News Headline
Colors Bangla to celebrate Mahalaya with new show ‘Nabarupe Mahadurga’
Mumbai: Colors Bangla will be marking the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya with a new mythological show “Nabarupe Mahadurga” set to premiere on 6 October at 5 a.m. The show narrates the origin of the nine forms of the divine Goddess, namely, Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Directed by Anirban Mullick, “Nabarupe Mahadurga” will tell the timeless story of Goddess Durga – how she manifests to save the Gods and mankind from the evil Mahishasur. Anchor and actor Gaurab Chatterjee has been brought onboard as the narrator and Debajyoti Mishra has composed the score for the drama which relies heavily on dance and music.
Koel Mullick will be seen as Maa Durga in the show, alongside Colors Bangla’s most popular artists like Adrija Roy, Tumpa Ghosh, Titiksha Das, Pallabi Roy Jasmine Roy, Ushoshi Roy, Devlina Kumar and Saoli Chattopadhyay, who will be essaying her different forms and avatars. Samrat Mukherjee will be seen as Mahishasur.
“Mahalaya is not just an important day but an emotion as it ends the year-long wait for Durga Puja, the most important festival celebrated by Bengalis,” said Colors Bangla business head Sagnik Ghosh. “As the name suggests Nabarupe Mahadurga will introduce the nine different forms of the goddess. We have roped in popular actress Koel Mullick to play the role of Durga and we are extremely excited to bring to our viewers this powerful act.”
Colors Bangla will use cross promotion on other channels to generate interest for “Nabarupe Mahadurga.” On the digital front, interesting trivia about the nine forms of Maa Durga, her weapons and vahanas will be shared, said the statement.
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.
