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‘Indian Idol’ last lap garners 10+ million votes
MUMBAI: Sony big ticket property Indian Idol so far has managed to rope in 37 million viewers with the vote count on the rise week on week. 14.1 million viewers hooked on to Indian Idol this week.The Indian Idol gala episodes telecast on 20 & 21 January recorded ratings of 6.8 and 8.1 respectively in all C&S 4+ markets excluding South according to a channel release.
Launched on 28 October 2004, Indian Idol opened with a rating of 5.8 on Thursday. The show has currently garnered a weekly average TVR of 8.8 in Mumbai, followed by 10.3 in Delhi. Indian Idol states the channel, has helped in growing the slot viewership of Sony Entertainment Television by 21.2 per cent as it once again enters the top 25 slots. In the core target audience of 15-34, women and men, SEC ABC (C&S), the show has increased the channel viewership of the slot by 18 per cent.
Speaking on the Idol’s performance, SET EVP and Business Head Tarun Katial says, ” Indian Idol has truly lived up to its promise – Sab Kuch Bhula Diya! The show has so far gripped 37 millions viewers across the nation and as it reaches its climax in the next couple of weeks, the ratings and number of votes are sure to grow by leaps and bounds. Indian Idol has truly moved the nation as never before and this is just the beginning.”
Katial further adds, ” We’re very pleased with the way the show has turned out. Interactive television in India has come of age. The quantum of votes just goes to show the high level of interactivity of the show has with its audience. “
The response for the show has been attributed to the path breaking content with drama, humour, music, entertainment and excitement that Indian viewers have not exposed to before. The aggressive marketing campaign comprising unique and unconventional buzz initiatives have also ensured the viewers tune in every week states the channel.
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.
