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Zee Marathi
Zee Marathi
Zee Marathi
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Zee Marathi is an Indian Marathi-language general entertainment pay television channel owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises. The channel was launched on 15 August 1999 and was known as Alpha TV Marathi until 28 March 2005, when it was renamed as Zee Marathi. It is the first Marathi GEC channel.[1][2] A HD version of this channel, Zee Marathi HD, was launched on 20 November 2016.

Key Information

Reception

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The channel also has launched some mobile apps like Tumcha Aamcha Jamala, Home Minister, Kisaan Abhiman and Talent app. The channel content could also be viewed on ZEE5 app. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zee Marathi stopped their all current shows from 27 March 2020 and they reran their old shows during lockdown period. After that from 8 June 2020, they started some short & new lockdown series and from 13 July 2020, they started their original shows.[3][4]

The channel also arranges some functions like Nakshatranche Dene, Swaratarang, Ganeshotsav, Diwali Dhamaka, etc. It also had launched new magazines from 2017 like Khali Doke Var Pay (Summer Vacation), Sukhakarta (Ganesh Utsav), Utsav Natyancha (Diwali Festival) and a Newspaper Zee Marathi Disha. Zee Marathi revamped with new graphics and launched 7 new shows from 23 August 2021 on the occasion of 22nd anniversary.[5]

Sister channels

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Zee Yuva

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Zee Yuva is a second Marathi GEC by Zee Entertainment Enterprises which is first youth centric channel.[6][7][8] It was launched on 22 August 2016.[9][10][11] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all shows of channel were stopped on 27 March 2020 and again restarted from 13 July 2020.[12][13][14]

Zee Talkies

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Zee Talkies is a Marathi pay television channel broadcasting Marathi movies by Zee Entertainment Enterprises.[15] It is the first Marathi movie channel airing old classics and latest Marathi movies 24 hours a day.[16] It was launched on 25 August 2007. A HD version of the channel, Zee Talkies HD, was launched on 15 October 2016.[17]

Zee Chitramandir

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Zee Chitramandir is an Indian Marathi-language FTA television channel.[18][19] It broadcasts Marathi movies and reruns old Marathi TV series.[20] It is available only to DD Free Dish users.[21][22] It was launched on 9 April 2021 by Zee Entertainment Enterprises.[23] It is the No.1 channel in Maharashtra and Goa amongst free platform.[24][25]

Zee Vajwa

[edit]

Zee Vajwa was a Marathi pay television channel broadcasting Marathi music or songs by Zee Entertainment Enterprises.[26][27][28][29] It was launched on 17 October 2020 and stopped on 31 March 2022.[30][31][32][33]

Programming

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Main article: List of programmes broadcast by Zee Marathi

Award functions

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Year Awards Ref.
2000–present Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar [34]
2004–present Zee Marathi Utsav Natyancha Awards [35]
2013–present Unch Majha Zoka Puraskar [36]
2015–present Zee Natya Gaurav Puraskar [37]

Plays

[edit]

Zee Marathi entered the Marathi Theatre as a presenter in 2018 to encourage this field.[38]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Zee Marathi

