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BARC Week 44: Sun TV still leads across genres; Zee Cinema returns at tenth spot
MUMBAI: Tamil general entertainment channel (GEC) Sun TV continued to hold leadership position across genres in India while Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) movie channel Zee Cinema made a comeback in top ten list according to week 44 all India (U+R) data from Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). A channel, which was featured in the top 10 list across genres in week 41 and failed to hold on to its positions in week 42 and week 43, Zee Cinema made a comeback at tenth position with 451864 (000Sums).
Despite once again losing ratings points this week, Sun TV continued to hold pole position in week 44 with 1068033 (000Sums) against 1087793 (000Sums) in the previous week, followed by Hindi GEC leader Star Plus in the second spot with 858020 (000Sums) and Zee TV in the third place with 758225(000Sums). In week 42, Sun TV had 1151458 (000Sums) ratings.
Colors was at the fourth spot with 730852 (000Sums) while Zee Anmol grabbed fifth position with 730119 (000Sums). Sony Max ranked sixth with 600358 (000Sums).
Life OK jumped to seventh spot with 547301(000Sums) followed by Star India’s FTA channel Star Ustav on the eighth spot on the list with 512490 (000Sums).
ETV Telugu grabbed ninth position with 482302 (000Sums) followed by Zee Cinema mentioned above.
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.
