News Headline
Disney Star scales 40 crore mark in just 29 matches
Mumbai: Disney Star has consolidated its dominance by surpassing 40 crore viewers for the live broadcast of the first 29 matches of TATA IPL 2023, recording a growth of 24 per cent in TVR compared to the last edition. The reach garnered for the live broadcast of the first 29 matches is also 3.7 crores higher than the reach of the entire 2022 edition. Disney Star has also received the highest-ever reach across all editions of IPL in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, UP and MP for the live broadcast of the first 29 matches.
The broadcaster has also witnessed a staggering growth among kids (2 to 14 years) across all editions of IPL, a big fillip for brands targeting the consumer cohort. In addition, 9.32 Crores kids tuned in to watch the live broadcast of the first 29 games, an increase of 58.7 per cent over the last edition. Over 25 crore premium audiences from NCCS A & NCCS B tuned in to the live broadcast on the Disney Star Network, for the first 29 matches. The reach garnered by these two consumer cohorts is the highest across 15 years of IPL, including the covid years. This achievement showcases the growing popularity of the League and the broadcaster’s ability to engage audiences across age groups with high-quality content.
Disney Star head sports Sanjog Gupta said, “IPL on Disney Star continues to register new highs. Competitive matches and strong individual performances powered by Star Sports’ world-class programming, key partnerships, and sustained marketing efforts to recruit audiences have sustained the upward trajectory of viewership. The highest-ever viewership in the Hindi-speaking markets, premium audiences (NCCS A) and Kids’ demographic (2-14 years) shows that our #BetterTogether campaign, seeking to galvanize familial and community viewing, has hit the mark. We are thankful to the millions of fans who have made Disney Star their preferred destination for a seamless and enhanced experience of IPL”.
Disney Star has also achieved the highest-ever reach in Hindi Speaking Markets (HSM). Over 27.3 crore viewers tuned in to watch the live broadcast, marking a historic moment in IPL. Furthermore, Star Sports 1 (Hindi) has also emerged as the number one channel for the third consecutive week, making it a go-to destination for cricket enthusiasts across the nation. The high-octane match between CSK and RCB was watched by an incredible 5.2 crore concurrent viewers on television, the second highest in the history of IPL.
In addition to the TV viewership records, Disney Star has reached new heights in high-definition (HD) broadcasting. The network achieved the highest-ever HD channel reach, with an incredible 6.6 crore viewers tuning in to the HD broadcast. This number is three times higher compared to last year, demonstrating the growing preference for high-definition sports viewing.
With on-ground experiences like the IPL Trophy Tour, the Fan Bus, #MySocietyStadium, and The Incredible School Quiz (India’s largest-ever school quiz) along with the #AskStar initiative have given fans an opportunity to forge a deeper connection with the marquee tournament and increase the overall engagement for the league. The exclusive association with META Influencers has also paved the way to leverage the power of social media and bring a fresh perspective to the IPL, providing an engaging and interactive experience for the fans.
Disney Star’s fan-centric approach and innovations in broadcasting technology have earned it the plaudits of fans and the broadcaster is focused on providing an unmatched and compelling viewing experience to all who tune in to watch the TATA IPL 2023 on television.
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.
