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Colors launches new show ‘Durga Aur Charu’
Mumbai: Through their daughters in Colors’ new show Durga Aur Charu, the late Bondita and Anirudh Roy Chowdhary’s legacy from one of the most adored television sitcoms, Barrister Babu, continues.
Durga is her mother’s shadow, whereas Charu is her soul. The show follows the lives of two sisters who are related by blood but who had quite different upbringings as a result of being split up when they were young. The program, which is made by Shashi Sumeet Productions, will debut on 12 December and air every day at 8:30 p.m.
For the starring roles as two sisters, Durga and Charu, the channel has cast well-known performers Aurra Bhatnagar and Vaishnavi Prajapati.
Viacom18 Hindi Mass Entertainment chief content officer Manisha Sharma said, “Delivering stories that strike a chord with our viewers has always been our focus at Colors. Such was the story of Barrister Babu, a show that enjoyed incredible success and love from the audience. Continuing its legacy, our new fiction show Durga Aur Charu traces the heartfelt journey of Bondita and Anirudh’s daughters, who are raised in two different environments, resulting in having contrasting personalities. As we present a fresh chapter and the continuation of the popular show, we hope to receive the same love and appreciation with Durga and Charu.”
Durga (Aurra Bhatnagar), a modest and pessimistic child, and her street-smart older sister Charu are the subjects of the film Durga Aur Charu, which is set in the period before and after independence (Vaishnavi Prajapati). The two sisters are living separately and are unaware of one another. Due to their varied upbringings, they are as different as chalk and cheese. While Charu, Durga’s sister, is fierce, loud, and excels in academics, Durga is reserved, quiet, and depends on doing acrobatics to support herself. The former is raised by con artists, whereas the latter is adopted by wealthy parents.
Producer Shashi Mittal said, “Durga aur Charu is a period drama set during the British colonial era that traces the journey of two siblings who not only lose their parents but also get separated at a young age. But eventually destiny brings them together, and their relationship is tested through several emotional adversaries. With our shows, we always aim to deal with various themes that impact our societal thinking in some way or another. Our association with Colors has been a fruitful one, we have had the opportunity to work with the best team with creative freedom, and we hope that with Durga Aur Charu, we deliver yet another compelling story to the viewers.”
Excited to be playing the role of Durga, Aurra Bhatnagar said, “As young Bondita, I have received immense love and support from the viewers, and now I am super excited to step into the new role of Durga. She is the exact replica of her mother, who excels in academics but is socially awkward due to her upbringing. After making my debut with Barrister Babu and Colors, I’m thrilled to be associated with the channel again to start a new chapter.”
Set to be seen in the role of Charu, Vaishnavi Prajapati said, “Essaying the titular role of Charu is a big opportunity for me, and I am thankful to the entire Durga Aur Charu team and Colors for giving me this chance. What I love about Charu is that she is feisty and fearless like her mother Bondita. I’m positive that Charu will win the hearts of the viewers as a confident girl, who knows how to take control of her life.”
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.
