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5.1 mn viewers tuned in to watch Pravah Picture’s telecast of ‘Pawankhind’: Barc
Mumbai: Disney Star’s latest regional TV channel Pravah Picture, launched in May, is already setting records in the Marathi movie genre. The channel telecast the world television premiere (WTP) of period drama action film “Pawankhind” directed by Digpal Lanjekar on 19 June.
As per data by Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India, 5.1 million viewers from the Maharashtra and Goa market tuned in to watch the premiere broadcast on the channel.
The movie set the record for being the highest rated WTP in the last seven years on any Marathi movie channel, according to Barc data for Week 41 2015 till Week 25 2022.
Pravah Picture plans to air a new WTP every Sunday to strengthen the brand and garner higher viewership. It has released the promo for its upcoming WTP to be televised on 10 July called “Stepney” featuring comedian Bharat Jadhav. It will be followed by the premiere telecast of “Bali” on 17 July. The channel also plans to air blockbuster movie “Chandramukhi” and soon to be released “Ananya”.
Produced by Almond Creations in Association with AA Films, “Pawankhind” is the third movie in an eight-movie series on the Maratha empire. It stars Chinmay Mandlekar, Mrinal Kulkarni, Prajakta Mali, Ajay Purkar, Harish Dudhade, Ankit Mohan, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Rishi Saxena and Shivraj Waichal.
The film depicts the historical rear guard last stand that took place on 13 July 1660 at a mountain pass in the vicinity of fort Vishalgad, near the city of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India between the Maratha warrior Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Siddi Masud of Adilshah Sultanate, known as Battle of Pawan Khind.
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.
