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Jaaved Jaaferi, Rajiv Shah launch music label H.O.M Records and Tapes
MUMBAI: The host of popular shows such as Boogie Woogie (Sony TV) and song and dance talent show Grooves (Sahara) Jaaved Jaaferi is back in the news. Along with partner Rajiv Shah (son of producer and diamond merchant Bharat Shah), Jaaferi has launched a music label H.O.M Records and Tapes on 2 July. Film star Rekha was present during the launch of the first album Dil Cheez Kay Hai at Mumbai’s hot spot Fire n Ice. Also present were films stars such as Jackie Shroff, Dino Morrea, Shah Rukh Khan in addition to Bharat Shah and music composer Aadesh Srivastava.
H.O.M Records and Tapes will be a subsidiary of Quartet Films promoted by Jaaferi and Rajiv Shah. The initial album offerings include Dil Cheez Kya Hai, Chill Pill (The Blue Lounge) and Greatest Children’s Nursery Rhyme Album Ever.
When queried about the recession in the music industry, Shah was quoted as saying: ” We look upon the present market conditions as an opportunity rather than a threat. We might be a youthful, lean, contemporary music company but we aren’t too short on experience.”
Jaaferi adds: “The aim is to nurture and promote new talent; work on path-breaking albums with established artistes; dip into various genres; innovate and take creative leaps to create segment specific focussed content.”
When queried about the response to his show Grooves launched by Sahara TV (read story below) in May 2003, Jaaferi says: “We have got a fabulous response for the show. Just imagine getting 10,000 entries for the western region zonal rounds! I am very happy that the show is doing pretty well.”
Jaaferi is also planning to do a concept album for H.O.M Records and Tapes. This is in addition to the other albums such as DJ Favourites, I Love Pop, Enjoy, The Geeta Album, Shujaat Ali Khan (on sitar with music composer Satish Sharma) and RJ Karan Singh’s debut pop album.
When questioned about the ‘remix’ culture, Jaaferi says: ” I agree that some of the remixes are outright bad while others don’t have a heart or soul. But, at least, the younger generation gets a chance to listen to the songs composes in yesteryears. However, as far as H.O.M is concerned, remixes are just a small segment of our repertoire. We also have international licenced repertoire.”
Jaaferi says that he will continue to dedicate time to his television shows despite his hectic business engagements.
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.
