History
Its syndicated Pakistani soap opera, Aunn Zara , premiered on 23 June 2014, the day the channel was launched and ended its run on Zindagi on 12 July 2014, [10] thus, making Zindagi the first Hindi general entertainment channel in India, to end a show in 20 days. [11] In early-May 2015, Zindagi for the first time in its history launched two lifestyle shows of American origin, dubbed in Hindi. They were Simply Beautiful, a health and beauty tips show hosted by Roni Proter, and Nirmala's Spice World , a cookery show hosted by Chef Nirmala Narine. [12] The channel also launched its first original Indian production, Shukriya, a reality show, in early-August 2015. Shukriya provides a platform for common people to come on television, share their personal stories, and say 'thank you' to their dear and loved ones. [13] [14] [15] [16] Zindagi also formed a partnership with BIG FM 92.7 for seven weeks, starting on 27 July 2015 (nearly two weeks before Shukriya's launch), to promote Shukriya through the radio using various methods, programmes, and special segments. This promotion on BIG FM spanned across its 24 radio stations based in various cities of India. [17]
Following the 2016 Uri terror attack, Zindagi removed all Pakistani shows from their line up. [18] [19]
Zindagi became a digital only channel starting from 1 July 2017, with the content becoming accessible only on OZEE app. [20]
With the launch of ZEE5, Zindagi has been rebranded as Zindagi Digital and streams digital exclusive international shows from Turkey, South Korea, Spain, Colombia, Ukraine, Pakistan, Brazil etc. in 12 major languages starting 15 February 2018. All content is accessible on ZEE5 app with premium membership [21]
On 16 July 2020 it was announced that, Zindagi channel is relaunching on ZEE5. A channel new tagline is "Zindagi Mil Ke Jiyenge". [22] The Zindagi brand was launched on 21 May 2020 worldwide excluding India and on 27 May 2020 in India on ZEE5 app. [23]
On 4 September 2020, Shailja Kejriwal, Chief creative officer- special projects Zee Entertainment Enterprises announced there were no plans for Zindagi channel to return on a television platform. All content is for ZEE5 app only. [24]
Zindagi launched Dhoop Ki Deewar on 25 June 2021 starring Sajal Aly and Ahad Raza Mir. The show highlights the grief and loss war brings to people no matter which side of the border they are from. [25]
On 15 March 2021, Shailja Kejriwal, Chief Creative Officer (Special Projects) Zee Entertainment made another announcement related to Zindagi channel by saying "The new avatar of Zindagi not just has acquired content from the subcontinent, but also original shows produced in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Zindagi would produce 6-7 original shows every year and a large part would consist of content from neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh." [26]
On 16 March 2022, Shailja Kejriwal, Chief Creative Officer (Special Projects) Zee Entertainment Enterprises hinted that in 2022 Zindagi channel will get back on television for its loyal audience. [27]
From 23 May 2022, Zindagi channel launched as a DTH active services on Tata Play, Dish TV, D2H and Airtel Digital TV. On Tata Play it was launched as a Tata Play Zindagi and on Dish TV and as well as Airtel Digital TV as Zindagi Active. [28]
