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Gameshow Jodi Kamaal Ki to replace KBC 2
MUMBAI: Anchor Amitabh Bachchan’s inability to resume shooting due to ill-health has pulled the plug on the Star Plus gameshow Kaun Banega Crorepati 2 (KBC 2). Replacing KBC2 in the Saturday-Sunday slots will be another gameshow Jodi Kamaal Ki.
Produced by Creative Eye, Jodi Kamaal Ki is an entertainment-oriented one-hour gameshow featuring celebrity couples. Reportedly, soap star Rakshanda Khan has been roped in to anchor the show.
As per the stop-gap arrangement, soaps Miillee and Kkavyanjali will substitute KBC 2 on Fridays.
What makes it necessary for Star India to hurry up its replacement plans — instead of re-running the old KBC 2 episodes — is the need for a strong property to sustain its weekend band. As expected, KBC 2 had beefed up Star Plus’ position in the weekends, but the unfortunate turn of events following Bachchan’s illness went against the strategies.
However, when the Sagars’ Prithiviraj Chauhan and Tigmanshu Dhulia’s yet-to-be named sitcom arrive, the plans may change again. These were the two big ticket shows, which were originally scheduled to replace KBC 2.
“It will take some time for us to announce the complete plans. Presently, we are engaged in preparations of drawing a strong programming line up for the weekends,” states Star India EVP Ajay Vidyasagar.
Star Plus presently telecasts re-runs of KBC2 in the 9 pm – 10 pm slot on Fridays and Saturdays as it exhausted its fresh bank of KBC2 episodes following Bachchan’s illness. Bachchan, who had a commitment to shoot 85 episodes of KBC2, could complete only 61 episodes before he was hospitalised.
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.
