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Kasthuri TV set for a revamp
MUMBAI: Karnataka based general entertainment channel (GEC) Kasthuri TV is all set for a revamp. It was in November 2014, when Kasthuri TV roped in Whitehorse Network (WHN), an organisation floated by media industry veteran P Kailasam to take over the channel’s operations for five years.
The core management team at Whitehorse comprises director and CEO P Kailasam, business head GV Krishnamurthy and chief content strategist Shivakumar.
Together, the team has been spearheading the way forward for the channel with new shows, a revamped look and new positioning on their agenda. The channel has entrusted its ad sales duties to Aidem Ventures.
As a part of its re-launch strategy, the channel will feature a refreshed line-up of programmes. “Kasthuri is poised to get back its glory. We are completely revamping the channel and our USP is to offer differentiated yet mass-based content to the viewers,” said Kailasam.
“Kasthuri TV at present enjoys a good reach that is comparable to the bigger platforms within its genre. The new content will bring in fresh audiences and improve time spent and stickiness of the existing base,” added Aidem Ventures director Vikas Khanchandani while emphasising that it will be focusing on all brands but FMCG will be a priority.
Based on the research done in order to understand the regional television viewing habits in Karnataka, the new content strategy involves strengthening the prime-time viewing slot with a mix of fiction and non-fiction programmes.
Of the non-fiction programmes that are slated for launch, Mathandre Maathu, starring Murali is a talk show that brings two polarised sections of the society onto one platform to share their views on social and political issues.
Another non-fiction programme that is to launch next week is Padhakondhu Saval. This is an interactive game show in which callers can participate in the on-going game or contest to win prizes. Yet another interactive game show that first went on air last Monday is Sakath Atte Super Sose hosted by Sushma K Rao. In this first-of-its-kind TV show, a mother-in-law – daughter-in-law duo participates together as a team and is pitted against other mother-in-law – daughter-in-law duos.
The weekend programming line-up includes Aradirali Belaku, which is a talk show discussing social issues faced by the common man today. Malavika Avinash, a Kannada television celebrity, will host the show. Along with a panel of experts and the audience, she will debate over issues raised, help resolve them and suggest corrective measures to the victim and to the audience.
Nan Life Nal One Dhina, is a celebrity talk show where the audience can take a sneak peek into the real life of popular big screen actors, politicians, sportsmen etc. as the host interviews them every Sunday from 7.30 to 8.30 pm.
Another weekend programme called Crime Alert brings to light the criminal minds behind innocent faces. This is an informative show for viewers in which each episode ends with an optimal solution for preventing crime. Guggunanmaklu is a comedy fiction show in which the lead character has short-term memory loss which leads him into awkward and embarrassing situations.
Apart from the new list of appealing programmes, WHN has strengthened the channel’s movie library by acquiring 50 ‘A’ category titles this financial year. It will soon be donning a new look. Its refreshed packaging and new promotional strategy are also underway.
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.
