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Viewers to judge Sony’s ‘Indian Idol’ now
MUMBAI: The ball is now in audience court. With the sweet-n-sour comments pouring in, the Indian Idol’s coverage is seems to be getting it quite a few eyeballs.
But with the next round, which started on 18 November 2004, the channel can hope to extend its viewer base even futher. The channel has invited the viewers to vote for their favourite contestants and eventually pick the first ‘Indian Idol’.
While the judges whittle down 129 contestants to the final 30, in the 11 November episode, the fate of those 30 now lies in the nation’s hands.
Indian Idol will be telecast every Thursday and Friday, at 9:30 pm on Sony Entertainment Television. Viewers can watch contestants perform on Thursdays and start voting during the episode until midnight.
To vote viewers can SMS <Name of the contestant> to 2525** or call 190 2424 2525 from a BSNL/ MTNL landline and convey the contestant’s two digit code number. The episodes on Fridays will give out the results showcasing those contestants that have been chosen by the nation to stay on the show.
While the judges- Farah Khan, Anu Malik and Sonu Nigam, who shouldered the responsibility of selecting the final 30, they will from here on take a relative back seat and play a more consultative role. They will be offering their opinions, comments and remarks to help the audience make that crucial decision, says a company release.
According to SET executive vice president, Tarun Katial, “Indian Idol is ‘Of the people, By the people and For the people’, it is a truly democratic show wherein the nation gets to choose the one they want to stay on the show. Audiences across the nation will now get the opportunity to pick up the phone and vote for their favourite ‘Indian Idol’.”
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.
