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Star Vijay ropes in slew of sponsors for weekend shows, launches new family drama
BENGALURU: Star India’s Tamil GEC Star Vijay had recently launched a couple of weekend shows – a chat show – Anbudan DD with Dhivyadharshini or DD of the Tamil chat show Koffee with DD fame and a Tamil reality stand-up comedy show – Kings of Comedy Juniors. The former airs on Saturday’s at 6pm while the latter airs on Saturday’s and Sunday’s at 830pm.
Anbudan DD, which first aired on 1 April, promises to be different from the other chat shows in as much as every episode will have exciting segments based on each celebrity who will appear on the show, rather than a standard format. The channel has roped in real estate company Case Grande as the title sponsor for the show. ABC Advanced Beauty Clinic and Ungal Sathya are the powered by sponsors, while the show is co-presented by food brand Ramanas Ravadosai Mix, apparel brand Pan America, Micro finance company Equitas and Aroma Ghee.
Kings of Comedy Juniors, a comedy talent hunt commenced on 8 April. The show, for kids below 15 years of age, has comedian Robo Shankar and actress Ramba as judges. Home and kitchen ware brand Signoraware is the title sponsor, hosiery brand Ramraj and date processing company Lion Dates are the co-sponsors for Kings of Comedy Juniors. Paint brand Nippon Paints, apparel brand Pommys Nighties, Micro finance company Equitas and milk brand Arjuna Milks are the co-presenting sponsors for the show.
The channel also announced the launch a new family musical drama Mouna Ragam starting today (24 April) at the 730pm time slot. The story follows the journey of a seven year old singing prodigy Sakthi, who, on the death of her mother, sets out to find her separated father. The serial is directed by popular television director Thai Selvam. The musical score for the drama is by award winning film score composer, singer, and musician in Malayalam films – music director M Jayachandran. Baby Krithika plays the role of Sakthi. Actor Sajeev plays the role of Karthick Krishna, Sakthi’s father. Actress Shamitha who played the female lead in the popular award winning Tamil movie Pandavar Boomi, will be doing a negative role in the serial.
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.
