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aha Telugu Indian Idol 2 to host oscar winner Chandra Bose as special guest
Mumbai: aha, a 100 per cent local OTT platform, has announced that Oscar-winning Telugu lyricist Chandra Bose will join as a special guest on the 14 and 15 of April for Telugu Indian Idol 2. Bose, who won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu” from the Telugu film RRR, will support and cheer for the Top nine contestants.
As the soul of music, lyrics play an integral role in any composition, and Bose’s work has been celebrated worldwide. His contributions to the Telugu film industry have been immeasurable. His presence on Telugu Indian Idol 2 is a testament to his love for music and unwavering support for new talent.
Joining Bose will be Telugu playback singer Rahul Sipligunj, the voice behind “Naatu Naatu”. As a talented musician, Rahul’s presence on the show is a nod to the importance of breaking barriers and creating opportunities for budding artists.
In a statement, Bose expressed his excitement at being a part of the show and his eagerness to witness the next generation of Telugu music talent. “Music is my life, and I am delighted to see the next generation of musicians set to take Telugu music to the next level. For the episode’s best performer, I will be giving away the pen that I used to write the lyrics for “Naatu Naatu”. I hope this serves as a token of inspiration for all the contestants and encourages them to continue pursuing their passion for music.”
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.
