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SAB TV diversifies into films with ‘Wajahh’
MUMBAI: Seems like SAB TV just needed a wajahh to produce films. After more than a decade of exclusively producing television programmes, SAB TV launched their film Wajahh… A Reason to Kill, at Kamalistan studios on Saturday, 6 December.
The film, produced by Markand Adhikari in a joint venture with Anand Pandit of Lotus Films and directed by Gautam Adhikari, was launched by Samajwadi Party’s Amar Singh and Jackie Shroff in the presence of Shilpa Shetty. The cast of this medium-budget mystery and suspense thriller includes Arbaaz Khan, Gracy Singh, Shamita Shetty and Zulfi Sayed.
Amar Singh giving the muhurat clap of Wajahh… A Reason To Kill at Kamalistan Studio. Also seen are Gracy Singh and Gautam Adhikari
The film is not their debut film venture – they had produced the forgettable Bhookamph starring Jeetendra, Rahul Roy and Mamta Kulkarni almost a decade ago. However, Markand Adhikari attributed his company’s reasons for venturing into film production now to factors like the recent mushrooming of multiplexes all over the country that have made audiences more receptive to well-made smaller films.
At the occasion, he also expressed SAB TV’s intentions to produce four – five similar medium-budget films over the next year for which the joint venture hopes to invest around Rs 15 crore. They expect to launch the second untitled film by February next year.
True to their television forte of serials like Commander, CID Officer, Suraag, Wajahh … A reason To Kill also remains a crime thriller and is expected to be finished in start-to-finish schedule and released by the end of next year.
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.
