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Amrita TV to start airing family chat show ‘Malayali Durbar’ from 12 July
BENGALURU: Malayalam channel Amrita TV will start airing a weekly family chat show Malayali Durbar (MD) every Saturday during the primetime slot of 8-9 pm starting 12 July. The show will focus on family and social issues. MD replaces the reality show Super Star Junior (SSJ).
Amrita TV chief creative head Shyamaprasad said to www.indiantelevision.com, “Malayali Durbar must ideally be called a debate-show, instead of a typical talk-show, as this fun-filled programme uniquely stays clear of the usual expert jargons and the chaotic and numerous viewpoints presented on a typical talk-show. Here, an issue which has a relevance to every family, is debated with two sides clearly de-marked, eliciting laughter and plain speak. The show presents a high energy, super-focused tussle between two opposing viewpoints, deftly steered by the inimitable comedian Maniyan Pilla Raju.”
MD will be hosted by Mollywood actor and producer Maniyan Pillai Raju. Joining him on the show will be celebrity couples; along with real life parents, spouses, children, siblings who could be expressing their views on a wide range of subjects that plague Kerala society in particular, and Indian families in general.
According to the channel, some of the topics that could be discussed include -How do mothers deal with the aspirations of their teenage daughters when they come into conflict with their own beliefs? Which are the areas and what are the degrees to which working spouses should agree with each other’s judgments on matters? Is the growing extravagance on weddings a necessary evil in today’s social fabric? A post mortem of a divorce, 10 years later—do things look different in retrospect for the parted spouses?
The channel says that the format of the show envisages formation of opinion groups, where the male celebrity may team up with the husbands, while the female celebrity joins hands with the wives. Or a celebrity mother may join forces with the mothers in the show, whereas the daughter of the celebrity will become a votary for the youth in the show. The host will use his dexterity and experience in navigating the issue at hand to a judicious conclusion.
MD is produced by Supa Sudhakaran, who has been with Amrita TV since its inception in 2005, and has produced and directed independently four shows ranging from a reality show on citizen journalism viz Amrita TV’s Best Citizen Journalist to the currently running social justice real-life show on prime time, Kathayalla Ithu Jeevitham.
The channel is in talks with sponsors for the show and will be announcing the title sponsor soon revealed a source at Amrita TV. Advertisers on SSJ included Chungath Jewellery, Britannia Nutrichoice, Lamiya, Santoor and Pooja Bumper Lottery. The channel is confident of bringing them along with other brands on board for MD.
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.
