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AXN announces eight ‘Hot ‘n Wild’ finalists
MUMBAI: AXN TV has shortlisted eight finalists for its ‘AXN Hot ‘n Wild Contest’ in India, a company press release stated today.
The finalists have been chosen after eight weeks of grueling audition of nearly 5,000 contenders nationwide, the release informed.
AXN will announce the ultimate winners in a grand finale scheduled to be held in September. Two winners will host AXN’s next local production.
AXN’s finalists include, Parmita Katkar, a national-level swimmer and a Miss India Asia-Pacific titleholder; Bhairavi Goswami, model and business women; Salil Acharya, radio jockey and voice-over artiste; Rohit Chopra, a Glagrags Megamodel finalist; and Deepica Sarma a Miss India finalist and television actress from Mumbai; Kirthana Krishnan the youngest Miss Bangalore finalist, and Bharatnatyam dancer; and Rehman a pharmacy graduate from Bangalore; and Gaurav Bhatia a financial analyst and law student from Delhi.
AXN has put up vignettes of these finalists shot by an international team on its website www.axnhotnwild.indiatimes.com for a viewers’ poll. The AXN release stated that this poll results will also determine the overall scores. SMS can also be sent on 8888 on typing the key word Play Hot.
The eight shortlisted contestants will now undergo intensive round of grooming and training by ex-model and choreographer Achla Sachdev.
The release quoted AXN Asia’s vice president- Marketing Gregory Ho as saying, “The enthusiasm, interest and energy that the ‘AXN Hot ‘n Wild Contest’ has created has really overwhelmed us. We intended to provide that buzz that AXN is known for, and the response only motivates and encourages us to design many more such thrilling events for our Indian viewers. The auditions saw a lot of raw talent, which we will now groom and polish for the grand finale. After all, we would like the best two to make it for our local production.”
The nationwide search for Hot n Wild Contest entries kicked off from 24 June. AXN claims entries came from cities like Chandigarh, Pune, Hyderabad, Ghaziabad, Baroda, Jabalpur, Sikkim and Nagaland also.
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.
