MUMBAI: Music streaming service, Saavn's decision to go beyond music in May 2016 did take many by surprise.It led to the airing of interesting content like 'Qisson Ka Kona', 'Trial by Error - The Aarushi Files', 'Maed In India' and 'Cyrus Says'. Saavn also signed DJ Nucleya to be its 'Artist-in-Residence' under which he was to create new music, playlists, collaborations and audio shows exclusively for Saavn.

Here's what Saavn offered in the first series of its original programming-
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The gambit appears to have paid off. Saavn is now extending its vision of being a multimedia entertainment streaming platform with a new set of original programming. The upcoming shows include renowned author and film critic Anupama Chopra, Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia and acclaimed music artiste Raghu Dixit.

Starting 11 August, Saavn Originals will premiere 'Film Companion' with Anupama Chopra. In addition to movie reviews, Film Companion will feature interviews with A-list film stars, as well an in-depth look at what’s worth watching in India’s ever-growing movie scene. “I’m very excited to be on Saavn,” said Anupama Chopra, “I’ve never done a long form audio show before and this is both an exciting and challenging opportunity. I hope to learn and grow with Saavn.”

In 'Film Companion’s' special premiere episode, Anupama will be seen talking to the who’s who of Bollywood music in a power-packed panel including music director duo Vishal-Shekhar, well-known Indian film composer, musician, singer and lyricist Amit Trivedi, and the famous music composer and a guitarist, Ehsaan Noorani, on the changing landscape and future of Bollywood and the music industry. Following this premiere, Film Companion with Anupama Chopra will stream twice weekly every Thursday and Friday on Saavn.

Saavn will also add a tongue-in-cheek talk show '#NoFilter Neha' with Neha Dhupia to the Saavn Originals lineup. Neha, a well-known Indian Bollywood actor and former Femina Miss India Universe 2002, will be in conversation with celebrities from Bollywood, fashion, sports, and music in her notoriously wicked style. “A big inspiration for me are Tina Fey, Ellen DeGeneres, Madonna and other dynamic strong women who are constantly pushing themselves and doing so many things,” said Neha Dupia. “For me having an audio chat show is another exciting challenge which I hope gives me another opportunity to show my quirky side. Saavn to me is a place where the talented meet the cool and vice-versa and I am happy to get on board with them as a content creator.”

#NoFilter promises to shock, awe, and delight Saavn’s 18 million listeners starting mid-September.

“This is a breakthrough moment for us,” said Gaurav Wadhwa, VP of Entertainment and Originals at Saavn. “In addition to widening our fan base, these new shows will help to solidify Saavn’s transition from music streaming to becoming a global entertainment streaming hub. We’re ecstatic to bring these shows to our growing audience and can’t wait to bring them even more fantastic programming.”

Apart from these new shows, Saavn announced Raghu Dixit as the next musician to join Saavn’s Artist-in-Residence program, Saavn’s in-house program for independent and breakthrough artists.

“I’m really excited about my partnership with Saavn for the Artist-in-Residence initiative,” said Raghu Dixit, “I love the freedom that Saavn gives the artist and the trust they display in giving artist full control over the content being created. I know that with their diverse and highly engaged listeners, this partnership will be a great step forward in taking quality Indian independent music around the world.”

Having previously performed for the Queen of England at the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in Windsor, as well as the largest festival in Glastonbury, Dixit is no stranger to the world stage. On 5 August, Dixit embarks on the most extensive tour of his career - the 'Masterplan for Happiness' tour taking place in the U.S., Canada, Ireland and the U.K. To kick off Dixit’s debut as Saavn’s AiR, Saavn will be backing Dixit’s global tour by promoting the tour through Saavn’s app and social channels.

The full slate of Saavn Originals, debuting this August and September, includes:

1. Passport Approved with Sat Bisla, launched on 2nd August.

2. Film Companion with Anupama Chopra, launching on 11 August.

3. Ek Kahaani Aisi Bhi launching on 19 August.

4. Audioboom syndicated shows launching in the first week of August:

• Like-minded friends

• The Comedy Score

• Hip Hop saved my life with Romesh Ranganathan

• The Cricket Podblast

• Official Leicester City Podcast

• United We Stand

• The Football Forum

• Walsh on Film

• Undisclosed - State vs Adnan Syed

5. #NoFilter Neha by Neha Dhupia launching mid-September