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Neelu Vaghela on learning Gujarati for COLORS Gujarati: “My husband was my biggest support
Mumbai: With the promise of bringing to the screens ‘Asal Gujarati Nu Asal Entertainment,’ COLORS Gujarati presents a mythological blend of culture, tradition, and divine storytelling in its new offering ‘Shyam Dhun Lagi Re’. ‘Shyam Dhun Lagi Re’ navigates through a heartfelt journey of Narsinh Mehta’s life from the lens of Lord Krishna. By bringing home-grown content that resonates with the rich culture of Gujarat, COLORS Gujarati is set to redefine the landscape of regional television. The channel not only aims to elevate the standard of Gujarati entertainment but also promises to captivate audiences with its unique and soulful narratives.
The ensemble cast for the show includes talented and popular actors like Neelu Vaghela as Dadi Baa of Narsinh Mehta, Krishna Bharadwaj as Shri Krishna, Paresh Bhatt as Narsinh Mehta, and Hitu Kanodia as Narsinh Mehta’s father. The show will also feature original bhajans sung by the popular singer Parthiv Gohil, adding a musical essence to this spiritual saga.
Neelu Vaghela, who is making her Gujarati debut with ‘Shyam Dhun Lagi Re,’ shares that her husband played a pivotal role in helping her prepare for her role by assisting her with speaking the language. Although she previously understood Gujarati, this is her first time speaking it.
Elaborating on the preparation for her role, Neelu Vaghela, who essays the role of Narsinh Mehta’s dadi, said, “I am very excited to mark my debut in the Gujarati entertainment space with ‘Shyam Dhun Lagi Re’. My husband was my biggest support, patiently helping me perfect my pronunciation. My co-stars also played a pivotal role in enhancing my skills, making the set feel like one big Gujarati family. We are all putting in our best efforts to ensure the show resonates well with the Gujarati audience, capturing the true essence and spirit of their culture
‘Asal Gujarati Nu Asal Entertainment’ with ‘Shyam Dhun Lagi Re’ premieres on 15 July at 7:30 pm, and thereafter airs every day only on COLORS Gujarati
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.
