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COLORS Gujarati launches new show ‘United State of Gujarat’
Mumbai: COLORS Gujarati presents a new show, *United State of Gujarat*, highlighting relationships and family bonds. The show reunites Ragini Shah and Apara Mehta, who have a notable on-screen and off-screen chemistry. Their history of both professional and personal friendship is evident as they appear together again.
Ragini Shah and Apara Mehta are well-known in the entertainment industry for their strong partnership. In United State of Gujarat, Ragini Shah plays Suryakanta Vaishnav, a determined family matriarch who upholds tradition and manages the family business. Apara Mehta portrays Indira Rangwala, Suryakanta’s loyal childhood friend who supports her through various challenges. The cast also includes Raj Anadkat as Keshav, Sana Amin Sheikh as Kay, Vandana Vithalani, and Chayya.
Speaking about her role and the reunion with Apara Mehta, Ragini Shah shared, “Working with Apara is always a joyous experience. We have known each other for many years and that is surely reflecting through our characters in the show. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the relationship and friendship seen on screen is a mirror image of our unique offscreen bond. ‘United State of Gujarat’ is a special project for us because it blends rich Gujarati culture and what’s better than showcasing your own culture on the screen.”
Apara Mehta echoed the sentiment, saying, “Ragini ben and I have been family friends from a very long time and share a beautiful friendship since our theatre days. While shooting for United State of Gujarat, it does not feel like we are acting, it feels real and comes naturally to us and it’s wonderful to be working with her again after so many years. She is an excellent actor and I am always in awe of her. This show is not just another project; it’s a journey that brings out the essence of our culture and the strength of familial bonds. I’m thrilled for the audience to see what we have created.”
Tune in to ‘United State of Gujarat’ at 8 pm, only on COLORS Gujarati, from Monday to Sunday.
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.
