MUMBAI: Disney Channel India is headed for a new gamble this summer to beef up its programming lineup. The mouse house, for the first time ever, has acquired Bollywood movies to garner more eyeballs.
Disney has acquired two Aamir Khan movies. While Hum Hai Rahi Pyaar Ke will be telecast on 12 April, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander will be aired on 3 May.
Says Walt Disney Television International India senior vice president and managing director Antoine Villeneuve, "Both the films
have long established themselves in the minds of kids and family. Also, they are a definite fit to Disney Channel‘s values of family, friendship and togetherness. Therefore, it made sense for us to head for these two films to seize more eyeballs."
The kids-driven family channel is also banking on the Disney film library to create more fun for kids during the summer holiday season. The channel will show classics such as Return to Neverland, Atlantis: Milo‘s return, Mulan, 101 Dalmations 2 and Secret of the Magic Gourd to mark a new presence in its kids programming.
"Also, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man‘s Chest will premiere in Hind for the first time on Disney on 5 April. The film will be telecast at 11 am," says Villeneuve.