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ETV Bangla set for revamp; launches new shows
KOLKATA: ETV Bangla, a Bengali general entertainment channel (GEC), under the belt of Network18, is up for a revamp. The channel is working towards changing its existing look in order to cater to its target group.
“In keeping with the plans we have launched Byomkesh Bakshi as well as a programme which has a mass connect like Rannagharer Roskstar with Mithun Chakraborty,” said ETV Bangla business head Sujay Kutty.
ETV Bangla, in order to garner huge viewership, had a few months ago launched a dedicated afternoon time band called Duronto Dupur. The channel as part of this created original content. “There has definitely been an amazing response for the different kinds of programme as it spreads across viewers of all age groups,” Kutty added.
The channel had recently premiered Byomkesh Bakshi for its viewers. “Premiere is usually for movies and not TV programmes, especially on ground. However, we had a grand premiere like a movie,” he said.
ETV Bangla plans to compete with market leaders by producing original content in Bengal to increase its viewership.
The Bengal GEC market is mainly dominated by Star Jhalsa and Zee Bangla. While earlier the noon slot had reruns of the evening programmes, ETV Bangla has differentiated itself by airing original content. The channel that first launched an afternoon time band has now also launched cookery and detective shows. With this, the GEC is also looking at some share in this monopoly market.
Being a GEC, ETV Bangla provides a variety of programmes- including cultural events, family dramas, movies, debates, children’s programmes and tourism, among other shows. Some of the original programmes on the channel are Prathamar Rannaghar, Jhalak Dikhlaja Bangla, Ranga Mathaye Chiruni, Bigg Boss Bangla and Sadhok Bamakhyapa among others.
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.
