Awards

Judging rounds for 6th Indian Telly Awards completed

Published

19 years ago

September 23, 2006

MUMBAI: Honouring the best in television is what defines the Indian Telly awards. As the awards enter its sixth edition this year, it continues to evolve with the television industry. And this year the awards get even bigger.

New categories have been introduced this year in the technical category, which means more recognition and honour for people who are considered as the unsung heroes of television.

And for the awards this year, the jury members have already given their verdict on who is the best in each category. You will have to wait with bated breath to know which of your favourite star, favorite dialogue writer or your favorite programme have won accolades from the jurors.

Cinematographer Dharam Gulati watching the nominations
The jury meetings of the programming and technical categories of the awards concluded on 22 September. It spanned over a week’s time with the members comprising of who’s who of television industry, right from directors, actors, cinematographers, editors to animation specialist.

The jury for the programming awards category included distinguished names from the industry like Gitanjali Rao, Ishan Trivedi, Nitish Bhardwaj, Priya Singh Paul, RD Tailang, Rakesh Sarang, Rathikant Basu, Rakesh Sharma, Rekha Nigam, Reena Wadhwa, Sarita Tanwar and Vinod Ranganathan.

Some of the jury members of the Indian Telly Awards 2006
Whereas, the jury for the Technical Awards consisted of Animation specialist Yunus Bukhari, Film Editor Ashmit Kunder and Cinematographer Dharam Gulati.

The awards this year has been classified into six broad categories:

THE TRADE AWARDS
Comprising 4 categories

THE TECHNICAL AWARDS
Comprising 22 categories
THE CHANNEL AWARDS
Comprising 10 categories
THE PROGRAMMING AWARDS
Comprising 17 categories
THE POPULAR AWARDS
Comprising 25 categories
SPECIAL AWARDS
Comprising 5 categories

With the television industry witnessing a rapid growth as a medium of information and entertainment, the jurors have evoked a mixed feeling about the content and quality of the program shown on television.

Jury members watch the nominations
Scriptwriter RD Tailang, who has written game shows like KBC and Khul Ja Sim Sim and was one of the jury members, feels that the standard of programming and content in Indian television has undergone a drastic transformation. “I have judged about ten categories for the Indian telly awards and I think that awareness coupled with exposure has taken the Indian TV industry to a higher platform. I have judged Emmys and I feel that our programmes are way ahead as compared to theirs. And honouring the best among them is a great step taken by Indiantelevision.com,” said Tailang.

Writer Director Ishaan Trivedi, who judged the nominations for non-fiction shows on news channels, echoes Tailang’s views. He says, “News Channels are doing a good job, with indepth reporting. There were some programs which are for the common people, and for the viewers.”

He added, “There are only two award functions honouring thepeople working in the television industry and the Indian telly award is doing a commendable job in this arena. A special mention goes to Anil Wanvari, who is making these awards as the Emmys of India.”

Director Rakesh Narang in a pensive mood
Whereas director Rakesh Sarang says, “There are so many things happening in the Television industry. News channels are also diversifying. With innovative ideas and concepts being worked upon, competition has definitely increased, but competition of this kind always yields better results.”

But at the same time he seemed disappointed with the content and quality of fiction shows, despite the fact that he has directed serials like Aashirwad. He says,”The storyline along with direction and technical inputs is the same. There is no difference in the treatment. There should be more innovation in terms of content.”

Its not only Rakesh Sarang, also the jury members judging the technical categories have been disappointed with the quality and content of programming in television. They feel that there has been a gradual decline in the quality of programs being made, which can either be attributed to the growing competition or the lack of creative ideas.

Let’s take a break! Jury members having lunch
“Focus of the program aired on various channels has seen a paradigm shift. The technicians have lost their creativity. Editors are no more editors, they are simply machine editors, the directors are not serious about their work,” said Cinematographer Dharam Gulati.
Gulati however pins his hopes on the churning happening on the television front with more channels planning their entry.
Ashmith Kunder, who is a film editor added, “India has a lot of talent. And technical improvisation is the need of the hour besides the content.”

“People have experimented with new concepts and have been successful. It’s not what people want, it’s about giving them what they require,” asserted Kunder.

Animation specialist Yunus Bukhari in the process of judging
Yunus Bukhari, who is an animation expert lauded the effort that Indian animators are taking into promoting the animation industry, but says Indian animation industry is at a nascent stage and has a long way to go.”Animation is a 60 billion dollar market with India contributing only 3-5 percent. The industry not only requires seriousness from the aspirants but government should also take concrete steps to promote the industry and regulate software piracy,” said Bukhari.

He further added,”Entertainment channels and production houses are not justifying the content that goes on air. If you look at most of the programs on air, the storyline is the same, technical improvisation has been nil and animation is way behind.”

Despite their critical views, the jury members applauded the Indian Telly Awards for its initiative to honour people in the industry.

