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Bhojpuri GEC Zee Ganga hits new high with primetime viewership reaching 125%
Mumbai: Bhojpuri GEC ZEE Ganga added a new milestone in its journey by achieving 125 per cent slot growth, alongside 39 per cent in TSV and 41 per cent in reach (BARC, B&J, CS2+, AMA000’s, Mon to Fri, 1900-2100hrs, Wk ’14-25′ 22), in its original content prime-time viewership this year.
The rare yet amazing feat is now the channel’s crowning glory, as it moves ahead with renewed vigor to continue its success story.
Driven by their culturally rooted motto of ‘Har Pal Aviral’ ZEE Ganga has striven to form a deep connection with its audience and provide world class original Bhojpuri content to them. The channel’s prime-time content slate, with fresh, new, and interesting stories, is a prime example of that. The channel brings to its audience four unique stories that bring out the true Bhojpuriya spirit in all its glory.
The audience in these two hours get to witness the grit of Shyama, an extremely talented but a dark-skinned Kirtan singer, who with her talent, fights the social divide and challenges the notions of beauty and bias against color in the musical family drama Shyam Tulsi, (7 p.m).
This is followed by the romantic drama Mitwa, (7.30 p.m) an endearing story of compromise, finding companionship, support, and respect. It showcases the positive mindset of Ritu, its protagonist who stops at nothing to fight for her husband’s pride and profession, which is looked down upon by society.
Bringing to fore another social issue is the show Kanya Pradhan (8:00 p.m), a socio-cultural family drama. It’s an inspirational story of Aarti deciding to take matters in her own hands and smash the patriarchy on her path to discovering her true individuality, empowering herself and governing the village that she’s the Gram Panchayat of.
The prime-time entertainment ends with Bandhan Tute Na (8:30 pm), a family drama with a supernatural twist. It presents the rivalries and luxurious life of the zamindars with some paranormal elements, making the viewers cheer for the heroine and hope that she prevails at the end. Together, these shows, with intriguing plotlines and power-packed performances, have been an integral part of the household’s prime-time viewing, much to the delight of Bhojpuri speaking audiences.
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Speaking on the achievement, ZEEL chief channel officer – Bhojpuri cluster Amarpreet Singh Saini said, “Our shows have always showcased the true blue Bhojuriyat values, traditions, and way of life. We want our audiences to feel a connection with the characters and the concepts that they are watching on screen. The completion of the 200 episodes of all our prime-time shows is a testament to the fact that we are on the right path. This achievement pushes us to bring to our viewers more such riveting yet relatable content in the near future.”
ZEE Ganga has consistently upped the game of entertainment for its viewers through its offerings while also engaging with them. The channel is known for entertaining the audience with its unique content all around the year while adding value in their lives through family-oriented offerings, with more and more in the bucket to offer, the channel is redefining entertainment and original content for its regional audience through a Savaan special and few other upcoming special festive offerings.
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.
