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Colors ‘Bigg Boss 16’ crowns MC Stan as the winner
Mumbai: Colors ‘Bigg Boss 16’ has crowned MC Stan as the winner of its season. After an arduous and entertainment-filled journey, host of the show Salman Khan handed the winner’s trophy to Stan, who earned the prize money of Rs 31, 80, 000 and a Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS. Shiv Thakare and Priyanka Chahar Choudhary were the finalists who gave the winner a tough fight.
Stan is applauded as the only contestant who appeared real throughout the season. His lingo has caught on with viewers and sparked a huge feast of memes on social media. Way before his victory, he was credited with putting the community of underground rappers on the Indian map through his presence in this season. Every housemate of the season was in awe of the remarkable fan army he commanded. His commentary and observation of the housemates in his signature style were satirical and hilarious. The rapper chose the right muddas, apologised when he was on the wrong side of a fight, and gave as good as he got in a spat. His solid friendship with Thakare was admired by viewers and both were rooting for each other’s victory till the end of the season.
Talking about his victory, Stan said, “I have my ardent fans to thank for this incredible and unbelievable victory. When I entered the house, I felt like a misfit because I didn’t know how the game worked and everyone else seemed to know what they were doing. I understood the game late, but no regrets because that would not have made any difference to the way I would have conducted myself on the show. I had to unlearn many things and wage a war against my impulses. I’ve learnt the biggest life lessons here and made solid relationships with people from different walks of life. What everyone called mandali became my home away from home. I’m so proud to be part of a season that delivered on the promise of non-stop entertainment. Haq hai.”
Viacom18 chief content officer Manisha Sharma said, “At COLORS, we are committed to reinventing and innovating content and Bigg Boss’s success is a testament to the same. The season raised the bar with not just an exceptional contestant line-up but also with brand innovation and engagement. This edition witnessed distinct milestones based on viewership and social media trends. A big credit goes to the loyal fanbase the show has earned over the years and our drive to deliver non-stop entertainment. Congratulations to (insert name), for taking home this season’s trophy and winning millions of hearts.”
Colors non-fiction head Shital Iyer added, “The 16th edition of Bigg Boss brought an entirely new brand of entertainment with the ‘Master of the House’ playing the game. This season witnessed a bigger and more novel fandom with unexpected twists and turns being introduced to keep the housemates alert and the viewers on the edge of their seats. This game-changing edition has established a remarkable benchmark and set the tone for the next season. Congratulations to (insert name) for winning this season and to all the contestants who won the hearts of viewers.”
Endemol Shine India CEO Rishi Negi said, “After an eventful and entertainment-packed season, I want to congratulate all the contestants for making it a huge success! It proved why India’s most loved television phenomenon is the Bigg Boss of all reality shows. Congratulations to (insert name) for shining through the season and winning it with all they’ve got. We at Endemol Shine India are delighted to have closed the curtain on a momentous season that has commanded an incredible fandom.”
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.
