United States: ZEE5 Global, a streaming platform for South Asian content, has announced the addition of STAGE, India’s leading entertainment platform for regional cultures, to its Aggregator OTT service ZEE5 Add-Ons in the United States. This strategic partnership expands ZEE5’s already diverse content offerings and highlights the growing demand for regional, culturally rich programming among diaspora audiences.
STAGE, which gained significant attention after being featured on Shark Tank India Season 2, focuses on dialect-based programming. The partnership will initially introduce Haryanvi and Rajasthani content, with plans to expand into dialects such as Bhojpuri, Awadhi, and Maithili. This collaboration reinforces ZEE5 Global’s commitment to celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity while connecting global audiences with content that reflects their heritage.
Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer at ZEE5, commented, “ZEE5 Global is transforming the South Asian entertainment landscape globally by embracing innovation and cultural diversity. This collaboration with STAGE reflects our focus on going deeper into Indian sub-cultures and giving them a broader platform to connect with diaspora audiences through stories that reflect their unique identities. By bringing this heartland content to viewers in the U.S., we are not only celebrating the richness and diversity of Haryanvi and Rajasthani dialects, but also meeting the increasing demand for more inclusive and relatable narratives.”
Vinay Singhal, CEO and co-founder of STAGE, shared, “We’re thrilled to partner with ZEE5 Global to bring the vibrant and authentic stories of Haryana and Rajasthan to a global audience. This collaboration is a testament to the power of regional content to transcend borders and connect with diverse audiences. By showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of India, we hope to foster greater understanding and appreciation for our heritage.”
Neeraj Chopra, Olympic Gold Medalist and world champion, and an investor in STAGE, added, “Supporting platforms like STAGE highlights my belief in the power of authentic storytelling to inspire and connect. The partnership between STAGE and ZEE5 Global is a significant step towards celebrating the depth of our cultural narratives on a global scale. It’s inspiring to see ZEE5 Global champion diverse voices, giving audiences worldwide an opportunity to engage with stories that are both meaningful and deeply rooted in tradition.”
STAGE will be available to U.S. viewers as part of ZEE5’s Add-Ons service for a subscription price of $2.99. This move underscores ZEE5 Global’s leadership in the entertainment content space, offering a wide range of South Asian films, series, and original content in 18+ languages across 190+ countries.
ZEE5 Global is available for download on the Google Play Store, iOS App Store, and on Roku devices, Apple TV, Android TVs, Amazon Fire TV, and Samsung Smart TVs. Users can also access ZEE5 Global at www.ZEE5.com.
