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Vijay TV to launch five ‘blockbusters’ weeklies
MUMBAI: ‘Paanch’ seems to be the buzz word at Vijay TV. Star networks’ Tamil channel has announced launch of five new weekly shows, scheduled to roll out from 13-17 October, one every day of the week at 8:30 pm.
Nyayam Endrum Solven
Shifting from the daily dose of half-hour soaps, the new one hour launches will cover different genres, from crime thrillers to super-natural to reality shows. According to a company release, the highlight of the new line-up is unique reality show by actor, director, composer and social activist T Rajhendherr – Nyayam Endrum Solven and an interactive programme from K Balachander Priyamudan.
Pralayam
In Nyayam…, Rajehendherr will play the role of a judge and arrive at his judgment in real life cases. To be aired every Friday, the show will replace the channel’s flagship daily show- Kathai alla Nijam, which aired Monday through Friday. Kathai… hosted by Lakshmi will henceforth air on Saturdays and Sundays at 8:30 pm, says a company release. This season will see Kathai…, will travel to centers like Coimbatore and Madurai.
Bhairavi
On Monday, the channel will premiere Pralayam starring Venu Arvind, Maalavika and Bhanuchander, which centers on the classic human quest for eternal power and life. The socio-mythological Bhairavi will air on Tuesdays. An Amman story, with a strong cast has been shot at exotic locales in Tamil Nadu. Wednesday will be thriller time with Pulan Visaranai a crime thriller starring Devan being aired.
Priyamudan
The second highlight of the launch Priyamudan will air on Thursdays. K Balachander weaves intricate stories around sensitive people and issues. In this show he presents two climaxes to each story and will analyse why a particular climax was chosen?
Slotted to be marketed as special festival bonanza, special marketing along with an extensive multimedia campaign is scheduled to announce the launch.
Pulan Visaranai
According to Vijay TV head of programming Suresh Iyer, “Today, the audience wants to move beyond stereotypical programs. The philosophy of Vijay has always been to pioneer differentiated and relevant programming in line with the changing needs of audiences. As a trendsetter, we are making an effort to create a new one-hour primetime habit in this market. We are confident that these shows will add a lot more excitement to the habit of television.”
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.
