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What can viewers expect from Indian Idol’s 12-hour grand finale?
Mumbai: Sony Entertainment Television is all set to host the grand finale of Indian Idol season 12 on this Independence Day. The gala event is expected to showcase over 40 acts spanning 12 hours, from noon till midnight.
There are six contestants – Pawandeep Rajan, Arunita Kanjilal, Sayli Kamble, Shanmukhpriya, Nihal Tauro, and Mohd Danish who have come this far to lift the coveted Indian Idol trophy.
Popular musical maestros from the Indian music industry will come together to encourage the finalists. “There will be scintillating performances not just by the top six contestants of this season, but also some of India’s top-rated singers. Aditya Narayan will be joined by Jay Bhanushali as co-anchor for the finale,” the channel said in a statement.
The event will commemorate the occasion of the country’s Independence Day with a tribute to the armed forces. Himesh Reshammiya and Sonu Kakkar will be seen performing on stage. As the evening progresses, a special host will make the contestants play a trivia game, according to the channel.
“At Sony Entertainment Television, we are delighted with how this season of Indian Idol has kept the audience engaged and entertained during trying times. Celebrating the legacy of the show with a power-packed grand finale seemed like a perfect fit,” said Sony Entertainment Television and digital business, head – content, Ashish Golwalkar. “We are delighted to flag the celebrations of the 75th year of our country’s Independence with this musical extravaganza. First, we will be showcasing a 12-hour star-studded finale with highly entertaining and engaging performances and we are looking forward to maximising viewer engagement. The top six finalists have had an incredible journey through the season and we want this last mile to be a memorable one – not just for the contestants but for the audience alike.”
“The 12-hour ‘greatest grand finale’ of Indian Idol season 12 is a testament to celebrating music in the most entertaining manner,” said Himesh Reshammiya. “It’s a tough choice between the top six finalists and I can’t wait to see who finally lifts the trophy this season.”
“I have been a contestant myself on a reality show in my early days and I can relate to the struggle and the anticipation that comes with it,” said Sonu Kakkar. “Watching some of the contestants standing strong through their tough life yet aiming to fulfill their singing dreams from such close quarters, has been most heart-warming for me.”
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.
