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Star World becomes India specific from today
MUMBAI: Today is the day of reckoning for Star World as it unveils its new programming strategy. The niche English channel with international shows will now split its beam with an Indian specific beam catering exclusively to Indian viewers.
Still from Goodness Gracious Me
With an impressive line – up of shows like Kumars at No. 42 , Goodness Gracious Me (GGM), Knight Rider and new episodes of Rendezvous with Simi Garewal and Top Drive to name a few, the channel is gearing to strengthen its position among the niche English channels.
“In our endeavour to make Star World India- specific, we are now bringing Indian Diaspora products from across the globe to Indian television through Kumars and GGM. Thus fine tuning the channel will also help to compartmentalise programmes catering to every family member,” says Star India senior VP, content and communication, Tarun Katial.
As expected, the channel has drawn up an extensive marketing campaign using media like print, radio, outdoor, Internet, cinema and onground events.
“The focus currently is to familiarise the viewers with the new schedule and new shows coming on Star World. Currently we are looking to do joint promotions, like the tie-up that we have with Barista. Exciting viewer contests are also planned,” reveals a channel spokesperson.
Refusing to divulge the exact figures going into the exercise, the spokesperson adds that “A substantial amount of money is being spent. We are looking to create a lot of buzz and impact.”
Still from Kumars at No. 42
Though the channel packaging will remain the same, the channel intends to have a new set of promos for its new schedule and shows. It also intends to revive the ‘Absolutely Everybody Watches STAR World campaign’ by shooting with a host of Indian celebs.
“We have already done endorsements with a number of international celebrities like Holly Valance,Justin Timberlake,Taron Hayes,Whoopi Goldberg, Ray Ramona, Baz Luhrmann and others. We are also planning to do the same with Indian celebrities,” he says.
As the channel fine-tunes itself to suit the Indian palate, it remains to be seen if it surges further ahead of Zee English. Whether the Zee Group niche channel can hold on to the gains it has slowly made in recent months will be closely watched.
See related story:
Star World plans a rejig to capture family audience
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.