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Zee Marathi is an Indian Marathi-language general entertainment channel owned by Limited. Launched on 15 August 1999 as the first private Marathi general entertainment channel under the name Alpha Marathi, it was rebranded to Zee Marathi on 28 March 2005 to align with the broader Zee network's identity. In June 2025, it adopted the Zee network's new unified 'Z' branding. Headquartered in , the channel primarily targets audiences in and the Marathi worldwide, delivering content that resonates with cultural ethos through its slogan "Sadaiv Tumchi Zee Marathi." Since its inception, Zee Marathi has established itself as Maharashtra's No. 1 Marathi channel, maintaining leadership in viewership ratings for extended periods, including seven consecutive years from FY14 to FY20 with over 60% share in urban Maharashtra. The channel has pioneered the Marathi entertainment ecosystem by producing landmark content, such as long-running serials like Home Minister (over 8,000 episodes since 2004) and reality shows like Chala Hawa Yeudhya (a decade-long travel series). It has also aired blockbuster Marathi films, including Sairat (achieving 17.5 TVR in 2016) and Lai Bhari (12 TVR in 2014), which boosted its cultural impact and ratings. In recent years, Zee Marathi has adapted to viewer preferences with data-driven strategies, launching five new fiction shows between February and July 2024, such as Jau Bai Gavat (2.5 TVR), while sustaining a market share of 24-25% in YTD FY25 with 213 GRPs and 21% reach (as of October 2024). The channel's programming portfolio encompasses daily soaps, game shows, talk shows, cookery programs, travelogues, and family-oriented content, fostering deep emotional connections with audiences as a "family member" in Maharashtrian households. Zee Marathi reaches viewers through cable, satellite, and digital platforms like , where full episodes and archives are available. Which celebrated its 25th anniversary in , it continues to innovate by embracing pop culture and fresh narratives to regain and expand its viewer base amid evolving media landscapes.

History

Launch

Zee Marathi was launched on 15 August 1999 as Alpha TV Marathi, marking it as the first private Marathi-language general entertainment channel (GEC) in India. The channel was part of the Essel Group's Alpha bouquet of regional channels under Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), aimed at catering to the Marathi-speaking audience primarily in Maharashtra. Initially, Alpha TV Marathi focused on building viewership through content that resonated with regional sensibilities, emphasizing family dramas, cultural programs, and locally produced shows. One of its inaugural series, (1999–2003), exemplified this approach as a popular family-oriented drama exploring interpersonal relationships and societal themes within a Marathi household. The programming strategy prioritized relatable narratives to foster cultural connection and loyalty among viewers in the state. The channel began broadcasting via cable and satellite platforms, making it accessible to urban and semi-urban households across during its early phase. Branded simply as Alpha TV Marathi, it established itself as a pioneer in dedicated Marathi entertainment before undergoing in later years.

Milestones and Rebranding

Following its launch as Alpha TV Marathi in 1999, the channel underwent a significant on 28 March 2005, becoming to align with the broader Zee network's identity overhaul and new logo set, which aimed to enhance brand synergy across regional channels. This integration marked the channel's full incorporation into the portfolio, facilitating greater resource sharing and expanded promotional efforts. Post-, quickly gained traction with early hit serials such as Oon Paaus (2005–2006), which captured widespread audience interest through its family-oriented storytelling and contributed to the channel's rising viewership in . In the mid-2000s, Zee Marathi pioneered innovative programming formats, notably introducing shows to Marathi television, including competitions like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Marathi and game shows such as Home Minister, which aired over 8,000 episodes and became cultural staples. To meet growing demands for high-quality viewing, the channel launched its HD feed, Zee Marathi HD, on 20 November 2016, offering content that improved visual experiences for urban audiences. Digital expansion followed, with much of its programming becoming available on the OTT platform starting in 2018, enabling on-demand access and broadening reach beyond traditional cable. The in 2020 prompted adaptive measures, including virtual and remote productions using mobile cameras and home-based filming to sustain fresh content amid lockdowns, as seen in revamped formats of shows like Home Minister. Entering the , Zee Marathi shifted toward a data-driven , leveraging to tailor programming around pop culture trends and viewer preferences, which helped regain . This evolution culminated in the channel's 25th anniversary celebrations in 2024, highlighting its enduring impact on Marathi entertainment through special events and reflective programming.

