BBC Studios is teaming up with Banijay Asia, part of Banijay Entertainment, to make a bigger splash in India. This partnership gives Banijay Asia the sole right to create both scripted and unscripted versions of BBC Studios’ shows for Indian TV channels and streaming services.
Based in Mumbai, Banijay Asia will now be in charge of adapting popular BBC Studios formats like The 1% Club, Dancing with the Stars, Weakest Link, and The Great Bake Off. They’ll also handle scripted series such as The Office and Ghosts. This multi-year agreement lets Banijay Asia bring both existing and upcoming BBC Studios formats to audiences in India.
Banijay Asia operates as a joint venture between Banijay Entertainment and its Founder and Group CEO, Deepak Dhar. Dhar also leads Endemol Shine India, which has successfully adapted international formats for India, including MasterChef, Big Brother, Deal or No Deal, Temptation Island, and Fear Factor. Additionally, Banijay Asia has produced local adaptations of The Night Manager, Call My Agent: Bollywood, and The Good Wife.
As part of this partnership, BBC Studios will cease its in-house production operations in India once all existing commitments are fulfilled. The company will shift its focus to this new content model in the region.
Jacob DeBoer, EVP Global Entertainment for BBC Studios, said, “Banijay Asia is an outstanding producer with the creativity, vision and local expertise to bring BBC Studios’ rich catalogue of formats to life for the Indian market. We are excited for this partnership to bring the next generation of compelling, talked-about entertainment shows to Indian audiences. I would also like to pay tribute to the BBC Studios team in Mumbai for all the incredible content they have developed and produced over the years, with our very first episode of Jhalak Dikhla Ja in 2006.”
Deepak Dhar, Founder and Group CEO of Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India, said, “BBC Studios has an incredible catalogue of iconic formats and, as its exclusive partner in India, we will bring these powerful stories to Indian viewers with our unique approach to storytelling. This strategic collaboration aligns with our vision of delivering high-quality, impactful content that resonates across platforms.”
Matt Forde, MD Global Entertainment for BBC Studios, said: “Our strategy is to deliver BBC Studios’ hit entertainment shows to audiences around the world, working with the best in the business to engage audiences locally. Banijay Asia shares our commitment to its craft and to powerful storytelling, with a proven track record in adapting hit shows that really breakthrough in India. We can’t wait to see what they will do with our world-leading IP.”
The partnership marks a strategic shift in BBC Studios’ operations in India, with Banijay Asia taking the lead in producing and distributing its entertainment formats across the region.