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After VIVA, [V] launches hunt for first mixed pop band
MUMBAI: After ‘VIVA’, Channel [V] is now forging ahead with Popstars 2. Only this time it will not be an all-girl band but a mixed one.
Indiatimes and Coke have joined forces again with the channel in the search for the mixed-band, which will be chosen through auditions conducted across Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata and Ahmedabad.
Conceptually, Popstars 2 will follow the same format as last year – a prominent jury comprising leading luminaries from the Indian music scene, traversing the country to meet aspiring musicians, going through an exhaustive screening process, ultimately resulting in the creation of a band that fulfils all the requirements for success.
Palaash Sen, lead singer of the critically acclaimed band Euphoria; Mehnaaz, one of the leading lights of Indipop and Channel [V] VJ Purab are among the panel of judges this year.
Announcing the launch of Channel [V] Popstars 2 in New Delhi today, Star India chief executive Peter Mukerjea said: “It’s another magical chapter in entertainment television. Channel [V]’s Popstars was a huge success last year, not just for VIVA but for the channel as well. We have always looked for fresh, innovative ideas that would connect with our audiences, involving them in the lives of the characters in our soaps and serials. Popstars took this a step further with the reality television show. The Star Network is proud to be associated with this wonderful platform that showcases the talent of India.”
The journey from audition to the final launch of the band is expected to take about five months from start to finish. Said V’s vice president content and communication, Keertan Adyanthaya, “Popstars 2 – the television show, will allow viewers across the country to share the joys, the sorrows, the anticipation and every other emotion that the contestants go through. It’s about being a part of their lives and also being a part of history that is in the making”.
The first edition of Popstars in 2002 did fetch good ratings for the channel but the band failed to make ripples in the pop music scenario in the country. Matters worsened when one of the girls, Seema Ramchandani, broke away from the five member band late last year.
VIVA has sold over half a million and is shortly scheduled to launch their second album. Announcing the brands that will be associated with Channel [V] Popstars 2, Monica Tata, senior V-P ad sales, said, “Our associate sponsors so far are Henkel Spic (Fa), who were our last year’s sponsors as well and Boots Piramal (Clearasil) and the plans for the rest are fast filling up.”
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.
