News Broadcasting
Star Plus family celebrates another winning year
MUMBAI: “This is our World… And the rest of the World is still in black and white.” A Kodak moment? Not quite. Just the tag line for the AV that ran before the show at the Star Parivaar Awards last night.
And while there might have been an element of bombast in that statement, it did serve to reinforce one fact. And that is that just ahead of Star Plus’ third anniversary of turning totally “desi” (3 July), there is just no getting away from the fact that this one of a kind awards night – to honour the channel’s favourite characters – will remain just that. One of a kind.
The brainchild of Star India’s senior V-P content and communications Tarun Katial, the Star Parivaar Awards worked because of the unique position that Star Plus finds itself in after three consecutive years as Hindi entertainment television’s lead channel. It is an aberration that one channel has such an overwhelming dominance in a multi-channel scenario (50 on 50 of the top shows in its space week after week with almost boring regularity) for such an extended period. It is because of the kind of connect that Star enjoys with its viewers, that the Star Parivaar Awards doesn’t fall flat as another promotional gimmick.
Well onto the show. An introductory message by CEO Peter Mukerjea referred to the 1 million votes logged in the 15 days that the polling ran. That out of the way, Mukerjea, pistol in hand, took aim at a curtain that covered the Star Parivaar statuette and… nothing happened. That proved the only glitch as the show proceeded from there on without any hiccups.
The show certainly had its moments of pathos, joy and tongue-in-cheek humour (a skit parodying Star’s successful formulaic shows was precious) but two things stood out. Just what sort of an impact Balaji Telefilms’ Ektaa Kapoor has had in the lives of so many of the actors in the audience was reflected in the way award winner after award winner mentioned her in their “thank-you” speeches. The other was the credit given by many on stage for key role played by writers in the success story of the winners.
But the evening did not end without a doffing of the collective cap to the power of Bollywood. All the “item” numbers performed by the likes of Shweta Keswani, Urvashi Dolakia, Juhi Parmar, and Mowli Ganguly were drawn from Hindi film songs. Then there was the standing ovation that Bollywood Badshah Amitabh Bachchan received when introduced by COO Sameer Nair for a special award. One for his role in Kaun Banega Crorepati, the show that provided the initial thrust which catapulted Star Plus into its winning orbit.
As for the awards themselves, the first of the evening was the favourite “dadaji” (paternal grandfather). The nominations in this category were — Bauji (Arun Bali) from Des Mein Nikhalla Hoga Chand, Babuji (Deepak Qazir) from Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Dadaji (Anang Desai) from Khichdi, Dadaji (Dara SIngh) from Kehta Hai Dil & Dadaji (Arun Bali) from Kumkum.The winner was Dadji from Khichidi.
The next category was the very popular dadiji (paternal grandmother), won by Baa (Sudha Shivpuri) of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. She was the clear winner, leading with thousands of votes ahead of her competitors. Other nominations included Dadiji (Nayen Bhatt) from Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Nani (Farida Jalal) from Shararat, Daai (Shashikala) from Sonpari, Dadiji (Rita Bhaduri) from Kumkum.
Another interesting category was that of “yogya bahu” (most eligible daughter-in-law), with nominations going to Nikki (Riva Babber) of Kyun Hota Hai Pyaar, Jia (Shruti Seth) of Shararat, Juhi (Gurdeep Kohli) of Sanjivani, a Medical Boon and Krishna (Shradha Nigam) of the detective series Krishna Arjun. There were two winners, Krishna & Juhi. The fact that a “modern” girl like Krishna won provided a bit of a relief from the usual “traditional” winners. The award was announced by the CEO of Dabur.
The favourite nanad (sister-in-law) category had five very lovely actresses vying for honours — Chayya of Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Aanchal of Kehta Hai Dil, Nivedita of Kasuati Zindagi Kay, Priti of Kumkum and Guddo of Bhabhi. The winner was Poonam Narula (Nivedita of Kasauti Zindagi Kay) who was presented the trophy by her very emotionally charged husband Manish Goel (Tilak of Bhabhi).
The “jadui kirdar” (magical character) category, with so many fairies being nominated , was won by Sonpari (Mrinal Kulkarni). The other nominations were Karishma from Karishma Ka Karishma, Nani from Shararat, Karan from Shaka Laka Boom Boom, Vikraal from Ssshhh…Koi…Hai.
Pammi (Sangita Ghosh) of Des Mein Nikhalla Hoga Chand, walked away with the favourite bahen (sister) award, ahead of Indu of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Thi, Chayya of Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Mitali of Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, and Vishaka of Kasauti Zindagi Kay. Veteran actor Jeetendra gave away her award.
In all a total of 25 awards were given away on the night. The show will be telecast on Sunday (6 July).
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.
