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ZEE launches Tamil movie channel -Zee Thirai at Zee Cine Awards Tamil 2020
MUMBAI: The first ever Zee Cine Awards Tamil 2020 held on the 4th of January was a celebration of Tamil cinema with Zee Tamil honouring the talent that has revolutionized the industry. Amidst the grandeur, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) officially announced its entry into the Tamil Film Entertainment space with a new movie channel – Zee Thirai. The new channel is the sixth channel in the Southern region by the network and the second movie channel in the south after Zee Cinemalu.
The announcement was made during the momentous occasion by Mr Punit Mishra, CEO- Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (India Broadcast Business) along with the emperor of Tamil Cinema- Dr Kamal Hassan. While Mr Mishra thanked the audience for their immense love and support towards Zee Tamil and dedicated the new channel to the people of Tamil Nadu, Kamal Hassan officiated the launch of Zee Thirai with a clapboard to an ecstatic audience.
Zee Thirai, a movie channel dedicated to Tamil cinema enthusiasts, is set to resonate with the pulse of Tamilians and their love for cinema that has deep cultural and social context in the lives of Tamilians around the world. The brand tagline – “Rathathil Kalandhadhu Cinema” which literally translates to “Cinema is infused in our blood” represents the passion and impact that movies have on the Tamil Market and the power that it has to inspire the dreams and visions of the common man.
Zee Thirai is the Tamil Film Entertainment Channel of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL). Launching in Q4 FY 19-20, Zee Thirai is set to emerge as the one-stop destination for fans of Tamil Cinema across the world. With a strong library of over 400+ films across genres such as horror, comedy, action-thriller, drama and so on, the channel aims to change the conversation from the ‘what’ to the ‘why’ of cinema.
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.
