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Disney Star delivers biggest IPL with 35 crore viewers for first 10 matches
Mumbai: Disney Star, the official broadcaster of TATA IPL 2024, has shattered all viewership records for the first 10 matches of the marquee tournament. As per BARC, 35 crore viewers tuned in to watch the live broadcast of the first 10 IPL matches, higher than any previous edition of the tournament including seasons played during the pandemic. The overall watch-time for the tournament has sky-rocketed to 8028 crore minutes which is 20 per cent higher than last year. Powered by a wide array of fan-centric initiatives, enriched programming, and a compelling marketing campaign, match ratings for season 17 of the tournament have also galloped 22 per cent compared to the last edition. With the Rivalry Week between 8 and 14 April, the broadcaster is geared to take the tournament buzz even higher.
Disney Star head – sports Sanjog Gupta said, “We are overwhelmed with the record-breaking viewing figures for TATA IPL 2024. Disney Star has started season 17 from where it left off last year, doubling down on fan-centred initiatives that seek to drive passion and fandom for the tournament. The unwavering support and love received from fans and audiences alike is an affirmation of Star Sports’ belief in the aggregative capacity of IPL on TV as well as its potential for further growth. The figures also reflect the success of our endeavour to enhance the IPL viewing experience through broadcast and programming innovations, including HDR-enhanced 4K, interactive services, and multi-platform fan engagement. We continue to remain committed to our vision of serving sports fans and recruiting new audiences.”
Disney Star is broadcasting TATA IPL 2024 across 14 feeds in 10 languages with a special feed in Indian sign language for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and visually impaired fans. The marketing campaign for the edition 17 of the tournament – “AJAB IPL KE GAJAB RANG” – was based on the tournament insight that a fan’s true colours are seen through the ebbs and flows of one’s team’s performance in the tournament and that the same moment in IPL is experienced very differently by different viewers.
Disney Star also launched several new programming initiatives including custom highlights catering to different cohorts of fans, shows like Cheeky Singles (hosted by Asia’s largest YouTuber – Carry Minati), and activations to collaborate with the content creator ecosystem across platforms. It has also introduced a special broadcast for kids every Sunday afternoon – Super Funday – to better serve 8-12 year olds and continues to power activations like Star Nahi Far, which bring fans closer to the superstars.
*ALL BARC DATA 2+U+R*
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.
