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&TV opens big with 90.6 GTVMs
MUMBAI: With only five and half days in the opening week, the newly launched flagship Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) &TV from the Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) stable has emerged as a major gainer in the ratings game.
This is for the first time that a GEC as new as &TV has opened at 90.6 GTVMs creating waves in the Hindi GEC space. The high octane flagship shows saw both critics and audiences appreciating the progressive and relatable content of the channel.
Be it &TV’s flagship show hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, India Poochega – Sabse Shaana Kaun? or the strong fiction line up with shows like Razia Sultan, Bhaghyalakshmi, Gangaa, Begusarai, Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai!, and the weekend offering with Killerr Karaoke and Tujhse Naaraaz Nahi Zindagi; the programming seems to have struck a chord with the audience.
On the other hand, week 10 witnessed Sab emerging as the biggest gainer. At number five, it registered 312 GTVMs, up from 265 GTVMs. Moreover, the week also saw the channel competing closely with Star Plus’ sister channel Life OK, which reported 314 GTVMs, up from 312 GTVMs at number four.
At number six, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) too observed a huge hike in viewership and noted 247 GTVMs, up from 235 GTVMs.
Amongst the first three leading players on the ratings chart, Star Plus saw a drop and garnered 604 GTVMs, down from 638 GTVMs. Despite a drop, Zee TV continued to secure number two position with 427 GTVMs, down from 442 GTVMs. Colors remained stable at number three with 424 GTVMs, up from 419 GTVMs.
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.
