News Headline
‘Kahaani Terri Merri’ gets extension, ‘Naam Gum Jayega’ from 26 May
MUMBAI: The suspense is finally over. Naam Gum Jayega,, the show that is set to replace the Balaji Telefilms blockbuster Kahaani Terii Merii(KTH), takes its bow on SET on 26 May.
During a press preview today to announce the launch of Naam Gum Jayega,, SET executive V-P Sunil Lulla said Sony Entertainment Network’s flagship channel will now have a new roll out four times a year – a seasonal change so to speak.
The story about mistaken identities Naam Gum Jayega (NGJ) has been conceived by Shobna Desai productions, the house that spun the tale of the successful soap Ek Mahal Ho Sapnon Ka.
According to SET’s original programme guide schedule for May, KTM was to wind up on 15 May (Thursday) to make way for NGJ on 19 May (the following Monday). It is not clear why KTH has been given a week’s extension.
When asked to comment on the earlier than expected wrap-up of KTM, Lulla said he preferred not to dwell on the past but rather look ahead.
Lulla said he had high expectations for NGJ, which has an eminent starcast in Kanwaljeet, Benjamin Gilani, Nandita Puri and the main protagonists Gauri Pradhan and Shilpa Kadam. With NGJ, the channel hopes to revive the magic it created with Ek Mahal …, which ran for 1000+ episodes.
Talking about some of the other shows launching this season, Lulla said SET has tied up with Westside for an SMS based mobile telephony promotion in addition to the on-ground promotions for the Raageshwari anchored show Kuch Kehti Hai Yeh Dhun. The prizes for this show are being sponsored by Westside, the Tata-owned division Trent’s lifestyle retail chain.
Asked for his views on the burning topic among the television fraternity – the fallout of conditional access system (CAS) implementation post-14 July – Lulla said: “It will unleash a period of turbulence and chaos. While the audience that have been, thus far, getting their entertainment quotient for a reasonable price, will obviously be peeved about the whole situation but it is unlikely that they are ready to make a compromise on their viewing choice.”
When asked what the channel proposed to do to counter the expected losses, Lulla replied: “We shall market the One Alliance bouquet aggressively. From the niche metro areas, we shall be going into the remote interiors.”
Also read:
‘Kahani Terrii Merrii’ to make way for ‘Naam Gum Jayega’
SET sets forth plan to narrow gap with Star
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.
