0 Can social TV pay?

It was billed as a television blockbuster, with a Bollywood superstar positioned as India’s Oprah Winfrey in a heart-tugging chat show, with matching promotions. Satyamev Jayate’s debut episode, at 11 am on Sunday, May 6, hosted by Aamir Khan, was simulcast across nine channels, including Doordarshan, with language subtitles for Star’s regional channels.

On a first look at viewership response, there was a good amount of confusion since the show bucked the TAM television rating (TVR) norm because of its simulcasting, making it very difficult to judge performance. TVR represents the share of viewers watching that show of all viewers watching TV at a given point in time. Each channel would have seen viewership fragmentation due to the simulcasts.

Just on Star Plus, Satyamev Jayate got a TVR of 3.02% (cable and satellite homes, Hindi speaking market), which was much lower than Kaun Banega Crorepati’s season 5 opening TVR on Sony of 5.34%, Bigg Boss season 5 on Colors (4.25%), India’s Got Talent season 3 (Colors, 3.91%) and Star Plus’s Just Dance (3.68%).

On an all-India basis (cable and satellite plus DD), the first episode garnered a 4.1% TVR. The next episode on May 13 saw a dip in TVR, made up somewhat by the third episode on May 20.

But for a programme that has broken a number of norms and new ground, a performance evaluation based on just TVRs may not really give us the correct picture.

As Meenakshi Menon (Madhwani), managing partner, Spatial Access, said: “When an episode runs for an hour-and-a-half, the TVR, which involves time and reach, is bound to get depressed. But we are calculating the numbers at Spatial Access and find that the audience actually tuning into the show is significantly larger than for blockbuster programmes.”

Star India’s CEO, Uday Shankar, talked reach (the number of people who watch a show for more than a minute). “The show has delivered a historic reach of 33 crore people over the first three episodes. The content has galvanised the slot.

While there are some minor criticisms, viewers are almost unanimous in praising the content. “Why does Aamir need to cry on stage? The content is really good and doesn’t need that,” said Mumbai-based hair salon owner, Coleen Khan.

“I would love to be invited to be in the show’s audience – I would like to say some significant things too,” said Margaret Prasad, an informal social activist.

“I was in Delhi with potential business partners and the conversation started with Satyamev Jayate. The show has created quite a buzz,” said Marzin Shroff, CEO direct sales and senior VP marketing, Eureka Forbes, a key show sponsor which has pumped in over R 12 crore into the sponsorship. It saw a match in its brand intent of purity with that of the show’s aim to discuss social issues to improve lives.

Lead sponsor Airtel is also happy. Bharat Bambawale, director global brands, Bharti Airtel, said, “Sunday morning on TV was defunct, but not any longer. We’re committed to this show’s 13 episodes. Its philosophy fits with Airtel’s – responsibility with leadership.”

For Star India, Satyamev Jayate is strategically important. “We believe that as leaders of broadcasting, we have got to be the chief innovators constantly working towards renewing TV’s social contract with society. Satyamev Jayate is one of the biggest leaps that we have taken in many years. With it, we are trying to establish a very eclectic, contemporary definition of what entertainment content can be,” said Shankar.

“The use of TV to trigger social change in a planned way is where the real success of Satyamev Jayate lies. To the cynics it would seem to be a smart ploy by a shrewd player of emotions; to the beneficiaries it would be the emergence of their long awaited benefactors,” said Ashish Mishra, head of Water and Interbrand India operations.

“Satyamev Jayate has the beginnings of becoming a movement,” said Menon.

Shankar couldn’t agree more, asserting: “Since its launch, every day we hear stories of change inspired by it at a personal and societal level.” On the other side, the Indian Medical Association is demanding an apology for defamation of all doctors in one episode.

