Dubai's Malayalam radio station Hit 96.7 FM celebrates 21 years
Hit 96.7 FM, Dubai's Malayalam radio station, has celebrated 21 years of broadcasting, marking more than two decades of music, community engagement and cultural storytelling. The milestone was commemorated with a month-long series of celebrations and listener-focused activities, reaffirming the station's position at the heart of the South Indian expatriate community in the UAE.
Since its inception in 2004, Hit 96.7 FM, part of the Arab Media Group, has evolved into a cultural cornerstone for Malayali and South Indian audiences. Known for its back-to-back Malayalam hits, timely hourly news bulletins, and occasional Tamil tracks, the station has built a reputation for being more than just a source of entertainment; it has become a trusted daily companion for its listeners.
The station's popularity is powered by its team of celebrated presenters, including Mithun Ramesh, Nyla Usha, Arfaz Iqbal, Jean Markose, Maya Kartha, Nimmy and Dona Sebastian. These RJs are not only radio personalities but also regional celebrities with strong influence in the community. Accompanying them are news anchors Shabu Kilithattil and RJ Fazlu, whose news delivery has earned the station a reputation for credibility and consistency.
Reflecting on the station's legacy, RJ Mithun Ramesh, who also serves as Head of Programmes, said: 'For 21 years, we've not just been playing music — we've been listening, influencing, and staying connected with our people. We're proud to be the voice for the Malayalis and other communities, reflecting their stories, dreams, and culture every single day. This milestone isn't just ours — it belongs to every listener who made us part of their daily life.'
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the station hosted a variety of interactive events, with the centerpiece being the 'Hit the Jackpot' contest. The on-air campaign saw hundreds of listeners win exciting prizes such as gold bars, annual grocery supplies, product vouchers and other rewards. The festivities began in early June with a launch event at Carnival by Trèsind in DIFC and concluded with a grand finale at Marhaba Mall on July 5. The finale featured a lively 'Trolley Dash,' engaging games, giveaways, and energetic live appearances by the station's RJs, drawing in enthusiastic crowds of listeners and families.
The anniversary campaign was backed by main sponsors O Gold Wallet, Nellara Food Products, and Al Madina Hypermarket, with event support from Ad&M International Advertising & Events.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
'Maareesan' movie review: Fahadh Faasil, Vadivelu salvage this slow-burn thriller
Maareesan begins with an intriguing sequence of a rat that's let out of its trap and scurries inside a room — only to find a python. Director Sudheesh Shankar uses this sequence to establish that there are snakes and rats among us, inviting us into a guessing game that keeps us engrossed for the most of its 152-minute run time. And that is no mean feat, despite some stumbles. We're soon introduced to Dhayalan (Fahadh Faasil), a petty crook who's just been released from prison. He is soon back in action, stealing a smartphone from a temple and a bike from a movie-hall without fuss. Dhayalan is also a pragmatist: he beats the retreat when an alert commuter gives him a stern glare. Faasil channelises his characteristic humour, sarcasm and street-smarts that reminds you of his iconic role from the 2017 Malayalam crime drama Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum. Yet, in your mind, you're harking back to the opening sequence, asking yourself whether he's is the rat or the snake. He enters a house to pilfer its valuables when he comes face to face with Velayudham Pillai (Vadivelu), an Alzheimer's patient. Their opening exchange is one filled with humour, and a deal gets struck out of exasperation, after which the movie kicks into top gear. Hat-tip to V Krishna Moorthy, for dialogues littered with humorous wordplay. Dhayalan and Pillai soon set off on a road-trip across Tamil Nadu. The difference between them couldn't get starker, and that makes for compelling cinema. One's trying to escape his past; the other is losing his future. One bursts out in words, as in a river in full spate; the other's sedate like a still pond. Maareesan 's makers must be congratulated for putting an Alzheimer's patient as the protagonist without the fuss, sympathy and pathos. The condition is explained as not what Suriya suffers in Ghajini (2005) but almost like Sridevi in Moondram Pirai (Sadma). It's a treat to watch one of Tamil cinema's celebrated comedians not get mined for easy gags. 