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Colors Tamil bolsters primetime band with two new shows
Mumbai: Colors Tamil has bolstered its primetime band and announced two new shows – “Dance Vs Dance Season 2” and “EngaVeetu Meenakshi.”
“Dance vs Dance Season 2” will premiere on 17 October with a grand launch episode at 6 p.m, followed by competitive rounds every Saturday and Sunday at 7.30 p.m, starting from 23 October. The first season of “Dance vs Dance” was a hit among the masses. The second edition has actor Kushboo and choreographer Brinda Master in the judges’ panel. There are four team owners including actors Shaam, Abhirami Venkatachalam, and Ineya, and choreographer Sridhar.
“EngaVeetu Meenakshi” is directed by Ramkumar and features actors Poornima Bhagyaraj, Jeeva, and Shritha Sivadas in the lead. Premiering on 18 October at 7 p.m, the tale set in the backdrop of Karaikudi will be telecast from Monday to Friday. “EngaVeetu Meenakshi” revolves around the life of a lecturer Meenakshi and Chidambaram – a 35-year-old wedding planner. The plot takes viewers through Meenakshi and Chidambaram’s relationship as they set out on a quest to unite their families.
“True to the ideology of Color Kattum, Colors Tamil’s aspires to entertain families with novel plotlines, engaging characters, and a fresh format altogether,” said Colors Tamil’s business head Rajaraman. “The channel has always been keen to break stereotypes and showcase progressive themes that serve as an inspiration to audiences, especially by highlighting different facets of women.”
As part of the part of its newly launched brand campaign ‘Ini Dinam Dinam ColorKattum,’ the channel has further strengthened its primetime band with a lineup of shows including “Amman Season 2” at 6 p.m, “EngaVeetu Meenakshi” at 7 p.m, “Idhayathai Thirudathey Season 2” at 8 p.m, “Abhi Tailor,” at 9 p.m and “Sillunu Our Kadhal” at 10 p.m, starting 18 October. Additionally, it will also premiere films during weekdays at 1.30 p.m.
“We are extremely thrilled to launch ‘EngaVeetu Meenakshi.’ Unlike other fiction shows, it has a unique storyline that focuses on the idea that women are the harbingers of prosperity among families and the fact that they can achieve anything once they set their minds on it,” stated “EngaVeetu Meenakshi” director Ramkumar Dass.
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.
