News Broadcasting
Zee strikes a sacred chord as Bhajan Club turns bhakti into a live beat
Zee Live’s new IP blends devotion and energy, launching ahead of Mahashivratri.
MUMBAI: What happens when devotion meets the drop? Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited is betting the answer lies in rhythm, community and live energy with the launch of Bhajan Club, a new original spiritual entertainment IP from its experiential vertical Zee Live.
Positioned as a contemporary cultural property, Bhajan Club reimagines devotional music as a live-first, high-participation experience. Think bhajans with concert-style energy, curated sets, collective singing and clapping, and an atmosphere that feels celebratory while staying rooted in bhakti. The idea is simple but timely: make spiritual gatherings feel immersive, social and accessible, especially for younger audiences.
While the format is inclusive across age groups, the pull towards Gen Z is deliberate. Urban youth are increasingly gravitating towards experiences that are meaningful yet vibrant, and Bhajan Club taps into that shift by blending tradition with innovation, and community with technology. It reflects a wider cultural moment where devotion is being rediscovered in shared, music-led spaces rather than quiet corners.
The IP launches on 12 February, strategically timed ahead of Mahashivratri on 15 and 16 February. As part of the debut, audiences will chant “Om Namah Shivay” in collective celebration of the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The experience will extend beyond the venue, with Bhajan Club set to stream on Zee5 and Zee Zest. The launch aims to engage over 350 live attendees on-ground and reach more than 4 million viewers across TV and OTT.
Headlining the opening edition is Keshavam, widely regarded as a pioneer of the bhajan clubbing movement. Known for their concert-like devotional performances, the band has built a following that cuts across traditional devotees and younger listeners by fusing spiritual music with modern soundscapes.
The timing is no coincidence. Over the past year, “bhajan clubbing” has gained traction in urban culture, with ticketed events and social media conversations framing it as a new-age way to experience devotion. The trend even found mention in Mann Ki Baat, where prime minister Narendra Modi referenced the phenomenon, signalling its growing cultural relevance.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur said the IP reflects how audiences are engaging with devotional content in newer ways. He described Bhajan Club as an experience-led, content-driven format that is easy to discover, participate in and return to, with availability across multiple consumer touchpoints.
Zee Live business head Gareth Eswin Thomas added that live entertainment is evolving rapidly, with formats that combine cultural identity and contemporary energy resonating strongly with younger audiences. Bhajan Club, he said, aims to bring people together through music and shared emotion, while keeping bhakti firmly at its core.
Going forward, Bhajan Club will roll out as a series of curated live experiences supported by strong digital amplification. Each edition will revolve around devotional themes, familiar bhajans and participative moments, while building a community layer that keeps the conversation going beyond event days.
With Bhajan Club, Zee is turning devotion into a shared rhythm, proving that in today’s cultural remix, faith too can find its beat.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
