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IPL on TV adds 2.5 crore new viewers in week 4 on the Disney Star Network
Mumbai: Disney Star Network is thrilled to announce its sustained success in smashing viewership records for IPL on television with 2.53 crore new viewers tuning in to watch Week 4 of Tata IPL 2023. This takes the tally of total live viewership to 43.4 crore after 38 games, which is the 2nd highest in IPL history. Disney Star’s unwavering commitment to deliver world-class standards of coverage, customised offerings across 13 live feeds in nine languages, the best line-up of Cricket as well as non-Cricketing talent and unparalleled programming initiatives have positioned Television as the go-to platform for the live broadcast of the IPL. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh have enthusiastically embraced the exceptional viewing experience provided by Disney Star, contributing to half the addition of new viewers. The broadcaster also witnessed a growth of more than 27 per cent in TVR, for the first 38 games, compared to the last edition. The Hindi Speaking Markets (HSM) have recorded the highest viewership in IPL history with 29.1 crore fans tuning in for the first 38 matches.
Disney Star is now gearing up for the highly anticipated ‘Rivalry Week’, from 6th to 12th May 2023, through a host of initiatives across live coverage, programming, and fan engagement. The week will witness the greatest IPL rivalries, teams from the North taking on teams from the South and ‘Frenemies’ facing off against each other and promises to be one of the most exciting weeks of IPL.
Star Sports has lined up a slew of programming initiatives for the Rivalry Week which are sure to bring viewers and fans closer to the blockbuster encounters. Content creators from Meta have collaborated with Star Sports’ talent to generate a stream of ‘Rivalry’ videos. Experts in the Star Sports studio will also be seen squaring off against each other in ‘Rivalry Games’ while ‘Cheeky Singles’ hosted by Tanmay Bhat and his gang of comedians will have a unique take on rivalries. Initiatives during live coverage include ‘Rivalry Hotseat’ and ‘Rivals Down Memory Lane’ which involve Star Sports experts sharing some of the most intense and engaging moments from the rivalries.
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.