'Life must be pretty easy for you,' Dhayalan says. 'You can commit any crime and not have memories of it.' Pillai's response comes almost as a punch to the gut: 'What's life if there are no memories?' Yuvan Shankar Raja does well to punctuate the scene with silence and no background music. The duo ride past lush, green fields, run into a goat and smooth-talk out of the situation and break out into an impromptu rendition of Aaha inba nilavinile, a song from the 1957 epochal hit Maya Bazar. There are passing meta references to Vadivelu's Madurai origins and Faasil as the master actor. Kalaiselvan Sivaji's cinematography ensures you're looking at a video of Tamil Nadu tourism, highlighting its beauty. It feels like the Kamal Haasan, Madhavan-starrer Anbe Sivam met the Steve Martin drama Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Importantly, Faasil and Vadivelu bring their A-game to the fore and you're left spellbound. Maamannan (2023) had the two in opposing camps, but here they're together. They hit it out of the park with their earthy and authentic portrayals. There's little to dislike. A stage drama that renders Ilayaraja's yesteryear hit Nethu oruthara oruthara paathen dovetails into the narrative seamlessly. Yet, you keep wondering that something's gotta give… and the rat and snake. Something does give, during the interval block, or in the lead-up to the interval, when what seems like a slice-of-life drama enters thriller territory. And that's when Maareesan mis-steps. The second half ditches everything it had built in the first half and goes in for a different tone. You'd be forgiven for rubbing your eyes and wondering if you entered the wrong theatre. It shifts gears, yes, but the shift feels too abrupt. A bulging flashback that could have done with some trimming, police praising vigilantes and a perfunctory twist in the end. If you were wide-eyed with wonder until the interval, you'd turn wide-eyed with disappointment in the second. The routines and formulae that Tamil cinema was beholden to over the decades return with a vengeance. And as a viewer, all you can do is sigh. A twist in the end saves the proceedings a bit, as Faasil and Vadivelu hold it all together. The character Maareesan from the Hindu epic Ramayana is a master of disguise, but in the movie you wish the disguise was limited.
Khaleej Times
21-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Ajith Kumar unhurt after GT4 car crash in Italy, praised for humble gesture
Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar, known as much for his passion for motorsports as his on-screen charisma, was involved in a car crash during the latest round of the GT4 European Series at the Misano World Circuit in Italy. The incident occurred during the second round of the race, when Ajith's car collided with a stationary vehicle on the track. The Good Bad Ugly actor walked away unhurt but was forced to withdraw from the race. In a video shared by the race's official page, Ajith was seen doing what very few professional drivers would — stepping in to help the marshals clear debris from the track immediately after the collision. The commentator said, 'Ajith Kumar out of the car, out of the race. It's the first significant bit of damage we've seen from him this year. He's a fine champ; he goes and helps the marshals clear up all the bodies. Not many drivers would do that.' Out of the race with damage, but still happy to help with the clean-up. Full respect, Ajith Kumar ð�«¡ ð��° #gt4europe I #gt4 — GT4 European Series (@gt4series) July 20, 2025 Social media erupted with praise for the actor. Ajith's gesture won over the racing community. He has been a part of the racing circuit since 2003 and continues to juggle his film career with his love for motorsports. He previously competed in the 2010 Formula 2 Championship and has long been regarded as one of the few Indian actors who balances cinema with high-level professional racing. Earlier this year, the Indian government awarded him the Padma Bhushan, the nation's third-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his contributions to both cinema and motorsports. While Ajith is currently taking a break from films, he is prepping for the third round of the GT4 European Series in Belgium. On the cinematic front, he is reuniting with Good Bad Ugly director Adhik Ravichandran for his next project, though details remain under wraps. Good Bad Ugly was released in early 2025 and became Tamil cinema's highest-grossing film to date.
