Inhliziyo Ayiphakelwa: Blind Love, Uthando Lweqiniso, Unami Na?, Elinye Ithuba And More Shows Confirmed For DStv's Newest Addition, Star Khanya

MultiChoice is set to announce that it will be adding it's second Zulu dubbed Bollywood channel called Star Khanya to the DStv platform soon. This comes two years after the rollout of Zee Zonke with the channel proving to be a popular addition and with Star Khanya set to bolster this lineup.

Star Khanya comes from Disney Star who are responsible for brands like Star Life, Vijay TV and StarPlus on DStv. The channel is set to rollout with 8 new series: IThemba Alibulali, Inhliziyo Ayiphakelwa: Blind Love, Titli, Unami Na?, Tunte, Elinye Ithuba, Uthando Lweqiniso and Isivumelwano. 

Titli

Titli follows the journey of a girl who aspires to become a pilot despite suffering from hearing impairment overcoming all the hurdles she faces. The story starts with Titli's childhood, her choice was to listen to variety of sounds. One day, a plane crashes near her and a dangerous sound of that plane damages her eardrums. 

One day, she goes to the crashed plane and takes oath that she will be a pilot. However to achieve her dream she ended up in Kolkata in her father's rich friend Aparesh Bose's house. She will also have to win the heart of every person in the Bose house. 

She befriends Sunny, a YouTuber and a food blogger, and the youngest son of Aparesh Bose, who also befriends Titli. But the Bose family doesn't approve of their friendship. However, with Rekha (sunny's mother), Sunny and Kinni by her side, Titli has nothing to fear. 

It stars Madhupriya Chowdhury as Titli Sanyal Bose – Pilot and Aryann Bhowmik as Sunny Bose – YouTuber, food vlogger and businessman.

Tunte 

The story of the serial Tunte revolves around a skilled artisan and weaver, who embarks on a quest to fulfill her dreams of becoming a fashion designer.

Tunte will take the viewers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as we witness Tunte's relentless pursuit of her passion amidst the twists and turns of fate. Raised in a village, Tunte dreams of making her mark in the fashion world in a bustling city. However, destiny takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself working as a househelp in the influential Business family of Lahiri’s, renowned for their chain of retail stores. Tunte's dreams of becoming a fashion designer appear to shatter, but her indomitable spirit refuses to be crushed.

Through the narrative, the show unravels the challenges Tunte encounters on her path to becoming a fashion designer. The show delves into the often unseen struggles faced by Tunte being a househelp, shedding light on the importance of fighting for her rights and aspirations. Tunte's tale becomes a powerful symbol of empowerment and resilience, inspiring viewers to stand up against societal barriers and never give up on their dreams.

Dipanwita Rakhshit will essay the character of Tunte, capturing her strength, determination, and unwavering spirit with remarkable finesse. Syed Arefin will be seen as Rongon, the youngest son of the Lahiri family, who will become an unexpected ally in Tunte's journey, providing support and encouragement during her quest.

Elinye Ithuba 

Elinye Ithuba (Mehndi Hai Rachne Waali) centres around Pallavi Deshmukh, a widowed daughter-in-law of the Deshmukh family. Despite being loved as a daughter by most of the family members, she faces challenges, especially from Sulochana and Amruta. Pallavi manages the Deshmukh Saree Emporium for her father-in-law, Vijay Deshmukh. The plot takes a turn when Raghav Rao, a business tycoon with an arrogant and reckless demeanour, enters Pallavi's life, leading to misunderstandings based on their different personalities.

The series stars Shivangi Khedkar as Pallavi Deshmukh Rao, Caretaker of Deshmukh Saree Emporium and Sai Ketan Rao as Raghav Rao – Don of Hyderabad; Jewellery Designer and owner of Jayati Jewels.

Uthando Lweqiniso

Uthando Lweqiniso (Poongatru Thirumbuma) promises a gripping narrative and a talented cast, including Shobanaa Uthaman, Eshan Shyam, and Sameer in pivotal roles.

Uthando Lweqiniso will centre around a woman trapped in a complex and distressing marriage with a psychologically unstable husband. The storyline is expected to delve into intense emotions, drama, and the protagonist’s journey of resilience, making it a compelling watch for audiences.

