RadioandMusic
| 19 Apr 2024
Endemol Shine Group - India MD hints at bringing more Talpa singing reality series to India

MUMBAI: After bringing singing reality show 'The Voice' to India, Endemol Shine Group – India MD Deepak Dhar revealed that the company plans to bring more singing-based competition series formats by Talpa to the country.

“Yeah, there are plans. We would be getting more singing reality show formats as well as talent show formats. Our appetite for talent shows is phenomenal,” said Dhar. The other Talpa Media original singing-based reality show formats include 'Beat It', ‘The Voice: Kids’ and 'The Winner Is...' amongst others.

There was previously an attempt to bring ‘The Voice’ to India in 2011 by Endemol. The company had also been successful in getting a broadcast network channel on board – the now defunct NDTV Imagine. However, the attempt was not fruitful. This time around, Zee Entertainment Enterprises’ Hindi entertainment channel – &TV, will play host to ‘The Voice: India’.

Speaking on the aforementioned, Dhar said, "We were really disappointed with the fact that we did not get it the first time around. This time, however, we made sure that we got it. It is such a format that a lot of people wanted it. And Talpa realised that you had to go with a partner that is serious about building an international format as a property. We convinced Talpa that we would be right partner for them to bring ‘The Voice’ to India. We even showed them evidence of previous international formats that we had bought, which were received incredibly well in India, resulting in the shows being renewed for new seasons."

On getting Zee Entertainment Enterprises’ &TV on board, Dhar said, “Singing and talent based reality shows have worked very well for Zee, so getting ‘The Voice: India’ on Zee Network’s &TV just seemed like quite an organic fit."

Addressing the fact that an international format like ‘The Voice’ would certainly be expensive, Dhar said, “Of course, it is going to be difficult and tough while negotiating to get an international and big format like ‘The Voice’. But, if you want something, during your negotiations, you find a solution that will make all parties at the table happy.”

Dhar also stated that Endemol would attempt developing Shine Group original formats for Indian audiences. This comes after last year’s merger between Endemol, Shine Group and CORE Media. It would include hit singing and talent formats such as ‘Clash of the Choirs’ and ‘Got To Dance.’