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Azaad launches first two Originals designed for the rural mindset
Mumbai: Beginnen Media’s first consumer-specific entertainment channel, Azaad has announced its Originals content offering exclusively designed for the ‘Rural Mindset’. The premium Hindi rural entertainment channel will be launching two new shows titled ‘Meri Doli Mere Angana’ and ‘Pavitraa Bharose Ka Safar’, both of which have been created after deeply understanding the rural person through years of periodic syndicated research, said the channel on Tuesday.
Staying true to the brand proposition of ‘Hamari Mitti Hamara Aasman’, themes have been specially created to attract, engage and connect with this super mass. Starting 14 September, ‘Meri Doli Mere Angana’ will air at 9:00 p.m and ‘Pavitraa Bharose Ka Safar’, at 9: 30 p.m on Azaad as well as on MX Player (digital partner).
Produced by Jitendra Gupta and Mahesh Tagde from Tell-A-Tale Media, ‘Meri Doli Mere Angana’ portrays the beauty and complexities of relationships in the Bithoor-based Singh family, especially the loving bond between Janki and her father. The show captures Janki’s journey from being an innocent daughter to becoming an experienced daughter-in-law who learns to manage complex situations and relationships in a society that differentiates between the two roles. Astha Abhay plays the lead protagonist Janki. Surendra Pal, Rudrakshi Gupta and Ankit Raizada will be seen in key roles.
‘Pavitraa Bharose Ka Safar’ is a family drama set in Meerut. While it is based on the main themes of encouraging women empowerment and battling societal issues, the show also depicts the passionate love story of two diverse personalities. Produced by Santosh Singh, Rochelle Singh, and Pearl Grey from Parth Production, ‘Pavitraa Bharose Ka Safar’ is the story of Pavitraa, the daughter of an underprivileged taxi driver who aspires to complete her education and become self-reliant. She fights against all odds to become a successful entrepreneur who strived to make other women capable of taking care of their families and themselves in all respects. The role of Pavitraa is played by Shaily Priya. The cast also includes Neelu Vaghela, Kumaar Raajput and Sheezan Mohammed.
Commenting on the Originals launch, Beginnen Media Pvt Ltd (BMPL) managing director, Bharat Kumar Ranga, said, “It’s an industry-first with Azaad making the shift from a creative to a consumer-focused business model. Gaining the trust of our viewers is at the heart of our model as our customer experience is based on deep insights. Our Originals have a rural consumer-centric proposition which places the viewer, rather than the creative at its core.”
Welcoming the viewers who had joined the launch event live from different villages in North India, he added, “By its sheer size, the rural super mass is clearly emerging as a segment with huge untapped opportunities. Azaad’s philosophy of ‘People Centricity’ reflects the rural DNA that is the Unapologetically Real Indian (U-R-I). We are delighted to present the ‘UnionShip’ with our content creators, Jitendra Gupta, Mahesh Tagde, Santosh Singh, Rochelle Singh, and Pearl Grey who have created our first two originals. The shows are relatable and would inspire the U-R-I mindset to reconcile with rural traditions and values while ushering in a sense of dynamism and growth to meet their aspirations.”
“Azaad is a first on many levels. There has always been a clear-cut divide between urban and rural India, where rural in spite of being a majority, unfortunately, has always got a hand-me-down treatment in every sphere of life. And that’s what we want to change with our’ rural first’ approach,” commented Beginnen Media, general manager – product, Doris Dey. “At Azaad we truly believe in democratising the entertainment industry by creating content for much-ignored Rural India, as well as creating an ecosystem where equal opportunities are provided to existing and new makers. We are a ‘challenger brand’ determined to create a unique parallel ecosystem within the industry. I am sure that we will set new benchmarks with the unwavering support and participation of all our stakeholders.”
Azaad’s brand proposition, Hamari Mitti Hamara Aasman, was developed in partnership with Scarecrow M&C Saatchi Ltd. The idea was arrived at through an extensive consumer study of the rural person by Future Brands. The unique proposition spells out rural dreams and aspirations and wears the rural pride. Both the brand film and the brand anthem are devised and created by Azaad’s internal on-air promotions team. The brand film takes a closer look at the U-R-I’s mindset to reveal the pride they take in their roots, culture, and belief systems. Music director Santosh Nair and singer, Divya Kumar rendered the brand anthem.
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.
