News Headline
‘Bharat Ki Shaan: Let’s Dance’ on DD National to compete with reality dance shows on private GECs
NEW DELHI: In line with its recent announcement to revamp its afternoon and evening prime time viewing, Doordarshan is all set to compete with private general entertainment channels with special programmes lined up for this month.
The new season of Bharat Ki Shaan rechristened as Close-up Bharat Ki Shaan: Let’s Dance commenced from 7 June and is aired every Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 pm on DD National. That apart, a story on glamorous romance Aisa Prem Kahan, which went on air on 16 June, will be telecast from Monday to Friday at 1.30 pm.
After the five implausible seasons of unparalleled success, this season of Close-up Bharat Ki Shaan: Let’s Dance has a new format and a new look attached to it. The show has managed to create a niche in the minds and memories of its viewers. With a new format this season, the show aims to continue its legacy.
Doordarshan has decided to cash in on the success of this popular reality show by amplifying its overall ‘glam quotient’. This time the format of the show is such where the dancers perform in pairs. However the pairs will be made on the show after watching their performances. The pairs will have one male and one female contender, one from the metro city and the other one from a non-metro city.
The judges include choreographer Pony Verma, who has made many Bollywood actors dance to her beat and Sandip Soparrkar, the ace ballroom, salsa and contemporary specialist.
Aparshakti Khurrana, popular RJ and host, has made his debut with Close-up Bharat Ki Shaan: Let’s Dance as the anchor of the show. He is witty and his gift of the gab makes him stand out from the league. The contestants will be under strict vigil and guidance of mentors Radhika Das and Tejas Dattani.
The contestants are handpicked through auditions conducted across nation from different metro and non metro cities. The contestants have come to Mumbai to showcase their talent and to make a mark in the industry.
The story line of ‘Aisa Pyar Kahan’ captures the romance born out of mayhem of a Tsunami, set against the renaissance of Bengal. The over-riding element in the story comes wherein a storm over a waterway brings hurricane in the life of the programme characters: Ramesh, Kamla, Hemnalini, Shusheela and Dr Mahesh.
The four characters’ life is hit by social and natural calamities, thereby leading to a tragedy pulling them towards an inescapable circumstances hurtling towards an apocalypse.
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.
