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Zee Tamil dons fresh look; lines up new content offering
MUMBAI: Zee Tamil is all set to don a fresh look and feel with its new packaging, which is aligned with its new content offering.
The channel’s refreshed logo reflects the colour of Manjal (turmeric) and Kunkumam (kum kum), the two most auspicious colours and symbols in Tamil Nadu. The channel has positioned itself as people’s favourite channel with the new positioning statement “Ithu Namma Channel” (It is Our Channel).
At the content level, new programmes include entertaining game shows, serials as well as reality and star-studded shows. The channel has recently launched two new serials namely Lakshmi Vanthachu and Annakodiyum Ainthu Pengalum in tune with the new positioning.
The new upcoming serials will have differential and aspirational storylines appealing to the entire family. A new format game show Genes, is slated to launch in April. This will be the first of its kind show in Tamil GECs where celebrities play the game along with their relations. The show will be anchored by Suma, the most popular anchor in Telugu television, who is making her foray into Tamil Nadu market through this show.
Tamil Nadu being a film market, movies play a key role in contributing to the overall television viewership. Zee Tamil has also expanded its movie library with the acquisition of blockbusters like Vikram Prabhu’s Vellaikara Durai, Kamal Haasan’s Uthama Villain, critically acclaimed Kayal and Sidharth’s Enakul Oruvan.
Elaborating on the need for the new look, Zee Tamil business head Easwaran said, “Understanding the pulse of Tamil Nadu has been the strength of Zee Tamil. Every few years, a new set of audience come into television. The challenge lies in embracing the new audience into the existing one. The aim is to capture the hearts and minds of Tamil Nadu in its entirety and to make Zee Tamil the most watched general entertainment channel in Tamil Nadu.”
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.
