Tara HD: The History of Astro's Hindi Entertainment Channel
For a period between 2016 and 2019, Tara HD served as a premier destination for Hindi-language entertainment in Southeast Asia. Owned and operated by the satellite provider Astro, the channel brought the vibrant world of Bollywood and Indian television directly to audiences in Malaysia and Brunei.
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Key Facts
- Owner: Astro Malaysia Holdings Sdn. Bhd.
- Launch Date: 19 October 2016
- Closure Date: 1 October 2019
- Broadcast Area: Malaysia and Brunei
- Format: 1080i HDTV
- Languages: Hindi and English
Programming and Content Strategy
Tara HD was designed to be a comprehensive hub for Indian-made programming. The channel specialized in Bollywood movies and a wide array of television productions sourced from some of India's most prominent networks. This included content from Colors TV, StarPlus, Life OK, Sony Entertainment Television, and Zee TV, among others.
To ensure accessibility for a diverse regional audience, the channel provided subtitles in English, Tamil, and Malay. This allowed non-Hindi speakers to enjoy a variety of genres, ranging from high-drama serials to lifestyle content from networks like NDTV Good Times, Food Food TV, and Living Foodz.
Network Partners
The channel's diverse library was powered by partnerships with several major Indian media brands, including:
- General Entertainment: Colors Infinity, Big Magic, and Star World.
- Lifestyle and Youth: FYI TV18, Zoom, and MTV India.
Timeline and Transition
Tara HD officially entered the market on 19 October 2016, taking over the slot previously held by Zee Variasi. For nearly three years, it operated as a high-definition (1080i) service headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The channel's lifecycle ended on 1 October 2019. Upon its closure, the channel number was repurposed for the launch of Colors HD. This transition led to a redistribution of popular shows across Astro's network.
Content Redistribution
Following the shutdown, programming was split between two primary destinations:
- Colors HD: This channel took over selected serials such as Shakti, as well as discontinued shows like Court Room - Sachchai Hazir Ho and Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon.
- Astro Bollyone HD: A sister channel that became the new home for Tujhse Hai Raabta, Ye Hai Mohabbatein, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Crime Patrol Dial 100, Nazar, Qayamat Ki Raat, and various original shows that predated Tara HD.
Channel Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Picture Format | 1080i HDTV |
| Primary Languages | Hindi, English |
| Subtitles Available | English, Tamil, Malay |
| Preceded By | Zee Variasi |
| Succeeded By | Colors HD |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Tara HD?
Tara HD was a Malaysian pay-television channel owned by Astro that broadcast Hindi-language programming and Bollywood movies to viewers in Malaysia and Brunei.
When did Tara HD start and end its broadcast?
The channel launched on 19 October 2016 and ceased operations on 1 October 2019.
Which channel replaced Tara HD?
Tara HD was replaced by Colors HD on the same channel number.
What languages were supported on the channel?
While the primary programming was in Hindi and English, the channel provided subtitles in English, Tamil, and Malay to accommodate its regional audience.
Where did the shows go after Tara HD closed?
Programming was divided between Colors HD (for shows like Shakti) and Astro Bollyone HD (for shows like Ye Hai Mohabbatein and Crime Patrol Dial 100).