News Headline
After two years, new ‘youth-centric’ Balaji soap launches on Star Plus
MUMBAI: Star Plus is all set to launch another ‘K’ serial – Kahiin To Hoga – on 8 September adding to their already big buffet of Balaji soaps.
The new daily soap launches 8 September and will air Monday -Thursday at 11.00 pm replacing Kaahiin Kissii Roz which is nudged forward to the 11:30 pm slot.
At the media briefing to announce the launch of the serial in Mumbai, Star India content and communication senior vice-president Tarun Katial shared the podium with veteran Balaji Telefilms chairman Jeetendra, CEO Shobha Kapoor and director Anil Kumar. Balaji creative head Ektaa Kapoor was, however, not present.
Katial began the proceedings by informing that Balaji was
launching a daily soap on Star Plus after two years. He emphasised the fact that unlike the other soaps which had lots of elderly characters, Kahiin… would be definitely youth centric. An audiovisual presentation highlighting important moments from the serial was screened.
Kahiin… is a story of five sisters- Kashish (Aamna Shariff), Kanan (Kusmit Sana), Mouli (Ashlesha Savant whose ‘death’ in Kyunki… recently created a sensation of sorts), Mehek (Poonam Joshi) and Charu (Mitra Joshi) each with a different personality. Kashish is hardworking and principled, Kanan is an absolute simpleton, Mauli is a hep rebel, Mehek is dreamy and Charu is a perfect tomboy.
Born in a middle class family to a professor, the young girls are loved, cared and well looked after by their elder sister Kashish – who never sacrifices on self respect.
The 21-year-old protagonist, Aamna was a picture of confidence at the press conference, as she moved amidst the media, patiently answering all the questions. “I have done two South films and have even signed another one recently. My first priority is of course this serial which I guess would consume 25 days in a month hereafter, but I plan to shoot for the film in the remaining five days which are left at my disposal,” she informed. She was spotted by Ektaa Kapoor in one of the music videos that she did and hence came Kahiin….
Being very resolute in her decision to stick to this soap till she makes her mark, she says “I plan to do Hindi films in future. Actually, I have several offers. But when the Balaji offer came along, I decided to start off with television. I feel that I can reach out and register myself with a larger audience by making my first splash on the small screen rather than the big one.” This headstrong girl claims that she will not accept any film offers until this show reaches its logical conclusion, howsoever tempting those might be in terms of banner and money.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, director Anil Kumar (director of Balaji Films Kucch To Hai (starring Tusshar Kapoor, Esha Deol, Natasha) revealed, “Actually, this show would have hit the tube a little before this. There were two reasons responsible for the delay. One, we were earlier getting the 7.30 pm slot. We wanted either dinner time or post dinner. 7.30 pm would have been too early to garner viewership in especially the metros. Secondly, two or three directors were tried out to work on this project. But they failed to deliver to the expectations.” Hence he was summoned to the rescue by Kapoor.
Other main cast of Kahiin … includes Deepak Parasher, Rohit Bakshi, Rajeev Khandelwal and Shabbir Ahluwalia.
Come 8 September and we will know whether this one is another magic wand like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Kaahin Kissii Roz from Ektaa’s creative bank.
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.
