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‘American Idol’ on Star World pulls in over 8 mn viewers
MUMBAI: More than eight million viewers in the surveyed markets of Singapore, Mega Manila and India tuned in to American Idol on Star World during its run.
In Singapore, the star search reality show consistently pushed Star World ahead of other cable channels during its primetime broadcasts. (Source: TNS Singapore peoplemeter; 19 January 31 May 2005).
In the last two weeks of May, Star World topped all other cable channels during the primetime broadcast of American Idol. On 18 and 25 May, the channel hit a sensational 8.5 per cent of channel share for all cable viewers from 8 pm to 9 pm.
In addition, Star world garnered overwhelming viewer participation with its SMS voting and quiz contests, Asia Votes and Trivia Quiz. Drawn from hundreds of thousands of voters in Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, six lucky winners won the grand prize of flying to Los Angeles, US to watch the American Idol finale live.
Star senior vice president programming Ross Crowley said, “American Idol has clearly become another must-see annual event on Star World. The Asia Votes, Trivia Quiz and sending our viewers to watch the finale live in LA have all contributed to making this season an incredibly compelling and rewarding experience for our viewers. This success will be followed by even more exciting reality, drama and comedy programming on Star World.”
This year, American Idol garnered a record number of votes in the US for its contestants and saw the highest viewer numbers ever. Country smash Carrie Underwood won the title by a small margin, but with a single coming out soon, runner-up rocker Bo Bices popularity proves our Asian audiences love of rock.
In keeping with the rock theme, Star World viewers will be truly primed for a global musical showdown with the launch of Rock Star: INXS on in July. One of the most ambitious reality shows ever conceived, this Mark Burnett (Survivor, The Apprentice) creation will soon come live and exclusive to Star World.
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.
