Sony Entertainment Television has made a significant change to the airing schedule of its popular crime thriller "CID 2." Starting October 4, the show will move from its weekend 9:30 PM prime time slot to an earlier 7 PM slot on Saturdays and Sundays. This decision comes as Sony prepares to launch the new season of the reality show "India's Got Talent," which will now occupy the 9:30 PM prime time slot previously held by CID 2.

The move reflects the channel’s strategic shift to focus more on reality programming, which has historically garnered better ratings and profitability. "India's Got Talent" returns with a fresh panel of judges including Navjot Singh Sidhu, Shaan, and Malaika Arora, with comedian Bharti Singh’s husband Harsh Limbachiyaa expected to host.

The iconic crime series, featuring veteran actor Shivaji Satam reprising his role as ACP Pradyuman, has experienced a decline in viewership, with TRPs currently at 0.5. The channel hopes that the new timing will help improve these numbers, though there is speculation about whether a 7 PM slot will attract the same loyal audience, as that time is considered early for a crime drama.

Sony is also gearing up to bring back the popular singing reality show "Indian Idol," with auditions already beginning. Together, these moves signal Sony’s increased emphasis on reality shows as a way to drive viewership and revenue, even as it juggles the loyal but dwindling fanbase of CID 2.

The new schedule will see fresh episodes of CID 2 airing on weekends at 7 PM on Sony TV and available simultaneously on the digital platform SonyLIV, catering to viewers who prefer streaming options. The channel continues to balance tradition and innovation, hoping to sustain India's long-standing fascination with its beloved crime series amidst evolving entertainment trends.### Hrishikesh Mukherjee Films: Simplicity and Respect for Stardom

Legendary filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee was known for his straightforward filmmaking style and his unique approach to handling stardom. Unlike many directors who prioritized star power, Mukherjee believed in giving each actor the space their role deserved without overshadowing the story. His films, like the 1971 classic Anand, showcased this approach spectacularly. Despite Rajesh Khanna’s superstardom, Mukherjee allowed Amitabh Bachchan's character to dominate the early parts of the film, demonstrating his commitment to the script over star ego.

Mukherjee was also a nurturer of talent and respected by actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Rajesh Khanna. He gave them opportunities to showcase their acting depth rather than just their star image. Hrishikesh was affectionately known as the godfather of many artists, guiding their careers and crafting films that reflected the realities of middle-class life with humor and empathy.

His films avoided the typical glamour of Bombay cinema, focusing instead on relatable stories filled with humor, social themes, and everyday struggles. Inspired by mentors like Bimal Roy, Mukherjee's cinema was about the heart and soul of India’s middle class, combining drama and comedy to create timeless classics. His legacy remains unmatched, with films that continue to resonate deeply with audiences.

Hrishikesh Mukherjee's simplicity, humility, and respect for the craft of acting made him one of the most beloved and respected filmmakers in Indian cinema. His movies stand as a testament to his philosophy of sincere storytelling and his ability to elevate all actors involved, making the experience genuine and memorable for viewers.