News Headline
Big Ganga launches 8th season of ‘Hindustan Ka Big Star’
MUMBAI: Big Ganga is consistently offers entertainment and meaningful content built on local insights with a cultural connect and a deep understanding of the socio-cultural fabric.
The channel has been tapping unseen talent from the hinterland across rural melas for the past four years and established a popular property called Mele Ka BIG Star. Re-christened as Hindustan Ka BIG Star, in its eighth season, the network plans to up the ante by targeting not only melas, but also add cities, thus increasing participation as well as growing the reach.
Big Ganga will televise this event as a reality TV series for over 5 months with 26 episodes as well as promote it on 92.7 BIG FM. The auditions are scheduled to begin from 6 June for a month.
With an attempt to unearth talent from the grass root level, Hindustan ka Big Star not only invites people who are passionate about any talent, but also encourages those who have an aptitude for singing, dancing, mimicry, stunts, stand-up comedy, painting and much more.
Dabur India Oral Care category head Harkawal Singh said, “We are delighted to partner with Hindustan Ka BIG Star for the third year in a row. The show is a great platform to communicate about the importance of oral hygiene in a relevant way. Dabur Red Paste from the house of Dabur is always known for complete oral care. Dabur Red Paste is a unique blend of traditional Indian Medicine and modern pharmaceutical technology bringing out the best of both, the side effects free, effective formulation useful for maintaining oral hygiene and keeping the gums and teeth healthy.”
Speaking about the property, a spokesperson from Big Ganga said, “In our endeavour to take Mele ka BIG Star to the next level, we decided to reach audiences not only at some of the biggest melas, but also additional towns. Re-named Hindustan ka BIG Star, in its eighth season, the show will continue to bring talent from the Hindi heartland to the world at large, providing them with a great platform and giving brands an interesting engagement opportunity.”
Combining the biggest melas and cities of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, Hindustan ka BIG Star will bring forth hidden talent from across the Hindi heartland. Open for all (Age 4+ onwards), Hindustan ka Big Star has Dabur Red Paste as the Title Sponsor, Co-Powered by Dabur Vatika Shampoo, Associate Sponsor Dalda Cooking Oil and Radio partner 92.7 BIG FM.
In addition to this, the high decibel marketing approach to the show will facilitate an extensive forum for marketers to directly connect with their consumers. The show will be heavily promoted through TV, radio, digital and print.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
