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‘Karvachauth’ is Balaji’s new venture for Zee
MUMBAI: I ts ‘K’ time on Zee again.
Balaji Telefilms is back on Zee, albeit little more cautiously. Besides launching two new shows on Star Plus Karma and Kahin To Hoga, the production house also plans to launch a new show titled Karvachauth on Zee.
With the earlier ventures like Koi Apna Sa, Kitney Kool Hai Hum and Kammal fading away from the scene unnoticed, it appeared as though the production house had been written off by Zee.
Queried about the soap factory’s plans, Balaji Telefilms COO Rajesh Pavithran said, “The programme is scheduled to air in the month of August. Karvachauth is going to be a prime-time weekly.” He however, refused to talk about the plot line, saying the story was still in process of being finalised.
When asked about the characters he offered that the show would be a good mix of Balaji veterans as well as some new actors. According to the Balaji tradition, it is likely that the protagonist should be a new entrant to the television media.
The recent ventures on Subhash Chandra’s flagship channel may not have set the TRPs soaring but it was on Zee where Balaji Telefilms first tasted success with its sitcom Hum Paanch. While Zee officials did not offer any comment, Pavitran insisted that the the show was a done deal.
What has been confirmed by the channel, though is the launch of the long pending action thriller XYZ to spruce up its Sunday morning slot, from 13 July. The Shekhar Suman starrer directorial venture of Anant Mahadevan has been in the pipeline since last year.
Meanwhile, with the first series of the Chausath Panne wrapping up, the channel will be launching the second edition titled Manasa on 20 July.
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.
