Documentary
Shirdi’s 24-hour journey of faith on screen
MUMBAI: Gopi Films, in collaboration with the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, has unveiled 24 Hours Inside the Temple – Shirdi, a soulful documentary that captures a full day in the life of one of India’s most revered spiritual centres.
Directed by Harsh Pandya and Shekhar Jha, the film takes viewers on a mesmerising journey through a complete 24-hour cycle at the sacred Shri Sai Baba Temple, from the first light of dawn to the quiet reverence of midnight prayers. It offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the seamless rhythm of faith, devotion and seva (selfless service) that sustains Shirdi’s spiritual heartbeat.
More than a visual diary of rituals, the film reflects the humanity and humility that define true service. As the filmmakers describe it, every frame pays tribute to the countless individuals who work quietly, sincerely and selflessly to keep the temple alive around the clock.
Lending his voice to the film’s trailer in both Hindi and English, actor Shreyas Talpade called the experience “a feeling, not a performance.” He said, “This documentary isn’t just about rituals; it’s about the heartbeat of faith that never stops. Lending my voice helped me experience the devotion and discipline that define Seva.”
Produced as a non-commercial project, 24 Hours Inside the Temple – Shirdi is an offering of gratitude rather than a production for profit. Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust chief executive officer Goraksha Gadilkar said, “The Shirdi Sansthan’s service system is devotion in action. This project captures that living spirit of Seva which continues, day and night, without expectation.”
Set to premiere in January 2026 on the official digital platforms of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, the documentary is a gentle reminder that true devotion isn’t found only in prayer, it’s alive in every act of service.
Documentary
Discovery Channel premieres Unani Ki Kahaani on World Unani Day
Actor Jim Sarbh narrates a journey through Unani medicine, history, and modern wellness
MUMBAI: In celebration of World Unani Day, Discovery Channel has premiered Unani Ki Kahaani, a captivating new documentary narrated by actor Jim Sarbh. The film explores Unani medicine not just as an ancient tradition but as a philosophy of health that remains relevant in today’s world of lifestyle disorders and chronic illnesses.
Produced in collaboration with Hamdard Laboratories, the documentary traces Unani medicine from its roots in ancient Greece to its flourishing practice in India. Along the way, it asks a simple yet profound question: what does it really mean to be healthy? And why do we often treat symptoms without curing the underlying problem?
At the heart of Unani medicine is the belief in balance, between body, mind, spirit, and environment. The documentary reflects on moments like the Covid-19 pandemic, when India turned to both modern medicine and its own centuries-old systems of preventive care.
Jim Sarbh’s narration gives the story a modern voice, guiding viewers through history, philosophy, and science with curiosity and clarity.
Hamdard Laboratories chairman and managing trustee Abdul Majeed said, “Unani Ki Kahaani invites viewers to see healing as more than symptom relief. It is about balance, prevention, and long-term wellbeing. Through Unani medicine, we aim to help everyone understand that true healing restores harmony.”
Commenting on his role, Jim Sarbh added, “Narrating Unani Ki Kahaani was a learning experience. I was struck by how this system connects history, culture, and the idea of living in balance.”
The film brings historical icons such as Hippocrates and Ibn Sina together with Indian pioneers including Hakim Ajmal Khan, Hafiz Abdul Majeed, and Hakeem Abdul Hameed, showing how Unani has evolved as a living, adaptive system shaped by multiple cultures.
Featuring insights from modern medicine, Ayurveda, Unani practitioners, academics, and public health experts, Unani Ki Kahaani bridges traditional knowledge with contemporary healthcare. Its aim is to make holistic healing approachable for everyone, especially younger audiences seeking deeper understanding in a fast-paced world.
