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TV exclusive: Star breaks Zee’s backbone

For over the years, Zee has kept its audience glued to the channel with its hugely popular shows like Antakshari, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and off-shoot programs like Little Champions and Cinestars. But sadly, the master-mind behind the shows, Gajendra Singh, is now shifting his base to rival channel, Star TV network.

After working for over 14 years with Zee, the decision came as a well thought over one. Gajendra Singh was reportedly disturbed over the recent actions of the channel. Some of his well-planned shows were not even credited to him like Cinestars, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in regional languages and was not even informed about the change in the timings for Li’l Champs to accommodate a new soap.

Meanwhile, Star had been eyeing him for sometime now. A source from Star says, “His shows Antakshari and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, and its offshoots like Li’l Champs, have been Zee’s USP for a long time. Getting Gajendra was a master-stroke. Unfortunately he was reluctant to make the move earlier.”

On the other hand, Gajendra Singh has been booked up for a heavy package by Star, almost double that of Zee. Still, Gajendra feels hurt in leaving its parent channel. “Star is giving me ample scope to innovate. Regarding what kind of shows I’ll be producing for Star, all I can say is, audiences will get what they expect from me,” said Gajendra.

After roping in SRK to play the celeb anchor in KBC, Star TV is definitely on a high. Star TV strikes gold with Gajendra’s inclusion as he’s decided to revive Antakshari in a new concept and format and that most of the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa team including anchor Shaan and the resident music directors on the show, are ready to join Gajendra Singh at Star with his new shows. Hopefully, Zee finds better filler for him.

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