Gulf Today
19-07-2025
- Gulf Today
Shruti shares her wonderful experience of working in ‘Coolie'
Actress Shruti Haasan has opened up about her exhilarating experience working on the upcoming high-octane film 'Coolie,' calling it 'a beautiful kind of madness.' Known for balancing her edgy music persona with powerful roles on screen, Shruti said the film offered an environment that was both chaotic and deeply focused — a combination she thrived in. In a candid reflection on her time on set, Shruti shared, 'There was always this buzzing energy behind the scenes. We did a lot of night shoots, which I personally like quite a bit, so that was quite relaxing for me. But yeah, there was a lot of things happening. Everyone was really focused on the work, and overall it was a really, really good energy.' Shruti, who seamlessly switches between her punk rock concerts and demanding film sets, found Coolie to be a natural fit for her dynamic personality. With its intense pace and immersive production schedule, the film demanded unwavering focus — something the actor welcomed wholeheartedly. 'For me, this film felt like home turf — raw, real, and relentless,' she said. 'It was the kind of set where no one slept until the shot was perfect. That kind of drive is rare and energising.' As 'Coolie' inches closer to its theatrical release, Shruti's behind-the-scenes glimpse only heightens anticipation. From the adrenaline-charged night shoots to the passionate teamwork, the atmosphere she describes paints a picture of a film that promises to be as gripping on screen as it was behind the camera. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Rajinikanth in the lead, 'Coolie' has already generated considerable buzz among fans and industry insiders alike. With Shruti Haasan's infectious energy and enthusiasm now adding to the excitement, the film is poised to deliver a cinematic experience that's loud, intense, and unforgettable. Shruti Haasan was born on Jan.28, 1986 and predominantly works in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films. One of the highest-paid actresses in South Indian cinema, Haasan is the recipient of various accolades, including two Filmfare Awards South and seven SIIMA Awards. She has appeared in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list of 2015 and 2016. Born to actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan and actress Sarika Thakur, she worked briefly as a child artist. She made her acting debut as an adult with the Hindi film 'Luck' (2009). In 2011, she made her Telugu debut with 'Anaganaga O Dheerudu' and Tamil debut with '7 Aum Arivu,' winning the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South for both these films. Following a career breakthrough with the Tamil film '3' (2012), Haasan established herself as a leading South Indian actress with the successful Telugu films 'Gabbar Singh' (2012), 'Balupu' (2013), 'Yevadu' (2014), 'Race Gurram' (2014), 'Srimanthudu' (2015), 'Premam' (2016), 'Krack' (2021) and 'Waltair Veerayya' (2023), earning the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu for 'Race Gurram.' Meanwhile, If one is to go by rumours doing the rounds in the industry, director Lokesh Kanakaraj's much awaited action entertainer 'Coolie,' featuring Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead, may well reach audiences in over a 100 countries around the world when the film hits screens on Aug.14 this year! Hamsini Entertainment, a key player in international film distribution, is backing the film's global distribution. Having released over 130 films across languages worldwide, Hamsini Entertainment has a proven track record of taking Indian cinema to a global audience. Hamsini's recent ventures include the release of The Greatest of All Time (GOAT) starring Vijay in over 40 countries, and Devara, starring Jr. NTR, in more than 90 countries. Now, sources in the industry claim that with 'Coolie,' Hamsini Entertainment is gearing up for their biggest release yet, targeting distribution in over a 100 countries, making it one of the most widespread international releases for an Indian film. Produced by Sun Pictures, 'Coolie' has already made headlines by becoming the highest overseas procurement for a Tamil film to date. 'Coolie,' which is Rajinikanth's 171st film, will revolve around gold smuggling. Interestingly, director Lokesh Kanakaraj has disclosed that 'Coolie' will be a stand alone film and not a part of his Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). Indo-Asian News Service
