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Samir Ahluwalia re-designated as Zee Business editor; Mihir Bhatt continues as deputy editor
MUMBAI:Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network Limited (SABTNL) will start work on its second feature film in January next year. The movie which is yet to be named, is slated to be a musical suspense thriller . It will star Sunil Shetty in the lead role with the female lead being played by a newcomer.
“The script of the feature film is ready. We plan to start shooting in January 2003. We are presently searching for someone to play the female lead,” says SABTNL chairman Gautam Adhikari. The first movie venture by SABTNL was Bhookamp in1993. Directed by Gautam Adhikari and produced by Markhand Adhikari it starred Jeetendra, Rahul Roy and Mamta Kulkarni. It however failed to make an impression on the box office Richter scale.
Another feat for Gautam Adhikari is that apart from having his name listed in the Limca Books of World Records in 1998 as the only director in the world to have directed more than 1500 episodes, he is now all set to step into the Guiness Book of World Record as the onIy director for directing 1718 television series episodes.
He is also the brain behind programmes like Suraag the longest running one hour thriller on Indian television with 175 episodes. He has also directed Commander with 156 episodes, action thriller Indian Search with 50 episodes and Waqt Ki Raftar with 535 episodes.
SABTNL is an integrated television content production house and a broadcaster. The company commenced operations over 13 years ago as a television software production house producing programming for India’s Doordarshan.
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.
