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Reality TV lines up three new shows
MUMBAI: The UK based Zone Vision-backed Reality TV is all set to introduce three new shows – Hit by Lightning, Beneath Alcatraz and Instant Millionaires – this month.
Starting 20 June Hit by Lightning will begin airing every Sunday at 7:20 pm. Beneath Alcatraz premiers on 5 June will be aired every Saturday at 1:15 pm. and 6:25 pm. Instant Millionaires will be launched on 12 June and the schedule goes as every Saturday, 1:15 pm. and 7:20 pm.
Hit by Lightning is a gripping account of the experiences of people who have survived the onslaught of lightning while Beneath Alcatraz is an interesting account of how scientists, engineers and historians have investigated and thrown light on some of the most baffling cases of missing persons registered under the United States Marshall’s office. Instant Millionaires examines the actual pride and psychological implications that people are sometimes subject to after winning lotteries, acquiring inheritances et al.
Announcing the launch of the new shows, Reality TV marketing manager – India and Asia Pacific – Ms Flecka Picardo is quoted in media reports as saying, “Reality TV is the only channel dedicated to real life events and phenomenon which is unscripted, un-staged and unformatted. The new programmes will bring to our viewers in India, gripping narrations of events, which can be life transforming. These shows have enjoyed immense popularity in the UK and we expect a good response from the Indian audience as well.”
Reality TV was launched in India in February 2003 and is distributed by Zee Turner, the distribution alliance between Zee Telefilms Ltd and Turner International. Reality TV’s programmes Little Miracles and Special Babies, which depicted the touching accounts of ordinary people who literally achieved miracles by persevering against all odds through touching faith and optimism, have been quite successful in India.
Meanwhile, widening its Asian reach, Reality TV has made its entry in Singaprore. A deal regarding this was signed between Reality TV promoters Zone vision and Singapore’s StarHub cable platform. Other Asian countries where Reality TV is beamed are Philippines, Hong Kong, Pakistan and Indonesia.
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.
