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KBC to become ‘Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu’ on Maa TV
MUMBAI: The much popular Kaun Banega Crorepati produced by Big Synergy is all set to conquer the entire south market by launching in the fourth state with Andhra Pradesh as Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu (MEK). The show will be hosted by popular actor Nagarjuna Akkineni and air on Maa TV.
With prize money of Rs 1 crore, the entries for MEK will begin from 24 April in which people can answer questions through SMS and interactive voice response calls. The show is slated to go on air from the first week of June.
“Maa TV is known for its vibrant, innovative and pleasant programming, and has attained the number one Telugu GEC status now. With Nagarjuna Akkineni as the host, the new game show will be a visual treat for the viewers with an opportunity to win up to Rs 1 crore cash prize. It will be a trend setting initiative in the Telugu TV industry”, said Maa TV chairman Nimmagadda Prasad in a press statement.
MEK, produced by Big Synergy, is Nagarjuna’s first TV venture. “I am looking for this kind of opportunity on TV platform as it reaches each and every Telugu person. The show will bring the best drama of human life without missing on the entertainment quotient”, revealed Nagarjuna Akkineni.
Big Synergy CMD Siddhartha Basu added, “It’s been an exciting journey partnering with Maa TV. No effort and expense has been spared in mounting this show to world class standards. The show will be a game changer in this region and Nagarjuna makes for a most endearing and charming host. We at Big Synergy are delighted to work together with ‘Nag’, and the Maa team, to bring this life-changing knowledge game for the entertainment of Telugu viewers everywhere. “
“With a bouquet of four channels, namely Maa, Maa Music, Maa Movies and Maa Gold, Maa stands out from the cluster of channels through its unique programming quality and content. The new big initiative will build the Maa brand equity further and take the network to the next level”, Maa TV group head C Ratnakar Rao ended.
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.
