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Balaji Telefilms amps up production value with ‘Naagin’ on Colors
MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms has readied a visual treat for viewers with its new show – Naagin, which is slated to go on air on Colors from 1 November.
The soap factory has upped its production value for this show with focus on elements like characterisation, scripting and visual appeal. The new mystical thriller is a dramatically obsessive love story of reincarnation. Naagin will be a finite weekend fiction series, which will be telecast every Saturday and Sunday at 8 pm.
Set against the backdrop of Rajasthan, Naagin is loaded with outstanding VFX effects offering an authentic film-like experience. The musical score of the show will add to the viewing experience as Colors recreates the timeless magic of the song Tere Sang Pyaar Main Nahi Todna through a new-age adaptation.
Commenting on the show’s format, Balaji Telefilms joint managing director and creative director Ekta Kapoor said, “At Balaji, we have always believed in experimenting with different concepts while bringing in some variety for our viewers. The concept of Naagin is something that we, at Balaji, have never explored in the past; it is a completely new facet of love stories that transcends into the mystique of the unknown. With intense focus on different elements like characterization, scripting, visual appeal, etc, we have amped up the production value to make it a winning proposition on the small screen. Putting together an hour-long proposition requires additional investment in terms of story development and high-end technology, and we are looking forward to presenting an all-round offering to Colors’ viewers.”
Speaking about the show, Colors programming head Manisha Sharma added, “After the success of 24 Season 1, Naagin is our second offering within the fiction finite series space airing on weekends. Naagin is a mystical thriller incorporating a dramatic twist at every corner to add an element of thrill and excitement, which will keep viewers engaged. The show is a testimony of Ekta Kapoor and Balaji Telefilms’ conviction towards providing quality entertainment avenues for viewers through new and innovative concepts that appeal to viewers visually and in terms of its narrative.”
The aesthetically narrated saga, Naagin delves into the life of a suave and ambitious business tycoon, Ritik Raheja (Arjun Bijlani) who believed that love and religion are distractions as they make you weak. But his beliefs are challenged when he comes face-to-face with Shivanya (Mouni Roy). While Ritik is enamoured by her simplicity, Shivanya is stuck between two extreme emotions – love and vengeance. Shivanya’s friend, Sesa (Adaa Khan) is her support system, but she has an ulterior motive that no one knows about. The constant conflict between love and revenge drive these protagonists together as their lives clash in a coming together of their past histories.
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.