Think it’s early days yet, as the skeptics would say? Let’s wait and watch then – there are eight more episodes to go. Source:http://www.hindustantimes.com

0 Aamir Khan stole the concept of my show: Rakhi Sawant

Rakhi Sawant has done it again! This time she claims that Aamir Khan's much talked about show, Satyamev Jayate, is a copy of her show, Rakhi ka Insaaf. Excerpts from the interview:

You have been saying that Satyamev Jayate is a copy of Rakhi Ka Insaaf? The show is a complete copy of Rakhi ka Insaaf. They (the production house) have stolen our concept. The format of my show was similar. There was a point when I was so disturbed after meeting the various people who came on the show with their problems, that I had to be hospitalised, since I was suffering from depression. My show was shifted to a late night slot because of its mature content, but it still registered good TRPs. On the other hand, just because Satyamev Jayate has Aamir Khan, the show is being aired in the morning slot and people are talking about it.

How do you like Aamir's show? I have nothing against Aamir. He is a great guy and I am indebted to him for life. He stood up for me at a time when there was nothing good going for me. In fact, he should be made PM of the country. Seriously, he is genuine and does intelligent work. My only issue is that if Aamir Khan decides to do a show like this, it is termed social work, but if Rakhi Sawant anchors a similar show it is termed as business and a means to garner TRPs. The courts will interfere in my show and say that 'Lets solve these issues' we don't need a show for this. Aren't these double standards? I don't have problems with the remuneration, - Aamir Khan gets Rs three crore for doing this show and I got Rs five lakh for it! Many news channels have earlier hit on these subjects but there was no fast track code set up by the government and I am no one to comment on this. There is nothing original about Aamir's show, because Rakhi ka Insaaf had already done all that. Logon ko rulaana bahot aasan hai, but to take corrective action and

bring about a change in society is difficult! Such shows only play with people's emotions. When Aamir does a show like this, he is applauded and when I do a show like this, they say item girl kya insaaf dilayegi? Having said that, I want my show to be brought back with a sequel.

Are you aware that after this, people will call you a publicity hound? Rakhi sabko buri lagti hai kyunki main hamesha sach bolti hoon. But I am not afraid of anyone, because at the end of the day, truth finally comes out. My plea to the masses and authorities is only about creating objections and issues when I anchor a show like this. The industry will never cease to show double standards. Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

0 Aamir in a film on AIDS?

Superstar Aamir Khan is likely to feature in Priyadarshan's much-awaited film based on AIDS.

"The project on AIDS is on, but the script is not yet ready... (I had) too many schedules and things to do so couldn't finish the script. I had discussed it with Aamir earlier and that time he wanted to do the film," the director.

The 55-year-old filmmaker has been talking about this project since 2009. It has been learnt that after Priyadarshan wraps up his current project, 'Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal', he would start work on the untitled AIDS film, which will be without songs, comedy and free of commercial trappings.

"I will complete the script first and approach him (Aamir) again. If he has time he will do it," the National Award winning director said.

Earlier, filmmakers Revathy and Onir had explored this subject (AIDS) in their films 'Phir Milenge' (2004) and `My Brother Nikhil' (2005), respectively.

While 'Phir Milenge' had a star-studded cast that included Salman Khan, Shilpa Shetty and Abhishek Bachchan, 'My Brother Nikhil' featured Sanjay Suri, Juhi Chawla and Purab Kohli. Both films did not have a successful run at the box office but they received critical acclaim.

Credit: Mid-Day.com

0 Aamir Khan attends rickshaw puller son’s wedding

VARANASI: Perfectionist Aamir Khan kept his promise and attended rickshaw driver Nathuni's son's wedding in Varanasi on Wednesday.

Aamir especially came down to Varanasi to attend Rajeev's wedding, son of Ramlakhan Paswan aka Nathuni, an auto-rickshaw driver. When Aamir toured the country in various disguises while promoting his 2009 film, 3 Idiots, he had met Lakhan in Varanasi, and bonded with him over three days, says a member of Aamir’s entourage.

