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Ramoji Rao ventures into joint Marathi-Gujarati production
After Marathi television serials, South Indian media mogul Ramoji Rao is venturing into less trodden territory.
Beginning 10 April, the producer will flag off the shooting of a film that will be made simultaneously in Marathi and Gujarati. The film, to be made at a budget of Rs 8 million, will have distinct dialogues, cast and music, adapted suitably for both languages. This is the first time a film with the same script and music is being created in two languages simultaneously, say industry observers.
The film, a comedy written by Ashok Upadhyay, is titled Bin Paishacha Tamasha in Marathi and Wala Aave to Saachu bol in Gujarati. To be shot in a tight schedule of 45 days at the Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, the film is slated for a Diwali release, says Chetan Dubey, who will edit both films.
To be directed by Vinay Laad, who has five Marathi films to his credit so far, the films will be shot in cinemascope, a rarity for regional films. Some of the cast, which includes Marathi actors Avinash Kharshikar, Vijay Chavan and Pallavi Subhash, will be repeated in both versions.
The music, scored by Nishikant Sadafule, sets another trend in that the songs are all western style numbers, two of which are common for both versions. The entire central cast of both films totalling nearly 20 is already assembled at RFC, ready to begin shooting for the film which will be done shot-wise, say sources.
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.
