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Bigg Boss Marathi 6 opens big across Colors Marathi and JioHotstar
MUMBAI: Bigg Boss Marathi is back and it has arrived with a roar. Season 6 has delivered a strong opening across Colors Marathi and JioHotstar, clocking robust television reach and surging digital consumption to reaffirm the franchise’s grip on Maharashtra’s entertainment audience.
On Colors Marathi, the grand premiere pulled in over 5 million viewers in its first week, underlining the show’s enduring mass appeal. On JioHotstar, the launch episode posted a 2.2x higher reach and 6.5x higher watch-time compared with the Season 5 premiere. Momentum held through Week 1, with 1.8x higher video views and 1.3x higher watch-time than the previous season, signalling deeper engagement and repeat viewing.
“Bigg Boss Marathi Season 6 reinforces the strength of the franchise as a scalable, multi-platform property,” said Sumanta Bose, cluster head for Star Plus, Star Bharat and Star Utsav, east and west, JioStar. “The show’s early performance across Colors Marathi and JioHotstar reflects the power of culturally relevant, locally rooted content in driving engagement. By bringing stories and conversations that mirror the sensibilities of Marathi viewers, the format has expanded its reach while strengthening viewer connect.”
A key driver of the buzz has been host Riteish Deshmukh, whose return has injected the season with unmistakable Maharashtrian swagger. Even before launch, promos featuring his punchlines lit up social media. One line in particular set the tone. “The last season was a hit, but this one will be legendary… are you ready?”
On premiere night, Deshmukh’s sharp hosting and high-voltage presence turned the launch into event television. With 17 contestants entering the house, the opening week delivered fast-paced drama, early confrontations and shifting alliances, keeping audiences hooked from the outset.
The season is backed by a broad sponsor roster. Danube Properties, Santoor Soap and Vithoba Premium Herbal Toothpaste join as co-powered partners, with Dazzler as the digital co-powered partner. MYK Laticrete Tile Adhesive, Gemini Cooking Oil, Cottonking, Tunwal E-Motors, P. N. Gadgil & Sons Ltd and Pitambari Dishwash Gel come on board as special partners, while Nirma Advance and Society Tea support as associate sponsors on television.
Anchored around the theme “The door will open, and destiny’s game shall change,” Season 6 has quickly become one of the most talked-about launches since its debut on January 11, 2026. Ratings are up, streams are surging and the chatter is loud. Bigg Boss Marathi is once again proving that when the doors open, the noise follows.
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.
