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Rs 3 crore up for grabs on Colors Marathi KBC 3 from 3 Oct
MUMBAI: Inspiration from the US game show “Who wants to be a Millionnaire” in India 16 years ago has worked wonders for the countrymen and television viewers as well as the broadcasters. “Kaun Banega Crorepati” has got the viewers sticky eyeballs and surely showcased some of life’s most inspiring real-life heroes. The television audience immediately felt a connect with the show and got involved and addicted to a programme that was entertaining, knowledge disseminator as well as potentially held some prizes for the actually winners as well as the viewers and participants.
KBC, launched amid much frenzy and fanfare, changed the course of destiny for the celebrated host Amitabh Bachchan too. Since he was not at the peak of his career, the show brought him closer to his fans and masses. KBC also made fortunes of laymen as their own intelligence and knowledge gained them instant recognition and big fat money.
On 3 July in 2000, KBC was launched in India. Star Plus brought in the format and gave a marquee show to Indian television. It was hosted by the megastar in his inimitable style. The Indian adaptation of the US show immediately caught the viewers’ imagination.
Rights of telecasting the popular were, over the years, acquired by regional channels too. In the Marathi television genre, Colors Marathi has planned bring the show for audience again. Popular Marathi actor Swapnil Joshi plays the younger avataar of Amitabh Bachchan on the show.
Combined with an enhanced jackpot of Rs 3 crore and a unique “group chat” lifeline being pioneered by India, Colors is confident of a freshened new season of “Kon Hoeel Marathi Crorepati.”
Produced by Big Synergy, “Kon Hoeel Marathi Crorepati”, the magnum opus is set to again usher in happy times with a high decibel Season 3, a season that promises another chance at bringing alive their dreams, aspirations and ambitions with an unmatched winning opportunity of a whopping Rs 3 crore.
The show will be aired from 3 October 2016, on Monday to Wednesday in the 9.00 pm time band.
Rin is the presenting sponsor of the show. Jio, Kesari Travels and Saraswat Bank are the associate sponsors.
Speaking about “Kon Hoeel Marathi crorepati”s reach and impact, Colors Marathi head Anuj Poddar said, “In its first two years, “Kon Hoeel Marathi Crorepati” had transformed lives – both in terms of the prize money and as a format adapted for the Marathi-speaking audience. So, this year, we decided to set new standards – that is, the largest-ever prize money in the history of Marathi television.”
“Also,” he said, “for the first time in the world, a chat lifeline has been incorporated in the format. The Marathi audience today is brimming with an infectious energy, is contemporary while being culturally disposed and is raring to embrace every opportunity at success and happiness. This year, with KHMC3, we are providing a platform for all our Marathi viewers to embrace this new identity,” Podar said.
The channel has introduced some new elements in the show such as the music therapy where participants can seek music therapy to distress them. Another factor the show has brouhgt in is the live chat box.
Talking about the “Kon Hoeel Marathi Crorepati”s popularity and host, Big Synergy’s Siddhartha Basu said, “This year, with a youthful new host, who is a versatile and much loved star of the big and small screen, the show is skewing younger and is broadening its appeal.” “The host of the show Swapnil”, he said, “is witty, spontaneous, charming and is able to build an electric connect with the contestants and the viewers alike.
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.
