MUMBAI: They claim that they have beaten Star Plus'. While that might be quite an opportunist statement, but both ETC Punjabi and Alpha TV Punjabi,say that they have beaten all other channels in the PHCHP region during telecast of their mega event Miss World Punjaban 2004.

Quoting the Tam data, Zee Network's Punjabi channels claim that during the five and a half hour live telecast of the mega event of the season on 6 November 2004 they had a combined share of 39 per cent, whereas Star Plus had a share of 28 per cent for PHCHP, total market, C&S, 15+ABC, 15 Minutes +, all channels share. The event was held at GRD Academy at Ludhiana.

ETC Punjabi president, as quoted in the relase, Rabindra Narayan say, “Through Miss World Punjaban 2004, we had attempted to take a normal beauty pageant to a different level where contestants were judged not on their physical attributes, but on their knowledge of their culture, tradition and heritage."

"We are overwhelmed by the fact that while all over the world beauty pageants are losing popularity due to their exploitation of women, Miss World Punjaban has received such tremendous response from viewers not just in India but all over the globe,” he added.

The event, touted as first of its kind on television, was broadcast live to an estimated 112 countries around the world.

“We have been inundated with requests and inquiries from viewers in several countries. Seeing the amazing response, we are soon going to telecast the event on our channel in the UK and also on Zee Network’s various platforms in the US and other parts of the globe.” said ETC Punjabi vice president Rajiee M. Shinde.

Sponsored by Lux Orchid, the massive two month long exercise had begun in September with the channel inviting entries. In the biggest ever strength of more than 1000 applicants, there were several entries from countries like Canada and the UK. The winner of the title, Kirandeep Jakhar from Firozpur was chosen by an elite panel of Judges comprising singer and actor Harbhajan Mann, actress Preeti Sapru, Dr Sunita Dhir and Gill Surjit, adds release.