Zee Kannada marked the Essel Group’s landmark 100-year legacy with a grand celebration in Bengaluru, bringing together some of the biggest names from Karnataka’s film and television fraternity, along with creators, writers, directors, producers, technicians, artistes and the extended Zee Kannada family.
The evening celebrated a century of the Essel Group’s journey, while also shining the spotlight on the talent, creativity and enduring contribution of Karnataka’s entertainment community.
The celebration was graced by Essel Group Chairman Dr. Subhash Chandra, alongside leading personalities from the Kannada film industry, including Dr. Shivaraj Kumar, Ramesh Aravind, Mukhyamantri Chandru, Malavika Avinash, Sihi Kahi Chandru, Rajesh Krishnan, Jaggesh, Vijaya Raghavendra, Nishvika Naidu, Thara Anuradha, Daali Dhananjay, Chaya Singh, Rajesh Nataranga and Tarun Sudhir, among several other notable personalities. The evening also saw the presence of artistes from Zee Kannada’s popular fiction and non-fiction shows.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Subhash Chandra reflected on the remarkable journey of the Essel Group, established in 1926, and shared milestones from his own entrepreneurial journey. Recalling how the dream he began in 1970 with an investment of just ₹17 grew into a global media and entertainment organisation reaching millions, he spoke about the challenges, transformations and opportunities that shaped the Group’s journey over the decades.
Speaking about Karnataka and its talent, Dr. Subhash Chandra highlighted the exceptional capabilities of Kannadigas across fields and emphasised the importance of recognising, nurturing and creating opportunities for talent from the state. He also cited Raghavendra Hunsur’s journey to becoming Global Head of Content as an example of the talent from Karnataka making its mark on a global platform.
The celebration was attended by Raghavendra Hunsur, Chief Content Officer, ZEEL, and Deepak Sriramulu, Business Head, Zee Kannada, along with the wider Zee Kannada family.
Speaking on the occasion, Raghavendra Hunsur, Chief Content Officer, ZEEL, said, “Being part of a legacy that has completed 100 years is a matter of immense pride. Zee Kannada has always shared a strong and special connection with the people of Karnataka, and the love and trust of our audiences have been central to this journey. This celebration is a tribute to the talent, creativity and passion of everyone who has contributed to this legacy. As we look ahead, we remain committed to taking Kannada stories and talent to even greater platforms in India and across the world.”
Deepak Sriramulu, Business Head, Zee Kannada, said, “Zee Kannada’s journey has been shaped by the incredible talent of Karnataka and the unwavering support of our viewers. This celebration is an opportunity to recognise the artistes, creators, technicians, partners and every individual who has contributed to our journey. We are proud of what we have built together and look forward to creating many more memorable stories and experiences for our audiences.”
The evening also served as a celebration of the creative community behind Zee Kannada, recognising the contribution of artistes, writers, directors, producers, technicians and partners who have played an integral role in the channel’s growth. The presence of artistes from its fiction and non-fiction properties brought the extended Zee Kannada family together for an evening of celebration and camaraderie.
Adding to the energy of the evening was popular Zee Kannada anchor Anushree, who hosted the celebrations with her trademark warmth and vibrancy.
The Essel Group’s centenary celebration commemorated a remarkable legacy built on innovation, perseverance and a deep connection with audiences. For Zee Kannada, the occasion was equally a celebration of its enduring relationship with Karnataka’s entertainment fraternity and its continued commitment to championing Kannada stories and talent, taking them to audiences across India and the world.