News Headline
Most watched Hindi GEC primetime programmes by urbanites in 2017
BENGALURU: In earlier papers, we had discussed the most watched Hindi GEC primetime programmes in the Hindi Speaking Market (HSM – U+R) and the HSM – Rural markets in India. We also mentioned the genres that both markets preferred. Both the reports were based on the weekly viewership ratings of the top 5 primetime programmes in the HSM (U+R) and the HSM (R) markets respectively published by Broadcast Audience Research Council of Indi (BARC) during the first 39 weeks of 2017.
It must be noted that the ratings (impressions) mentioned for the programmes in this paper may not represent the actual ratings during the first 39 weeks of 2017. The ratings in the paper are a sum of the ratings garnered by a programme only when it has appeared in BARC’s top 5 programmes list during the period under consideration. Hence the actual ratings could be higher.
So what Hindi GEC programmes does the urban Indian watch during primetime? Continuing with BARC data for the primetime (1830 to 2130 hours) HSM (U) NCCS 2+ individuals market as a reference, HSM (U) leads the HSM (U+R) market in terms of the most liked programmes during primetime, well almost… As in the case of the HSM (U+R), Balaji Telefilms productions Kumkum Bhagya and Naagin 2 are the genre leaders in that order. With a slight reshuffle, it is the long running Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai on Star Plus that is the third most watched Hindi GEC primetime programme in the HSM urban market, displacing the reality show Amul Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs on Zee TV to fourth place form its third place in the larger HSM (U+R) market. And there is more, urbanites seem to prefer the sitcom Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasmah on Sony Pal during primetime, as compared to the overall HSM market that prefers the Balaji Telefilms produced family soap and spinoff – Kundali Bhagya. Please refer to the figure below for the ratings of the top five watched Hindi GEC primetime programmes by HSM urban India during the first 39 weeks of 2017.
Urban HSM markets prefer soaps the most, quite like the overall HSM (U+R) and the HSM (R) markets. Please refer to the genre preferences of the urban Hindi Speaking Markets in India during the first 39 weeks of 2017.
Soaps include all sub-genres such as family drama, comedy drama, sitcoms, mythology drama, supernatural drama. Reality includes music, dance, shows such as Fear Factor, Kaun Banega Crorepati, Bigg Boss, etc. Comedy includes shows such as The Kapil Sharma show, etc., Awards means award shows such as Star Screen Awards and Sansui Colors Stardust Awards
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.
