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DVD to celebrate 20 years of ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’
MUMBAI: Harpo Productions, King World and Paramount Home Entertainment have announced a deal to create and distribute an exclusive compilation of highlights and episodes from one of the most influential programmes of the past two decades with The Oprah Winfrey Show: 20th Anniversary DVD Collection.
In India The Oprah Winfrey Show airs on Star World. The channel earlier this year introduced a block Oprah Primetime on Sundays at 8:30 pm where celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Enrique Iglesias and the stars of Desperate Housewives loosened up in front of an audience.
As far as DVD is concerned the multiple disc DVD set, which will be distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment and debut for the 2005 holiday season, will pay tribute to the many moments that have made Oprah Winfrey one of the most respected and admired public figures today in the US. The DVD will feature highlights from two decades of Oprah- the laughter and tears, the best surprises, the wildest dreams, the stars, and all the unforgettable interviews with people who have touched our hearts over the years.
For the first time, Winfrey will revisit the most moving and memorable moments, from her earliest days of broadcasting until now, for this once-in-a-lifetime DVD Collection. She’ll share what she was thinking and how she felt at the time these magic moments happened. Plus, she’ll reveal bonus material that includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage at Harpo Studios.
Harpo’s proceeds from the sale of the DVD Collection will benefit Oprah’s Angel Network, a public charity established in 1998 to encourage people around the world to make a difference in the lives of others. To date, Oprah’s Angel Network has raised more than $30 million, 100-percent of which goes to nonprofit organizations that share the Angel Network mission.
Oprah Winfrey says, “Every show you’ll see here holds such profound meaning for me. I appreciate every hour our viewers spent watching us grow forward and now, through this DVD Collection, I can give back to the world by using its proceeds and the next 20 seasons of my life for what I know is my true calling – to be of service to women, children and families in need around the world.”
The Oprah Winfrey Show executive producer Ellen Rakieten stated, “We are proud to share a piece of our television history with our loyal viewers, who’ve defined our tremendous success over the years. We couldn’t have done it without them.” King World CEO Roger King declared, “Oprah’s DVD will become an instant classic and a collector’s item. This is a great way to celebrate The Oprah Winfrey Show’s first 20 seasons and to share some of the television history it has made.”
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.
