Documentary
17-year-old documentary filmmaker Rhea Bakshi’s awarded “Young Achievers’ Award”
Mumbai: 17-year-old documentary award-winning filmmaker Rhea Bakshi’s was presented with the prestigious “Young Achievers’ Award” by the Indian Achievers’ Forum. This distinction was awarded in recognition of Rhea’s unmatched contribution and creative passion to enhance India’s image across the world and delivering worldwide socio-economic impact for the millions of Indian artisans through her documentary “India’s Treasures”, which was earlier in the year awarded with the finalist laurels at New York International Film Awards.
The Indian Achievers Awards are presented to individuals and organisations in recognition of their exceptional achievements, success within their respective domains and that directly or indirectly impact the socio-economic welfare of India. The awards are governed by a well-established advisory board comprising accomplished and prominent individuals and heads of organisations who have attained the highest levels of achievement in diverse fields such as politics, arts, sports, business, technology and academia.
On being awarded the “Young Achievers’ Award”, the filmmaker and 12th class economics student Rhea Bakshi said, “I am grateful to the award jury of the Indian Achievers’ Forum that has bestowed me with this distinct honour and responsibility. It’s like living a dream! My journey with filmmaking started with a mission to demonstrate the irreplaceable value of Indian craftsmanship and the need to celebrate it on a global scale. The focal point for this film was inspired from Prime Minister’s Narendra Modiji’s mission of inclusive economic growth, which I believe is critical to realise the vision of making India the world’s third-largest economy.”
“I am overjoyed that this recognition which will strengthen the voice of the Indian artisans, especially women. I would like to share this award with the millions of unsung Indian artisans who have immensely enriched my mission and propelled my career goal of making meaningful impact in Indian and global economies,” Rhea added.
Rhea Bakshi directed “India’s Treasures”, an intimate journey into the enchanting world of one of India’s centuries-old traditional art forms – handmade silver jewellery – adorned by the royalties across all continents. A class 12 economics student of The Shri Ram School, her documentary travels through the magical Rajasthan, Jharkhand and narrow lanes of old Delhi to embrace artisans’ lives and showcase their pride, fears, sacrifice and passion while creating and preserving India’s distinct identity.
The handicraft sector in India plays a vital role in driving the country’s economy, employing over seven million artisans and impacting the livelihoods of over 200 million people. The documentary emphasised the need to celebrate these artisans and preserve their unique skills – the true treasures of India’s heritage – underscoring the power of sustainable development where everyone can contribute and earn with fair and equal access to resources and opportunities.
The director and creator Rhea Bakshi, an ardent admirer of the traditional handmade silver jewellery, introduced inspiring stories of inclusive economic growth. It also showcased how the sector is empowering disadvantaged women facing cultural and economic barriers through skill-building, offering them a path to a better future, transforming their lives, enabling them to financially contribute to their families well-being.
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.
