a special interview of Asad on Brit’s Bollywood, as he takes his viewers through his own ecstatic journey in film making with his debut, Sunday 4 March at 11:30am on Zing, Sky 789 and Freesat 509.

‘7 Welcome To London’ releases on Friday 9th March at cinemas across the UK.

There is no way you can miss the Wild Card entry episodes of Dance India Dance to be telecast on 11^th & 12^th February simply because you will miss the most spectacular and jaw dropping acts by Raghav Juyal, more popularly known as Crockroaz. The sensation called CROCKROAZ is back on DID and will surely  create ripples in this week’s epiosde of the show.The redhead boy from Dehradun who re-christened himself asCROCKROAZ (from the one who has the creepiness of a cockroach and the strength of a crocodile) mesmerised everyone with an extraordinary freestyle act with a lot of his trademark ‘slow-motion’ moves thrown in. Though Raghav’s act was the most talked about performance during the audition phase of the show, he unfortunately did not get selected in the TOP 18.  The mentors verdict were against him and very evidently it didn’t go down well with the loyal viewers of DID. So on popular demand, the DID team and Grandmaster Mithun Da decided to give Raghav Juyal aka Crockroaz another chance as a Wild  Card entrant to prove his mettle yet again.

Under the able tutelage of Master Terence Lewis, Crockroaz gave a dazzling performance and electrified both the mentors as well as the audience. That galvanic energy, the slow motion moves and the innocence with which Raghav performed, it will for sure leave the television viewers exhilarated and begging for more.  Said a totally stupefied Master Terence, “I wish to apologise to all the viewers since I think we did a big mistake by not selecting Raghav during the auditions. Later, when I saw Raghav perform and the kind of acts that he is capable of doing, it totally flabbergasted me. Whatever Raghav does , its 80 percent his own creativity and may be 20 percent my inputs. He is an amazing freestyle dancer whose core strength is his body control and his USP being is his slow motion or speed breaking  moves. May be there are very many dancers who can dance like him but the feel with which Crockroaz does an act even ace dancers take ages to gain mastery over that. Raghav is a treat to watch and training him is every choreographers delight. If the junta selects him to be a part of the Terrific 13, he will give a tough takkar to the other contestants and raise the bar of the competition.”

It was endearing to see Raghav in his signature slow – mo move walk up to Geeta Ma and pull her cheeks. Said a visibly red Master Geeta after the performance, “Raghav ne phir se gustakhi ki! He again pulled my cheeks! The moment he pulled my cheeks, Terence and Remo who sit on either side of me  followed and pulled my cheeks really hard! I would like to warn them, Boys! please stop doing it, warna mujhse bura koi nahi hoga! Only one person has the right to pull my cheeks and that is Mithun da…..(blush…bush )!”

Watch Raghav,  the Crockroaz’s jaw dropping act in this week’s episode of Dance India Dance, Saturday & Sunday at 7pm, only on ZEE TV!