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Sahara One refreshes early primetime with ‘Behula’ at 7:30 pm
MUMBAI: With Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) Sahara One’s recent revamp, the channel is now sporting a new avatar and is all set to build on the popular mythological entertainment genre. Managed by Trilogic Digital Media, Sahara One is readying to launch the renowned Bengali show Behula.
Starting 14 December, the show, which is based on the Hindu mythology of Shiva Purana and Manasamangal – a genre of Bengali medieval epics, will be aired at 7:30 pm with a repeat at 9 pm.
Starring Bengali actress Payal Dey in the titular role, Behula will showcase the riveting journey of courage, undying love and triumph. The show also stars Rimjhim Mitra, Chandrayee Ghosh, Kaushik Chakraborty and Rupanjana Mitra amongst others.
Talking about the show, Trilogic Digital Media COO Shivaani Jaisingh said, “Behula is a heartfelt show, which will undoubtedly engage the audience fond of our rich mythological history and its making. Our new approach this year is to focus on mythology and crime genres. By launching Behula in this early primetime slot, it is our way of giving the viewers more variety. With insight driven programming and tactics, we are working towards giving our audiences exactly what they want. Sahara One is on a strong growth path and promises spectators to be glued to the grandeur and performance that has been glorified in Behula like no other.”
The inspiring tale marks the heartfelt journey of Behula, a fearless woman, who is determined to challenge her fate. Depicting the love story of Behula and Lakhindar, the series is also remarkable for its portrayal of a wife who epitomises the best of Indian womanhood, especially a woman’s devotion towards her husband.
Combined with research, Sahara One has positioned itself as owners of the genre with four mythology shows airing from 7 pm onwards.
Bharat Parv at 7 pm is followed by the new show Behula at 7:30 pm. With its current flagship shows Mata Ki Chowki and Jai, Jai, Jai Bajarang Bali at 8 pm and 8:30 pm respectively, the channel had pitched itself as a destination for mythology during primetime.
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.
