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‘Bigg Boss’ gets Snapdeal as its new presenting partner
MUMBAI: Controversies and criticism is nothing new to the show, on the contrary it survives on it.
Bigg Boss, which will soon air its eighth season, has been a hit since its inception and managed to pull enough viewers every time, thanks to the fights and love affairs between contestants.
The reality show, a premium property from the Colors bouquet, is coming back with a new appeal. The two teasers of the programme have already hit the television screens with the first one aired on Independence Day.
Clearing all the speculations and rumours of Salman Khan opting out of the show, the popularly known bhai has returned as the host for the fifth time. Produced by Endemol, the first 30 second teaser of the series has Khan putting on the uniform of a pilot walking and giving viewers a salute. Soon an aircraft is shown on the screen that flies across the blue sky.
The second teaser, which hit the screen on 21 August, showcases Khan in an office wearing a pilot’s uniform once again but this time he is busy making paper planes. He flies one of his paper planes which, thanks to the computer graphics, goes on to become an original plane as it flies off into the sky.
The highlight of these teasers is that this time around the eye logo of Bigg Boss is different. It has a futuristic look unlike the previous versions, which were more like a human eye, to match with the theme of the house. The pupil is a turbofan of an aircraft while the borders of the eye have a shiny metallic skin.
Apart from this, another different thing about the show is the presenting sponsor. After five-long years, the channel has got on-board Snapdeal as its new presenting sponsor instead of Vodafone India. It has also roped in Oppo Electronics as the powered by sponsor. According to a media planner, the title sponsorship is pretty high and would be around Rs 20 crore. . “If you look at the e-commerce space, there is a war going on television and a lot of funding is coming in. E-commerce brands are also willing to pay a premium which the normal brands might not be willing to pay.”
Media planners believe that the show is an established property and enjoys a huge fan following and the market knows it will get the ratings. “I don’t think one can say that it will be either a hit or a fail. The benchmarks are pretty much set and people who actually like the show keep watching it. Colors comes up with a new theme every season just to keep the interest levels in the show alive,” says Maxus managing partner north and east region Navin Khemka.
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.
