News Broadcasting
Kkusum scores a perfect 10 in ratings
It seems to be Sony’s turn to ride the crest of the Balaji wave.
Kkusum and Kutumb, both family soaps from the Balaji stable have peaked at all time high TVRs of 10.2 and 8.3 respectively during the week ended 2 February, according to the channel. Quoting TAM figures, Sony says the channel has steadily consolidated its position in the 9 – 10 pm slot from October 2001, when the two serials went on air. The gradual phasing out of the once hugely popular Kaun Banega Crorepati on Star Plus coupled with the mass appeal of the staple Balaji fare seem to have combined to create a winning formula for Sony in the beginning of 2002.
While Kkusum is pitched as the extraordinary story of an ordinary girl and her family, Kutumb is touted as a fiery saga of a couple who get married for revenge. Kkusum goes on air at 9 pm on weekdays while Kutumb is aired Mondays to Thursdays at 9:30 pm. The channel is attempting to strengthen its prime time band by bringing in Dhadkan, a hospital series that airs Mondays to Wednesdays 8:30 pm.
Rivals Star Plus and Zee are mustering up their prime time fare as well. While Star has launched a slew of new shows from the New Year, Zee has also introduced new programmes across genres to bring in the audiences.
Comparative ratings during the week ended 2 February, 2002
9-10 pm TVRs
Sony
Star Plus
Zee
Oct ’01
6.2
7.3
4.3
Nov ’01
7.0
6.6
4.8
Dec ’01
7.5
7.3
4.1
Jan ’02
9.5
8.5
3.4
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.
