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Colors’ ‘Bigg Boss 16’ onboards Hershey’s Kisses as an associate partner
Mumbai: Bigg Boss season 16 has roped in Hershey India as its associate partner. Hershey’s products have brightened the space with their sweetness by satiating the contestants’ sweet tooth, giving them more and more reasons to celebrate and express their emotions.
Hershey’s Kisses has installed its visicooler in the captain’s room, and its ownership belongs to the house captain.
Commenting on the association, Hershey India marketing director Ankit Desai said, “Bigg Boss is one of the biggest reality shows in India and has achieved a cult status. We are thrilled about our partnership with Bigg Boss, and we feel it’s one of the best platforms to reach our audience. Hershey’s is all about building warm connections and celebrating togetherness and I am glad to see that our indulgent range of chocolates has struck a chord with contestants in the house. The partnership has helped us leverage the massive reach and popularity Bigg Boss enjoys among consumers.”
Viacom18 head, revenue, Colors Pavithra KR says, “Bigg Boss has reinforced itself as the no. 1 non-fiction show in the general entertainment category by engaging with the audience every single day. The platform has continued to provide brands with innovative ways to integrate. The collaboration with Hershey’s Kisses has helped the brand gain a sweet spot among its target audience through Bigg Boss. Especially Rozik’s craving for chocolates and the drama around Hershey’s kisses chocolate station in the captain’s room has given numerous organic stories. Hence the brand became a part of the immersive experience of the show.”
The 16th season of Bigg Boss is focused on offering a robust experience to brand partners through means of engagement, excitement & entertainment. The idea is to assist the brands in creating a powerful & impactful narrative that has the potential to build a lasting connection with the audience through content present in multiple markets, cutting across geo-social cross-sections in India.
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.
