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Mandira Bedi to star in patriotic music video made by Kidszone
MUMBAI: Debutante director Bharat Mehra, through his newly promoted company Kidszone, has lined up a series of TV serials and “patriotic” music videos. Mehra has already convinced world cup Extraaa Innings diva Mandira Bedi to feature in the title track Global Child of his album Love and Peace.
Mehra’s first serial Adhura Khwaab revolves around the issue of partition and is set in a small town near Lahore, Pakistan. “The serial is based on the touchy issue Indo-Pak relationships. Although various producers have attempted this subject, I shall strive to be different,” says Mehra.
Next on the agenda is a family drama/soap opera titled Zindagi Ke Har Modh Par, which will be aired on a C&S channel. Mehra refused to disclose any further details at this stage.
Mehra is also planning to launch two serials for children – Marooned Island and Jaadugar. The ‘adventure’ serials will be on air by the end of the year.
The first project which Mehra has taken up is his album Love and Peace which will eulogise a message of peace, love and harmony. The title track Global Child will feature Mandira Bedi who will carry the Indian national flag and deliver a patriotic message.
“Mandira is a family friend and suits the character I had conceived. Also, she feels strongly about spreading the message of love and peace in the post September 2001 World Trade centre incidents,” adds Mehra.
The music for the video will be coordinated by Druvajit Gogoi and a new singer Smita Roy will be introduced.
“To be shot overseas, along with children belonging to different countries, this six-minute video will be released on 15 August 2003. The shooting will be completed in 10 days and we have already signed deals with children from the US, Africa, Afghanistan and Europe,” says Mehra.
After the completion of Global Child, Kidszone plans to make Salute India (Jana Gana Mana) and more such patriotic numbers which will entertain as well as spout patriotic messages. Also on the cards is a peppy collection of fast beat numbers named Tap Your Foot. Bioscope-Jeena Isi Ka naam Hai is a black and white album on realism of life shot in the streets of Mumbai by night. Kar Chale Hum Fida is another patriotic song to be remixed in Nepal.
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.
