News Broadcasting
BBC to make drama series “House Of Saddam”
MUMBAI: UK pubcaster the BBC is set to make a show on Saddam Hussein named House Of Saddam. The four-part drama series will tell the story of Iraq under Saddam Hussein’s leadership, from 1979 until his downfall and then subsequent execution in 2006.
House Of Saddam will focus on the lives of Saddam’s closest family and an elite few. An intimate portrait of the world of Saddam’s inner circle, it will chart the rise and fall of one of the world’s most terrifying regimes.
BBC head of drama series and serials Kate Harwood said, “This is an electrifying account of how one man used fear and violence to divide and rule both a nation and his own family. It is a bold commission for BBC Two shot in Tunisia with a truly international cast.”
While Igal Naor (Rendition, Munich) will play Saddam Hussein, Said Taghmaoui (Vantage Point, The Kite Runner) will play Barzan Ibrahim, Saddam’s half brother and the Iraqi representative to the United Nations between 1988 and 1998. Shohreh Aghdashloo (House Of Sand And Fog) will play Sajida Talfah, Saddam’s wife.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