Ownership and Operations

Ownership Structure

Zee Marathi is wholly owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), an Indian media conglomerate that operates as a key subsidiary of the , founded by entrepreneur in 1982. The channel was established under Chandra's vision to expand regional language . A significant corporate event in ZEEL's history was the proposed merger with , announced in December 2021 to create a combined entity valued at over $10 billion, which aimed to strengthen ZEEL's position in the Indian media landscape. However, the merger faced regulatory hurdles and governance disputes, leading Sony to terminate the agreement on 22 January 2024, leaving ZEEL to operate as a standalone entity. As of 2025, ZEEL maintains its independent structure under the Essel Group's umbrella, with promoters including Chandra's family holding a stake of 3.99% alongside public shareholders. In June 2025, the board approved a proposal to issue convertible warrants to promoter entities to raise approximately ₹2,237 , potentially increasing the promoter stake to 18.39%, but it was rejected by shareholders in July 2025, keeping the stake at 3.99% as of September 2025. ZEEL's governance is overseen by a that ensures strategic direction, fiscal accountability, and ethical practices across its operations, including channels like . The company's relies primarily on , which accounts for a substantial portion of income driven by viewership metrics such as Television Rating Points (TRPs), and subscription fees from cable, , and digital platforms. For instance, 's consistent leadership in Marathi general viewership has contributed to ZEEL's profitability, with the channel achieving a 10% relative share growth in urban markets over recent years, supporting overall ad stability despite industry challenges.

Headquarters and Reach

Zee Marathi's headquarters are located in , , at 18th Floor, , Marathon Futurex, N M Marg, Lower . The channel maintains facilities in . In , Zee Marathi is widely accessible through networks, direct-to-home (DTH) services such as , , , and , as well as (IPTV) platforms like JioTV. The channel broadcasts in both standard definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) formats, with dedicated HD feeds available on compatible DTH and IPTV providers to enhance viewing quality. Internationally, Zee Marathi reaches Marathi-speaking audiences in the and through providers like and , catering to the global Marathi diaspora. Since the launch of the streaming platform in 2018, the channel's live feed and on-demand content have been available digitally, offering multilingual and occasional into languages like and English for broader accessibility in non-Marathi markets. Zee Marathi's distribution covers over 100 million potential viewers across —home to approximately 129 million residents (as of 2025)—and extends to Marathi communities worldwide, emphasizing regional cultural relevance while enabling global connectivity.

Sister Channels

Zee Yuva

Zee Yuva is a Marathi-language general channel operated by , launched on 22 August 2016 as the first youth-centric channel in the regional space. It serves as the second Marathi general channel (GEC) under the Zee network, following Zee Marathi, and targets urban youth with contemporary content that resonates with modern sensibilities. The channel was introduced to fill a gap in Marathi television by offering programming tailored to viewers aged 18-35, emphasizing a youthful mindset rather than chronological age alone. The programming on Zee Yuva focuses on urban youth-oriented themes, including music shows, reality competitions, and lifestyle programs that highlight contemporary Marathi culture and everyday aspirations. Examples include reality formats like Yuva Dancing Queen, a dance competition, and Sangeet Samraat, a singing contest, which engage audiences through talent showcases and interactive elements. Lifestyle content, such as the travel series Yuvagiri, explores modern explorations and adventures, blending with relatable narratives for young viewers. This approach aims to portray emotions and stories from a youthful perspective, promoting light-hearted, refreshing, and innovative storytelling. As a sister channel to Zee Marathi, Zee Yuva shares the same ownership structure under and benefits from the network's established production infrastructure in . The channel's content strategy underscores modern Marathi identity by integrating pop culture influences and global trends adapted to local contexts, fostering a sense of vibrancy and relevance for its core demographic.

Zee Talkies

Zee Talkies is a Marathi-language pay television channel owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, specializing in the broadcast of Marathi films. Launched on 25 August 2007, it became the first 24-hour dedicated movie channel in the Marathi language, filling a gap in regional entertainment by bringing Marathi cinema directly to homes across Maharashtra and beyond. The channel's programming primarily consists of Marathi films, including world television premieres of recent blockbusters, reruns of acclaimed classics from the golden era of , and selections from contemporary productions. In addition to full-length movies, Zee Talkies features film-based shows such as interviews with actors and directors, song compilations, and behind-the-scenes content that highlight the making of Marathi films. This diverse lineup ensures a balance between nostalgic viewing and fresh releases, typically airing five movies per day alongside supplementary programming. Zee Talkies actively promotes regional filmmakers by providing a prominent platform for their works, enabling wider reach and appreciation within the Marathi-speaking audience. The channel ties into annual film awards to celebrate and recognize talent, notably broadcasting ceremonies like the Marathi Awards and the Zee Talkies Comedy Awards, which honor achievements in , theater, and related fields. Its schedule often incorporates special programming around festivals and cultural events, enhancing engagement with themed content that spotlights specific genres, actors, or eras in Marathi filmmaking.

