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Bigg Boss Kannada season 11 launches with record-breaking 9.9 TVR
Mumbai: Bigg Boss Kannada season 11 kicks off its exhilarating journey by achieving an all-time high of 9.9 TVR on its opening day. Produced by Endemol Shine India, this season’s success resonates across weekdays and weekends, captivating viewers at all times with its engaging content. Titled ‘Hosa Adhyaya’ (New Beginning), this season introduces the innovative ‘Hell and Heaven’ concept, showcasing contestants from diverse backgrounds and thrilling tasks that redefine the show’s evolution.
In a groundbreaking twist, a few contestants were revealed during the ‘Raja Rani Reloaded’ finale, inviting viewers to vote on which contestants would enter ‘Hell’ or ‘Heaven.’ This interactive approach not only enhances viewer engagement but also fosters a sense of involvement right from the start.
As the constant element in the show’s dynamic, Kiccha Sudeep continues to bring his charismatic leadership and wisdom, adapting his style to suit the housemates. During the promo reveal, he promised viewers that this season marks the beginning of a new decade for Bigg Boss Kannada, a sentiment reflected in the impressive viewership and market share.
Viacom18, cluster head – Colors Marathi, Colors Kannada, and Colors Tamil, Sushma Rajesh stated, “Bigg Boss Kannada Season 11 has set a new benchmark for entertainment, achieving record-breaking viewership with an impressive 9.9 TVR. This achievement showcases the power of innovative content, from the unique ‘Hell and Heaven’ concept to the audience-driven narrative that fosters deeper engagement from the very beginning. Kiccha Sudeep’s steadfast presence continues to enhance the show’s dynamics, and the remarkable audience response reinforces our commitment to differentiated storytelling. This milestone further strengthens Colors Kannada’s position as a market leader and exemplifies our strategic vision to elevate regional content and deliver transformative viewer experiences.”
During the launch week of Bigg Boss season 11, Colors Kannada achieved an impressive market share of 38 per cent, becoming the number one Kannada General Entertainment Channel (GEC) in Week 40. The season also welcomes a record number of 23 brand partners, achieving an opening revenue that is 22 per cent higher compared to last season, marking a grand start across multiple metrics.
Viacom18, head – revenue, regional networks, Bikash Kundu commented, “Bigg Boss Kannada Season 11 has achieved a remarkable milestone by starting the season with 21 sponsors. We’ve brought together an array of brand partners from various categories, ranging from consumer goods and technology to lifestyle and financial services, creating a unique and integrated platform for them to engage with our audience. Our first-ever partnership with a cutting-edge elevator brand marks a significant first for the show, in fact, across languages. As Colors Kannada secures its position as the leading GEC, we are proud to offer unparalleled opportunities for brands to connect with viewers across both TV and digital platforms and thank our partners for their constant support.”
Eco Planet Elevators and Escalators Pvt Ltd, managing director, H Raju Gowda expressed, “We are delighted to partner with Bigg Boss Kannada Season 11, and are excited to introduce our state-of-the-art elevator in the Bigg Boss house. This will be a first for the show and we look forward to the response from audiences and consumers. Our focus on innovative design, advanced technology, and uncompromising safety standards has positioned us as a trusted partner for a platform like Bigg Boss. We are confident that this integration will not only enhance the overall experience for viewers but also highlight the pivotal role that quality and modernization play in shaping everyday living spaces.”
Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India, founder and group CEO, Deepak Dhar added, “We’re thrilled to witness the extraordinary response to Bigg Boss Kannada Season 11, setting new benchmarks with its grand opening. This season’s innovative ‘Hell and Heaven’ concept along with the dynamic contestants has truly captivated the audience, showcasing our ongoing commitment to bringing fresh and engaging content to the viewers. Sudeep Kiccha’s exceptional performance year after year has been pivotal in Bigg Boss Kannada’s enduring success. His unique ability to connect with the audience and housemates alike has set the show apart, and Season 11 is no exception. Additionally, our long-standing association with Viacom18 has been integral in consistently delivering such landmark shows.”
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.
