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Indian television’s ‘Baa’ Sudha Shivpuri passes away
MUMBAI: Veteran actress Sudha Shivpuri, who essayed the role of Baa in Ekta Kapoor’s iconic serial Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhie Bahu Thi, passed away on the morning of 20 May. She was 77.
Her funeral was held at the Oshiwara Crematorium today at 2.30 pm. She was married to actor Om Shivpuri and is survived by daughter Ritu and son Vineet.
Shivpuri had been unwell for the last couple of years after she suffered a stroke in December 2013, which affected her basic motor skills.
Prior to acting in television, Shivpuri also had a stint in films. Her debut film was Basu Chatterjee’s Swami (1977). Apart from this, she also worked in movies like Insaaf Ka Tarazu, Hamari Bahu Alka, Sawan Ko Aane Do, Sun Meri Laila, Burning Train, Vidhaata and Maya Memsaab.
In her TV career, Shivpuri acted in serials like Aa Bail Mujhe Maar, Rajni, Missing, Rishtey, Sarhadein and Bandhan amongst others. However, it was Kapoor’s Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhie Bahu Thi, which ran on Star Plus from 2000 – 2008, which catapulted her to instant fame.
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.
