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Zee Marathi clocks highest ratings for ‘Lai Bhaari’ world TV premiere
MUMBAI: The Marathi general entertainment channel (GEC) from the Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited’s (ZEEL) bouquet has clocked the highest ratings ever in the Marathi GEC space, all thanks to its world television premiere of ‘Lai Bhaari’ on 25 January.
The channel, as per the recent TAM TV Ratings, clocked 5727 TVTs, for the world television premiere of the movie, which is the highest rated world TV premiere across Hindi and Marathi films in Maharashtra in the past seven years.
Riteish Deshmukh’s Lai Bhaari, which smashed the box office record in the Marathi industry, also smashed records on television. The film was watched by over 11.5 million people, which implies nearly a quarter of the entire C&S population of Maharashtra watched Lai Bhaari.
The movie was supported by a strong 360 degree marketing campaign with a robust outdoor and print campaign. The special innovation for the campaign was ‘fiber bricks’ which were sent out to media agencies to create buzz before the telecast of the movie. The on air campaign had been done in-house with multiple creatives being created and a special shoot with Riteish Deshmukh.
With these numbers, Zee Marathi has broken its own records and now boasts of an even more impressive performance with regards to world television premieres. The channel has been home to premieres like Duniyadari, Time Pass, Fandry.
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.
