| Asked what sort of programming would be seen on Star
One, Nair, without divulging the exact nature of programming, said,
"In a nutshell it (the proposed channel) could be described as
Star World in Hindi. Most of the programming would be of that type."
Quizzed further on the issue, Nair said, "By and large, programmes
on Star Plus, the flagship channel, had revolved round the family,
but Star One fare would be of a different milieu --- outside the
ambit of the family."
For example, one such programming, under production, revolves round
the legal profession, but cannot be "termed a courtroom drama."
Existing and some new producers are doing the programmes for Star
One, though Balaji Telefilms, Star's most favoured production house,
is producing only one show in the present crop of 25 new shows.
Rose, which came up with Jeet on Star Plus, is also producing
a show for Star One.
The line-up is being attempted in such way for Star One that at
least six months of programming is almost ready so that airtime
could be sold in bulk and in advance for those six months.
According to Nair, "Unlike Star Plus where we unveil new shows
almost every quarter, for the new channel, programme changes would
be made on a six-monthly basis." However, he also added that
selling of airtime for Star One has not started yet.
Star Plus, arguably India's No. 1 Hindi entertainment channel,
is also likely to re-introduce the now-legendary and path-breaking
game show, Kaun Banega Crorepati, (KBC) sometime in May 2005
on a four-times-a-week basis.
"If the shooting for KBC starts in April next, depending
on Mr. Amitabh Bachchan's dates, the show can be put on air in May
as we do give a lot of importance to the immediacy factor,"
Nair said.
Though some innovations are being planned --- like an improved
interactivity through SMS on cell phones and an increased prize
money for participants --- Nair feels that the actual jackpot for
the game show is likely to remain Rs. 10 million. More so as Bachchan,
reportedly, is against changing the basic format of the show as
it may introduce creeping flippancy in the programme. Bachchan's
contract for KBC, according to Nair, is valid for another 85 episodes.
With the flagship channel continuing to retain the No. 1 spot,
Star Plus' programming budget for the financial year 2004 (ending
June 30, 2005) has been upped by between 15 and 20 per cent.
Nair, of course, refused to divulge the exact figures or hold forth
on Star's proposed foray in KU-band DTH television services, which
is being done in association with the Tatas and is hanging fire
at the information and broadcasting ministry.
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