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Zee UK Launches Dedicated Jodha Akbar Channel in France

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 6:20 GMT by newsbytesapp.com

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Zee UK Expands Its Footprint in France with a Dedicated Jodha Akbar Channel

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), the parent company of Zee UK, has announced the launch of a stand‑alone “Jodha Akbar” channel in France, an initiative aimed at capitalising on the growing appetite for Indian serials in the European market. The new channel, which went live on 15 April 2024, offers the entire 24‑episode saga of the historic romance between Mughal Emperor Akbar and Rajput princess Jodha Bai, in addition to a carefully curated slate of related titles and behind‑the‑scenes content. The move is part of a broader strategy to deepen ZEEL’s presence in the French diaspora community and to bring premium Hindi content to French viewers with the added convenience of native‑language subtitles.

Why Jodha Akbar?

“Jodha Akbar” premiered on StarPlus in 2013 and quickly became one of India’s highest‑rated serials. The series, shot in a grand 3D‑enhanced style and featuring Anupam Kher and Jaya Bachchan in the lead roles, chronicled the unlikely love story between a Rajput princess and a Mughal emperor. Its universal themes of love, power and tolerance resonated far beyond India, and it garnered a dedicated fan base in countries such as Pakistan, UAE and, notably, France—where the Indian diaspora and curious French viewers alike tuned in to watch the drama.

“We chose Jodha Akbar because it represents the best of Indian storytelling—rich in history, culture, and emotional depth,” said Rohit Singh, Chief Content Officer, Zee UK. “It’s a series that already has a proven track record of engaging audiences across borders, and it serves as an ideal anchor for a niche channel.”

The French Market: A Rising Appetite for Indian Content

France hosts one of the largest Indian communities in Europe, with more than 450,000 people of Indian origin. Over the last decade, French viewers have shown increasing interest in Indian cinema and television, partly driven by the success of Bollywood movies and the proliferation of streaming services. Data from Statista shows that the number of French users watching Indian content on streaming platforms rose by 27 % in 2023, indicating a strong growth trajectory.

Zee UK’s decision to launch a dedicated channel in France aligns with these trends. The channel is available on major French platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, ZEE5 (the ZEEL’s global streaming service), and local cable networks. It can be accessed via smart TVs, mobile apps, and web browsers, with French subtitles and an optional English audio track for non‑Hindi speakers.

Channel Features and Content Line‑Up

1. The Full Jodha Akbar Saga

• 24 episodes (each approximately 45 minutes) featuring the complete narrative arc, from the initial meeting at the royal palace to the eventual marriage and subsequent political intrigue.
• Episodes are presented in 1080p HD, with the option to stream in 4K for premium users.

2. Extended “Jodha Akbar” Experience

• Mini‑documentaries that delve into the historical context of the Mughal era and Rajput culture.
• Behind‑the‑scenes footage, including interviews with the cast and crew, set‑design discussions, and costume design features.

3. Complementary Titles

• The channel also streams other ZEEL classics such as “Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii” and “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai”. These shows are included to broaden the channel’s appeal beyond the single flagship series.
• Kids’ programming featuring educational content about Indian history and culture is also available in a dedicated “Kids’ Corner”.

4. Interactive Elements

• Viewers can participate in live polls during certain episodes, allowing them to vote on plot directions or character decisions.
• A social‑media tie‑in invites fans to share fan art, fan‑fiction, and reactions on platforms like Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #JodhaAkbarFrance.

Distribution and Partnerships

Zee UK has partnered with Orange S.A., a leading French telecommunications provider, to ensure high‑quality, low‑latency streaming for subscribers. The partnership also includes a joint marketing push featuring pop‑up events in major cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, where fans can watch premiere episodes on a large screen and meet cast members via virtual meet‑and‑greets.

In addition, ZEE5’s global reach is leveraged to offer a free trial period to new French subscribers, allowing them to experience the channel before committing to a paid subscription. The trial includes full access to all episodes, documentaries, and the kids’ corner.

Pricing and Accessibility

Zee UK offers a tiered subscription model:

• Basic Plan – €5.99/month: Access to the “Jodha Akbar” channel, standard definition.
• Premium Plan – €9.99/month: HD streaming, 4K support for selected titles, offline downloads.
• Family Plan – €14.99/month: Unlimited devices, up to 4 simultaneous streams, and a dedicated kids’ profile.

The channel also features an ad‑free option for those who prefer an uninterrupted viewing experience. The French subtitles are automatically generated through a partnership with Rev.com, ensuring high‑accuracy translation of dialogue and cultural nuances.

Industry Reactions

Industry analysts view this launch as a strategic move that could reshape the content landscape in France. Sabrina Moreau, a senior analyst at European Media Insights, remarked: “Zee UK’s dedicated channel approach is a testament to how niche, culturally‑rich content can attract a sizable audience in foreign markets. It demonstrates that Indian television, traditionally viewed as region‑specific, has universal appeal when packaged correctly.”

French viewers are also enthusiastic. A social‑media survey conducted by the French Digital Media Association found that 68 % of respondents who have watched the Jodha Akbar channel reported an increased interest in Indian culture, and 54 % indicated they would consider subscribing to other Indian series.

Future Outlook

Zee UK’s management plans to expand this model to other European markets in the coming years, with Spain, Germany, and the UK earmarked as the next phases of rollout. “We will continue to identify serials with broad, cross‑cultural appeal and create dedicated channels that offer a seamless viewing experience,” added Singh. “Our goal is to make Indian content accessible to anyone, anywhere, without language barriers.”

The launch of the “Jodha Akbar” channel is already yielding early results: within the first two weeks, the channel logged over 350,000 unique viewers in France and achieved a 4.2 average rating on the platform’s internal analytics. These numbers suggest that the French market is primed for further Indian content expansions.

Conclusion

Zee UK’s dedicated “Jodha Akbar” channel in France is a pioneering venture that leverages historical storytelling, robust distribution partnerships, and a nuanced understanding of the French audience’s appetite for diverse content. By offering the full serial with subtitles, behind‑the‑scenes insights, and supplementary programming, Zee UK is not only tapping into a lucrative market but also enriching cultural exchange between India and France. The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar channels across Europe, reinforcing ZEEL’s position as a global player in the entertainment industry.