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‘Idol’ contestant loses; laps up Farah Khan’s offer
MUMBAI: Well, apart from jumping the charts, Sony’s Indian Idol has proven highly lucrative for one of the eleven finalists. Last week’s episode of the Idol result round (7 January) saw a highly dramatic climax with Rahul Saxena being voted out of the show.
Farah Khan shed tears, Sonu Nigam was left holding his head between his hands and Anu exhibited a disdainful exclamation, all pointers to how much emotons the show managed to stir up.
But then again the nation decides and Indian Idol abides. In a sudden turn of events, Farah Khan who was extremely emotional, made a spur of the moment decision and offered Saxena a chance to play back in her upcoming film Happy New Year, which is slated to release next year.
Saxena has always been a favourite – with contestants as well as judges. When the last three contestants were left – Abhijeet Sawant, Ravinder Ravi and Rahul Saxena – the judges were asked what they feel and Farah Khan had mentioned that if it was Saxena who was voted out, she would definitely cry.
When Saxena did get voted out, contestants and judges were both taken aback. One of the eleven contestants, Aditi Paul, cried uncontrollably and so did Amit Sana.
Saxena also received a standing ovation for his goodbye song rendered in tears.
Speaking about the offer to Saxena Khan says, “Rahul is a very good singer and my favourite contestant. What were people thinking? He should have been in the top three. I was so taken aback that I made a spontaneous decision of offering him the chance to be one of the singers for my next film Happy New Year. People should think before they vote. It seems that the sympathy vote has worked against true talent.”
This particular episode garnered 1.8 million votes.
Sony’s business head Tarun Katial says, “Rahul Saxena has been the best singer in the top 11. We were all sad and shocked when we saw his exit but that is how interactive and reality TV works. I’m glad Farah has recognised his talent and this is one of the successes of Idol.”
This was possibly the most emotional episode of Indian Idol till date, also the one that threw up the most unexpected results.
With Farah Khan announcing that Rahul Saxena will be a playback singer for her film, despite being voted out Saxena seems to have emerged as a winner.
Idol sure seems to have got all heated up with the flow of emotions and drama. The fizz seems to be getting stronger every week.
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.
