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DD launches woman-centric drama series
Mumbai: Empowerment of women and woes related to them have been a topic of debate and concern for years now.
Many attempts are made to showcase the strong women in our society to bring about a change. Following the trend, Doordarshan and All India Radio has launched a trans-media drama series, Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon (MKBKSH). The series seek to promote strong women characters was launched by the Population Foundation of India (PFI).
Marking the spirit of International Woman’s Day, the series premieres on 8 March on Doordarshan and will run every Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 pm. In an effort to challenge deep rooted social issues like child marriage, early pregnancies and sex selection in our society, mother-daughter duo Sharmila Tagore and Soha Ali Khan have came together to support the serial and shared their views at the launch.
“Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon has the potential of being a catalyst for change–the amount of research that has gone in the preparation of this initiative is extraordinary! Real life stories have informed and guided Feroz and PFI in developing the scripts – they are the testimony that change is happening, it just needs to be amplified,” said Soha Ali Khan.
”The reality is that women have moved beyond stereotypical images and are increasingly seen in workplaces. We see them as police officers, politicians, scientists and entrepreneurs. Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon has in its lead role an inspiring young woman, from a small town. A doctor by profession, she represents the aspirations of many young women today. She is bold, stands up for what she believes is right, takes her decisions,” Sharmila Tagore added.
PFI hopes that MKBKSH will contribute to behaviour change for empowerment of women, delayed age at marriage, delayed age at first pregnancy and spacing between births, and promote gender equality and improved health seeking behaviours. The serial will also be disseminated through other media channels, including the Internet, mobile space, and radio to maximize reach.
The serial revolves around the inspiring journey of Dr. Sneha, representing the young Indian woman of today, who thrives on challenges. The series has been produced and directed by Feroz Abbas Khan, an eminent theatre and film director and the creative force behind Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon. It is a venture close to his heart where his aesthetic sensibilities and deep commitment to social causes come together.
Commenting on his experience, Feroz Abbas Khan said, “I feel delighted that PFI has taken this phenomenal step to bring an entertaining drama series on Doordarshan, which will reach out to millions of viewers with very important messages. In today’s context of a renewed commitment to women’s issues this serial will amplify ordinary women’s voices and stories. Immense research and effort has gone into the making of this serial, and I am confident that it will be a force of change.”
Doordarshan, has consistently supported socially relevant soap operas and has lent its full support to the series.
Speaking on the occasion Doordarshan director general Tripurari Sharan said, “This series will be highly entertaining with a captivating storyline that will touch the mind and hearts of the audeinces. Not only will the serial entertain the audiences but it will make people think and question social norms and behaviors.”
PFI executive director Poonam Muttreja said, “Changing social norms and behaviour is certainly not an easy task. We believe that the media plays a critical role to reach audiences and challenge existing attitudes and practices. This game changing serial will lay the ground work for a better future for Indian women.”
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.
