India’s Sony Entertainment TV reacquires BBCS format ‘Dancing With The Stars’

Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (Source: BBC Studios)

Sony Entertainment Television has acquired the Indian rights to BBC Studios dance reality format Dancing With The Stars, known locally as Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, which is returning to the network after 12 years.

The first four seasons of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa were aired by Sony from 2006 to 2011 before it moved to Colors TV for the 2012-2022 seasons. This new 11th season returns the show to its original home.

Debuting this weekend, 11 November, the format is known for its dazzling dance-offs, and its star-studded judging panel. It has been licensed to 61 countries globally and is known in the UK, where it originated, as Strictly Come Dancing.

The upcoming season will feature choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan Kunder, actor and dancer Arshad Warsi, and Bollywood icon Malaika Arora coming together to form a judging panel. Together, the trio will offer valuable feedback to the celebrity contestants.

Famous names taking part include wrestler Sangeeta Phogat, TV actor and model Aamir Ali, television icon Urvashi Dholakia, TV heartthrobs Shoaib Ibrahim and Vivek Dahiya, and reality show star Shiv Thakre.

Neeraj Vyas, business head, Sony Entertainment Television, Sony SAB, PAL and Sony MAX Movie Cluster, said, “The return of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa on Sony Entertainment Television marks an exciting addition to our nonfiction lineup. It signifies our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class content and this season will see celebrities from different walks of life perform diverse routines, judged by Farah Khan Kunder, Arshad Warsi and Malaika Arora. Acquiring the rights to this beloved format is more than just a homecoming for the show; it’s a celebration of entertainment, glamour, and dance, posing a visual extravaganza for our audiences.”