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KBC2 to continue, with re-runs
MUMBAI: Superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s sudden illness has finally cast its shadow over the popular KBC2, the second edition of the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
The game show, which not only turned around Star India’s fortune the first time it ran in 2000, also proved umeed se dugna (double the expectation) in popularity in its second innings.
The reason is obvious: anchor Bachchan, originally committed to shoot 85 episodes, is unable to continue shooting after his recent illness.
“Next week KBC2 airs its 61st episode, on Friday 13 January, which brings us to the end of our current bank of episodes,” an official communication from Star India said today.
So, what next? “We are planning out things. Presently, I have no comments to offer. We will get back to you soon with our decision,” Star India COO Sameer Nair told Indiantelevision.com.
The official Star communication quoted Star India EVP content Deepak Segal as saying, “We have devised a mix of fresh KBC2 episodes and Hero Honda 12th Annual Star Screen Awards to provide complete entertainment for the next two weekends. Post that we are working things out and will have our plan in place by early next week.”
So, here is the plan for the next two weeks. Star Plus will telecast the 60th episode — the second last episode that Bachchan shot before he was indisposed — on Friday 6 January. Star Screen Awards will take over for Saturday, 7 January, when the channel will showcase Star Screen Awards – Best of Part 2.
The Red Carpet of Star Screen Awards will be aired at 9 pm on Saturday 14 January with the main event following on Sunday (15 January) from 7 pm onwards. In short, viewers will get to watch the remaining fresh episodes of KBC2 on 6 and 13 January.
Star India had re-scheduled its popular game show following Bachchan’s illness to twice a week (Friday & Saturday) instead of the original thrice a week run with effect from 2 December. In between, the channel also re-ran celebrity episodes.
But “don’t worry,” consoles the official Star release, “Star Plus will be back with Umeed Se Dugna.”
Also read:
Amitabh effect: ‘KBC 2’ to air twice a week
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.