It’s been almost three years but Lakhan hadn't forgotten the bond, and he recently arrived in Mumbai with a wedding invitation for the actor.

Aamir Khan was touched by his behaviour and was trying his best to make it to the wedding.

The actor's spokesperson had said at the time, “It’s not yet confirmed but he is trying to make time for it.” And the actor did make it to the wedding!

0 Aamir's another landmark

"Satyamev Jayate" is Aamir Khan's first television project and the star says that the reality show will create history by becoming the first ever programme to go live simultaneously on a private channel and national broadcaster DD1.

"This is for the first time in the Indian history that a show will also be showcased simultaneously on national television channel DD1. Besides, the show will be dubbed in four southern languages - Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada. This show is being launched on a large scale," Aamir told reporters Friday here at the launch of the show's promo song.

"Satyamev Jayate" will go on air on Star Plus May 6.

"I don't understand TRPs (Television Rating Points) and GRPs (Gross Rating Points). I have no idea how to calculate it! I don't care about TRPs. It is important to reach out to the Indian audiences. If viewers want to see, they will see or else it is up to them," added the 47-year-old.

Aamir feels that TV is a very powerful medium and added: "I had to make complete use of this medium. This is a baby step towards it."

"I cannot say I understand TV completely. I was earlier scared to go ahead with the project. I can only say I have made this show with complete honesty and without compromising on anything."

The promo song of "Satyameva Jayate" is a love song.

"Earlier, we were planning to compose a national song or like one anthem. Later, I realised, why am I doing this show? I have love in my heart for my country, like each Indian who love their country. Then we went with a romantic song. We thought, it should be a love song that reflects the love for my country and relate with each Indian," he said.

Composed by Ram Sampath and written by Prasoon Joshi, the song is sung by Keerthi Sagathia.

The show has got the famous "Ramayana" and "Mahabharta" slot - Sunday 11 a.m.

"I wanted to telecast my show on Sunday morning. I want each family to watch the show and connect with it. We have watched 'Ramayana' and 'Mahabarata' and it used to come on Sunday morning. The shows created a different atmosphere. I am not scared of the saas or bahus. My thought was 'Bharat jodo abhiyaan'."

"I am not attempting to change anybody's life. I don't have the strength to change anyone's life. When I speak about change, it's about changing myself. I am not interested in changing the world. Who am I to change anyone's life? I can only connect to them emotionally and empathise."

The actor spoke about everything, except the concept of the show and said: "I can't talk much about the show."

0 Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao blessed with a baby boy

MUMBAI: Actor Aamir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao have been blessed with a baby boy.

The baby was born through IVF to a surrogate mother on December 1 at a private clinic in Mumbai.

"Due to medical complications, we were advised to go for IVF-Surrogacy. We are absolutely delighted. This baby is very dear to us as we've got him after a lot of difficulty. We are so happy and would like to thank all our well wishers." said Aamir Khan.

Aamir Khan produced a successful Delhi Belly this year, directed by Abhinay Deo, starring Imran Khan, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Vir Das, Poorna Jagannathan and Shenaz Treasurywala. Coming up next is Reema Kagti's suspense thriller.

0 Aamir Khan appointed UNICEF Ambassador

Actor Aamir Khan has become a UNICEF India Ambassador.

The Dhoom 3 star will support the organisation's work in promoting children's rights and nutrition, as half of all children in India are malnourished.

Khan said: "I am honoured to formalise my association with UNICEF as their Ambassador to help raise awareness on the issue of malnutrition amongst children.

"I realise there is a lot to be done and I hope that by lending my voice I can make a difference to the lives of children and hereby to the future of our country. Partnering with UNICEF will enable me to advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and marginalised children in India."

UNICEF representative Karin Hulshof welcomed the appointment.

"We know Aamir Khan as a leading star of Indian cinema," she said. "He is also a compelling advocate, with an enormous drive and commitment, to transform and improve the situation of children in the country."