News Headline
Disney Star announces the launch of dedicated Odia channel
Mumbai: Disney Star has announced the launch of a dedicated Odia general entertainment channel – Star Kiran, which will premiere on 6 June.
Star Kiran will be the first regional HD channel in Odisha and it will be launched in SD and HD versions. Star Kiran also marks Disney Star’s foray into the seventh local language market in the country.
With Star Kiran, Disney Star aims to scale up the TV viewing experience of Odisha through captivating storytelling and formats mounted on enhanced production quality. The channel will have a variety of shows ranging from mythology to popular fiction and fantasy thrillers keeping the viewers of Odisha entertained, enchanted and mesmerised, said the statement.
The channel will also showcase dazzling events and non-fiction shows and be the ultimate destination for Odia films. Viewers can experience latest blockbusters through big World TV premieres with films like “Premam,” “Dil Re Aachi Tore Na,” “Gupchup,” and “Mahabahu” to name a few.
Speaking about this new venture, Disney Star head- network entertainment channels, Kevin Vaz said, “As we commence our journey in Odisha with a vision to create newer benchmarks of progress and success, we plan to showcase compelling narratives through iconic characters that will celebrate the ethos and emotions of the land. Star Kiran will have a complete bouquet of entertainment for our viewers in Odisha. We are also delighted to introduce Star Kiran HD – the first regional HD channel in Odisha. I sincerely thank our partners and associates who are with us on our journey.”
The channel will feature following shows:
“Tu Kahibu Na Mu”
A fresh love story of two people who are poles apart. An unconventional love story where love is always shielded by clash of ego and pain. A love story where despite being passionately in love, one never accepts the love for the other creating numerous iconic moments of romance that Odisha will cherish forever. The protagonist of the show Akash Singh Deo is being played by the popular film actor Shreyan Kumar who is making his TV debut with this show. The character of Megha Das, the female lead is being played by Mitali Sarghariya. Show is produced by Akshay Kumar Parija Productions. The show will be telecast at 7 p.m from Monday to Saturday on Star Kiran SD and HD.
“Suhaga Sindura”
A fascinating journey of a tribal girl who creates her identity in a big city. Set in the backdrop of picturesque landscape of rural Orissa, the story traces the journey of Hema who accidentally gets married to Aditya, a rich urban boy. After marriage she comes to the city with her husband only to discover that Aditya was already promised to another girl called Malini, who happens to be her estranged sister. Here starts the journey of Hema to find her place and her identity amidst the family in a big city. The character of Hema is being played by Sushree Sabita Palei, while Aditya is being played by Jayjeet Das. Pralipta Samal (Jessy) is playing the character of Malini. The show is being produced by DG Creation. Suhag Sindura will be telecast at 7:30 p.m from Monday to Saturday on Star Kiran SD and HD.
“Shanti”
A tale of a homemaker rediscovering herself in her own family that she has nurtured so long with her relentless love, care and hard work. Shanti is a simple housewife, in her mid-forties, who has dedicated her entire life to look after her family that consists of her husband, three grown-up children and her in-laws. But in the world that she has made with so much love and affection, where does she fit in? Shanti is being played by Naina Das, who has been a very popular actor in the Odia Film & Television Industry. Show is produced by Akshay Kumar Parija Productions. Shanti will be telecast at 8 p.m from Monday to Saturday on Star Kiran SD and HD.
“Kiye Para Kiye Apanara”
The journey of Jai, a simple girl from being a house help to being a suitable daughter-in-law who holds the family together. The show is an ode to celebrate love that runs thicker than blood. The character of Jai is being played by charming Priyanka Kumari Rath, who has been a very popular face in Odia Television and the role of the male protagonist Chandan is being played by Srijit Mahapatra. The show is being produced by Omm Sai Production. Kiye Para Kiye Apanara will be telecast at 8:30 p.m from Monday to Saturday on Star Kiran SD and 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.
