News Headline
As infections surge, West Bengal and Odisha suspend TV & film shoots
Mumbai: Struggling to combat the devastating surge in the number of Covid-19 cases, West Bengal and Odisha on Monday decided to suspend the shooting of all television shows and films with immediate effect.
The decision to suspend shooting comes as a part of stricter lockdown measures imposed in these states to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. West Bengal on Sunday reported the highest single-day Covid-19 toll with 147 deaths that pushed up the fatality count to 13,284.
The Odisha government, in its new circular, ordered the suspension of both indoor and outdoor shooting activities. Earlier, shooting was permitted in Odisha subject to permission from the local authorities.
Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India President Swarup Biswas told PTI that the shooting of 36 serials, three web series, and one film will be suspended until 31 May due to the new restriction imposed by the government.
However, Biswas requested the authorities to permit shooting in West Bengal and assured that all Covid safety procedures will be followed while filming. Thousands of people working in the industry will become unemployed due to the new order, he beseeched. “Our request will be to the chief minister Mamata Banerjee to see if something can be done so that hundreds of people involved in this profession are not rendered unemployed. It will be better if they can carry on their work following all COVID safety procedures,” said Biswas.
Biswas also added that all actors and technicians will soon undergo Covid tests so that they can keep the shooting area coronavirus-free zone.
TV and film shooting also remains suspended in Maharashtra, Kerala and Goa which are also reeling under the second wave of Covid-19. On Saturday, RK Selvamani, the president of the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) said that the shooting of films and serials in Tamil Nadu will be suspended until 31 May. FEFSI made this decision after 26 members of a TV serial crew tested positive for Covid infection.
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.
