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Juggernaut Productions to make series on poker star Muskan Sethi
Mumbai : Cricket has always generated enthusiasm in India, but the last couple of years have seen sports other than cricket coming to the limelight. Biopics of athletes such as Milkha Singh, Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal, Mithali Raj, and others have appeared on both big and small screens. Taking this fervor forward, IN10 Media Network’s production house, Juggernaut Productions has acquired the life rights of India’s first woman poker player – Muskan Sethi.
Muskan, who was born in New Delhi, was always drawn to technology, gaming, coding, strategic games, and cards, but she discovered poker at the age of 11 through her father, who watched poker games. She was drawn to the deck of cards while researching online gaming and other strategic games, but it wasn’t until years later that she decided to pursue the sport professionally. Her career took off after she won a contest that placed her alongside some of the world’s best poker players in a $1 million tournament on the United Kingdom’s national television show. She hasn’t looked back since.
On the association, Muskan Sethi, the player honored with the National Award by former President of India Ram Nath Kovind, said, “Through the art of cinema, I want to encourage anyone pursuing an unconventional career path. I believe it’s important to tell and hear each other’s stories.”
And added, “I hope to debunk myths around poker. It would be a dream come true if poker players attain the support and training to put India on the map. After all, this is the land of great mathematicians and inventors.”
The show will have aspirational undertones and tell a girl’s story and life, highlighting her presence of mind.
On the development Juggernaut Productions CEO Samar Khan said, “At Juggernaut Productions, we have always emphasised telling stories that are path-breaking and have strong women characters. Muskan’s story has immense merit, and through this endeavour, we hope to break the notions about the game. It is a sport and not just a game of luck!”
“I believe the audience is eager to watch differentiated and aspiring stories. We are happy that Muskan has joined hands with us for the same,” he added.
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.
