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Vijay TV launching aggressive programme drive from 1 October
With latest addition to the family Vijay TV firmly in tow, Star India today gave notice it was ready for a long haul battle with undisputed leader Sun TV and distant second Jaya TV for the ultimate prize – the eyes and minds of the Tamil viewer.
Starting 1 October, Vijay TV will have a slew of fresh new programmes, starting with mega soaps like Marumagal, Kathai Kathaiam Kaaranamam, Kavyanjali, Agnisatchi, Kudumbam oru Kovil to weekly comedy shows like Crazy times, Galatta countdown, along with mega movies during the week.
Announcing this at a press briefing in Chennai, Ajay Vidyasagar, GM, said: “Our programming philosophy has been to get strong story lines to be enacted by the best Tamil actors and actresses. The focus has been to raise the bar on packaging, promotions and the quality of presentation that has been the hallmark of the Star network. With Vijay we believe that TV viewing families in Tamil Nadu will have the privilege of choice”.
Kicking off the programming blitz is a daily soap Marumagal, with top cine star Khushbu making her debut on Tamil TV. She is cast as Nandhini an intelligent young woman who gets married into the family of a rich businessman. The story revolves around her demanding mother-in-law, played by Manjula, the popular film star of yesteryear, and how she solves tangles and wins the love and affection of everyone. This is also for the first time that Khushbu will star with Manjula and both are excited about the show.
Kathai Kathaiam Kaaranamam, is a collection of stories written by literary stalwarts like Vaasathi, Sivasankari and Balakumaran. This series is directed by Revathy, with the lead roles enacted by top rated actors and actresses. In the first story Shobana cast as Malathi in Vaasanthi’s hugely popular Nampikaikalum Anumanumgalum, plays the lead role.
Galatta is a music countdown show with comedians Senthil and Manivannan hosting.
Slotted for the weekend is Crazy Times scripted by Crazy Mohan one of Tamil cinema’s leading humourists.
According to Vijay TV officials, the new programming line-up has been crafted after an elaborate exercise done across consumer segments in Tamil Nadu.
Suresh Iyer, programming head for Vijay says: “We have gone into local production by partnering with some of the best quality production houses. There is a lot of involvement from our end. We have set up a creative services cell that thoroughly evaluates all shows and based on merit these will play on the channel. We have a strong commitment to provide quality content and bringing stars to the homes of consumers (instead of the consumer going in search of them)”
Sameer Nair, head of programming, Star, said: “This is only the first step towards what we believe is a long term plan in harnessing the creative talents in South India. And like we have learnt with Star Plus, we are in a marathon and not a hundred meter race”
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.
