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Shikhar Dhawan conquers the wild in Star vs Food Survival season two
Mumbai: The latest episode of Star vs Food Survival S2 features cricket icon Shikhar Dhawan alongside chef Ranveer Brar as they tackle the rugged terrains of Himachal Pradesh.
Aired on 4 November 2024 on discovery+ and Discovery Channel, the episode tests their survival skills and explores Dhawan’s personal side, revealing his love for poetry alongside his cricket warrior spirit, symbolized by his famous thigh-pat celebration.
The weekly series not only showcases stars cooking but also facing survival challenges in wilderness settings. Upcoming episodes will feature stars like Kartik Aaryan, Munawar Faruqui, and Shriya Saran as they take on challenges in locations across India, from Maharashtra’s Western Ghats to the jungles of Meghalaya and the Himalayas.
Shikhar stated, “Being a part of Star vs Food Survival S2 was an enriching and thrilling experience for me. Working alongside Chef Ranveer Brar, I was able to push myself out of my comfort zone in ways I never imagined. Not only was it a test of endurance, but it also deepened my appreciation for food. Chef Brar’s incredible knowledge on food opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about what we eat, and I’ve learned a lot from this journey. It’s been an adventure I’ll always cherish.”
The episode explored deeper conversations about life and personal growth. Shikhar talked about fatherhood, reflected on his career, and how he looks at his illustrious 15-year-long career from a new perspective, from the outside.
Ranveer stated, “Every adventure teaches you something new, and Star vs Food Survival Season 2 was no different. Cooking in the wild with someone like Shikhar, known for his fierce ‘Gabbar’ mindset on the cricket field, was a unique experience. His resilience and adaptability, both as a cricketer and a person, really shone through. It was amazing to see how he brought that same determination to our journey in the wild.”
Ranveer and Shikhar’s expedition was more than a survival challenge; it was a heartfelt journey exploring personal growth, resilience and the beauty of life’s varied paths. But did they conquer the obstacles that nature threw their way and completed their culinary quest?
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.
