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‘Junior Shaktiman’ will have to wait some more for his day on DD
Kaun Banega Junior Shaktiman, a contest idea that that Mukesh Khanna, actor-producer of the popular Shaktiman series on national broadcaster Doordarshan, has been trying to get on air on DD for a while now, will not see the light of day before December-end at the earliest.
The Kaun Banega Junior Shaktiman contest, which got initial clearance last December, was scheduled to go into production in March-April for a 13-episode shoot, but the project is still on hold.
According to Jay Mishra, executive producer of the programme, Doordarshan was initially to CO-produce the programme but new policy guidelines which do not allow DD to CO-produce a show with private producers scuppered the plan. There were also changes in the rate card which further held up things.
Khanna says that the contest will be definitely go forward and gave an assurance that it would be on air by December. “I am still not sure. We are still waiting to hear from DD. Once it gives its clearance I will proceed,” says Khanna.
Asked to comment on the inordinate delay, Khanna said: “After the entries were shortlisted and production plans finalised DD said they would not be able to join us so we had to stop work. At that time promos made in association with Doordarshan had already been on air for two months and had got a good response. “We’ve received more than 10,000 entries from across India of which 1000 entries were cleared,” says Khanna, who is still gung ho about producing the contest in which he even sees potential for an annual franchise.
“The set will come up at the Film City (in Mumbai’s Goregaon suburb). This will take lots of investments and would mean a 15-day shoot,” he says. “All the pre-production preparations are already done and as soon as we get a clear signal from Doordarshan we’ll just have to start the promos all over again,” he adds.
Khanna is also working on another project, the second for his Bheeshm Productions. Tentatively called Janbaazz, the series has an intergalactic plotline on the lines of Star Wars. It’s just got a clearance from Doordarshan and will go on air by March-April next year, he says.
On being asked about the long gestation period, Khanna said: “We need to have a good bank of episode’s and since the production would involve quality graphics it had to be given sufficient time.”
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.
