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Zee Kannada completes 16 years; leads Karnataka market
Mumbai: Zee Kannada completes 16 years as a general entertainment channel today. The channel is leading the Karnataka market with 40 per cent share for the last 181 weeks as per Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) data.
Zee Kannada’s content strategy involves offering thought-provoking fiction shows, clutter-breaking reality shows, intriguing talk shows and blockbuster movies to woo viewers to the channel. The channel has its expertise and uniqueness in both the fiction and non-fiction space, appealing to all age groups of people. It has also provided a stage for emerging talent with its non-fiction properties such as Maharishi Vaani, Drama Juniors, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Dance Karnataka Dance, Comedy Kiladigalu, Golden Gang, Weekend with Ramesh amongst others.
Similarly, Zee Kannada’s fiction properties have also resonated with Kannada audience, especially shows like Hitler Kalyana, Puttakkanna Makkalu, Sathya or Manhanayaka, which have gone on to be cult classics.
The year 2021-2022 has been a hit year for the channel with many of its shows garnering high launch TVRs (TV ratings) including Hitler Kalyana garnering 9.3 TVR, Puttakkana Makkalu at 13.5 TVR, Drama Junior Season Four at 8.4 TVR, and Dance Karnataka Dance Season 6 at 7.0 TVR. Notably, Puttakkana Makkalu launch week rating is a record for any new show in the history of the Kannada television industry.
The channel has also bagged the satellite rights of top upcoming films like KGF 2, Vikrant Rona, Bajrangi 2, Ek Love Ya, Garuda Gamana Rishaba Vahana, Ratnan Prapancha, Galipata 2, Gandhada Gudi, Rider, and Drishya 2.
“With an aim to inspire our viewers and help open doors for them to achieve their goals, we at ZEE Kannada and ZEE Picchar have always put the audience at the forefront and that is something that has truly worked well for us,” said Zee Kannada and Zee Picchar business head Raghavendra Hunsur.
“From celebrating several milestones to emerging as the market leader, to taking social media by storm and having a highly successful season of fiction and non-fiction shows, Zee Kannada has had quite an eventful year. As the channel completes 16 successful years, it shows how we have grown as a brand and become leaders in our own right. The recognition also helps us understand and motivates us that we are on the correct path, and we hope to continue entertaining our viewers. I also hope that the viewers continue showering our shows with their love and support for years to come,” he added.
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.