Zee Chitramandir

Zee Chitramandir is a Marathi-language television channel operated by , launched on April 9, 2021, to cater specifically to Free Dish households in . The channel was introduced as the second Marathi movie outlet in Zee's portfolio, complementing Zee Talkies by targeting the underserved direct-to-home (DTH) Free Dish market with accessible cinematic content. It aims to reach approximately four million Free Dish subscribers, providing a dedicated platform for Marathi film enthusiasts in rural and semi-urban areas where pay-TV penetration is limited. The channel's primary focus is on broadcasting a diverse library of over 600 popular Marathi movies spanning various genres, including drama, action, comedy, and romance, curated to appeal to audiences. Programming emphasizes timeless classics and contemporary hits, with scheduled slots designed to mimic a experience, such as morning shows and evening prime-time features. This curation strategy addresses the core viewing habits of Marathi-speaking viewers, offering entertainment that aligns with cultural preferences and regional traditions. A key unique aspect of Zee Chitramandir is its positioning as the category leader in movie offerings for the Free Dish platform, boasting the largest content library among competitors at launch. The channel collaborates within Zee's broader Marathi ecosystem to secure rights for high-quality film content, enhancing its appeal through reliable availability on without additional subscription costs. Since its debut, it has achieved significant traction, becoming the top-viewed Free Dish channel in within the first week, with a total share of viewing (TSV) of 368 minutes and an opening reach of 39.1%.

Zee Vajwa

Zee Vajwa was a Marathi-language music operated by , launched on October 17, 2020, as a dedicated platform for devotional and music-oriented programming targeting Marathi-speaking audiences. The channel aimed to amplify everyday moments through music, encapsulated in its tagline "Zee Vajwa, Kshann Gaajwa," by offering a diverse library of over 3,000 playlists featuring film and non-film songs in Dolby sound quality. The channel's content emphasized bhajans and soulful devotional songs, particularly in its early morning slot "Mauli Mauli," which catered to viewers seeking spiritual experiences through traditional Marathi . It also included selections and cultural performances, such as celebrity chats in "Taare Aple Saare" and comedic segments in the weekend show "Bhavdyachi Chavdi" hosted by with guest appearances by artists like Avdhoot Gupte. Religious shows were integrated via devotional programming, appealing to traditional audiences interested in Maharashtrian , while other timebands like "Yad Lagla" for romantic tracks and "Ishqachi Dhundi" for soothing late-night music broadened its musical scope. Zee Vajwa featured interactive elements, including the request-based show "Manachi Request" and vox-pop segments in "Limlet Gappa," to engage viewers directly with their favorite tunes. Although specific festival specials were not prominently detailed, the channel's focus on low-cost, library-driven production—relying on pre-recorded playlists and minimal on-location shoots—allowed it to maintain a niche presence among Maharashtrian youth and devotional enthusiasts until its closure on March 31, 2022. This model prioritized accessible cultural content over high-production serials, distinguishing it within Zee's regional portfolio.

Zee 24 Taas

Zee 24 Taas, Maharashtra's pioneering 24-hour Marathi news channel, was launched on 10 February 2007 by Zee News Ltd., marking the introduction of dedicated round-the-clock in the . As the first such channel in the region, it filled a critical gap by providing accessible, language-specific journalism to Marathi-speaking audiences across . The channel focuses on hyper-local coverage of Maharashtra-centric stories, encompassing , , current affairs, and social issues, delivered through a format that ensures timely updates on unfolding events. It emphasizes authentic and factual reporting in Marathi, with dedicated segments for regional developments, state-level , and sports highlights, fostering informed public discourse among viewers. Zee 24 Taas features specialized programming during major events, such as comprehensive specials that include in-depth analysis, voter outreach, and innovative tools like AI-driven anchors for enhanced coverage of Maharashtra's electoral processes. Complementing its broadcast presence, the channel maintains a robust via its website (24taas.com) and , which deliver live streams, breaking alerts, and on-demand content to extend its journalistic reach beyond television.

