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Sony Six and Kix rope in multiple brands for India VS Sri Lanka series
MUMBAI: As Team India under the leadership of Virat Kohli is set to take on Sri Lanka tomorrow (12 August, 2015),Multi Screen Media’s sports expertise Sony Six and Kix have roped in multiple sponsors for the series, which comprise three Test matches.
Sony Six, which acquired the series’ rights for a speculated $3.2 million, has brought on board Cricbuzz as the title sponsor along with other brands such as Idea, Apple, Royal Stag, Cycle Pure Agarbathies and Think and Learn Pvt Ltd. Additionally, the channel’s ad sales team is also in last stages of formalities with a few more brands.
While the India – Sri Lanka series will be Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara’s last encounter with international cricket, it will also be the first real test of Kohli’s leadership skills.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, MSM president Rohit Gupta said, “The series is highly awaited as this becomes the first real test of Virat Kohli. Also this is the final outing for Kumar Sangakkara. Test matches have its own flare and audience and we are sure that it will garner good viewership. We have sold the slots at normal rates and are happy with the reaction from advertisers so far.”
Sony Six and Sony Kix business head Prasana Krishnan had earlier said, “We are delighted to partner Sri Lanka Cricket Board as the official broadcaster of the series. The fixture between the two Asian giants is one of the most sought after and keenly followed contests in cricket and we are proud to be bringing it live to our viewers. And it will be interesting to watch how the Indian squad fares under Virat’s aggressive style of leadership.”
MSM’s new launch Sony Kix will be telecasting the Hindi feed, while Sony Six will air the English version of the coverage. Krishnan is of the opinion that the India VS Sri Lanka series will play a pivotal role is enhancing the reach of the channel. “The three month old channel has already created a huge demand and the series will certainly enhance its presence,” he said.
A cricket expert on condition of anonymity asserted, “The test will not only be of two teams but of the Test format. Test cricket is still the real test of skill; we saw that in Ashes recently but at the same time the format is losing it commercial value, which poses a threat over it in the long run. As a cricket fan, I am waiting for the series to unfold. I feel Harbajjan Singh will come out of the series with flying colours. Also a great of the game will be hanging his boots, which makes it all the more interesting. Overall, I would like to see quality cricket, packed stadium and overwhelming viewership statistics.”
According to sources in the media planning fraternity, MSM is selling a 10 second ad slot for the India – Sri Lanka series between Rs 50,000 – 75,000.
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.
