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Colors launches HD feed for Kannada, Marathi and Bangla
MUMBAI: In a major move to dial up its already strong presence in the regional GEC play, Colors has announced the launch of its HD feed for three of its regional general entertainment channels – Colors Kannada, Colors Marathi and Colors Bangla. Colors is already known for its pioneering innovation, quality programming and high production values and launching the first HD Regional GECs in these markets is yet another milestone in its regional expansion plans. That the channels that have now become an intrinsic part of the social and cultural fabric of these regions, is apparent from the strong performance of its channels in these markets. Interestingly, this will be the first time that a regional GEC will add a Hi-Definition channel to its bouquet.
Announcing the launch of the HD channels, Viacom18 Group CEO Sudhanshu Vats said, “When we brought the regional GECs under the Colors umbrella, we committed to raising the bar on regional content. This philosophy saw us attain pole position in the Kannada market, become a strong leader in the Marathi market and build up the connect with our Bengali viewers. Interestingly, during this period, the regional markets have seen tremendous growth in consumer lifestyles. With the HD launch of our regional channels, we are once again raising the bar by provisioning for the premium viewing experience that the markets now crave.”
Colors Kannada, Colors Bangla and Colors Odiya Project Head Ravish Kumar said, “We strive to offer varied content to our viewers without compromising on excellence – be it powerful storytelling, high production values, international reality formats, festival programming or movie premieres. Our aim is to delight audiences’ everyday with an entertaining and cohesive television viewing experience and launching HD channels is yet another pioneering step in that direction.”
Colors Marathi and Colors Gujarati Project Head Anuj Poddar elaborated saying, “Colors Marathi has consistently innovated and redefined the entertainment landscape for Marathi audiences with its varied bouquet of shows and big scale events, while yet staying true to the roots of its culture. We are yet again playing a pioneering role and upping the ante by being the first to provide viewers with High Definition viewing experience.”
Colors Kannada HD will be present on leading platforms like Siti cable network ltd, Den networks limited, Hathway cable & datacom Pvt Ltd, Kable First India Pvt Ltd, Indusind Media and Communications ltd, E-infrastructure and entertainment (India) pvt ltd, Bhima riddhi digital systems and V4 media among others that offer HD services in Karnataka. Colors Marathi HD is being launched on Airtel and Tata Sky initially and will be rolled out on all other platforms, both direct to home and cable, thereafter. Colors Bangla will be available across all MSOs where DAS has been implemented over platforms such as Cable & DTH.
Providing an enhanced viewing experience and delivering high quality, affordable entertainment that connects viewers to their culture, the all new viewing experience at a regional level will only be available on Colors Kannada HD, Colors Marathi HD and Colors Bangla HD.
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.
