News Broadcasting
‘Ramkhilavaan’ is not Laloo, says show producer
MUMBAI: Contrary to popular perception that Raamkhilavaan C.M. n Family is inspired by Laloo Prasad Yadav and his family, Vineet Kumar, who plays Raamkhilavaan, Sushmita Mukherjee, who plays Imarti Devi and the writer- producer Aswani Dheer, all strongly refute suggestions that the shown is inspired by the maverick former chief minister of Bihar.
“Basically we wanted to make a political satire. It’s sheer coincidence that the characters are similar to his family members,” says Aswani. Probed further, he says rather exasperatedly: “Just because the hairstyle of Raamkhilavaan and Lalooji is similar, one shouldn’t jump to conclusions that the character is inspired by Laloo. Tomorrow, if I show a politician with a French beard, you will say the character is inspired by IK Gujral.”
One understands that this kind of a sharp rebuttal is a conscious attempt by the producer to steer clear of possible controversies his satire might generate. After all, the similarities are far too striking to escape people’s attention.
Both Vineet Kumar and Sushmita Mukherjee also denied they had in mind Laloo’s or Rabri’s character while enacting the role. Sushmita says the brief that was given to her was to play a loud mouth ignorant “chammak challo” kind of Bihari housewife and that that was the only instruction she had in mind in preparing for her role.
Whether Ramkhilavaan is inspired by Laloo or not, one welcomes this bold political satire as a refreshing change from the same “formula” sitcoms that other channels have churning out. One just hopes it meets the success of Office Office.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
