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Surya TV sees Gold in Old
MUMBAI: At a time when most TV channels prefer to take the tried and tested route, here’s one that begs to differ.
After ‘Champions’ which showcases the many talents of differently-abled people, Malayalam GEC Surya TV has launched another unique show titled ‘Old is Gold’ which sets the stage for people aged 50 years and above to take to the microphone and display their singing talents to the world.
The 42-episode singing reality show premiered on 29 December last year and airs every Sunday at 9pm on the channel. It has 24 contestants – organized into four groups with six members each – competing for the Rs 25 lakh prize money with one participant booted out in each round. Anchored by Madonna and directed by Sonu Kumar, Malayalam singer-music composer M Jayachandran acts as mentor to the participants, who undergo rigorous four-day practice sessions with a professional voice trainer and orchestra to hone their singing skills before the shoot.
‘Old is Gold’ is produced in-house with nearly two episodes being shot every day. The channel is looking at SEC 4+ (ABCDE) as its TG. “The show breaks away from the oft-explored pool of showcasing only young people and gives an amazing platform to senior aspirants who have not got an opportunity to sing in their heyday,” says network head non fiction programming Aldam Jacob.
What’s more, the channel claims it has garnered a good response on digital platforms such as facebook where a majority of the visitors are youngsters. “The market is buzzing with positive energy and many are complimenting Surya for this path-breaking idea,” says Jacob.
Bheema Jewellers is the associate sponsor of the show on Surya TV. Meanwhile, the network plans to roll out the show in the other three southern states as well.
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.
