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Zee to air ‘Main Madhuri Dixit…’ next Thursday
MUMBAI: It was supposed to deliver instant hits; instead Zee’s Thursday Premiere slot has picked up the dud of the season to be aired next week. The only bright spot and possibly, the best commercial option available to the producers and the channel alike, is that Main Madhuri Dixit Banana Chahti Hoon is being aired just three weeks after its theatrical release.
The Ram Gopal Varma production starring Antara Mali, which takes a close look at an ordinary up country’s girl’s dreams of stardom, failed to evoke any ripples at the box office, despite months of hype. MMDBCH’s telecast during the week immediately after Diwali, is expected to bring in viewers at least due to the curiosity factor and should augur well for the channel, which has been starved of recent hits in the weeks preceding.
While the initial phase of the Thursday Premiere boasted strong titles, the second phase went limp with films like . The third phase of acquisitions announced recently, includes titles like another Varma production Darna Mana Hai, the Shah Rukh Khan – Rani Mukherjee starrer Chalte Chalte, Hungama, Chori Chori, Armaan and Ek Aur Ek Gyaraah. However, the Chandan Arora directed MMDBCH was not part of the library just acquired.
The first phase of the Thursday Premiere was dogged by a slugfest between producers, distributors and the channel, over the issue of a time gap between the film’s theatrical release and its satellite telecast. Varma’s Road too was aired by Zee soon after its release, but not as soon as MMDBCH is being shown. Reports indicate that Ab Tak Chappan could also be bagged for its satellite telecast rights by Zee shortly.
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.
