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Fremantle concludes first season of its digital production ‘India’s Digital Superstar’
MUMBAI: A production house behind successful shows like Indian Idol and India’s Got Talent, FremantleMedia has concluded the biggest talent hunt show – India’s Digital Superstars.
The show created around 800 minutes of original content and roped in 35 celebrities to mentor the participants in their journey which received entries from across 12 countries.
The real success of the show lay in the fact that three contestants – Famous Crew, the dance group, Prerna and Apurva, the scintillating salsa dancers and Yogeshwari, an aerial dance performer who made it to the semi finals of India’s Got Talent- 6 were discovered through India’s Digital Superstars. The show was extended by six weeks on account of its rising popularity and public demand.
The show redefined the digital space with its huge success that had got the nation in a frenzy. India’s Digital Superstar crossed the million mark with the views and likes from audiences who were the ultimate judge of the show. Feroz Khan was declared as the winner. Khan won prize of Rs 20 lakh and also a contract with FremantleMedia and One Digital.
“We are glad to celebrate the success of our first digital production. The format is already being considered for licensing and production in three other countries. As a production house we would be open to developing and creating shows for all platforms,” said FremantleMedia MD Anupama Mandloi.
Talking about the show, judge Anu Malik added, “It was an immense pleasure to witness the massive talent from different walks of life at India’s Digital Superstar, a platform to show case talent before the whole world from the comfort of our homes. The unique concept of an online talent hunt show is going to reach newer heights because we are living in a digital era and the internet is here to stay.”
The show’s host, Sahil Khattar who is an ace digital host stated, ‘’It was a ride of a lifetime for me’’. His association with FremantleMedia as India’s Digital Superstar’s host has been an exciting journey for him and he looks forward to more such exciting opportunities where he can witness the powerhouse of talents that India has.’’
The show was presented by Amazon.in, powered by Gionee in association with radio partner Red FM. India’s Digital Superstar platform encouraged participants to upload multiple videos of their talent, and was judged by the audience through the number of views and likes across Youtube, ZengaTV and Facebook. It was a power-packed digital show with non-stop auditions, non-stop opportunity, 24/7 content and non-stop fun.
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.
