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Aakash Aath rides on the success of ‘The Legend’
KOLKATA: Aakash Aath, a Bengali general entertainment channel (GEC), which had launched The Legends towards the end of last year is riding high on the success of show. Last week there was a growth in viewership by around 45 per cent.
The tribute to The Legends was launched by Aakash Aath from 3 November to be aired from Monday till Friday at 9.30 pm, where songs of the ‘golden era’ are sung by the singers of this era.
Every day, the show is devoted to a legendary singer like RD Burman, SD Burman, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey, Uttam Kumar, Suchitra Sen and Rafi among others. Popular singers of today’s times like Srikanto Acharya, Rupankar, Shubhomita, Ustad Rashid Khan, Monomoy and Amit Kumar would be singing these songs.
“The program is doing well. Few weeks ago, there was a growth in viewership by 45 per cent. The show is giving a lot of positive response. Legends never die and this show is a true example of that,” said Aakash Aath director Eshita Surana.
The show has an up market and classy look on the lines of Coke Studio. Mostly hit film songs of yesteryears or the would be sung in the show. The songs would be both Bengali and Hindi. Special relevance would be outlined to songs which have gone from Bangla films to Hindi films and vice versa, views Surana.
On what made Aakash Aath to launch this music show in the 9.30 time band, she said that old songs are an all time hit. “We feel at this time of the day people want something soothing and light hence came this idea. Gameshows are a tried and tested thing in this time slot. We did not want to become a ME TOO so thought something different,” Surana said.
When being asked to comment on the number of shows, she said till now at least 80 episodes in the first lot is planned and the rest depends on the viewers’ response. Till now, the GCE has aired more than 70 shows.
“We are doing the third lot of shooting for more 30 episodes,” she said.
“Many new and repeat artists are calling us that they really want to perform on this show. Renowned artists like Srikanto Acharya, Madhura Bhattacharya and Raghab have also mentioned on the show that till now they have not got a better platform to perform like The Legends. They have all the freedom to sing whatever they like. We attempt to take music to the next level,” concluded Surana.
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.
