News Broadcasting
Kolkata celebrates Jhiliks wedding beyond the show
MUMBAI: Maa is one of the oldest shows on Star Jalsha which has been running strong for the last 4 years. Telecast at 8pm every Monday to Saturday, it’s a clear and consistent slot leader and has huge amount of loyalty among its viewers. The show delineates the story of Jhilik, a girl who has been orphaned at a very young age. Over time Jhilik has become the most loved character on Bengali TV. Viewers have showered their love and affection on her as would on their own daughters. It is this love and loyalty that helps the show deliver robust viewership with a TSV in the range of 20-22 mins.
So, when the story reached the point where Jhilik is being married off, we decided to do something big and special. We wanted to celebrate Jhilik’s iconic status by taking the marriage celebrations from beyond the show, from reel to real. It was only fair that the whole of Kolkata witnessed and was a part of the wedding of its most favorite daughter.
What we did? We erected the first live hoarding with an ongoing Shehnai performance. The live hoarding was on display at the heart of the city of Kolkata from 15th to 18th of November 2013. We had 6 Shenhai artists performing in rotation atop a hoarding decorated in the fashion of a marriage hall. Apart from the wedding celebration theme that made use of drapes, 50 kgs of flowers and wedding motif designs, the live performance itself served as the buzz creator and became the talk of the town. The buzz it created was palpable with a huge word of mouth spread.
Sweets were distributed to mark the occasion, the crowd was excited about such a novel initiative and showed full support and enthusiasm. They sent lots of blessings for Jhilik and ensured they be part of the wedding, which was reflected in the instant hike in the show ratings.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
