News Headline
ESS to launch cricket based comedy series ‘Full Toss’
MUMBAI: ESPN Star Sports is set to launch a bi-weekly comedy series Full Toss, a satirical take on the functioning of a fictitious cricket organisation.
The 26 episode series will go on air during India’s tour of South Africa on Star Sports, starting 22 November, during the innings break of the 2nd One Day International between the two sides. It will be showcased every Wednesday and Monday thereafter at 9:30 pm.
The series is produced by Eagle films and directed by Rajiv Mehra, the same team behind many movies and popular sitcoms like Office Office and Zabaan Sambhal Ke. Renowned actors and some of the most popular names in Indian television today will play characters portraying officials of a fictitious cricket organisation.
ESPN Software India MD R C Venkateish said, “We intend to provide diversity and cater to focused audiences in India with reality shows, light hearted spoof series and chat shows in addition to our staple diet of world class live coverage of sporting events. With Full Toss, ESPN Star Sports extends its line of programming to include cricket-series of a new kind to reach out to larger audiences in the country.”
Full Toss director Rajiv Mehra said, “Full Toss is not just another weekly soap but a sitcom with cricket as the setting. Each episode of the series will feature a new story that will appeal to audiences across ages. A sootradhar will be the pivot for the series that will spoof issues faced in the cricket world that mass audiences in a cricket crazy country like India would relate and empathize with.”
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.
