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Colors Marathi to launch ‘Bigg Boss Marathi’ S3 on 19 Sept
Mumbai: Colors Marathi will air the third season of “Bigg Boss Marathi” starting from 19 September. The show will have a four-hour launch episode starting from 7 p.m and will be subsequently aired every Monday to Sunday at 9:30 p.m.
Produced by Endemol Shine India, Viacom18 has roped in Brooke Bond Red Label as ‘presenting sponsor’ and TRESemme, A23 and Haier as ‘special partners’ for this edition of the show.
“Bigg Boss Marathi proved to be one of the topmost viewed shows in the Marathi general entertainment space for both the seasons, attracting not only television viewers but also a massive number of digital viewers on Voot,” said Viacom18 business head of regional entertainment (Kannada and Marathi) Ravish Kumar. “The show provides various opportunities for brands to reach out to their target audience as is evinced by the number of sponsors on board.”
Actor-director-producer Mahesh Manjrekar returns as the show host alongside 15 new celebrity housemates, who will be quarantined in the ‘Bigg Boss’ house for 100 days. “As we get used to the new normal, I’m glad to be back with Bigg Boss and entertain every one of you,” remarked Manjrekar.
There are more than 60 cameras in the house that are accessible to Voot users giving digital audiences 24*7 live access. These audiences can not only vote for their favourite contestants but also ask them questions, send them messages and share their views on what’s going on via digital innovations introduced on the OTT platform.
“From a format perspective, we have tried to make this season different, innovative and made sure that we have the right kind of contestants and housemates. The audience will also get to see Marathi flavour be it in the tasks or routine,” said Colors Marathi business head Aniket Joshi.
“Our overall approach with Bigg Boss Marathi season three is to celebrate the Marathipan by displaying the various cultural nuances of Maharashtra,” said Colors Marathi head of programming Viraj Raje. “Be it the design elements inside the house, the tasks, and even naming Weekend ka Daav as Chavadi, we have tried to bring in the true essence to Maharashtra’s rich culture into the show,” he added.
“We at Endemol Shine India have gone the extra mile to ensure that the housemates are kept on their toes throughout this new season,” said Endemol Shine India CEO Abhishek Rege.
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.
