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Star Maa goes in for an identity refresh
MUMBAI: When you are the leader, you set the pace. Disney Star India’s Telugu bouquet under the Star Maa umbrella – which has been numero uno in that language ever since one can remember – is going in for an identity refresh. Coinciding with the launch episode of the fourth season of its blockbuster Big Boss, it unveiled a new vibrant channel identity with host Nagarjuna saying it saying it’s a new start for an even more glorious journey of an already very strong brand.
A press release issued by the network states that “Star Maa holds together three important aspects – pride in our Samskruthi (culture), our Sampradayam (tradition), and weaving stories towards Purogati (progress). At Star Maa, our attempt is to celebrate the blend of these three aspects in every story we tell. We believe that there is a little bit of Star Maa in every one of us “
The Star Maa cluster of channels operates and leads in three genres: GEC, movies and music. Commanding a combined market share of 25 per cent these channels own the largest share of Telugu television viewership. In the GEC category, Star Maa enjoys a 30 per cent plus market share and is a dominant leader with the widest variety of programming. Star Maa Movies is the biggest movies channel and Star Maa Music most vibrant and distinct youth destination.
Star Maa is so dominant in the Telugu market that its general entertainment/reality shows occupy four of the top five slots there. Amongst these: Karthika Deepam, Intinit Gruhlakhsmi, , Mounaragam, Teff Vineya Vidheya Rama.
Says a Star Maa spokesperson: “We are incredibly humbled by the love the audience has showered on us in the past few years and our attempt with the new identity is to thank our viewers and offer them a channel they feel more proud to be a part of. Our viewers are our inspiration and their ability to keep their roots while developing the wings to fly is what drive us. This change is intended to celebrate the cultural richness of the Telugu region and build us as not just an entertaining brand but also an inspiring storyteller, that shapes society.”
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.
