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Chiranjeevi’s first-ever TV show ‘MeeloEvaruKoteeswarudu’s CFE till 18 October
MUMBAI: Maa TV is all set to launch MeeloEvaruKoteeswarudu (MEK) with the Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi as the host.
MEK, one of the most popular programs in the Telugu TV entertainment space, has witnessed phenomenal reach and success as the official Telugu adaptation of the internationally-renowned game show format Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Hindi game show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC).
Being the first launch of this property after Star acquired the Maa business, the game show is all set to become even bigger with the megastar Chiranjeevi hosting a show on the TV for the first time ever. This season the MEK theme revolves around “Making the dreams win”
“MEK is a highly popular and proven show in the Telugu market, as much as it is in various international and India markets. It is the first big show being launched after Star TV took over MaA TV and we are pleased to be associated with mega star Chiranjeevi as the host of the show,” said Star India South CEO Kevin Vaz.
In an illustrious film career spanning 37 years, Chiranjeevi has amassed a huge fan following in Telugu-speaking states and he is known for his connect with the common people. The charisma and persona of Chiranjeevi, the bonding and the love he enjoys with the Telugu people is all set to take MEK show to the newer heights. This show aims to reach and empower people from 2 Telugu States (Andhra Pradesh & Telengana)
“MEK has always created great excitement among Telugu people. With this season we are all set to take MEK to the next level with multiple new things. I am sure that MEK, this season, will enthral the TV audience in both states of AP and Telangana”, added Maa TV business head Alok Jain.
MEK promises to bring Maa TV viewers an unparalleled opportunity to participate in the game and win cash prize of up to Rs. 1 Crore by answering questions correctly. Besides being a knowledge-based game show, MEK is the ultimate exhibition of human spirit and opportunity. MEK empowers common men to realize their big dreams by reaching the ‘hot seat’ and playing the game successfully with Chiranjeevi.
The Call for Entries (CFE) for the program will run till 18 October, wherein participants throughout the Telugu states can register themselves to take part in the game show by answering questions through SMS.
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.