Programming

Current Programming

Zee Marathi's current programming lineup as of November 2025 features a diverse array of daily soap operas centered on family dramas, romances, and thrillers, complemented by formats and cultural specials that highlight Marathi heritage. These shows often incorporate elements of social relevance, such as and familial bonds, airing primarily in prime-time slots to engage urban and rural viewers alike. Among the flagship fiction series is Paaru, a drama that premiered in 2024 and portrays the transformative relationship between Akhilandeshwari, an affluent and domineering matriarch, and Paaru, a resilient village girl integrated into her household, exploring themes of class disparity and personal growth. Another key offering, Veen Doghantali Hi Tutena, launched on August 11, 2025, follows Samar, a prosperous tycoon, and Swanandi, a dedicated middle-class professional nearly a decade his junior, as their blossoms into genuine affection through mutual respect and challenges. Starring and Tejashree Pradhan, it emphasizes emotional intimacy over conventional romance tropes. Kamali, which debuted on June 30, 2025, stands out as a women-centric about a bold athlete from rural who rebels against patriarchal norms, migrates to to fulfill her ambitions, and campaigns for girls' to combat marriages. Protagonist Kamali, played by Vijaya Babar, embodies resilience and societal reform, making it a pivotal show in addressing gender dynamics. Similarly, Savalyachi Janu Savali, ongoing since 2024, tackles colorism and self-worth through the journey of Savali, a talented dark-skinned singer forced to share credit for her voice, while Sarang from an image-conscious family discovers love beyond appearances. Additional serials like Tula Japnar Aahe (premiered February 17, 2025), a horror-infused family thriller about a mother's supernatural devotion transcending death; Lakshmi Nivas (since December 2024), a traditional family saga starring Tushar Dalvi and Harshada Khanvilkar; and Taarini (launched August 11, 2025), a suspense-driven crime drama led by Shivani Sonar, round out the fiction slate with varied emotional and plot intensities. Other ongoing fiction shows include Mazhi Tuzhi Reshimgaath and Yeu Kashi Tashi Me Nandayla, contributing to the channel's robust drama portfolio. On the non-fiction front, reality shows such as competitions foster talent and , while cultural programs like Gajar Kirtanacha Sohala Anandacha showcase devotional music and community festivities, aired periodically to preserve and promote Marathi traditions. In line with a data-driven implemented throughout the , Zee Marathi prioritizes narratives that empower women and confront social challenges, drawing from audience analytics to refine selections and integrate pop culture influences for broader appeal.

Former Programming

Zee Marathi's former programming reflects a shift from traditional family-oriented dramas in the early to more diverse genres including thrillers and reality formats by the , driven by evolving viewer preferences and competition in the regional entertainment space. Early shows like Abhalmaya, which aired from 2000 to 2003, focused on familial bonds and interpersonal conflicts, establishing the channel's foundation in relatable household narratives starring actors such as Sukanya Mone and . By the mid-2000s, this evolved into broader storytelling, as seen in Asambhav (2007–2009), a drama exploring social issues with leads and Urmila Kanetkar-Kothare, which contributed to the channel's growing audience engagement. The introduced innovative elements and expanded genre diversity. Notable discontinued series include the horror-thriller , which premiered on 22 February 2016 and spanned 210 episodes in its initial season, revolving around supernatural events following a family patriarch's death. Its sequel, , aired from 14 January 2019 to 29 August 2020, maintaining the suspenseful narrative with actors like Madhav Abhyankar and , and achieving viewer ratings of 8.0 on based on over 129 reviews. Similarly, the romantic drama , which ran from 13 August 2018 to 20 July 2019 across 298 episodes, depicted a reincarnated love story featuring and Gayatri Datar, consistently topping TRP charts in early 2019 with peaks that outperformed competitors. These shows not only boosted channel ratings— securing second place on TRP lists in late 2018—but also influenced genre experimentation, with thrillers like earning acclaim for blending horror with family dynamics. Discontinuation of programs often stemmed from fluctuating viewership, as exemplified by the historical biopic Lokmanya (2022–2023), which wrapped after six months due to low TRP ratings despite critical praise for its portrayal of Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Such decisions allowed the channel to pivot toward higher-performing formats, ensuring sustained relevance. Many former series have transitioned to digital platforms for reruns, with episodes of Tula Pahate Re and Ratris Khel Chale available on ZEE5, while COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 prompted widespread re-telecasts of classics like these to maintain audience connection.

