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MTV brushes off [V]’s power of one claim
MUMBAI: The war regarding who is numero uno among the music channels is getting red hot. Yesterday Channel [V] held a party boasting that it was the number one music channel thanks to Popstars 2 and a slew of other strong programme initiatives. Piqued at this claim, arch-rival MTV has issued a response.
MTV has stated that it has consistently been on top of the heap for the last five years. “In fact in the last 12 weeks our channel share stands (SEC ABC 15-34) at 22 per cent more than that of Channel [V]. For the same period, MTV reached 24 per cent more audiences than Channel [V],” the statement says.
MTV has also pointed out that a recent ad in leading newspapers by Discovery, highlighted the fact that it was extremely strong in the 4+ audience category. Within the broadcaster’s own TG 15-24, the broadcaster claims to have emerged as the leading channel followed by HBO, Discovery, Star Movies and Zee MGM.
Regarding Channel [V]’s boast of getting advertisers such as Nestle on board MTV stated, “Unlike our competition, advertisers don’t just treat us as a music channel. We are the preferred television channel for any advertiser that wants to influence the 15 -34 category.”
“It’s been another great year for us. Some of the most exciting properties on the Indian television are on MTV – MTV Youth Icon, Lycra MTV Style Awards, MTV Hero Honda Roadies and soon, the country’s first real Music Awards – MTV Immies. These properties ensure for MTV not only larger audiences but an even larger number of brands advertising on our channel.”
It remain to be seen as to what B4U Music and Zee Music have to say.
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.
