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Sony TV brings back Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa from BBC Studios
Mumbai: Bringing large-scale international formats to the Indian sub-continent, Sony Entertainment Television has acquired the rights to the highly anticipated and immensely popular dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, a BBC Studios unscripted format of Dancing with the Stars. Returning to Sony Entertainment Television after 12 years, the show will premiere on November 11th and will air every Saturday and Sunday at 9.30 PM IST.
The upcoming season of the celebrity dance reality show will witness Farah Khan Kunder, Arshad Warsi, and Malaika Arora coming together to form a dynamic judging panel. Farah Khan Kunder, a highly skilled choreographer, and acclaimed filmmaker, is known for her imaginative dance routines and possesses a discerning eye for spotting talent, making her an ideal choice for the judging panel. Versatile actor, dancer, and entertainer, Arshad Warsi will contribute his wit and charm to the mix while Malaika Arora is renowned for her mesmerizing moves and captivating presence, having made her mark not only as a Bollywood icon but also as a popular judge in various reality shows. Together, this trio, with their wealth of experience and expertise, promise to offer valuable feedback and unforgettable entertainment in the show.
Sony Entertainment Television, Sony SAB, PAL and Sony MAX Movie Cluster business head Neeraj Vyas said, “The return of ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’ on Sony Entertainment Television marks an exciting addition to our nonfiction lineup. It signifies our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class content and this season will see celebrities from different walks of life perform diverse routines, judged by Farah Khan Kunder, Arshad Warsi and Malaika Arora. Acquiring the rights to this beloved format is more than just a homecoming for the show; it’s a celebration of entertainment, glamour, and dance, posing a visual extravaganza for our audiences.”
One of the most popular BBC Studios formats with 61 licenses of the show globally, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is the Indian adaptation of Dancing with the Stars, or Strictly Come Dancing as it is known in the UK. It is recognized for its dazzling dance-offs, and its star-studded judging panel has remained a household sensation since its inception. With its unique blend of entertainment, emotion, and unparalleled choreography, the show consistently raises the bar for television.
Excited about the launch of the show, Sameer Gogate, General Manager, BBC Studios Production, India, said, “I am delighted that Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is dancing its way back to its original home of Sony Entertainment Television. It is a hugely popular show, both in India and internationally, and it continues to surprise and delight as the incredible hidden dance talents of our celebrities are revealed on the dance floor. We have begun shooting and can’t wait to see the contestants sashaying onto the dance floor for this new edition on Sony Entertainment Television!”
A transformation that fans look forward to, the show will see much loved actors and stars shed their inhibitions and don their dancing shoes in a bid to impress the nation. This season promises a line-up of sensational contestants from diverse walks of life including Indian wrestler Sangeeta Phogat, the vivacious Tanishaa Mukerji, TV actor and model Aamir Ali, television icon Urvashi Dholakia, TV heartthrobs Shoaib Ibrahim and Vivek Dahiya, Rocky aur Rani ki Prem Kahaani actor Anjali Anand, Indian television’s much loved Pushpa aka Karuna Pandey, reality show star Shiv Thakre, comedian Rajiv Thakur, Celebrity Teen Actor Adrija Sinha and Indian playback singer Sreerama Chandra. This forthcoming season of ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’, Co-Powered by Priyagold Butter Delite Biscuits, is hosted by Gauahar Khan and Rithvik Dhanjani and promises an even more immersive and electrifying experience for viewers across India.
Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa premieres on November 11 at 9.30 pm, only on Sony Entertainment Television
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.