Shobanaa Uthaman will play the titular role, bringing her depth and experience to the character. Having made a mark in Tamil television, she is best known for her portrayal of Muthazhagu in the popular serial Muthazhagu. Her strong screen presence and ability to portray complex emotions have earned her a loyal fan following. With Uthando Lweqiniso, she is set to take on another powerful role that is expected to resonate with viewers.

Joining Shobanaa Uthaman in this intense drama are actors Eshan Shyam and Sameer, who will play key roles in the narrative. Their performances are expected to add layers to the storytelling, creating an engaging on-screen dynamic. 

Isivumelwano

Isivumelwano (Tharala Tar Mag!) tells the story of an optimistic girl who was raised in an orphanage. She meets her biological father Raviraj, but they are unaware of each other's identities. Sayali alias Tanvi, is grown in orphanage and has a sweet, kind disposition. Arjun, humble despite his wealth, is a leading criminal lawyer. Sayali is looking for a lawyer to argue in a case related to Madhubhau, who was falsely accused and arrested for Vilas' murder which was done by Sakshi with Priya by her side.

Arjun's family had planned his engagement with Priya (masquerading as "Fake Tanvi"). But Arjun loathed love and marriage because of his traumatic past, including Sakshi's betrayal of Arjun's friend's death. In particular, he had no desire to marry Priya. So, Arjun agrees to take up Sayali's case on the condition that she would agree to one-year contract marriage with him. 

After she agrees, the two go to the temple on Arjun's engagement day. After registering the marriage, Arjun and Sayali reach the engagement venue, and Arjun announces his marriage to Sayali to his family, thereby stopping the engagement. Sayali goes to Arjun's house and they pretend to be husband and wife in front of the family. Meanwhile, Priya, Sakshi Shikhare, her father Mahipat and Raviraj's brother Nagraj plot against Sayali and Arjun to make them cease the Madhubhau case.

It is based on an official remake of Tamil TV series Roja, Jui Gadkari as Sayali Madhukar Patil / Tanvi Killedar / Sayali Subhedar and Amit Bhanushali as Arjun Subhedar.

IThemba Alibulali

IThemba Alibulali (Tomader Rani) follows the story of Rani, a young, independent woman who dreams of leading a better life, overcoming societal barriers and personal struggles. The show revolves around her journey of self-discovery, as she battles the expectations of her family, her society, and the pressures of tradition.

Rani hails from a poor family, and her world revolves around her loved ones. She is known for her intelligence, perseverance, and nurturing nature. Despite facing numerous challenges, Rani is determined to rise above her circumstances. Her life takes a major turn when she gets involved with Arjun, a young and successful businessman who hails from a wealthy family. Their contrasting worlds—her humble roots and his privileged lifestyle—form the crux of the drama.

Rani is played by Madhumita Sarkar, the protagonist of the show. Rani is depicted as a girl full of dreams and aspirations. Madhumita's performance in this role is highly appreciated, as she brings a sense of vulnerability, strength, and authenticity to the character.

Arjun is played by Soham Chakraborty, a wealthy businessman with a good heart. He is shown to have a modern and progressive outlook, but his journey involves a lot of emotional growth as he navigates his relationship with Rani and his family. Arjun’s character is a mixture of confidence and vulnerability, and Soham's portrayal has earned praise for making him a relatable yet charismatic figure.

Unami Na?

Unami Na? (Sang Tu Aahes Ka?) follows Swaraj Joshi, a renowned superstar, makes a comeback to the film industry after a three-year hiatus, burdened by a mysterious past. Dr. Vaibhavi longs to meet him, finds herself drawn into a web of enigmatic events. She delivers a cake to Anandwan on Swaraj's birthday, an encounter that exposes her to a ghostly apparition marked with a symbol. Her encounter takes a terrifying turn as Kabir rescues her, leaving her haunted by the symbol etched on the ghost's foot. Abhay and Krutika plot against Swaraj. Sulakshana, determined to secure Swaraj's wealth, promises Krutika marriage to him as a will clause requires his wife's signature. The vengeful ghost injures Sulakshana after she gives her word. Dr. Vaibhavi crosses paths with Swaraj at the market, unaware of his true identity. Swaraj reluctantly agrees to marry Krutika after the anniversary of Dr. Vaibhavi's tragic demise.

It stars Siddharth Chandekar as Swaraj Shashikant Joshi: Dr. Vaibhavi's husband and Ghost Vaibhavi's widower, Saaniya Chaudhari as Vaibhavi "Taisaheb" Joshi (Ghost): Swaraj's first and late wife and Shivani Rangole-Kulkarni as Dr. Vaibhavi "Sona" Joshi: Swaraj's second wife.

