News Headline
Star Jalsha celebrates 15 years of unmatched success
Mumbai: Star Jalsha, a Bengali entertainment channel, has continued its unrivalled position as the leader in the television industry. For over 12 years of its 15-year journey, Star Jalsha has dominated the West Bengal market, leading the Bengali GEC space. Upholding this legacy, Star Jalsha reached 29.4 million viewers in West Bengal alone over the past year, with an average weekly viewing time of approximately 6 hours per viewer.
Star Jalsha will be launching two new shows Tunte and SandhyaTara in June. Tunte is scheduled to launch on 5 June. Tunte will narrate the heart-warming journey of a talented skilled girl from a remote village of Bengal and her journey to fulfil her dream to work as an established fashion designer in a big city. SandhyaTara is a tale of love and sacrifice of two sisters – Sandhya & Tara and is scheduled to launch on the channel in June too.
“At Star Jalsha, we have always been driven by the purpose to narrate stories of hope, courage and inspiration, stories that create a strong sense of purpose. We are humbled by the unwavering love we have received from our viewers over the years and are excited to bring in two new shows in June – Tunte, and SandhyaTara, both with heart-warming stories about aspiration, family bond and dream fulfilment. With these new upcoming shows and the existing strong content library, we look forward to entertaining families in Bengal and beyond,” said a Star Jalsha spokesperson.
Star Jalsha owes its enduring success to a winning formula that combines progressive storytelling, iconic characters, and an unwavering commitment to cater to the diverse sentiments of its audience. The channel has consistently pushed boundaries, delving into relevant social issues and exploring diverse narratives that strike a chord with both rural and urban viewers.
Notable shows like Maa, Behula, Durga, Ekhane Akash Neel, Ganer Opare, Kiranmala, Bojhena Se Bojhena, Sreemoyee, Ke Apon Ke Por, Mohor, and Potol Kumar Gaanwala have become household names in Bengal, captivating audiences with their outstanding stories. Building on this legacy, Star Jalsha’s current stellar shows like Anurager Chhowa, Horogouri Pice Hotel, Bangla Medium, Ramprasad and Komola O Shreeman Prithwiraj are set to carry the torch of excellence.
In addition to its ground-breaking storytelling, Star Jalsha is renowned for creating iconic characters that inspire and resonate with the audience. These characters, such as Baha, Potol, Sreemoyee, Mohor, Khukumoni, Deepa, Aishani have become cultural touchstones in Indian television, winning the hearts of millions in Bengal and beyond. They serve as role models, encouraging positive change and driving meaningful conversations.
Star Jalsha’s success has transcended boundaries, as its exceptional content has been adapted in multiple languages across various regional channels. Sreemoyee alone has been remade in seven different languages, including Anupama in Hindi and Baakiyalakshmi in Tamil, winning the hearts of diverse audiences in their respective markets. Similarly, Mohor and Khorkuto have been remade in six languages each, creating characters that have garnered immense love from their respective viewers. Sasural Genda Phool (Ogo Bodhu Sundori), Gustaakh Dil (Bou Kotha Kao), Meri Maa (Maa), Banni Chow Home Delivery (Khukumoni Home Delivery), Paadatha Painkilli (Ke Apon Ke Por), Kulfi Kumar Bajewala (Potol Kumar Gaanwala) and Teri Meri Doriyan (Gatchora) are some of the other successful shows which were adapted from Star Jalsha shows.
As Star Jalsha celebrates its remarkable achievements, it remains committed to its core values of innovation, inclusivity, and progressive storytelling. With an unwavering dedication to captivating audiences with high-quality programming, the channel will continue to shape the Indian television landscape and inspire viewers with its compelling content.
* Source: BARC WB 2+, W21’22-W20’23
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.








