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Roy Jr debuts on Sahara with ‘Mission Fateh’
MUMBAI: While Mission Fateh, Sahara’s mega serial is finally being launched on 28 March; Sushanto Roy, son of managing worker Subroto Roy, will make a cameo as Kargil martyr Lieutenant Vijayant Thapar in the series.
Roy will make his acting debut in the sixth episode of this one hour-long series based on the true-life stories of Indian war heroes including that of the recent Kargil war, to be aired on Sahara TV every Friday at 9:30 p.m.
Touted as the most expensive project on the channel, the series has been extensively shot in areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Nagaland including locations like, Rohtangpass, Koksar Valley, Lahoul & Speeti Valley.
Speaking about Sushanto Roy’s debut, a spokesperson said: “Prior to scripting the series, we got all the information about the war, the war heroes including their personal lives. All the chosen actors had some semblance with the original war-heroes depicted. When Lt. Vijayant Thapar’s pictures arrived, we were surprised to see an uncanny resemblance with Sushanto Roy. After lot of persuasion, he finally relented and agreed to do the role.”
The series, besides projecting the actual missions undertaken by brave officers of the Indian Army during wars and counter-insurgency operations from 1948 onwards, also tried to capture the lives of army officers and jawans. Custom-made equipment’s, weapons and snowgears for soldiers – duly approved by Indian Army Liasion Cell and other authorities pertaining to various regiments have been used, say sources.
Produced by Sahara India Media Communication Ltd. (SIMCL) with Clapstem Production as the assigned producer, Mission Fateh was conceived and directed by Girish Malik. While Brigadier (Retd.) M M Bhanot has doubled up as script writer and creative advisor ot the project.
The ambitious project had been in making for some time now. It took minimum of 30 days to shoot an episode owing to the harsh climatic conditions and the challenging scenes involving more than 60 actors. Besides roping in Big B Amitabh Bachchan to promote the show, the series has signed national school of Drama graduates besides well-known telly actors like Govind Namdeo, Kapil Sohni, Jyoti Mukerji, Manmeet Singh. While singers like Roop Kumar Rathod, Shaan, Sadhna Sargam and Md. Salamat have lent their voices to Mission Fateh.
The first episode of the mega-serial Mission Fateh to be telecast on 28 March 2003 will show the story of Kargil hero Captain Vikram Batra followed by Captain Amol Kalia. and Kashmir counter-insurgency operation’s 2nd Lieutenant Puneet Nath Dutt.
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.
