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Post revamp, Colors Bangla looks at expanding footprint in West Bengal
KOLKATA: Viacom18, which recently rebranded the ETV’s five regional channels under the Colors brand name, has now unveiled the new logo of the Bengali entertainment channel – Colors Bangla (erstwhile ETV Bangla).
Post the revamp, Colors Bangla is looking at drawing broader synergies under the Colors brand name in order to expand its footprints in West Bengal.
As part of the revamp, not only did ETV Bangla shed the ETV brand name and take on Colors’ identity, it will also be looking at inducting new programming, going forward.
When queried as to whether the Bengali channel will see Hindi serials from its sister channel Colors in the future, Colors Bangla and Colors Odiya channel head Sujay Kutty said, “While we debate on borrowing content internally, I believe broader synergies will definitely be drawn in order to grow the channel’s footprint.”
The transformation of the identity of the Bangla regional channel ETV Bangla into Colors Bangla coincided with the Bengali New Year. “We had planned a grand gala themed, “Tomar Sapner Rong” on 12 April, where superstar Jeet unveiled the Colors Bangla logo,” he said.
When asked if the Colors brand name will help increase the channel’s viewership, Kutty said, “Colors is an established mass general entertainment brand, synonymous with unparalleled entertainment. The ETV general entertainment channels that have undergone the brand transition have been pioneers in regional entertainment, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region, with differentiated and innovative content. The rebranding of the Bangla regional GEC will augment the Colors franchise while also holding higher relevance for Colors Bangla in terms of competition,” he said.
Speaking about branding and marketing activities the channel has undertaken, Kutty said, “To generate awareness amongst the people in Bengal, the marketing and communication initiatives for the launch of Colors Bangla have been designed to extend its interactivity with viewers across various platforms. The rebranding is supported by a 360 degree marketing and communication campaign that includes TV, cable, on-ground, radio, outdoor as well as the digital platform. Various marketing initiatives such as name plate engagement at high populated slums of Kolkata and ROB – a prefabricated tram with the Colors Bangla branding can be seen.”
The channel will also air the world television premiere of popular movies like Chatuskone, Open Tee Bioscope and Buno Haas. “The three week long marketing campaign will run across West Bengal and Kolkata creating buzz around the launch. The Bengali New Year spells new beginnings – and what better than this auspicious occasion to reveal the fresh new identity of Colors Bangla? It is our way of celebrating the festival of the people of West Bengal with them, for them, and of them,” he concluded.
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.
