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Kairali TV changes prime time strategy, to introduce soaps
MUMBAI: Kairali TV, the Malayalam general entertainment channel, is changing its prime time game plan. It is introducing soaps in this band for the first time to replace some of its interactive and music-based programming.
The channel’s prime time is being filled up with four daily soaps. Kairali TV is also bringing in some other key changes in its programming schedule.
Explains Kairali TV managing director John Brittas, “There were a couple of soaps earlier in other bands and then we opted for an interval. In the prime time, we had been trying other genres. But now, since we have People TV taking care of infotainment, we thought of making the main channel a pure general entertainment channel. Also, various reputed production houses in Malayalam have now joined hands with us to produce soaps.”
Kairali TV has now packed the 7:30 pm to 9 pm block with three soaps. The Central-Pictures produced Priyam has already been launched in the 7:30 pm slot. In the 8 pm slot, the channel will launch on 12 December Oru Mandara Poovu, a daily serial that will run for one month. Another soap launching on the same day, in the 8:30 pm slot, is a sitcom Kochu Thersiakochu starring many of the topline Malayalam film stars. In January, Oru Mandara Poovu will be replaced by another daily.
Kairali TV is following
the commission model for the soaps. Cost-wise, it is spending in the range of Rs 75,000 – Rs 80,000 per episode.
Kairali TV is getting rid of its interactive shows including Kairali On Demand and Kairali Weekender. The music band will be shifted to other time slots.
“Its been decided to replace these assorted programmes with soap-based programmes. We are taking Kairali On Demand and Kairali Weekender off the air for the time being. We haven’t decided on the new schedule of our music-based shows. Some of the shows may be shifted to People TV also,” says Kairali TV executive producer Shibu Chakravarthy.
According to Chakravarthy, the evening 30-minute news bulletin at 7 pm will be pushed down to 6:30 pm from 12 December. He added that the Sunday prime time movie at 3:30 pm was also under review.
“We have plans to revamp our movie band. Kairali TV has acquired some latest Malayalam hits including Thommanum Makkalum and Chaandupottu. This gives us confidence,” says Chakravarthy.
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.
