News Headline
Balaji takes aim at regional programming
MUMBAI: The next fiscal will belong to more regional programming and a foray into overseas markets for current leader of the production house pack, Balaji Telefilms.
While the rest of the current year is being reserved for consolidations, the production house is eyeing the regional channels for shows that could well go on air in the first quarter of 2003-04. According to COO Rajesh Pavithran, the hit soap factory plans to have at least two more shows on air on south Indian channels before March 2003 itself. It is also negotiating for a slot on Sun TV, while an increased presence on Gemini, where Balaji’s Pavitrabandam has already created quite a splash, cannot be ruled out.
While the Kerala market is what Balaji is targeting for its next foray into the South, currently it is Udaya that has two Balaji shows on air and will have two more shortly. Kannadi, a daily in the 6.30 pm slot that was almost sinking into oblivion five weeks ago, has had a miraculous resurrection with the latest ratings pegging it at a TRP of 11.97 (27 September) making it Udaya’s top rated show. The turnaround, says Pavithran, can be attributed to a drastic change in the storyline.
“We keep re-inventing ourselves every three to four weeks,” says Pavithran, of Balaji’s strategy of keeping pace with viewer demands. Which is why, twists in the tales have been occurring at a faster pace on all Balaji shows of late. While the queen of soaps Kyunkii ‘s 20-year jump helped the plateauing ratings take a proportionate jump, the same has not worked for Kutumb on Sony, where one story has given way to another with the lead characters retained. The ratings are just not what they used to be and Pavithran admits that while they are not what the production house would be happy with, he is confident that the Love Story track that Kutumb is currently following will push up ratings as the plot moves along its tear jerking line.
Among the production house’s new shows lined up are Kaalki for Star (although the official contract has not been drawn up yet, according to Pavithran) and a new show for Sahara, both of which will be up and running in November.The production house is also planning programmes for Punjabi and Bangla regional channels in the next fiscal, says Pavithran.
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.
