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COLORS Tamil to bring women edition of ‘Who Wants To Be a Millionaire’
MUMBAI: COLORS Tamil, the youngest Tamil general entertainment channel of India has announced the upcoming Tamil version of world famous game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire as an all women edition. Titled Kodeeswari the show will be hosted by the iconic superstar of Tamil Cinema, Radikaa Sarathkumar. In a first ever, the show will see only women on the Hot Seat.
“Women have always put the dreams of their loved ones ahead of their own. Kodeeswari is a tribute to the unconditional love and selfless sacrifice made by millions of women every day and everywhere. It is a show that believes in giving back, in resurrecting modest ambitions, in giving dreams an opportunity to come true. Because hearts that beat for others should never skip a beat for themselves.” Said Viacom18 regional entertainment Ravish Kumar, Head adding, “COLORS Tamil proudly announces Kodeeswari – an all-women edition of the popular quiz show hosted by the highly accomplished and iconic Radhika Sarathkumar. In a first ever, the show will see only women on the hot seat. With the support and encouragement of their loved ones, women shall play for an opportunity to make their own dreams come true.”
Commenting on the launch of ‘Kodeeswari’, COLORS Tamil business head Anup Chandrasekharan said: “At COLORS Tamil, we have always identified the pulse of the audience and presented to them offerings that are unique and coming of age. Shows like Enga Veetu Mapillai, Dance Vs. Dance, Singing Stars in the non-fiction space have generated tremendous buzz for the channel and we hope to maintain the same with our latest endeavour, ‘Kodeeswari’. As we begin our audition process, we urge all inspired and educated women of Tamil Nadu to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity to take the Hot Seat with none other than Radikaa Sarathkumar. We thank Radikaa for joining hands with us in this incredible journey.”
“Women are an important part of human society, acting act as the binding force. Amidst the cacophony to empower women, that has become a cliché across geographies and communities, I think, the need to simply acknowledge her for who she is and what she stands for, has been lost. ‘Kodeeswari’ shall be a platform where every contestant on the Hot Seat shall be celebrated for who she is and her journey amidst all her personal challenges”, said Radikaa Sarathkumar, who will host Kodeeswari.
To be a part of this prestigious and women-exclusive game show, one needs to stay tuned to COLORS Tamil every day at 8PM starting October 28th (Monday) to November 3rd (Sunday). Each question will be active for 24-hours. Just one right answer from these seven questions can help one get a chance to participate in the show.
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.
