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‘The Apprentice’ launches in 6 weeks on Star World
MUMBAI: The latest acquisition by Star India, The Apprentice, launches on Star World, in six weeks.
The NBC produced reality series that tests competitors’ survival techniques in New York City’s corporate jungle, is touted as the big ticket show of Star World this season. The acquisition was done in Hong Kong just 10 days ago, and Star India senior vice president marketing and communications, Ajay Vidyasagar says the channel is still undecided about the time slot it would be allotted. Despite earlier shows like Joe Millionaire which failed to make a mark on Indian television despite having been a big hit in the US, Star World is gung ho about the viewership success of The Apprentice.
“The real case study it offers, the business aspect of the show has a high potential to connect with Indian viewers,” opines Vidyasagar. Real brains count in this reality show, where the finalist who survives the other contenders lands a $250,000-a-year job in Trump’s business empire.
The show first aired in the US in January 2004, raking in over 20 million viewers each episode. The live finale was on 15 April. Even Sony Pictures realised its potential, preferring to preview the Spider Man II trailer, an unconventional two and half minute long teaser with never before footage, during one of The Apprentice’s episodes this April.
The series has since been taken up for adaptation by BBC2, where the multi millionaire behind Amstrad, Sir Alan Sugar, replaced Donald Trump.
NBC and executive producer Mark Burnett (Survivor) teamed up for The Apprentice, a 17-episode series in which candidates vie for the chance to become an “apprentice” to a “master.” During the first, second, and third seasons of The Apprentice,legendary business tycoon Donald Trump served as the “master” and his business empire, The Trump Organization, was the hub of the competition.
According to reports, NBC has already announced that The Apprentice 2, the sequel to its hit reality competition series starring Donald Trump, will premiere September 9. In addition to featuring the return of Donald Trump, his associates Caroline Kepcher and George Ross, and 18 new contestants (an increase from the original season’s 16), Apprentice 2 will also see the return of first season Apprentice winner Bill Rancic, who will substitute for George during two of the episodes.
Trump’s weekly bad-news announcement to the losing competitor — “You’re fired!” — has become such a catchphrase the New York real-estate baron tried to trademark it. NBC went a step ahead by getting official merchandise for The Apprentice on sale, with the phrase “You’re Fired!” now appearing on t-shirts, tank tops, hats and mugs.
Star must be hoping the series comes up trumps, but will India also be fired up by this phenomenon?
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
