Awards
Sony Marathi unveils Kon Honar Maharashtracha Ladka Kirtankar-India’s first reality show celebrating kirtan
MUMBAI: Sony Marathi proudly announces the launch of Kon Honar Maharashtracha Ladka Kirtankar, India’s first reality show dedicated to celebrating the sacred and artistic tradition of Kirtan. With 108 participants from all 36 districts of Maharashtra, the show is a heartfelt tribute to the timeless art of spiritual storytelling—an art form that has resonated across generations.
The unveiling event in Mumbai was graced by the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, who revealed the magnificent Veena-shaped silver trophy handcrafted by the legendary P. N. Gadgil Jewellers. Shri Gaurav Banerjee (MD & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India) and stalwarts from the Kirtan community were also in attendance.
Held as a devotional evening, the launch featured a mesmerising Kirtan performance by Avadhoot Sudhir Gandhi. Esteemed judges—Hari Bhakta Parayan (H.B.P.) Radhatai Sanap and H.B.P. Jagannath Maharaj Patil—were felicitated, along with the show’s anchor and renowned lyricist, Ishwar Andhare.
H.B.P. Radhatai Sanap has brought glory and prestige to Mahasangvi Sansthan by creating social awareness through her Kirtans, especially about education and other societal causes. Through his Kirtans delivered in an authentic local dialect, H.B.P. Jagannath Maharaj Patil raises awareness on similar themes, making his performances both impactful and relatable.
Adding spiritual significance to the evening, the Chief Minister honoured descendants of Maharashtra’s most revered saints for preserving this rich tradition. Attendees included:
. H.B.P. Madhav Maharaj Namdas (descendant of Sant Namdev Maharaj)
. H.B.P. Ravikant Maharaj Vasekar (descendant of Sant Savata Maharaj)
. H.B.P. Jabbar Maharaj Sheikh (descendant of Sant Sheikh Muhammad)
. H.B.P. Bapusaheb Maharaj Dehukar (descendant of Sant Tukaram)
. H.B.P. Janardan Maharaj Jagnade (descendant of Santaji Jagnade)
. H.B.P. Gopalbuwa Makashir (descendant of Sant Nilobaray)
. H.B.P. Pramod Pathak (descendant of Sant Bahinabai)
Their presence added reverence and depth to the evening, highlighting the spiritual lineage that the show seeks to celebrate.
Comments:
Honourable Chief Minister, Shri Devendra Fadnavis:
“Maharashtra’s rich spiritual heritage has always been its strength-and Kirtan is at the heart of that legacy. It has educated, uplifted, and united generations through devotion and storytelling. I commend Sony Marathi for creating a platform that honours this tradition while bringing it to a new generation. Kon Honar Maharashtracha Ladka Kirtankar is not just a show but a cultural movement that will keep our sacred legacy alive and thriving.”
Gaurav Banerjee, MD & CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India:
“At Sony Pictures Networks India, we’re passionate about telling stories that resonate deeply and authentically. Kon Honar Maharashtracha Ladka Kirtankar is more than just a show-it’s a celebration of Maharashtra’s spiritual legacy, brought alive through soul-stirring storytelling and devotion. At Sony Marathi, our philosophy of ‘Vinuya Atut Naati’ is about building lasting emotional bonds with our audience, and this show embodies that spirit perfectly.”
Kirtan has long been at the heart of Marathi culture, bridging spiritual teachings and social commentary through lyrical narratives. Long before the advent of the printing press, Kirtankars served as messengers of knowledge, morality, and devotion. Recognising its timeless relevance, Sony Marathi is revitalising this sacred tradition for today’s audiences.
To ensure authenticity, the show is guided by acclaimed Kirtan composer and scholar Dr. Sadanand More, acclaimed writer, poet, playwright, critic, historian, and a stalwart in Sant Sahitya.
Tune in to the Kon Honar Maharashtracha Ladka Kirtankar grand premiere on April 1, 2025, at 8:00 PM, only on Sony Marathi. And let the spirit of devotion unfold every Monday to Saturday.
Awards
Ajay Kakar to chair jury for ad:tech Honours Awards 2026
Industry leaders join jury as nominations surge for marketing tech awards
NEW DELHI: The ad:tech Honours Awards 2026 are gearing up for a bigger second edition, with Ajay Kakar, head of corporate branding at Adani Group, set to chair the jury for India’s technology-focused marketing awards.
Organised in partnership with the International Advertising Association India Chapter, the awards celebrate the growing influence of technology in shaping modern advertising and marketing outcomes. This year’s edition has drawn a strong response from across the industry, signalling rising momentum around innovation in marketing technology.
The organisers say the nominations reflect a wide range of ideas and approaches, highlighting how brands and agencies are increasingly leaning on platforms, tools and data to sharpen their campaigns and connect with audiences more effectively.
Leading the evaluation process, Kakar will head a jury made up of senior leaders from across brands, agencies and technology platforms.
The jury panel includes Amaresh Godbole, CEO, digital technology business at Publicis Groupe; Bishwajeet S, head of marketing and PR at Volkswagen India; Carol Goyal, executive director at Rediffusion and CEO of Aesthetic Intelligence Lab; Kushal Sanghvi, director at Komerz; Lara Balsara, executive director at Madison World; Rana Barua, group CEO India, sea and North Asia; Deepak Oram, senior vice president growth marketing and martech; and Priyanka Khaneja Gandhi, head of marketing and creative solutions at Amazon Ads India.
The ad:tech Honours Awards aim to recognise not just creative campaigns but the smart use of technology that delivers measurable impact and business results. Categories this year reflect the rapidly evolving digital landscape, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, data-driven marketing, content ecosystems, automation, martech and adtech integration, and commerce-led marketing.
The winners will be announced on 17 March 2026 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi during ad:tech New Delhi 2026. The event is expected to bring together leaders from brands, agencies, platforms, creators and technology partners for an evening celebrating the ideas and innovations shaping the future of marketing.iconductor industries.