Reception

Viewership and Popularity

Zee Marathi has established itself as a leading general entertainment channel (GEC) in the market, commanding a significant share of approximately 24-25% in as of YTD FY25 based on BARC viewership data. In recent 2025 weeks, however, it has ranked second among Marathi GECs behind . For instance, in Week 29 of 2025, the channel recorded 675.11 impressions ('000s), securing the second position among Marathi GECs while contributing substantially to the genre's overall audience. Viewership tends to peak during major festivals such as and , when special programming amplifies engagement and boosts impressions across the network. The channel's popularity spans both urban and rural demographics in Maharashtra, with viewership contributions roughly balanced at 48% from urban areas and 52% from rural regions, reflecting its broad appeal to diverse household audiences. This accessibility is enhanced by targeted content that resonates across socioeconomic lines. Furthermore, Zee Marathi extends its reach to the global Marathi diaspora through international feeds and platforms, enabling overseas viewers to connect with homeland programming. In terms of cultural impact, Zee Marathi actively promotes the and traditions via its shows, branding, and initiatives that highlight heritage elements like festivals and , fostering a sense of cultural pride among viewers. Popular programs often spark trends, with the channel amassing over 7.3 million followers and 2.5 million on as of 2024, driving viral discussions and fan engagement that amplify its influence beyond traditional television.

Critical Response

Zee Marathi has garnered positive critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of Marathi and , particularly in highlighting themes within narratives. During its 25-year milestone celebrations in 2024, industry observers praised the channel for pioneering Marathi general by introducing innovative formats such as the first home-based reality show in , which has run for over 8,000 episodes and launched numerous careers. The channel's content has been lauded for evolving with audience preferences, shifting from traditional simplicity to stories of underdogs and self-focused journeys, reflecting changing dynamics among Maharashtrian women. The channel's overall contributions to women-centric stories, including power-packed female characters in serials, have been positively noted by actors and media for advancing on Marathi television. Expert opinions from industry executives position Zee Marathi as a cultural flagbearer, with its shows earning cross-lingual praise—even from audiences—for innovative and culturally rooted narratives. Zee Marathi has been highlighted for its in unique content and initiatives like the women empowerment-focused Unch Majha Zoka Puraskar, which underscore its social impact. This acclaim aligns with the channel's strong viewership, reinforcing its qualitative influence in Marathi entertainment.

Awards

Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar

The Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar is an annual award ceremony presented by Zee Marathi to honor outstanding achievements in , recognizing excellence in both artistic and technical contributions since its inception in 2000. Established prior to the channel's rebranding from Alpha Marathi to Zee Marathi in 2005, the awards were the first of their kind to systematically celebrate Marathi films on a major television platform. The event aims to highlight the industry's talent, fostering greater visibility for both domestically and among the . The ceremony follows a viewer-voted format, where audiences select winners in various categories through Zee Marathi's platforms, culminating in a live or televised gala broadcast exclusively on the channel. Categories encompass acting accolades such as , , Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress, alongside technical honors like Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, , and , with additional jury-selected awards for Best Film and Lifetime Achievement. Notable hosts, often popular Marathi celebrities, add glamour to the proceedings; for instance, the 2025 edition, marking the 25th ceremony and held in March 2025, was hosted by and , with winning for Juna Furniture and winning . Over the years, the Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar has played a pivotal role in elevating the profile of , attracting top industry talents and facilitating collaborations with major brands, thereby enhancing recognition for filmmakers, actors, and technicians. Its enduring impact is evident in the annual buzz it generates, often tying into Zee Marathi's programming by featuring winners in special episodes or promotions.

