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Key to weekdays prime time in hand, Star Plus aims to lock in Saturdays too
MUMBAI: When you have dominated the weekday afternoon and evening prime time for a length of time that probably has no parallels in television history, what next? Well, Star Plus is looking to plug the only gap in its dominance – weekend prime time – Saturdays to be more specific.
Kicking off on 11 October is Star Plus’ branded block Star Shanivar (Star Saturday) that runs from 7:30 pm to 11 pm. The first programme off the blocks is a half-hour magic show hosted by Aman Verma – Jaaduu – which is the lead-in show for the new-look Saturday programming menu that Star Plus is serving up.
The weekend blockbuster film will now be showcased on Sundays from 8:30 pm on, says Star India senior V-P content and communication Tarun Katiyal.
In Star Plus’ sights is SET India’s hold on the weekend that has painstakingly been built up with Balaji Telefilms’ weekend supernatural thriller series Kya Hadsaa Kya Haqeeqat (KHKH). Incidentally, Balaji is set to launch the ninth series of KHKH – Khaall – with Sumeet Sachdeva and Achint Kaur in the lead. KHKH is a one-hour thriller series that airs Fridays through to Sundays in the 8 to 9 pm slot.
Jaaduu will feature magic show clippings from India and abroad. It will also be promoting new talent by introducing new magicians.
Taking up the baton after Jaaduu at 8 pm and continuing with the magic theme is a one-hour spoofish series Vikraal Aur Gabraal, “a tale of ghosts, black magic, monsters and creepy creatures under your bed,” as the show’s blurb line goes.
In the 9-10 pm slot is a fresh series of the Nirja Guleri-produced family sitcom Gharwali Uparwali (there’s a ghost in this show as well), which had a year-long run in 2000-2001.
Coming in at 10 pm is the Aman Verma-hosted game show Khul Ja Sim Sim, which is shifting to Saturdays from the Friday 9:30 pm slot it currently holds. Replacing Khul Ja… on Fridays from this week on (10 October) is Jeet, the Indianised version of the popular American high school saga, Boston Public.
Will Sony’s KHKH be able to hold firm in the face of this concerted assault from Star Plus? The next few weeks should tell the TRP tale.
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.
