News Broadcasting
AXN introduces lifestyle element with Hot ‘n’ Wild initiative
MUMBAI: Action oriented AXN is looking to move beyond mere thrills and spills by introducing lifestyle shows in the late night band.
To this end, the channel will kick off the 11 pm Hot ‘n’ wild initiative from Tuesday at 11 pm. It includes two shows Wild On and Are You Hot? These will premiere on 3 June and 4 June. The shows promise to give the likes of Miss Universe a run for its money .
‘Are You Hot?’ – AXN gets a shade bolder
Are You Hot ? is the brain of makers of reality themed The Bachelor. Co-executive producer Scott Einziger has been quoted in a report as saying that the show came up on account of the US’ obsession with rating the looks of people. Televised in the format of a pageant, the show lines up some of the sexiest men and women in America to compete for the title of the Sexiest man and woman in the US. Judges including former super model Rachel Hunter, actor Lorenzo Lamas, and fashion designer Randolph Duke determine the fate of the hopefuls. Expect to see plenty of attractive faces, bodies to die for. This airs every Wednesday.
The show has apparently had its share of troubles too. In March this year, Howard Stern filed a lawsuit against ABC and Telepictures Productions, claiming that the series was a knock off of his series The Evaluators which airs on his radio show and airs on E! Entertainment Television.
‘Wild On’ host Brooke Burke – can she hook the Indian viewer?
Coming back to AXN, the other show Wild On will be hosted by model Brooke Burke who is known in the US for the popular magazine show E! Rank. Viewers journey around the world in search of some of the most exotic, beautiful and adventure-filled locations. Burke travels to Australia, The Philippines, New York City, Rio and Canada, among other attractive locales.
Viewers can gape not just at Burke but also at her friends as they check out the food, people and the nightlife that gives each destination its unique flair and face experiences along the way. It will air every Tuesday and Thursday.
Explaining the logic behind the programme initiative AXN Asia’s Asst. VP, Sales & Marketing Rohit Bhandari said, “AXN is always looking at ways to keep the channel fresh and exciting for our viewers. In April we introduced the 10 pm Prime Zone, wherein we premiered award-winning dramas like 24 and CSI which required serious viewing.”
He adds, “Now, it’s time for some fun and light-hearted entertainment with lots of glamour thrown in! Are you Hot and Wild On, the first of our shows premiering on the new 11pm Hot N’ Wild time zone are just that and more! Both the series are ‘lifestyle shows’ and viewers are going to love them. The shows have become hugely popular in the United States and we are sure of continuing the trend here especially since we have a huge surprise up our sleeves for our Indian audiences.”
This is not all. The new 11pm Hot ‘n’ Wild effort also includes new episodes of the news based show Rated X every Monday. This keeps the viewer up to speed with the latest events in Hollywood including award ceremonies, new deals signed. On Friday, the film buff can check out films with a twist under the initiative Movie Uncut. This month, films that will air include Wild Things and Sheena.
Keep an eye on this space for further buzz on AXN!
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
