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TME appointed Star India’s official media agency
MUMBAI: The cat’s finally out of the bag! The Media Edge (TME) has been appointed Star India’s new media agency.
Incumbent agency Mindshare as well Starcom were very close contenders and it was a race that went down to the wire, industry sources say. The clincher apparently, was the remarkable work done by TME during the launch of the show that gave the initial thrust for Star’s rise to the pre-eminent position it commands today – Kaun Banega Crorepati.
Why TME? This is what Star India’s senior vice president marketing and communications Ajay Vidyasagar has to say about the choice of agency, “TME had the most compelling logic with us. Also, we have worked with TME at close quarters earlier during the launch of KBC. Also, they have a very good understanding of our brand and hence the choice.”
Star Network, in its media AoR agency pitch, invited five media houses, namely Madison, Initiative Media, The Media Edge, FCB and Starcom, along with the incumbent, Group M.
The next few months are critical for Star as their main channel, Star Plus, will be looking at holding its leadership status, against the onslaught of Sony’s forthcoming launches during the peak festive months. Also the launch of it’s high profile channel, StarOne will be a major happening at the Star pad..
When questioned as to why incumbent Mindshare lost out, Vidyasagar said, “We mutually agreed that between their objective and ours there was a slight mismatch. Although, we respect their people and knowledge and will be working with them on the advertising front.”
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, an elated TME president Divya Gupta says, “TME’s strategic recommendations, based on category and brand understanding, coupled with incisive consumer insights, proved to be the key determinant that won us this business. Also, TME did partner Star on KBC which may have given the client a sense of the way TME works.”
Commenting on the size of the account Gupta adds, “The media investments across the Star network, costed at the market rates, is estimated at Rs 2 billion making it among one of the largest advertisers in the country. However going beyond numbers it is a prestigious win and one that we are proud to partner with.”
TME’s strategy would vary across each of the brands based on the marketing and communication objectives of the brand details.
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.
