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Big Magic gets Partha Dey to head non-fiction programming
MUMBAI: Reliance Broadcast has made a new appointment to enhance its programming content on two of its channels- Big Magic and Big Magic Bihar & Jharkhand. Partha Dey will spearhead the national channel’s non-fiction programming content as the non-fiction head and also the entire programming portfolio for its regional channel as the creative and programming head.
He will be involved in driving the regional channel’s performance by building on consumer insight for developing strong content.
Dey will report to Reliance Broadcast TV business COO Lavneesh Gupta. Prior to this, he was heading the creatives and operation for the Mahuaa Network for six years including the planning, designing and launch of its three channels Pragya, Mahuaa and Mahuaa Bangla. He is a documentary filmmaker and has produced and directed documentaries, features and programming software for various agencies such as the Indian Air Force, ARC RAW and OHM-Holland and Doordarshan.
Commenting on his appointment, Gupta said “Partha’s vast experience and in-depth market understanding makes him an asset to the organisation. We are happy to have him on board and are confident of him leading Big Magic Bihar & Jharkhand through its next growth phase.”
On his appointment Dey said, “Big Magic is among India’s most vibrantly growing brands, which has displaced long standing players in a very short period of time especially in the regional markets. The brand has an exceptional potential for growth and I look forward to working with the very talented team, to make this vision a reality.”
Currently the regional channel has just one non-fiction show Hindustan Ka Big Star and is looking at getting many more in the coming months.
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.