Inhliziyo Ayiphakelwa: Blind Love

Inhliziyo Ayiphakelwa: Blind Love (Yed Lagla Premacha) revolves around Manjiri, a resilient woman who can face the world alone but fears marriage. Her life takes an unexpected turn with the entry of Raaya, a local thug. The show explores their relationship and the challenges they face, including threats, revenge plots, and family conflicts. One key plot point involves Raaya's true identity being revealed as Manjiri's brother. 

Manjiri is portrayed by Pooja Birari as a strong and independent woman who is initially hesitant about marriage. Raaya portrayed by Vishhal Nikam, a local thug, enters Manjiri's life, and their relationship becomes a central focus of the show. The story involves various twists, including Shashikala's vengeful actions against Manjiri and the revelation of Raaya and Jay being brothers. 

Update: the channel will be available on Openview channel 144.

Channel Premiere: My Heart Knows Set To Replace Maitree: The Rules Of Love On Zee One

Following its rollout on Zee World, My Heart Knows (Tujhse Hai Raabta) will be making its freemium debut on Zee One, it is expected to replace Maitree: The Rules Of Love. Consumers are expected to keep tabs on the channel for further details.

My Heart Knows is an Indian Hindi-language television series that aired on Zee TV from September 3, 2018, and concluded on July 31, 2021. The show, produced by Full House Media Private Limited, explores themes of unspoken connections, family bonds, and emotional relationships, with a focus on a mother-daughter dynamic and a complex love triangle. 

Synopsis for My Heart Knows 

It centers on the emotional journey of Kalyani Deshmukh, a young woman navigating complex family dynamics and relationships. After the death of her biological mother, Kalyani is forced to live with her stepmother, Anupriya, whom she initially despises, and her paternal family. Over time, Kalyani develops a deep bond with Anupriya, forming the emotional core of the story.

The plot thickens with a love triangle involving Kalyani, ACP Malhar Rane, and Sampada, Kalyani’s cousin. Sampada, married to Malhar and mother to their son Moksh, abandons her family due to an extramarital affair. Malhar, blaming Kalyani for related events, compels her to marry him to care for Moksh, whom Kalyani grows to love maternally. As the story progresses, Malhar recognizes Kalyani’s genuine affection for Moksh and his family, leading to mutual feelings between them. However, their relationship faces numerous challenges, including betrayals, misunderstandings, and external conflicts, ultimately leading to their separation amidst various dramatic twists.

The series is known for its emotional depth, exploring themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the unspoken ties that bind people together, set against a backdrop of family drama and romance.

The show features a ensemble cast, with the following key actors like Reem Sameer Shaikh as Kalyani Rane, Sehban Azim as Malhar Rane, Poorva Gokhale as Anupriya Rane, Shagun Pandey as Atharv Bapat, Savita Prabhune as Ahilya Deshmukh, Rajat Dahiya as Sarthak Rane and Pankaj Vishnu as Atul Deshmukh.

Reminder: Paramount Global Set To Close Several Channels, Including Nickelodeon And Nick Jr., On Sky TV In New Zealand

New Zealand television provider Sky TV is embarking on a major content shake-up with the pending loss of a number of entertainment channels, including those with specialist music and children’s programmes, The New Zealand Herald's Media Insider reports.

The overhaul has been sparked by the upcoming expiry of Sky’s existing programming deal with U.S. giant Paramount Media Networks, which owns channels such as Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., MTV 80s, MTV Hits, and Comedy Central. All five channels screen on Sky TV as “pass-through” channels.

One source said the channels would come off air this year, but it isn’t clear if that’s a decision being driven by Paramount or Sky itself, however, Paramount is in the midst of cutting operating costs, which has included layoffs and studio closures. Paramount is also said to be mulling closing channels in Europe, with channels such as Club MTV, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV 00s, MTV Hits and MTV Live HD slated to be closing by the end of the year in certain territories, such as Slovakia. Comedy Central and Paramount Network are also slated to be closing down in Hungary in the near future, too.

Paramount has its own streaming service, Paramount+, waiting in the wings, although there are apparently still no plans to launch it in New Zealand. Paramount+ was scheduled to launch in New Zealand in August 2021, but it is understood that move was eclipsed when it renewed its content deal with Sky.

