On 15th August, when India celebrates its 75th year of Independence, ZEE LIVE and ZEE5 will launch their latest innovative and celebratory IP India Shayari Project which viewers can exclusively stream on ZEE5.
This 90-minute show will bring together India’s poetic gems namely Kausar Munir, Dr. Kumar Vishwas and Zakir Khan, sharing their views on what freedom of expression means to them. The IP will also host a surprise headline act for the viewers which will be announced very soon.
The show will feature interspersed poetry, shayari and spoken word along with fascinating conversations on how poetry has lived the true test of time to become a potent tool of expression in the new age. Shayars and shayari fans can catch this lyrical extravaganza on ZEE5 this Independence Day.
Commenting on the idea behind launching the India Shayari Project, Swaroop Banerjee, Chief Business Officer, ZEE LIVE said, “Over 24 billion collective views on Shayari and Poetry globally, show that millennials and GenZ now consume shayari online on a daily basis. India has always had a rich legacy of poetry. Bollywood celebrities, poets and storytellers have over time taken to social media to extend this legacy to younger audiences, ensuring that the art continues to thrive. With immense pride today, we announce the India Shayari Project on the 15th of Aug. Some of the biggest names in Shayari and Poetry from the world of film, literature and the internet will evoke emotions of celebrating freedom through poetry. Advertising has been using poetry for decades as a form of brand expression and with India Shayari Project, clients and partners with ZEE will have an opportunity to speak to newer audiences. Original content in this genre by ZEE LIVE will now find its home on ZEE5, through different editions all year long, making the studio to screen segment a reality.”
Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 India said, “The India Shayari Project is a great initiative to reach out to the younger audience and create awareness of India’s rich history when it comes to the art of poetry. With Kausar Munir, Dr. Kumar Vishwas and Zakir Khan; we have a unique blend of abundantly talented artists who appeal to all age groups. We look forward to fans and viewers streaming this exclusive show on ZEE5 and celebrating Independence Day with us.”
Sharing his views being a part of the Indian Shayari Project, India’s most popular comedian and poet Zakir Khan said, “Being a part of a venture such as India Shayari Project, that shares the legacy of our rich poetic heritage is indeed exciting. Over thousands of years of poetic amalgamation that has taken place in our country, Shayari has taken new incarnations and has yet continued to do what it essentially means to, and that is to poignantly reflect the times it is in. From the ages of Mirza Ghalib to our modern-day legends of Shayari, culturally it has only enhanced the way we express ourselves. And that is what resonates with the youth of today. Through the ZEE LIVE initiative on ZEE5, I look forward to connecting with poetry and Shayari fans the world over.”
Talking about the necessity of hosting such an event, popular Bollywood lyricist and writer Kausar Munir shared, “Hindustan is a country of great shayars and shayaraas. And the youth of this creative land are eager to connect with the poetic traditions that they come from. Events such as The India Shayari Project, are bridges that connect the younger generation with the art and craft of shayari. I am proud to be part of this exciting, inspiring initiative by ZEE LIVE and glad that fans can stream this special initiative on ZEE5.”
Dr. Kumar Vishwas, India’s most sought-after poet, “As a poet, there is no better feeling of elation than to see one’s poetry, written a long time ago, still strike a chord with people. Poetry has always brought in a sense of magic to words for centuries and delighted to be part of a platform that reinforces this culture and makes it more mainstream. That said, interacting with the leading poets of our country is going to be an exhilarating experience. I look forward to talking about the one thing that binds us all together and sharing our views with our audience.”
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.