Mumbai, April 12 (IANS) Zee TV's big plans to consolidate their number two position rests on the recently launched "Business Baazigar" and a stand-up comedy show "Johnny Ai La Re" with Johnny Lever.

There's a mood of challenge at Zee. If "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa" has thrown open the doors for Zee's TRPs, then the channel certainly doesn't want to rest on its laurels.

According to Ashish Kaul, senior vice-president, corporate brand development, at Zee, "After a very long time we have been given the opportunity to move ahead. Our first move was to bring back our USP 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' in a new avatar 'Ek Main Aur Ek Tu' this season."

The long-delayed "Business Baazigar", which was meant to go on air two years ago, launched on March 31 and is aired every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.

"But we weren't happy with what we had done. A lot of it had to be re-shot. We had to send 'Business Baazigar' back to the editing table. When Mr. Subhash Chandra's (chairman, Zee Telefilms) name is associated with the show, the scale and format have to match up to his vision. We also wanted a sufficient number of episodes in our bank before going on air."

"Business Baazigar" is a brainchild of Chandra and a reflection of his own vision of life and business.

"How does a man with a dream go about becoming a business person in this country of acute red-tapism and other practical hurdles? That's the question 'Business Baazigar' will answer. But then India has produced an Anil Ambani or a Subhash Chandra against all odds."

Chandra puts forward a business proposition, which is screened and then the game begins.

"A participant has to justify the funds that we are willing to provide. To judge a participant's potential he will be given certain tasks. If he implements them to the satisfaction of the three-member jury (including Chandra) the participant is on."

There's no ceiling on how much business funds "Business Baazigar" will provide to any participant.

"What's more," added Kaul "It would be your business project, not the channel's. After every season of 13 episodes someone will be crowned Business Baazigar."

The show is hosted by VJ Cyrus Sahukar.

"And we are backing up 'Zee Baazigar' with strong comedy because we haven't had one of those for a long time."

The sequel to Ekta Kapoor's "Hum Paanch" has belied expectations by proving a non-success. "We hope 'Johnny Ai La Re' will remedy the absence of a strong comedy show on Zee," said Kaul.

"Johnny Lever will be seen on the small screen for the first time."

Kaul admits there will be similarities to Shekhar Suman's show.

"That can't be helped. Johnny's show will have skits, music and Johnny himself performing. Johnny has cut down on film assignments. So his coming to TV is a double event."

The format and presentation of the new 'Sa Re Ga Ma' will be different. There will be separate prizes for the male and female participants.

According to Kaul, their soap "Saat Phere - Saloni Ka Safar" has emerged more successful than many of the popular soaps on other channels.

"It's ahead of the 'K' factor in many ways. Saloni is our dark horse. We knew 'Saath Phere - Saloni Ka Safar' will be our clutter-breaker. But to this level? One can never predict."

Apart from "Hum Paanch 2", Ekta Kapoor's big new soap "Kkasam Se" on Zee is also not doing well.

"We are baffled," said Kaul.

"We virtually poured money into marketing 'Hum Paanch 2' and 'Kkasam Se'. I remember, I used to bunk college to watch 'Hum Paanch'. Like I said, a very strong comedy is needed. Hopefully, Johnny Lever will do the needful."