Perhaps wary of how customers might react, Sky has played a perplexing public relations strategy over the past week as it has tried to deflect inquiries about a change in its channels and content strategy.

When Media Insider initially approached the company with information from a source that Sky was about to lose several channels when a major international deal came to an end, a spokeswoman replied with a statement that said the company did not comment on “rumours”.

Within a few days, and following further questions, the company conceded it had undertaken a “significant review of our entertainment strategy”.

This planning had been “under way for many months, including our planning for Sky-curated channels in the place of some of our pass-through channels”.

Sky is painting the upcoming changes in a positive public relations light, saying it plans to retain music and children’s content on new Sky-curated channels. In its statements over the past week, it has been coy about the overhaul and refused initially to even name or confirm the channels impacted, or which programming deals are coming to an end.

Sky, which had a horror run with customers earlier this year over an ailing satellite and a heavily criticised customer communications response, initially said of the channel changes: “Our strategy focuses on investing in the content we know our customers value.

“We don’t comment on rumours, but we review content agreements regularly and if anything was to change in our content line-up, we would always communicate it openly to our customers.”

When Media Insider went back to Sky with more specific information from our source – and reiterated our information was based on more than “rumours” – the company came back with an updated response, confirming changes.

“We are in constant dialogue with our entertainment content providers about how best to serve customer needs,” Sky TV content and product strategy head Fiona Murray said in a statement.

“We’ve been undertaking a significant review of our entertainment strategy, based on our rich viewership data and what our customers are telling us.

“We have been getting feedback from customers that they don’t like repeats on some of our affiliate channels (for your readers’ reference, these are the channels where we pass content straight through from international providers).

“We’ve been listening to that and want to address it. We are working on plans that would see us create new Sky channels that are more tailored for New Zealand audiences and where we can have more control on the titles we serve.

“We will be working with the same content partners, just in a different way. We know how much our customers value their entertainment content, so we want to reassure them any changes would be made with their preferences in mind.”

The company was “still some way off making any changes” and she said customers would be “the first to hear from us, with plenty of advance notice”.

After further questions, Sky issued a third statement last Monday, further articulating its position.

“We are currently in discussions with an international partner around changes to their pass-through channels within our Sky entertainment portfolio,” Murray said.

“The conversation is about changing the way we work with that partner to deliver content – not a wholesale ‘loss’ of content that our customers love. Our commitment is to continue delivering the shows and content our audiences love, likely through new, Sky-curated channels.

“Historically, pass-through channels have been a good way for content providers to package content for linear distribution. But as entertainment models evolve and viewer habits have shifted, other options may make more sense for some of our partners. That’s the discussion we’re having.”

She said that by building channels itself, Sky could choose and curate content “that we know our customers enjoy and engage with” and reduce the number of repeats.

She reiterated nothing would change for some months.

One of the issues facing Sky TV and other TV networks is consumers turning to platforms such as YouTube in increasing numbers to select specific content, such as children’s shows.

Sky will also no doubt be balancing the commercial opportunity of running its own channels and the risk of a consumer backlash if subscription-paying customers suddenly lose access to some of their favourite channels and shows.

In Australia, pay-channel operator Foxtel recently lost a swag of Warner Bros Discovery children’s content, including the Cartoon Network and Boomerang channels. In 2023, Foxtel lost Nickelodeon and Nick Jr., although the former became a free-to-air channel.

Sky still has the Warner Bros Discovery-owned Cartoon Network and it appears this will be retained.

As well as the five Paramount-owned channels that are part of Sky’s menu, Sky’s Neon streaming service also screens shows from Showtime, owned by Paramount.

Showtime owns shows such as Yellowjackets and Billions.

Sky said: “Showtime shows are available on Neon and Sky and will be for the foreseeable future, including Yellowjackets and Billions. We’re actively working to bring new Showtime titles to Sky and Neon customers.

“For instance ... we are announcing that Dexter: Resurrection will launch on Neon ... we expect a new season of Yellowjackets to launch within the next 12 months, and more show announcements will be forthcoming."

Sky has refused to say if Paramount made the call to end the current terms of the existing contract, or if it was Sky itself.

“The planning for Sky’s refreshed entertainment content framework has been under way for many months, including our planning for Sky-curated channels in the place of some of our pass-through channels. The upcoming ending of a contract period between Sky and Paramount created the opportunity to accelerate this initiative.”

