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Aamir Khan swaps silver screen for cricket commentary box in IPL playoffs and final
MUMBAI: Mumbai’s cricket fever just got a Hindi cinema twist. Aamir Khan, the thinking man’s action hero, is ditching his director’s chair for the commentary box as JioStar unveiled its star-studded lineup for the Tata IPL playoff and final on 1 June and 3 June respectively.
The Lagaan legend, whose cricket credentials go beyond mere acting, donned the headset alongside seasoned commentators for Qualifier 2 and will also do so for the final showdown. Khan will join the pre-show festivities on Star Sports and JioHotstar with Genelia D’Souza and the cast of his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, promising viewers a heady cocktail of cinema and cricket on 3 June.
But this isn’t just celebrity window-dressing. Khan plans to roll up his sleeves, dissect match strategies, make bold predictions, and—true to form—inject his trademark perfectionism into play-by-play analysis. The actor-turned-pundit will share the mic with JioStar’s panel of former IPL champions, creating what promises to be television gold.
“Nothing matches the energy and stakes of the Tata IPL playoffs and I’m quite excited to be at JioStar’s studios for these crucial playoff games,” Khan said. “Personally, I think both matches are going to be a cracker considering the teams still in contention, and I’m looking forward to commentating off the field.”
The coverage began from 29 May through 3 June, with Khan’s commentary debut bookending the tournament’s climactic weekend. Cricket purists and Hindi cinema buffs alike can catch the action exclusively on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.
If Khan brings half the intensity he showed in Dangal to the commentary box, viewers are in for a treat that’s equal parts sporting spectacle and entertainment extravaganza.
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.
