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‘Dancing Star 2’: number one show in Karnataka
MUMBAI: ETV Kannada is ruling the weekend primetime slots between 8 pm to 10.30 pm with the launch of its two new shows Majaa Talkies and Dancing Star 2.
Following the success of Dancing Star in its first season, ETV Kannada introduced the second season of the reality show on popular demand. Opening with 1.1 million TVTs, the show emerged at the top in Karnataka. This is the first show in Kannada mass entertainment in 2015 that has garnered peak ratings in its very first week according to the channel.
The show features 12 celebrity contestants in the battle for survival as the last couple on the dance floor. Judging the celebrity dance contest are Kanasugara Ravichandran, Priyamani, and choreographer MayuriUpadhyaya. Taking forward the legacy from season one, Akul Balaji hosts this edition of the show as well.
Dancing Star 2 airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm to 10.30pm on ETV Kannada.
Majaa Talkies, headlined by veteran anchor and comedian Srujan Lokesh, emerged as the slot leader in the 8 pm to 9 pm slot with 0.8 million TVTs opening. The show is an adaptation of the popular Comedy Nights With Kapil, tailored to suit viewing preferences of the Kannadiga.
Elaborating on the same Viacom18 EVP and project head regional channels ETV Kannada/ Bangla and Odiya Ravish Kumar said, “After the success of the first season of Dancing Star, we are overjoyed and humbled by the response that the show has received for its second edition. Majaa Talkies has performed superlatively as well and we hope to keep raising the bar of Kannada entertainment in the future.”
ETV Kannada business head Parameshwar Gundkal added, “For the first time ever in this market, two high impact nonfiction properties have been launched in back to back time slots with the vision of creating high octane entertainment that will cater to people of varied viewing tastes. From the best talent on-board, to some of the best production houses for both seasons, we are glad that our efforts have yielded the appreciation showered upon us by the viewers.”
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.
