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Phir Subah Hogi: Hope & hard-hitting reality in DD’s latest drama offering
MUMBAI: If one were to chart the evolution of Hindi general entertainment in India, it would begin with Doordarshan. The genesis of small screen programming and its many and varied offshoots can all be traced back to the state-owned TV network. From depicting the struggles and aspirations of the emergent Indian middle-class, to socially conscious programs, the birth of the Indian soap opera, and the migration of viewers to newer channels with peppier programming, DD has seen it and withstood it all.
As the nation became rapidly globalised, small screen directors started deviating from the melodramatic saas-bahu sagas to create something better, for a more discerning audience. A resurgent Doordarshan has started “weekend premiere programmes” on DD National that seek to tell stories with a difference. One such new series – Phir Subah Hogi –, produced & directed by Pinku Biswas, is striking chords with viewers for all the right reasons. The show have got accolades because of its variations and production quality and is flying high with a slot in the ‘top ten programmes’ within the flagship channels of DD. According to BARC viewership data, the serial clocked the maximum viewership amongst all weekend premiere shows of DD and one of the top five shows of DD national.Phir Subah Hogi is produced by ‘Ayanaa Cinematics’.
Launched on 19 September 2020, Phir Subah Hogi examines the serious issue of malpractices in India’s medical sector. The plot revolves around Anupama, played by Shalini Vishnudev, a doctor with an indomitable will and a wish to live life to the fullest, while going against the tedious norms imposed on her by society. Armed with a strong moral compass, she aims to eliminate corruption, malpractices and other evils that are still rampant in many parts of India.
Unlike conventional ‘heroines’ in Hindi serials, Anupama is bold, outspoken and believes in making her own way. She chooses to serve local people by opting for the noble profession of a doctor. She is openly critical of cases of misconduct in the medical profession, and goes to the extent of fighting against the goons who hoard or supply spurious medicines. The show also reminds us to value the doctors and hospital staff who are trying to save our lives. More importantly, the series emphasises on the importance of imparting proper education to women so they can be financially independent and gain respect and dignity. It also highlights social concerns like dowry, domestic violence and illiteracy. With a firm focus on the lived reality of women in India, the story follows various ups and downs in Anupama’s life and the way she deals with them.
The cast and their natural acting, the camera work, tight direction and background score add to the overall high quality of production. Biswas has envisaged an out-of-the-box concept and is executing it skilfully with complete sincerity. The show is hard-hitting while simultaneously playing on the emotions of its viewers, and even as it presents a contemporary and progressive outlook, it’s rooted in family values. No surprise then, that it trends on social media whenever a new episode is telecast.
Phir Subah Hogi provides renewed hope to many middle-class girls who aspire to stand on their own feet and make a difference in the society they live in. Without being blindly idealistic, the show depicts the experiences of career-oriented members of the fairer sex, the challenges they face and the sacrifices they must make – something that has been true for a while now and will resonate with the modern woman.
Phir Subah Hogi airs every weekend on DD National from 8:30-9 pm.
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.
