News Headline
Heavy promo activity as Star Plus’ ‘Kahaani…’ shifts the plot
MUMBAI: Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, a show that commands viewership in the Indian television arena is all set to make a dramatic shift in plot padded with an promotion intensive on air, off air interactive plan of action.
The promotional activities lined up for the rehaul of this show, which essentially translates into the arrival of a new series on Kahaani… is quite comprehensive. With the on-air promotions kicking off tonight (18 August) and hoardings all over the city; lead character Parvati is the pivot of this whole promotional campaign.
Phase 1: ‘Hamme batao aap ki ghar ki Kahaani’, with Parvati urging the viewers to tell the family their story. This would be done by the distribution of about 40 million photoframes, urging people to send in their stories. The best stories, bags that family a day out with the Aggarwals in the Aggarwals Bungalow.
Phase 2: Four bikers will circulate the city of Mumbai, mostly high traffic areas and the people who see them need to send an SMS to Parvati and inform her of the bikers whereabouts. The winners will receive some exciting Star Plus booty. It’s all about interactivity!
Phase 3: A print led campaign; an alliance struck with Lok Satta will have the four bikers on a press ad with an entry form. One needs to cut it out and identify the names of the four bikers (1, 2, 3, 4) and the winners will receive Star Plus merchandise.
Apart from this there will also be localised activity in tandem with cable operators. Getting the most influential factor in TV as a strategic part of their campaign, each cable operator will promote Kahaani.. through his network and will host a live show where Parvati will taking calls live from the viewers. This will be done week by week in different areas. Parvati will be asking a question which can be answered only if one watches the show over the weekend.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Star India’s head of marketing and communications Ajay Vidhyasagar says, “This tune in promotion essentially aims to set new goalposts in the television industry. One of the most celebrated serials in Indian television, is looking at achieving newer levels. This is a classic case study of a leader brand increasing the bar.”
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.






