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Colors Bangla prepares viewers for ‘Ke Hobe Banglar Kotipoti’
MUMBAI: Colors Bangla, the Bengali general entertainment channel by Viacom18 is going to launch its mega quiz show Ke Hobe Banglar Kotipoti on 16 July, Monday at 9 pm. Produced by Big Synergy, this weekday prime time game show is an adaptation from an American format named Who Wants to be a Millionaire. The show is about human stories and drama, piecing together some remarkable stories and giving such aspirants an opportunity of a lifetime that promises to transform their lives.
Taking the reigns as host of the iconic game show, Bengali cinema’s stalwart Prosenjit Chatterjee has now become a dream weaver by proffering a prize of one crore with questions that can make the fortunes of a few lucky participants. Receiving an overwhelming response within days of announcement, aspiring participants from cities like Kolkata, Malda, Siliguri, Kharagpur, Durgapur and Howrah have been pouring in.
“KBC is a much-loved format and is in line with the brand philosophy of Colors Bangla, ‘Tomar Sopner Rong’. It fuels aspirations and gives everyone a chance to fulfill their dreams. Our teams have done a phenomenal job of taking the platform to all segments of society and unearthed worthy contestants who have the drive in them to grab the opportunity and challenge their destiny. While we continue to engage viewers with quality and refreshing content, we are confident that Ke Hobe Banglar Kotipoti will change the lives of many,” said Viacom18 head- regional entertainment Ravish Kumar.
Leaving no stone unturned for the promotion of the show, Colors Bangla has designed a 360-degree marketing and promotional campaign with touch points across on-ground, outdoor, radio, print, cross channels and digital.
Speaking about the success of the KBC franchise in India, BIG Synergy Media Limited creative producer Siddharth Basu said, “With Ke Hobe Bangla R Kotipoti, the KBC franchise has become more than just a quiz show. It is an enlightening journey filled with humane stories and unforgettable moments. The platform is more than a show; it is a life-changing experience for the participants based only on the power of their knowledge and nerve. Prosenjit is the perfect choice as host for the Bengali version of KBC, with his signature charisma and personality, making the show even more entertaining for the viewers of the show.”
Taking it one notch higher, Viacom18’s digital platform, Voot, will give viewers an opportunity to feel the thrill and excitement of being a part of the game show through innovative and lucrative games week on week. On weekdays, viewers will get a chance to answer the ‘Bari Boshe Baajimaat’ (Ghar Baithe Jeeto Jackpot) question only available on VOOT to win Rs 50,000 every week, while on the weekends, viewers can play an emulation of the KBC game digitally and stand a chance to win a smartphone every week.
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.
