News Headline
As new shows announced, Star downplays World Cup impact
NEW DELHI: Star India today indicated that it is not afraid of cricket eating into its viewership base, even as it announced a series of new programming on flagship channel Star Plus.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com in Delhi, Sameer Nair, chief operating officer of Star India, said, “We are not afraid of cricket and its possible effect on viewership. That is why we are launching new shows on Star Plus.”
Nair further added that the theory of viewership diminishing at prime time because cricket telecast from South Africa may clash with prime time in India will depend on the Indian cricket team’s performance.
“Interest amongst Indians, by and large, will depend on India’s performance at the cricket World Cup.But the way Indians are performing these days, well, it is anybody’s guess whether a large portion of viewership will shift to cricket,” he said.
Nair was in Delhi to announce the launch of six new shows on Star Plus in January. Hai Na Bolo Bolo, a musical game show launches on 19 January at 11 am. Kabhi Aaye Na Judaai, a daily soap, launches on 27 January at 3:30 pm. Karishma Kaa Karishma, the Hindi version of Small Wonder, launches 24 January at 8 pm, while Kashmeer, a mega scale love story will unfold on the channel from 16 January at 9 pm. A talent show Kucch Kar Dikhana Hai debuts at 8:30 pm on 24 January, while Shararat – Thoda Jaadu Thodi Nazaakat launches at 9 pm on 24 January.
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.
