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Marinating Films introduces Web Travel show ‘Desi Explorers’
MUMBAI: Wanderlust for the unknown lies within most of us. The curiosity to explore other lands far from our own is common to most. Understanding this, Marinating films has introduced an entirely new concept of a web travel show- Desi Explorers.
This is a Hindi travel show and the makers say that it will focus on how a country can have different facets for different characters. The show is about five celebrities – Vishal Singh, Suyyash Rai, Kishwer S Merchant, Sukirti Kandpal, Vrushika Mehta exploring Jordan in their own way. It is a six- episodic web series, to be released in the next two weeks on Marinating films YouTube channel.
The first season of Desi Explorers will be shot in four different places in Jordan. It will start with the Dead Sea in Jordan, followed by Wadi Rum. Petra, which is also known as the new seventh wonder of the world, will be the third destination and the final spot is the capital city Amman.
Marinating films has partnered with Jordan Tourism Board and Air Arabia for the show. The partners have bartered services with the production house. Marinating films managing director Sunny Arora said, “Desi Explorers is a creative venture for us rather than a financial one. We are focused on creating experiences for our viewers as this is a pioneer show in this genre on the digital platform”.
Desi Explorers is being financed by the production house itself. Sources revealed that besides talent, the major production cost is travel and accommodation which could vary between Rs 2.5 Lakh to Rs 3 Lakh per person.
The show will be followed by Aaj Tak and ABP News which will be covering the making of the show. The coverage will begin from May 26. The production house has clarified that coverage is a creative call from the channels and it has no business connections with the channels for Desi Explorers.
There is a crew of 13 people that will be involved in the production of the show. It will be shot in the guerrilla filmmaking style with a Canon 5D Mark III and GoPro cameras to give it a natural look. Desi Explorers is being directed by Manav Binder, who has directed several short films before.
The makers say that this is a series show, and they will come up with different editions for different countries. After Jordan, Taiwan is next on Marinating films agenda. The makers emphasize that the series will be followed by a travelogue at the end of every season of the show in which the celebrities will share their personal experiences and the making of the show in detail. The travelogue will be released online on various platforms. .
Desi Explorers will be promoted on all the digital platforms, including Marinating films in-house platforms. Besides, it will also be promoted through involved celebrity’s social media platforms. The involvement of Aaj Tak and ABP News is expected to bring mileage as well.
The makers of the show claim that this is one of a kind show due to many factors and will leave a mark amongst audiences. “The show is shot in Hindi with known celebrities to garner the audiences from the region. Desi Explorers is about the spirit to travel and also we are exploring our creativity as well,” concluded Arora.
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.
