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MTV is looking out for the mum’bikers’
MUMBAI: MTV Roadies are in town. The hunt for seven lucky bikers is in its last lap. After completing the audition rounds in Pune, Bangalore, Chandigarh and Delhi, the hunt for the seven bikers continues in Mumbai on 26 July at Patkar Hall.
Touted to be MTV’s first reality show, the show is looking out for four boys and three girls, who will be traveling 4000 kms on four bikes.
The chosen seven bikers will be traveling across India, from Chennai to Chail for 40 days. The adventure trail, MTV and Hero Honda Roadies is co-sponsored by Castrol, Bacardi Breezer and Nokia, while Sify iWay is the Communication partner.
While the selected ‘roadies’ hit the road on 15 August from Chennai, the auditions were flagged off on 8 July in Pune, followed by auditions in Bangalore 12 July, then Chandigarh on 16 July and 19 July in Delhi.
As for the Mumbai round of auditions, all the participants have to do is reach at Patkar Hall, behind income Tax Office, New Marine Lines along with their two wheeler-driving license and strong guts, says the release. Girls have the option of riding as pillion riders. Besides that, the participants need to be adrenaline junkies, intelligent, articulate and have a penchant for adventure.
The seven ‘Roadies’ will be chosen for their distinctive personalities and skills that set them apart. The participants will find themselves in situations where they have to use their wit, intelligence, common sense, presence of mind, humour, people skills and above all their resolve to stay on course.
MTV VJ Cyrus Sahukar is the official anchor and will be the part of the auditioning process and also act as a motivator during the trip. Every ‘Roadie’ who makes it to the end will win a 223cc Hero Honda Karizma. That’s besides the fame, fun and chance to star in the MTV reality show.
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.