Paramount confirmed the end of the “channel supply agreement later this year”.

Other content partnerships remained in place, said a spokeswoman.

“We appreciate the long-standing partnership with Sky TV and remain committed to delivering exceptional content to our viewers in partnership with Sky.”

This article was originally published by Nickalive 

Reminder: Paramount Global Is Planning To Close Several Channels In Poland And Hungary

Paramount Global, the American media conglomerate, is set to discontinue several of its television channels in Poland by the end of 2025, according to a spokesperson for Orange Polska in an interview with wirtualnemedia.pl. The affected channels include TeenNick, NickMusic, Polsat Comedy Central Extra, and a suite of MTV-branded channels: MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV 00s, MTV Hits, MTV Live, and Club MTV. 

This comes as Disney over the last few years has also shut down many of its cable TV networks in international markets inclduing Europe and parts of Asian. This includes shutting down the Disney Channel in these markets pushing people to Disney+.

The decision aligns with Paramount Global’s broader cost-cutting strategy following its recent takeover by Skydance Media. This follows reports from zive.sk last week, which revealed similar channel closures in Slovakia and Hungary, and Media Insider’s disclosure of planned terminations of Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. in New Zealand. The closures are part of a larger restructuring effort that includes layoffs and studio consolidations, reflecting the company’s response to a challenging media landscape. All as spotted by NickALive.

In Poland, the impacted channels cater to diverse audiences. TeenNick Polska, launched in September 2021, targets viewers aged 10 to 16 with older live-action Nickelodeon series and teen-focused TV movies. NickMusic Polska, which replaced MTV Music in June 2021, offers music content tailored for children and teenagers. Polsat Comedy Central Extra, introduced in March 2020, features international sitcoms like Friends and Keeping Up Appearances, alongside Polish favorites such as Świat według Kiepskich. The MTV channels—MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV 00s, MTV Hits, MTV Live, and Club MTV—focus on music videos and live performances from specific decades or genres, with most originating from Paramount’s Polish operations. 

These channels, primarily broadcast in standard definition and commercial-free, are available on platforms like Polsat Box and CANAL+ via satellite and cable networks. They fall under Paramount Networks Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia (EMEAA), a division of Paramount International Networks, wholly owned by Paramount Global.

The closures signal a strategic pivot for Paramount, which is grappling with declining linear TV viewership and increased competition from streaming platforms. In Poland, Paramount will continue to operate core channels like Nickelodeon, NickToons, Nick Jr., MTV Polska, Paramount Network, and Comedy Central. 

The termination of these niche channels has sparked concern among Polish viewers, particularly younger audiences and music enthusiasts who value the specialized programming. Industry analysts suggest that Paramount’s focus on streamlining operations could redirect resources toward digital platforms, but the loss of these channels may leave gaps in the Polish media market.

As the deadline approaches, stakeholders await further details on how Paramount will manage the transition and whether affected programming will find a new home on its remaining channels or streaming services.

The article was originally published by Cord Cutter News

Heads Up!!! Blink Kant Bo Season 3 Streams On eVOD From August 20

The third season of the Turkish series Blink Kant Bo (Yalı Çapkını) is set to stream on eVOD from August 20th with the second season airing weeknights at 20:00 on eExtra.

Details regarding the first episode of Blink Kant Bo 

The difficult days push Seyran and Ferit in different directions in life. Feeling happier thanks to Sinan, Seyran surprises everyone by taking a bold step and proposing marriage to him. While Suna tries to explain the gravity of this decision to her sister, Seyran remains certain of her choice. Meanwhile, Ferit has somewhat distanced himself from his past since the arrival of Diyar. However, the news of the developments in Seyran's life is hard for him to handle. Orhan also experiences a significant change in his life, surprising everyone. An unexpected coincidence causes tension between Seyran and Sinan. As Ferit witnesses a scene he can hardly bear, he suddenly finds himself face-to-face with Seyran.

The third season promises to explore deeper emotional conflicts while continuing to captivate audiences with the rich drama and romantic tension that have made the series so popular. Pelin Akil, who plays Diyar, also made headlines for her comments about fan reactions to her role, reminding viewers to distinguish between fiction and reality.

In other developments, eMedia Investments is looking to rollout its first Zulu dubbed Bollywood drama on e.tv titled Uzozisola - Regrets. It was also seen on the defunct Glow TV brand as It's Complicated and was produced by Indian broadcaster Colors TV.