Host of TV shows to celebrate 60 years of Independence

New Delhi, Aug 12 (UNI) As the country completes 60 years of freedom from British rule lined up on various television channels on August 15 are a host of shows saluting the spirit of the Indian Republic; its unity, integrity and solidarity as well as showcasing its achievements during six decades of post-Independence era.

On August 15, when India completes the 60th year of freedom, Star Plus has lined up 'Star Azadi Express', a power packed event where celebrities from the world of films and television saluting the spirit of the Indian Republic.

To be aired at 1000 hrs, 'Star Azadi express' will feature several exciting acts and performances strung together by hosts comedy king Sajid Khan and Sarita Joshi, the loveable Baa of Star Plus hit show 'Baa Bahoo Aur Baby'.

The programme will also have Bollywood stars like Govinda, Dia Mirza, Reitesh Deshmukh and Geeta Basra rub shoulders with celebrities from the world of television like Anita Hasnandani, Eijaz Khan and Sanjeeda soak in the spirit of patriotism.

'Star Azaadi Express' tells the story of Independent India over 60 years in a language understood by every Indian, regardless of caste, creed or religion - the language of music.

From fusion music performance to the variety of folk forms in India, 'Star Azaadi Express' seeks to give viewers a glimpse into the different colours of India that makes it a truly vibrant Nation.

Sources in Star Plus said the focus of the show, which will have scintillating performances by some of the most popular and loved faces of television and Bollywood, will be to make people understand the true meaning of Love, an emotion that has been emulated by various Indians over the centuries by generations that have found their true love on this very land.

''The celebration, fun and frolic is a way for us to pay tribute to those who made it this day come for us,''they said.

According to Ajay Vidyasagar, President, Content and New Media, STAR India Pvt Ltd,''Star India plans to celebrate Independence Day in a big way and STAR Azaadi Express is the perfect way of doing so.

Through this, our aim is to give viewers an entertaining, educative and informative event.

We sincerely hope that our loyal viewers will join us in this effort to pay tribute to the freedom fighters who have made it possible for us to breathe freely in independent India.'' NDTV will air a bouquet of special shows in sync with the spirit of this special day.

'India 60: all through the day', a show to be aired on NDTV all through the day, will bring to light the changing face of India in the last 60 years of its independence.

On Independence Day, NDTV will air 'Azad Hamsafar', on NDTV India at 1900 hrs and 'Freedom at Midnight: 60 years of India and Pakistan's Independence' on NDTV 24x7 at 2200 hrs, a one hour programme celebrating 60 years of independence for both India and Pakistan.

An Indo-Pak joint production anchored by Barkha Dutt from Dubai and a well known anchor from Pakistan live in Dubai, Islamabad and New Delhi, 'Freedom at Midnight: 60 years of India and Pakistan's Independence' will bring together politicians, soldiers, artistes and ordinary people from both sides of the border to celebrate Independence Day not only of India but across borders as well.

Also lined up is 'Sidhu hit wicket', a light-hearted, comedy show which will have NDTV's cricket expert Navjot Singh Sidhu meet his various spinoffs like Piddhu the great (a character based on the idiosyncrasies of Mr Sidhu, made famous by MTV's Cyrus Sahukar) and the "Gustaakhi Maaf" puppet of Mr Sidhu.

The show, to be aired on NDTV India at 2000 hrs, will witness all these comedians come on the same platform to have viewers crack up in laughter.

Then, from 2130 hrs to 2300 hrs, NDTV will air the fourteenth episode of 'Jai Jawan' on NDTV 24x7 and NDTV India with Priyanka Chopra.

This episode takes the young superstar to the historic Tenga, an important location for the 1960 Indo-China war, and will have Priyanka surprise everyone with her skills at rappling, river crossing, gun firing and driving the carrier.

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