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Playtime Creation plans new shows across genres
MUMBAI: Playtime Creation, promoted by actor Hemal Thakkar along with his good friends Bollywood star Paresh Raval and Anand Mundra, is planning a series of new shows.
The first project conceptualised by the production house namely Shubh Mangal Savadhan premiered on Sahara TV on 15 July 2002; ended as of 31 July 2003 but has reruns in the 11:30 pm slot at present.
While speaking to indiantelevision.com, Playtime Creations director Hemal Thakkar says: “We are planning several comedy shows that have been conceived by our newly formed creative team. The comedy shows includes titles such as Hamara Bajaj; Kab honge kam yaab!!; Bhagvan Bachaye inse; Kaho na kya hai amongst others. All these comedy shows have plots revolving around situations and extremely lovable characters. I am sure the plots will have Indian TV viewers in splits.”
Talking about Shubh Mangal Savadhan, Thakkar says: “Currently, the only comedy show on Sahara, Shubh Mangal Savadhan is running in repeats in the 11.30 pm slot from Monday to Thursday. The show, at least to my knowledge, has been truly the first successful daily comedy across all the channels.”
Playtime is also on the verge of venturing into the children show genre. “We are also planning a kids show called Batuk. This concept revolves around a novel idea; a fantasy one wants to live with. And I am sure the idea hasn’t been exploited on Indian television,” Thakkar adds.
The production house will also foray into the youth based romantic thriller genre. “Pyaar Mohabbat & All that deals with the youth of today. It examines their new found fears in this developing society; changing relationships in today’s times; it’s a very interesting base with a perfect mix of ordinary characters in extra ordinary circumstances,” Thakkar claims.
As far as soaps are concerned, Thakkar says: “And of course, we are developing soaps such as Sapne Apne zindagi parayee. The show will be a drama that will have all the ingredients of standing out amongst the plethora of soaps on air. Then there is my personal favourite love story Thoda hamara thoda tumara.”
Thakkar, however, refused to comment on the channels wherein the shows will be aired.
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.