Zee Marathi Utsav Natyancha Awards

The , originally launched as the Aapla Alpha Award in 2004 by Alpha Marathi to commemorate the channel's fifth anniversary, recognize excellence in Marathi television serials and programming. The inaugural ceremony achieved significant viewership, recording 7.5 TVRs in , and featured categories honoring top serials, performers, and technical contributions. Following the channel's rebranding to in , the awards were renamed to reflect the new identity, evolving into an annual event typically held in with a festive theme emphasizing cultural celebrations, live musical and dramatic performances by cast members, and audience engagement. Core categories include Best Fiction Show, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Family, Best Jodi (on-screen couple), and specialized honors such as Best Comedy Actor, Best Title Song, and Best Non-Fiction Show, focusing exclusively on television serials and variety programs aired on the channel. These awards highlight artistic and narrative achievements in Marathi TV, with selections blending jury evaluations and viewer input to ensure broad representation of popular content. Since the , viewer voting has been integrated to enhance , allowing audiences to participate via platforms and in selecting favorites across key categories like Best Serial and , fostering a direct connection between viewers and the channel's programming. This shift marked a departure from earlier jury-only decisions, aligning with the digital era's emphasis on audience preferences and boosting engagement during the pre-ceremony phase. A notable highlight occurred at the 2019 ceremony, where the serial dominated with nine awards, including Best Fiction Show, Best Family (Kulkarni Family), Best Actor ( as Shubhra's father-in-law), and Best Title Song, underscoring its cultural resonance and strong viewer support. The event featured vibrant live performances and red-carpet appearances, reinforcing the awards' role as a festive platform for Marathi television talent. The 2024 ceremony, held on 26-27 October, was hosted by Sankarshan Karhade and , achieving 3.9 TVRs. The 2025 edition aired on 11-12 October, hosted by and . Occasionally, select categories overlap with the Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar for joint recognition of crossover achievements in TV and .

Unch Majha Zoka Puraskar

The Unch Majha Zoka Puraskar, launched by in 2013, stands as the first award initiative by a Marathi dedicated to recognizing women's achievements across diverse fields. Inspired by the channel's acclaimed series on , the award honors trailblazers in areas such as arts, business, , , and , emphasizing their resilience and societal impact. The annual ceremony features compelling narratives of recipients' journeys, performances, and discussions to inspire audiences and promote . The event serves as a platform to spotlight real-life stories of determination, with categories tailored to celebrate contributions that challenge traditional barriers faced by women in Maharashtra and beyond. Broadcast as a prime-time special on Zee Marathi, it integrates with the channel's ongoing social campaigns, fostering public discourse on women's roles and amplifying voices often overlooked in mainstream media. Notable recipients exemplify the award's scope and influence; for instance, in 2014, social activist Sumantai received the lifetime achievement honor for her lifelong advocacy, while 2016 saw Dr. Smita Lele awarded for her contributions to science and education. In 2022, entrepreneurs Sheela Dharia and Dr. Vaijayanti Pandit were recognized for their innovative work in business and healthcare, underscoring the award's role in highlighting economic and professional empowerment. The 2023 edition was broadcast on 27 September, continuing to honor women's achievements. These selections reflect the ceremony's commitment to diverse, high-impact stories that resonate with viewers and drive social change.

