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Viewers vote for ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ to mark Sony’s 10th anniversary
MUMBAI: In order to commemorate Sony Entertainment Television’s 10th anniversary in India, the channel has lined up a special called Aap Jaisa Koi.
Aap Jaisa Koi is a viewers’ choice awards, which aims to recognise popularity and talent of television actors on Sony (a la Star Plus’ Star Parivaar Awards).
Sony will bring characters from all its shows over the last decade and also from its recent shows in Aap Jaisa Koi, wherein viewers will get an exclusive opportunity to vote for their favorite ‘soap’ characters in 24 ‘popular’ and ‘evergreen’ categories.
This saga will culminates in an award ceremony, which will be held on 14 January in Mumbai.
To mark the completion of 10 years of entertainment, Aap Jaisa Koi will have a special section of categories called the 10 on 10 where viewers can vote for the best stars of the decade on Sony. Viewers can take a nostalgic trip down memory lane as they come across characters from shows like Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka, Kanyadaan and Ghar EK Mandir.
The show comprises a series of concerts, which will be held in Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Jaipur in December and January with the grand finale happening in Mumbai on 28 January. The curtain raiser, announcing the nominees will be aired tonight (10 December) at 8 pm.
Aap Jaisa Koi concerts in these cities will have television actors will perform and appeal for people’s support to win as many votes as possible. The popular categories for voting include Aap Jaisa Koi Parivar, Aap Jaisa Koi Hero, Aap Jaisa Koi Dulhan amongst others.
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.
