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Castrol POWER1 presents India’s ULTIMATE Motostar on MTV
Mumbai: Castrol POWER1, India’s leading performance lubricant brand, has joined forces with Viacom18, India’s fastest growing network for iconic reality shows, and Rajni Academy for Competitive Racing (RACR), India’s top-performance bike-racing academy. Together, they are set to launch an exhilarating hunt for India’s next motorcycling talent with ‘Castrol POWER1 presents India’s ULTIMATE Motostar on MTV’.
This unique initiative, supported by Castrol India Ltd, aims to spotlight India’s most promising racing talents, igniting the country’s passion for moto-racing. These moto racing enthusiasts will be shortlisted via a thorough audition process testing them on the racetrack. The participants will receive professional training from RACR—that won 2023’s top spots at the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (INMRC). The ultimate winners will have the incredible opportunity to get trained at the esteemed LCR Honda Castrol MotoGP™ Team’s racing facility in Europe.
Renowned actor-influencer and avid biking enthusiast, Karan Kundrra, will headline the adrenaline-fueled content series, to be exclusively showcased on MTV and JioCinema.
Aspiring racers can learn about entry process through the microsite (www.mtvindia.com/CastrolPOWER1). After successful registration, participants will undergo multi-phase selections, starting with regional auditions in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai. Those who pass the rigorous process will receive intensive training by RACR at Coimbatore Training Academy, leading to a thrilling final race to determine the ULTIMATE Motostar winners. The winner will then embark on an unforgettable moto-racing training experience at the LCR Honda Castrol MotoGP™ Team facility in Europe. The entire journey will be captured and aired as a limited series on Jio Cinema and MTV.
Castrol India Ltd managing director Sandeep Sangwan stated, “Castrol POWER1 presents India’s ULTIMATE Motostar on MTV, is a platform uniting motorcycle enthusiast, enabling them to showcase their skills and train with the best in India and LCR Honda Castrol MotoGP™ Team in Europe. This initiative underscores Castrol POWER1’s unwavering support for India’s racing community, invigorating and nurturing their passion for premier motorcycling.”
Castrol, a stalwart supporter of competitive motorcycle racing globally, has been associated with legendary riders and machines since the first Isle of Man TT in 1907. In 2023, Castrol partnered with the LCR Honda Castrol MotoGP™ team, emphasizing their commitment to pushing boundaries and achieving outstanding performance both on and off the racetrack.
LCR Honda Castrol MotoGP™ Team, owner & team principal Lucio Cecchinello stated, “Castrol’s collaboration with Team LCR Honda symbolises our shared vision of pushing boundaries, fostering innovation, and consistently achieving outstanding performance, both on and off the racetrack. Collaborating with Castrol India Limited on the search for ‘Castrol POWER1 presents India’s ULTIMATE Motostar on MTV’ is a testament to our commitment to tap into India’s moto-racing landscape and elevate it. We are eager to witness the extraordinary moto-racing talent in the country and expect a tremendous response to this initiative.”
Viacom18 network sales – head Mahesh Shetty expressed excitement about the alliance, highlighting their commitment to bringing this unique concept to life. “This partnership underscores our dedication towards crafting solutions that intricately weave brand USPs into engaging narratives. Viacom18 is always known for interesting reality formats and with ‘Castrol POWER1 presents India’s ULTIMATE Motostar on MTV’ we harness the passion for premier motorcycling racing and elevate it through captivating storytelling. This format specifically created for Castrol, is a prime example of how we seamlessly integrate brand uniqueness into our content, ensuring that it stands out and leaves a lasting impact.”
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.
