GECs
Rose and Shine as &TV Decodes India’s Love Language
Valentine’s campaign turns quiet gestures into grand moments.
MUMBAI: In India, love rarely arrives with violins. More often, it shows up as a cup of tea, a fixed light bulb, or a joke cracked at the right moment. This Valentine’s Day, &TV decided to put that unsaid affection centre stage. With its campaign titled ‘India ka Love Language’, the channel has stepped beyond the screen to spotlight a cultural truth: in Indian households, love is frequently understated, particularly by men. It is expressed not through sweeping declarations but through everyday gestures, silent support and routine acts of care.
To translate that insight into action, &TV rolled out an on-ground activation across Delhi, choosing a single rose as its symbol. But this was no grand, cinematic spectacle. The idea was simple. Hand someone a rose. Pass it on to a person who matters. Let the gesture do the talking.
The activation was designed to feel organic rather than orchestrated, nudging people to acknowledge affection that often goes unspoken. Instead of performative romance, the campaign leaned into familiarity, warmth and the quiet humour that defines many Indian relationships.
At the heart of the initiative sits Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain! 2.0, a show that mirrors this philosophy. Known for its playful banter and everyday dynamics, the sitcom captures relationships where fondness is woven into jokes, misunderstandings and shared routines. The line, “Aapke pyaar ke liye ek anokha tohfa, Sahi pakde hain!”, fits naturally into this world, making the show an extension of the campaign’s emotional pitch.
Zee5, chief channel officer, &TV and business head for Hindi Kaveri Das said the idea was to celebrate the kind of affection that rarely makes headlines but defines real life. She noted that in Indian culture, love is often quiet, especially when it comes from men who may not always articulate it. The initiative, she said, was an attempt to acknowledge that silent affection and bring it into the open.
By taking a television thought into a real-world setting, &TV has turned Valentine’s Day into less about spectacle and more about sincerity. In a season crowded with grand gestures, the channel’s message is disarmingly simple: sometimes, the strongest “I love you” is the one that never needed saying.
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
