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Vijay TV all set to lure Tamil viewers with ‘KBC 2’
MUMBAI: This Friday, that is 5 August, at 9 pm, as Amitabh Bachchan re-unites with Computerji to rekindle the KBC phenomenon yet again on Indian television, Star’s Tamil channel Vijay TV will also have for its viewers its own dubbed version of KBC 2 with the tagline “Nambikku Mele Double” (twice more than you hope).
The Big B’s familiar deep baritone voice is being dubbed by renowned Tamil film artiste Nizhalgal Ravi who made it big in Kollywood with a reportoire that includes Nayakan, Nizhalgal, Indian, Kandukondain Kandukondain and Annamalai.
The channel has already kicked off its aggressive promotional activities for the big property. On ground activities which had participation by school kids, the distribution of KBC 2-branded merchandise, outdoor and print campaigns are being employed to create hype.
Says Vijay TV DGM Harsh Rohatgi on the upcoming biggy, “The show which made television history is back again and this time it will create a bigger impact among the Tamil audience.”
Regional advertisers who have been roped in by Vijay TV for KBC 2 are confident that the dubbed version of the Hindi show will be accepted by Tamil viewers. “KBC 2 is a property that re-defines Indian television’s regional spirits. The show targets all segments of society whether it is the youth, the family or the kids segment. So I think the experiment will really work,” says Chennai-based retailer Pothy’s Ramesh.
Other regional advertisers figuring in the Tamil version of KBC 2 include Univercell. The channel has also national advertisers Airtel, Fairever, LG Electronics and Chlor-Mint in its line up.
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.
