Zindagi #JodeyDilonKo Moments with IndiBlogger

Imran Abbas

We have seen four new General Entertainment Channels (GECs) launched in 2008 : Colors, 9X, Imagine and Real. Except Colors, the others have perished due to lack of original or even gripping content. Amidst the fragmented viewership and the need for differentiated contest, six years later, Zee has introduced a rather new proposition with its channel "Zindagi". This new channel will initially start with Pakistani content with the help of Hum TV which will highlight how our neighbours are indeed not so different. If you ask me, this will cater to a totally untapped viewership.

So, going with the hype around the new channel 'Zindagi - Jodey Dilon Ko' and the curiosity to understand the reason for such a platform, I had to attend this meet organized by IndiBlogger. The organizers believe "Entertainment is seamless as it cuts across boundaries and across all strata of society" and this was a good way to portray this belief. The Leela, Mumbai hosted the main event that also let us interact with the scriptwriters, actors and directors from Pakistan. My First #JodeyDilonKo Moment

What was also interesting was the inclusion of a live interaction with Delhi IndiBloggers and rather weird yet engaging debates with them on controversial inter-city debates (Which Mumbai won quite comfortably). And at least for some moments "Mumbai" aur "Delhi" ke "Dil Jud Gaye". Second #JodeyDilonKo Moment

Imran (L) talking with Sultana (R) on Live Video feed

Thereon, following the speech by the organizers and Punit Goenka (MD, CEO), Imran Abbas (PAK actor) did give a rather short speech on how we may be two different countries, but our bloodline remains the same. Imran even sang a couple of songs and the ladies were up for roars. A fellow blogger even managed to shoot this on camera. We were then briefly taken through what the program would look like and what to expect from the shows. A couple of shockers here: It will be practical, No extreme Rona Dhona, These would be made for us in mind and would last for just 20 - 25 episodes. What's more, we soon crossed borders virtually and added Sultana Siddiqui (owner of HumTV) from Karachi on the video conference. So you may now call this a 3-city-cum-2-country interaction. - Third #JodeyDilonKo Moment

My Shades, My Doodle

Coming back to Zindagi. According to what I understood from the meet, there are quite a few Indians that are eager to watch Pakistani and other global shows here. Zee is promising big to do just that and breaking barriers... starting with this bloggers meet. It will bring stories from across the border to the viewers in India, starting tomorrow June 23. With the message of ‘Jodey Dilon Ko’, Zindagi will touch hearts and break barriers to relate with people living across borders.

Last but not the least, My Fourth #JodeyDilonKo moment was to meet my group of supernatural bloggers and a couple of long lost friends. This not only gave us a chance to gel, but also to crack jokes and talk about our blogs. We did wander off topic quite a few times and lept into sarcasm but we had our ways to have fun. Period!

This was a good start for the #JodeyDilonKo journey with over 400 bloggers attending and participating to promote a good cause. Going ahead we may see Egyptian, South American and even African content being aired only for us. So, to summarize, the food was good, the event was receptive, the contests are strong and the intention pure. 

I wish IndiBlogger and Zindagi good luck!

@vaimasters