News Headline
Highest-paid TV actress Sofia retained small screen queen with $43 million
MUMBAI: TV is said to be seeing its best era. Audiences have sea of quality content to pick from, be it from cable networks, broadcast television, or a streaming service. But, how far does that monetarily help those on the screen?
For the fifth year running, Sofia Vergara has topped the list of the world’s highest-paid TV actresses, with her most significant take yet of $ 43 million. The Colombian actress led the list of the highest-paid TV artistes, bringing in $ 43 million in the 12 months to June.
The vital part of her pay is ironically not for her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett that is responsible for her 66% earnings jump over the last year. It’s licensing and endorsement deals she struck – for products including dandruff shampoo Head and Shoulders and a line of furniture, and nurse scrubs –which have turned out to be most beneficial.
Kaley Cuoco, the runner-up, however, made the most as her performance fee. She pocketed $ 24.5 million in the same period, mostly from her role as Penny on Big Bang Theory.
Between June 2015 and June 2016, the 15 highest-paid female stars of the small screen earned a combined $ 208.5 million, almost $ 43.5 million more than last year’s.
This growth can be attributed to new worthwhile endorsement deals (such as Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ with Old Navy and Vergara’s with the Ninja Coffee Bar).
A crucial new entry in the list is Priyanka Chopra, who stars on ABC’s Quantico. While Chopra is relatively new to an American audience, she is one of the most well-known actresses in India. In 2015, she featured in two leading Bollywood films (Jai Gangaajal and Bajirao Mastani). Later this year, she will be seen in one of the lead roles in Baywatch alongside Hollywood leading lights such as the world’s best-paid actor Dwayne Johnson.
But, like most actresses, her millions were not made from acting alone. Chopra recently bagged a seven-figure deal with the juice brand Appy Fizz.
Stana Katic, the lead of ABC’s mystery series Castle, has lately been added to the list. The network received consistent ratings although the show saw little critical attention. Katic returned for the final season after haggling a handsome deal.
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.
