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Star India to launch new Tamil GEC – Vijay Plus
MUMBAI: Expanding its bouquet of Tamil general entertainment channels (GEC), Star India is all set to launch a second Tamil GEC called Vijay Plus, which will complement Star Vijay.
While Star Vijay is already an established channel in the two southern states of Kerala and Karnataka, with Vjay Plus, Star is looking at further expanding its presence in the Tamil market.
While speculation was rife last year that Star India was set to launch its second Tamil GEC, which would be christened Vijay Plus or Vijay TV 2.
However, the network is yet to procure the license from the government for the new channel. “We are still waiting to get our license for Vijay Plus from the government,” informs Star Vijay general manager K Sriram.
As per industry sources, the channel was supposed to go live in December last year. However, the launch was delayed due to license issues from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
A source close to the development informs that the new channel will focus on a new line-up of fiction content and will also air old programs of Vijay TV.
Moreover, Star will make available the Vijay Plus on all major DTH platforms and cable operators across South India from the test launch phase itself.
Star India seems to have set its eyes on strengthening its foothold in the regional space. It may be recalled that recently the company acquired the broadcast business of Maa Television Network, which comprises four Telugu language channels. The acquisition gave Star access to the Telugu TV market, which is the second largest regional market in India in terms of revenue potential.
Star India broadcasts more than 40 channels in seven languages, reaching more than 720 million viewers every week, across India and 100 countries. The network’s entertainment channel portfolio includes Star Gold, Channel V, Star World, Star Movies, Star Utsav, Life OK, Movies OK and Star Plus.
It has a leading presence in regional language as well, through a bouquet of affiliate channels, which include Star Jalsha, Jalsha Movies, Star Pravah, Asianet, Asianet Plus, Suvarna, Suvarna Plus and Vijay.
Star’s sports business has grown rapidly to eight channel properties and its digital presence is defined by starsports.com and hotstar.com, which brings TV shows, movies and sports on one destination.
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.