Indiantelevision.com’s founder Anil Wanvari at work
The brainchild of Indiantelevision.com’s founder Anil Wanvari, the awards was envisioned in 2001 to honour people in the television industry and since then has grown with more categories and more people receiving the awards. What started as awards for select performances has moved ahead and now covers almost every category in television. Winners are decided through a process wherein several jurors go through the nominations and give their verdict on the most deserving candidate.

Up Next

BBC celebrates 10th anniversary of Teletubbies with a new JV

Don't Miss

MSN India launches Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam portals

Click to comment

Awards

Zee Cine Awards 2026 set for fan-first celebration in Mumbai

Akshay Kumar and stars launch awards at NSCI Dome on Feb 28

Published

1 week ago

February 9, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: The Zee Cine Awards are returning to Mumbai with a fresh promise to put fans at the centre of the spectacle. Announcing its 24th edition, the broadcaster unveiled a fan-first theme, “Yeh Pal Hai Fans Ka”, as part of its wider “Fantertainment” philosophy, turning the spotlight on the audiences who keep Hindi cinema alive.

The awards, presented by Maruti Suzuki, will take place at the NSCI Dome on February 28 and March 1. The announcement was made at a lively press conference that felt more like a mini awards night, complete with games, dance steps, and spontaneous fan interactions.

Akshay Kumar, Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Aparshakti Khurana, Mithoon and Palak Muchhal joined the launch, bringing both star power and easy charm. Kumar set the tone by inviting the rest of the celebrities on stage and revealing the event dates, while others recreated popular hook steps and joined fans in playful on-stage moments.

For Zee, the awards are more than a red-carpet ritual. The company positioned the show as a long-running platform that celebrates both industry excellence and the emotional bond between films and their audiences. This year’s theme extends that idea, framing the event as a shared celebration shaped by fan enthusiasm rather than just star presence.

Zeel head of advertisement revenue, broadcast and digital, Laxmi Shetty said the awards continue to draw strength from the network’s multi-platform reach across television, digital and social media, adding, “Its continued relevance is powered by ZEE’s robust omni-channel ecosystem, which mirrors today’s evolving content consumption and enables seamless viewer engagement.”

Zeel chief cluster officer for Hindi and Marathi movies, Ruchir Tiwari said the 2026 edition aims to raise the bar, noting, “Audiences can expect a celebration that brings together cinema in its most spectacular form, through performances, moments, and storytelling that feel fresh and ambitious.”

Zee and Zee5 chief marketing officer, Kartik Mahadev described the theme as a tribute to fandom, saying, “We are celebrating how cinema truly lives, through moments that fans carry forward, reference, remix and relive.”

Maruti Suzuki India Limited senior executive officer for marketing and sales, Partho Banerjee said the partnership reflects the company’s connection with Indian consumers, adding, “Zee Cine Awards is a platform that reflects the voice and passion of audiences who make this celebration meaningful.”

Hell Energy Pvt Ltd director, Unnikannan Gangadharan said the brand was marking its 20th anniversary globally, adding, “India remains a key focus market for us, and we are excited to announce the upcoming launch of a zero-sugar variant.”

For the stars, the event remains a familiar and festive fixture on the industry calendar. Kumar, who debuted in films around the same time Zee TV launched, called the awards “a prestigious platform” he has enjoyed performing at over the years, while others described it as a reunion-like celebration that brings together films, artists and the fans who make it all worthwhile.

Tickets will be available through District by Zomato, while the televised ceremony will air later on Zee TV, Zee Cinema and Zee5, giving audiences across the country a chance to relive the night’s highlights.

Awards

Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards

Published

1 week ago

February 7, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

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.

Awards

Indian creatives take centre stage on Global Awards Juries

Published

2 weeks ago

February 6, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: India is making its mark on the global creative scene as some of the country’s leading minds join juries for The One Club for Creativity’s prestigious awards. Celebrating excellence across advertising, design, and typography, The One Club is known for rewarding standout work while championing inclusion, education, and creative growth.

The One Show 2026, one of the most coveted honours in advertising, sees Indian leaders on its jury including Khalil Bachooali of Offroad Films, Rajdeepak Das of Publicis Groupe South Asia, Ashish Deshpande of Elephant Design, and creative chiefs from Ogilvy, Havas, Mudra, FCB Interface, and more. The extended submission deadline is 6 February, with the final cut-off on 20 February.

On the design front, the ADC 105th Annual Awards, celebrated worldwide for design and visual communication, counts Binaifer Dulani, Moumita Pal, Sulekha Rajkumar, Kamal Kumaar Rao, and Neha Tulsian among its Indian jury members. The deadline extensions mirror those of The One Show, encouraging broader participation.

Meanwhile, the TDC 72nd Annual Competition, the world’s leading platform for typography and lettering, features Namrata Goyal of Universal Thirst representing India. Entries are open until 27 February.

Indian creatives also enjoy reduced submission fees, with tiered pricing for smaller agencies and freelancers, making it easier for talent of all scales to shine on the world stage.

With India’s creative leaders now shaping the decisions behind these global accolades, the country is proving it’s not just participating, it’s setting benchmarks.