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Zee hits the refresh button with ‘Z’ Whats Next and a bold new content-tech vision
MUMBAI: In true blockbuster style, Zee has dropped the curtain on its next chapter with the launch of ‘Z’ Whats Next — an industry-first initiative that pulls back the screen on what the network is cooking up next. The house of Zee, known for its deep cultural roots and mass appeal, used the platform to flex its new brand promise “Yours Truly, Z” and show just how serious it is about shaping the entertainment of tomorrow.
The event gave partners a front-row pass to Zee’s evolution into a content-tech juggernaut. It wasn’t just a sizzle reel, this was Zee laying down the gauntlet, revealing innovations that blend storytelling, tech, and culture with a crisp vision for platform-fluid audiences.
While OTT is riding high, Zee made it clear: TV’s still the big boss in Bharat. With 50 channels across 11 languages and a reach of 208 million households, the network reaffirmed its status as India’s storytelling powerhouse. But this isn’t the Zee of yesteryears, it’s doubling down on content that moves fluidly from TV to OTT to social, building characters that aren’t just watched, but followed, mimicked, and memed.
And yes, those characters? They’re not just protagonists. They’re Dilfluencers — hearts-first heroes who spark conversations and shift behaviours across the country.
As part of this high-octane unveiling, Zee introduced two shiny new hybrid channels:
. Zee Power: A next-gen Kannada channel tailored for semi-urban and youth audiences in Karnataka. It’s edgy, aspirational, and unapologetically high-energy. Set to launch in August 2025, the channel’s line-up includes five fiction shows, a daily non-fiction fix, movies galore, and World Television Premieres to keep the pulse racing.
. Zee BanglaSonar: A first-of-its-kind hybrid channel for Bengali-speaking audiences nationwide. With its golden tagline ‘Sonar Ghar, Notun Kahini’ (A Golden Home for New Stories), the channel blends fiction, non-fiction, films, and never-seen-before formats rooted in local flavour and modern flair.
As it opens its arms to collaborators and creators, one thing’s clear: the ‘Z’ in Zee now also stands for Zeitgeist.
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.
