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Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 16 airing on Sony Entertainment Television
Mumbai: Celebrating the strength and determination of the common man/woman, Kaun Banega Crorepati returns for its 16th season on Sony Entertainment Television. This season’s campaign, ‘Zindagi Hai. Har Modh Par Sawaal Puchegi. Jawab Toh Dena Hoga’, sparks introspection and reflects the belief that at pivotal moments, life presents us with challenges that test us, and our responses to these situations guide us to new paths. Premiering on 12th August, the beloved game show will air every Monday to Friday at 9 p.m., with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan continuing to inspire us as host. For 24 years, the show has been a beacon of hope and knowledge for millions of viewers and this season promises to be even more thrilling and engaging with exciting new elements.
This year, the contestants will face a captivating new twist: the ‘Super Sawaal.’ The Super Sawaal is a bonus question between questions 5 and 6 which challenges players to answer without options or lifelines. A correct answer unlocks the ‘Dugnaastra,’ giving contestants the chance to press the buzzer and double their amount on any one question of their choice between questions 6 to 10. The fast-paced ‘Super Sandook’ remains in this season as well to add thrill to the game; the contestant, after successfully crossing INR 3,20,000 will be put to the test with a 10-question rapid-fire quiz which must be answered in 90 seconds.
Roping in 22 brands, the 16th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati is Co-presented by Hyundai Motor India Limited and Aditya Birla Group. It is Co-powered by Mountain Dew PepsiCo India, Mondelez India, Ultratech Cement and Parag Milk Foods (Gowardhan Ghee). With Special Partner Patanjali Dantkanti, Lauritz Knudsen Electrical & Automation and Ceat, and Banking Partner State Bank of India, the show’s Associate Sponsors are Asian Paints, Kalyan Jewellers, Raymond, Life Insurance Corporation of India, Bikaji, Dorset, RC Plasto Tank and Pipes Pvt Ltd, Amazon.in and Aakash Educational Services Ltd. The reality quiz show also has large partnership deals with the Reserve Bank of India, GSK, and Dr. Morepen.
Sony Entertainment Television, Sony SAB, Sony PAL, and Sony MAX Movie Cluster business head Neeraj Vyas said, “Over the years, Kaun Banega Crorepati has emerged as a cultural phenomenon that celebrates Indians who dare to dream big and have the courage to turn their dreams into reality. This season’s campaign pays homage to the indomitable spirit of these individuals who are ready to face life’s toughest questions with befitting answers. Year after year, we strive to add fresh and engaging elements to keep the audience captivated and the introduction of ‘Super Sawaal’ adds a new layer of excitement and strategy to the game. This knowledge-based reality quiz show possesses the ability to unite families and promotes wholesome viewing, truly setting it apart from other television shows.”
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.
