News Broadcasting
Full text of Star Group’s official statement on Balaji stake acquisition
MUMBAI: Star Group and Balaji Telefilms Ltd. Balaji announced that Asian Broadcasting FZ-LLC (ABF), a Star affiliate, and Balaji today reached a definitive agreement under which ABF would be issued approximately 13.694 million shares at Rs 90 per share to give it a 21 per cent stake in Balaji by investing a total of Rs 1.23 billion in Balaji. Following completion of the acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals, ABF expects to be able to hold up to 26 per cent in Balaji following the public offer to the shareholders of Balaji as per the takeover Regulations and/or through warrants that will be issued to it.
The acquisition of Balaji is in line with Star’s strategy of increasing content production in India. Balaji is the largest content production company in India, producing shows in various languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada. Its television productions such as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki regularly top the ratings charts in the country.
Commenting on the deal, Star Group CEO Michelle Guthrie says, “We are thrilled to acquire a stake in Balaji, with whom we enjoy a productive and rewarding relationship. Balaji, under the continuing management and leadership of the Kapoors and with its unique pool of creative talent, has become one of the most important companies in the evolving and increasingly competitive media arena in India. As Star continues to expand its services and offer more choices to viewers, we see enormous strategic benefits from strengthening our relationship with Balaji.”
Balaji Telefilms chairman Jeetendra Kapoor says, “We are excited about having Star as an investor in the company. We believe that the investment made in the company would assist in achieving a higher level of growth and in the process generate significant value for all the stakeholders.”
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.
