As part of this new strategy, BBC Studios will cease its own production activities in India after fulfilling its current commitments, focusing instead on this collaboration with Banijay.
Under the partnership, Banijay will have exclusive access to BBC Studios’ scripted and unscripted format catalogue. The deal will see Banijay Asia launch BBC Studios’ existing and new formats in India for the first time.
BBC Studios owns unscripted formats like The 1% Club and Dancing with the Stars, besides scripted formats like The Office, and Ghosts.ET had reported on January 20 that BBC Studios is weighing options to exit its India content production business.
Banijay Asia, a joint venture led by Deepak Dhar, has adapted multiple global formats for Indian audiences, including MasterChef, Big Brother, Deal or No Deal, Temptation Island, and Fear Factor. The company has also produced hit adaptations like The Night Manager, Call My Agent: Bollywood, and The Good Wife.Deepak Dhar, Founder and Group CEO, 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.”
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.”
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.”
According to Media Partners Asia, the overall video content investment across entertainment and sports is projected at $6.9 billion in 2025, increasing further to $8.8 billion in 2028 led by online video spends.
