News Headline
Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 reaches historic 2.7 crore viewers
Mumbai: Launched on 10 March 2024, this season of Asianet’s Bigg Boss Malayalam captivated audiences with 25 dynamic contestants from diverse backgrounds, offering a rich tapestry of conflicts, friendships, romances, physical challenges, and strategic games. This season’s grand finale reached a historic viewership milestone, making it the highest-rated season ever in the show’s history.
Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 maintained stellar ratings throughout its run, underscoring the deep connection between Asianet and its dedicated viewers. The show not only dominated television but also made waves on digital platforms, becoming a cultural phenomenon among Malayalis. In Kerala alone, it reached an astonishing 2.7 crore viewers (Source: BARC 2+U+R).
The magnetic presence of host Mohanlal was a major draw, with his charisma elevating the show to new heights. This season was packed with innovative twists, including the introduction of the power room and the unprecedented simultaneous entry of six wildcard contestants. Mohanlal’s iconic ‘A 10’ digital font presentation, cinematic narratives, CID Ramdas, live sketches in the finale, and impactful social messages like organ donation kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6’s ratings soared by 35 per cent compared to the previous season (BARC 2+ Kerala U+R). The show’s viewership on Disney+ Hotstar surged by an impressive 55 per cent. Engagement metrics also saw remarkable growth, with social media mentions doubling and voting for contestants increasing by 69 per cent. The final week’s voting alone witnessed an extraordinary 87 per cent spike in votes, showcasing the show’s immense popularity and viewer investment.
The success of Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 was amplified by its esteemed sponsors. The show was title sponsored by Ski Ice Cream and co-presented by Atomberg, Amruthaveni, Domex, and Lloyd. Key partners included India Gate, Britannia Good Day & Comfort, with Dazller Eterna as the beauty partner and Gold Winner as the health partner. Special partners featured 7Up, Squad, and Tang, while co-sponsors included K.P. Namboodiris, Premier Tissues, Milma, M4Marry.Com, Exo Gel, Kerala Matrimony, AirTel, Veranda Race, Peet & Joe, Eastern, John’s Umbrella, MyG, MI, and Confidence Group. The Prize Sponsor for the season was Confident Group.
Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 has not only set a new benchmark for reality TV but has also become an integral part of Malayali culture, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.








