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‘Kkusum’ completes two years on Sony
MUMBAI: Seems the extra ‘k’ in the title did work after all. SET India’s top soap about a girl-next-door- Kkusum, has managed to hold on to the audience interest for the second year in a row.
SET on air programming head Anupama Mondloi, CEO Kunal Dasgupta, Balaji Telefilms Chairman Jeetandra along with Balaji MD and CEO Shobha Kapoor at thr celebration party (left to right)
The show from hit soap factory Balaji Telefilms launched on SET along with Reena Wadhwa’s Kahin Diyaa Jale Kahin Jiyaa . Both shows were was pitted against Kaun Banega Crorepati. Kahin Diyaa… didn’t last too long and it was initially feared that Kusum (as it was called first) would share the same fate. After the initial episodes failed to create a flutter Balaji called for drastic measures. That was in 2001.
Thereafter, the story and the life of the lead protagonist “Kkusum” (played by Nausheen Sardar) have seen quite a number of changes and have been lapped up by audiences and advertisers.
While Nausheen still plays “Kkusum”, her screen hubby (now ex-hubby on the soap), who was initially played by Anuj Saxena, has been replaced by Rohit Roy. The director Anil has been replaced in 2003.
Two year’s on air and counting. For the sake of the plotline’s continuance, “Kkusum’s” story doesn’t look like achieving bliss anytime soon.
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.