Theatrical Productions

Produced Plays

Zee Marathi has ventured into theatrical productions by presenting original stage plays that blend Marathi cultural narratives with contemporary staging techniques, often in collaboration with established theater groups like Adwait Theatre. These productions typically feature casts drawn from popular Marathi television and film actors, enabling cross-promotion with the channel's serials, and are designed for live performances across theaters in . One notable production is the Marathi adaptation of William Shakespeare's Hamlet, directed by Chandrakant Kulkarni and starring television actor Sumeet Raghavan in the titular role. Premiering in 2018, this play marked Zee Marathi's initial foray into live theater, reimagining the classic tragedy in a Marathi context to explore themes of revenge and morality, and it toured multiple venues in the state before its television premiere. Produced by Dilip Jadhav and Shripad Padmakar, it received acclaim for its faithful yet localized interpretation. Another significant work is Aaranyak, a mythological written by Ratnakar Matkari, focusing on the post-Mahabharata exile of key characters like , Gandhari, and . Presented by Zee Marathi and produced by Adwait in 2018, the play stars veteran actor and Ravi , delivering a verse-based on and redemption that resonated with audiences through its emotional depth. It completed successful runs in theaters across and won the Best Award at the Maharashtra State Awards for Commercial in 2019. Zee Marathi's family-oriented production Albattya Galbattya, also penned by Ratnakar Matkari and directed by , stands out as a aimed at children and families. Launched in 2018 and produced by Adwait Theatre, it features like Vaibhav Mangale and incorporates special effects to depict whimsical adventures, has completed numerous successful shows and tours regularly in , emphasizing interactive elements that mirror the light-hearted themes in Zee Marathi's daily soaps.

Theater Initiatives

Zee Marathi has actively supported Marathi theater through various promotional and collaborative efforts, including live performances, artist interactions, and fan engagements across multiple cities in as part of events like Natyancha, drawing large audiences to highlight regional theatrical talent. A key component of these efforts includes the Zee Natya Gaurav Puraskar, an annual awards ceremony honoring outstanding contributions to Marathi theater, with editions documented since 2018, recognizing categories such as best play, direction, and emerging performers to sustain the art form's vitality. In 2025, the ceremony continued to celebrate theater artists for their contributions. Complementing this, Zee Theatre, Zee Entertainment's dedicated theater vertical established in 2015, partners with local groups and institutions to produce and promote over 100 plays in multiple languages, including Marathi, emphasizing collaborations with stalwarts like Vijay Tendulkar's estate for classic adaptations. Notable partnerships include the ongoing collaboration with the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) for the Pratibimb Marathi Natya Utsav, an annual festival since the that features staged plays, poetry readings, and discussions to showcase both established and emerging artists. This event incorporates workshops on acting fundamentals led by experts like and stage design by Machindra , aimed at nurturing new playwrights and directors in Marathi natya traditions. Zee Marathi's theater outreach extends to broadcasting initiatives, where select plays from these collaborations are telecast on the channel and streamed on , making live-recorded performances accessible to wider audiences and bridging traditional stage works with modern viewing. These efforts have significantly promoted Marathi theater by preserving cultural narratives and encouraging innovation, with special events during the channel's 25th anniversary in 2024 integrating theater tributes, such as lifetime achievement honors at the Natya Gaurav Puraskar, to mark two decades of sustained impact on the regional .

References

  1. https://www.zee.com/business_channels/regional-entertainment-channels/zee-marathi/
  2. https://www.socialsamosa.com/marketing-shorts/zee-marathi-hema-regaining-consumer-confidence-fresh-content-7236889
  3. https://www.adgully.com/zee-marathi-at-the-vanguard-of-marathi-entertainment-for-25-years-151243.html
  4. https://www.aninews.in/news/business/zee-unveils-its-new-brand-image-z-to-roll-out-from-june-820250519160552
  5. https://www.filmibeat.com/television/news/2025/zee-marathi-unveils-fresh-identity-with-sadaiv-tumchi-zee-marathi-campaign-celebration-of-togethe-464291.html
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  7. https://www.zee5.com/tv-shows/lang/marathi
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