APARSHAKTI KHURANA, RAKESH BEDI COME TOGETHER FOR ZEE TV AND HINDI ZEE 5’S ESSEL GROUP CENTENARY CELEBRATION

A landmark centenary celebration will reunite the creative forces behind Z’s iconic legacy, alongside leaders on August 1

Zee TV and Hindi Zee 5 will host a landmark centenary celebration in Mumbai on August 1, 2026, commemorating Essel Group’s completion of 100 remarkable years and the enduring legacy that laid the foundation for ‘Z’. Hosted by actor Aparshakti Khurana, the event will bring together the creative community that has been an integral part of Z’s journey since the launch of India’s first private satellite television channel – Zee TV in 1992. Teams behind many of Z’s most iconic and memorable shows over the last three decades will reunite for this historic occasion, making it one of the most significant gatherings celebrating Indian entertainment. Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi, along with several artists who have been a part of Z’s extraordinary journey, will also attend the celebration. Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman, Essel Group, will be present to mark this historic milestone and express his gratitude.

More than a celebration of Essel Group’s rich legacy, the evening hosted by Zee TV and Hindi Zee 5 will be a nostalgic journey of the humble beginnings of the artists, ideas and pioneering milestones that transformed India’s media and entertainment landscape, while reflecting on a century of entrepreneurship, innovation and nation-building that has touched billions of lives.

Speaking about hosting the landmark celebration, Aparshakti Khurana said, “My association with Zee is extremely close to my heart, and it’s a privilege to be part of an organisation that has played such an important role in shaping Indian entertainment. To now host a celebration marking 100 years of the Essel Group is truly an honour. I’m excited to be part of an evening that celebrates an extraordinary legacy and the incredible people who have shaped Indian entertainment over the decades.”

Sharing his excitement, Rakesh Bedi said, “I worked on television shows with Zee during the early years of my career, and those experiences remain very special to me. Being part of this centenary celebration is making me nostalgic. Looking back at how the network has grown over the years while continuing to entertain generations of audiences makes this occasion even more meaningful. I’m delighted to be a part of this historic celebration.”

Over the last 100 years, Essel Group has played a defining role in shaping India’s growth story. The Group introduced Zee TV, India’s first private satellite television channel, followed by Zee News, the country’s first private news channel, fundamentally changing the way millions of Indians consumed entertainment and news.

For over three decades, Zee TV’s stories have served as a source of inspiration and shaped the aspirations of millions of Indians, while Essel Group helped transform India’s media and entertainment sector into one of the country’s largest creative industries, creating unprecedented opportunities across content creation, production, writing, direction and distribution.