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Sridevi to be ‘Humaari Bahu Malini Iyer’ on Sahara
MUMBAI: The much hyped and talked about sitcom which marks former cine star Sridevi’s debut in a television series, will go on the floors in the next two weeks. Twenty episodes of the series have already been penned.
The sitcom, titled Humaari Bahu Malini Iyer (HBMI)is being produced by Boney Kapoor’s Sri Devi Productions and directed by Satish Kaushik. It is scheduled to air on Sahara TV as part of the bouquet of mega serials being launched this year.
Contrary to rumours circulating in the industry that the show would be a Hindi remake of popular American comedy I Love Lucy; the sitcom revolves around the struggle of Malini Iyer (played by Sridevi), a south Indian woman who gets married to a north Indian boy living in a joint family.
“I have designed Malini Iyer’s character in such a manner that it justifies Sridevi’s versatility as an actor and will be successful in making her a household name,” says HBMI scriptwriter Sanjay Chhel.
HBMI revolves around Malini Iyer’s struggle to gel with the family members and the many challenges she faces in her day to day life. Her character has been etched out to be that of an extremely likeable, vulnerable, down to earth, naive, middle class housewife who is constantly fooled by people.
“The show slated for a post World Cup launch, is not a mere comedy. It has a unique emotional touch and portrays an Indian woman in a positive light . It talks about about values and traditions, through the antics and comic trials of Malini Iyer,” elaborates Chhel.
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.
