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Family drama ‘Radha Ramana’ to replace s4 of Bigg Boss Kannada
BENGALURU: As season 4 of Bigg Boss Kannada draws to finale on 15 January, Viacom 18’s Kannada GEC Colors Kannada has lined up a bitter-sweet tale about a brother and sister to replace the Endemol Shine India game show. Titled Radha Ramana, initially the soap will run for 1 hour from 16 January until January 30.
The length of the serial, 15 episodes of which have been canned, has not been decided as of now say sources at the channel. Colors Kannada has roped in Godrej’s repellent brand Good Knight as the powered by sponsor.
The GEC has been promoting the Bengaluru filmed show to viewers in multiple ways that include through promos, by integrating its characters with two of its popular family shows Kulavadhu and Agnishakshi, among others. The promotions include cross-channel ads on Kannada news channels one week prior to the launch, magazine, newspaper and radio ads, bus branding in Bengaluru and hoardings in rest of Karnataka.
A release from the channel describes the new series – ‘Radha Ramana captures the emotional journey of two pairs of siblings, Raman and Anvitha, and Aditya and Aradhana. The story revolves around Raman and his love for his sister, Anvitha who is the apple of his eye. The show will see Shwetha Pradeep (Aradhana) and Skandha (Ramana) playing the leads and is produced by Neela Production’. Radha Ramna is being directed by Shiva Poojena Agrahara.
Elaborating on the same, Colors Kannada, Colors Kannada HD and Colors Super business head Parameshwar Gundkal said, “Our fiction offerings boast of a rich, diverse and engaging content palette that is both reflective and progressive. At a time when most relationships are losing their meaning, Radha Ramana is a positive story that introspects and focuses on bonds that we are bestowed with as we enter the world. The show has been made with a lot of heart and the characters have been beautifully etched. We are certain that it’ll strike a chord with the viewers.”
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.
