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Television has often been trumpeted as the medium for the
masses with an unmatched potential for disseminating messages.
But this potential was seen more on paper than in actual reality.
That was untill Ramayan happened. This mythological serial
based on the Indian epic whipped up mass hysteria to unprecedented
proportions. And can be credited as the benchmark for popular
television programming in India till date. It comes as little
surprise that this serial was produced by one of the doyen
of the Film & TV production houses in India, the Sagars.
The Sagar group has always been a trendsetter in all its ventures.
The group started production of motion pictures in 1950 and
till date has produced over 25 pictures. Three of these have
remained evergreen hits in the annals of Indian cinema with
a total of twelve top bracket hit and some of them running
up to 75 weeks at a go.
Among the blockbusters are a diamond jubilee ‘AANKHEN’
and silver jubilees ‘GUNGHAT’, ‘ZINDAGI’,
‘ARZOO’, ‘GEET’, ‘LALKAR’,
‘CHARAS, ‘BAGAWAT’ etc.
In 1985 they ventured into TV production and created some
of the most enjoyable programs in Indian television. Till
date they have logged over 2,000 hours of memorable software.
Some of the serials include the legendary hit Ramayan, Shri
Krishna, Alif Laila, Vikram aur Betaal, Jai Ganga Maiya among
others.
Ramayan was the first mythological serial in Indian television
and created this whole new genre of mythological serials.
The serial portrayed the story of Ram in a most aesthetic
manner and carried a lot of devotional value for the Indian
viewer. The serial was followed by an entire nation and often
during the telecasts the streets always wore a deserted look.
This Herculean magnum opus came in the form of manna from
heaven especially when it was perceived that the country’s
young generation was unconsciously moving towards the vices
of modern days. As a soothing spiritual balm an entire nation
received a lesson on our deep-rooted culture, traditions and
the heritage of pure ethics and hallooed principles. Ramayan
was the epitome of the triumph of good over evil and boasted
of noble virtues.
Shri Krishna, generated magnificent ratings - toping the television
rating charts (TRP’s) for over 120 weeks as the number
one rated program. It created advertising history by being
the highest revenue earner for Doordarshan by earning almost
ONE billion rupees as advertising revenue. The story encapsulates
the true image of Shri Krishna and shows Lord Krishna right
from his childhood days to Yogeshwar Krishna imparting the
immortal Gita gyan to mankind. It has helped dispel many a
myth in the minds of people regarding Lord Krishna.
Arabian Nights a collection of the world’s greatest
tales like Aladdin, Alibaba and the forty thieves, Sindbad
the sailor etc., was another well received serial both among
children and adults. A massive hit in Bangladesh, it ran successfully
for 143 week - It participated in the fourth Cairo Film &
TV International festival and was successfully telecast in
Indonesia / South Africa / U.K. / Singapore / Trinidad etc.
The Sagar group of company’s main interest has always
been TV / Satellite / Video / Motion pictures production &
distribution though of late they have diversified into the
hospitality industry. Their first deluxe hotel has opened
in the Himalayas (Kullu-Manali) with a public issue. The latest
being Sagar Ganga Resort, Haridwar which is an exclusive heritage
resort on the banks of the holy Ganges.
In short, the Sagar group of companies has been one of the
pioneering people in India’s media production industry.
They are the first family of mythology and fantasy based programming.
They have an unmatched track record in this area and are responsible
for some of the biggest blockbusters on Indian television.
Their feel for the pulse of the public is immense and they
have an unerring instinct at appealing to the public’s
sentiments. Their global distribution network also enables
them to tap revenue potential through repeat sales in territories
outside of India. They have carved out a formidable reputation
both in terms of the products they create and the revenues
they generate. The faith and conviction they put into their
products comes through to the audience.
The Sagar group of companies have always been masters in lateral
thinking. Their ability to generate incomes from programme
spin-offs is incredible. Whether it is merchandising or new
products or brand extensions the amazing quality about the
Sagar group of companies is that they have a unique understanding
of the consumer and the opportunities that are hidden come
to the surface under their deft handling. In the industry
they are regarded as the family with the Midas touch and with
good reason.
( Inputs carat - India - report for
Sagar on Hanuman the mighty God.)
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