The Unstoppable Ascent of Entertainment: Sony Pictures Networks India's Power-packed Lineup for 2021

In an unprecedented move that's got Bollywood buzzing, cricket star Rohit Sharma is making his debut in the entertainment industry! The cricketing ace will be hosting a new show on Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV from September. Gaurav Banerjee, the CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), announced this exciting news with a confident smile. The highlight of SPNI's electrifying content slate is none other than "Kaun Banega Crorepati" Season 18. Hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, this season marks the first time the iconic quiz show has been crafted with artificial intelligence, shifting its focus from trivial pursuit to pressure-induced reasoning. Bollywood heavyweight Ajay Devgn is set to host "Crime Patrol 2026," a gripping true-crime series that will bring real-life cases to viewers through the franchise's renowned storytelling format. Meanwhile, popular comedians Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa are gearing up for "Indian Game Show," where celebrities will lock horns in a series of challenges. Joining the illustrious ranks is none other than Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit Nene, who will be hosting "Kon Honar Crorepati," the Marathi-language edition of the popular format that originated from "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" Banerjee expressed his unwavering faith in Dixit Nene, stating, "She's shattered glass ceilings before, and we have no doubt she'll do it again." The multi-talented Oscar winner A.R. Rahman will lead "Tamil Idol," the Tamil-language version of the singing competition format. SonyLIV will also stream "MasterChef Tamil," featuring star Samantha Ruth Prabhu. To complement this entertainment extravaganza, Sony Sports Network is offering a Festival of Sports, covering India's cricket tour of Sri Lanka, the Women's T20 Asia Cup cricket, the Asian Games, and India's all-format cricket tour of New Zealand from Aug 15 to Dec 1. Owned indirectly and in full by Sony Group Corporation, SPNI operates 29 premium channels broadcasting Hindi, Marathi, Bangla, and English general entertainment, movies, kids, and factual programming, alongside Sony Sports Network and streaming platform SonyLIV. With a reach of over 700 million viewers across India and distribution in more than 150 countries, SPNI is set to dominate the Indian entertainment landscape like never before!