Asianet Communications Ltd appoints John Brittas as Business Head

Asianet Communications Ltd (ACL) has appointed senior journalist and icon of modern visual media, John Brittas as Business Head. Before joining ACL, Brittas was the Managing Director and Editor of CPM owned Kairali TV. His programmes like Cross Fire aired on Kairali TV made him a household name in Kerala.

ACL runs two entertainment channels –Asianet and Asianet Plus.

The eventful career of John Brittas, who hailed from a small village of Kannur, commenced when he joined ‘Deshabhimani’ after his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Trissur, Kerala Verma College. Later he grabbed his Masters from the same college being the topper. At the age of 22 he went to Delhi and joined JNU for M.Phil and later Ph.D. ‘Deshabhimani’ was considerate enough to transfer him to Delhi as its bureau chief. There, even before joining his office, he got an assignment to escort the then Chief Minister of Kerala to Punjab for a discussion with the ‘Akalis’, a radical group beseeching a separate state. He witnessed many incidents at the capital that designed India’s future both at the home front and in the international arena. Brittas has done first-hand reporting for the general elections between 1981 and 1999. He also covered the general election in Nepal soon after the tragic death of King Birendra. He was physically present in Ayodhya during the Babri Masjid demolition. Brittas became the first journalist from India to reach Baghdad during the Iraq war. He is the youngest correspondent to get the Central Hall pass in the Parliament.

Ulka Gupta returns as Kaali in Jhansi Ki Rani

Young Ulka Gupta, who wowed millions of viewers across the country with her impressive portrayal of the great Rani Laxmibai in Zee TV’s Jhansi ki Rani, is back in the show. This time as Kaali, the intense, spirited daughter of a tribal called Bandhu who had supported the Rani in her battle against the queen of Orchha. The character of Kaali will soon emerge as the new face of India’s struggle for Independence - Kraanti Ka Naya Chehra. Ignited with a strong passion and fervor for her motherland, she will be seen assisting Rani Laxmibai in her war against the British. One look at the pictures of Kaali and you know that Ulka is all set to play a feisty firebrand who’s ready for the kill!

Speaking of her new assignment on the very show that made her a household name, Ulka said, "It's great to be back on the sets of Jhansi Ki Rani. The crew, the cast members, they're all extremely affectionate since we have such wonderful memories to choose from. I'm all excited to be playing Kaali as she the same fire within her, the same intensity and passion for freedom as the Rani"

Speaking on the introduction of Ulka as Kaali, Sukesh Motwani, Head- Fiction Programming, said, "Ulka has been the face of Jhansi Ki Rani ever since we launched the show. If the audience had had their way, they'd never have let the Rani grow up. Naturally, we were keen to bring Ulka back as the show enters its most exciting climax. And a mere flashback wouldn't have sufficed. As Kaali, Ulka will embody the new face of India's struggle for Independence and work hand-in-hand with the Rani in her battle against the British."

To catch Ulka Gupta return to the small screen as Kaali, stay tuned to Jhansi Ki Rani at 8pm Sunday-Thursday on Zee TV.