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‘Kaalki’ to be finally born as ‘Karma’ next month
MUMBAI: If all goes well, the long delayed Kaalki should finally make its appearance on Star Plus by the first week of August.
The 45 minute weekly, the first special effects show from the Balaji Telefilms stable, has been re-christened – once again. Some months ago, the production house had changed it from Kaalki to Koi Aa Raha Hai Waqt Badalne. The K factor remains unchanged but now the serial is supposed to be titled Karma. According to Balaji officials, five episodes of the serial are ready while three more are in the final stages of completion.
Earlier scheduled for a November 2002 launch, Karma was then pushed to a post World Cup slot with Star India COO saying earlier this year that “The channel is keen on Kaalki but since all the slots are full till April, the show will have to wait.” Targeted at the 5-17 age bracket and based on a superhuman, somewhat on the lines of Batman or Superman, Karma has been mostly shot outdoors. The recent spate of rains has put a dampener on further shooting, say officials.
Also due to make its appearance shortly on Star Plus is the Balaji series Kashish, also re-christened Kahin To Hoga. Miditech’s Saara Akash, a series on life in the Indian Air Force, too was scheduled for a launch in the first half of 2003, but is now likely to see the light of day in August.
Kashish is to be a daily soap with a cast comprising newcomers. It is the story of a young girl who is very supportive of her four sisters, but suddenly finds that two men have fallen in love with her. She loves one but gets married to the other. After a few days, her husband is murdered.
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.
