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Samvaad to air two new shows on DD metro
MUMBAI: A theatre group which plunged into TV programming nearly 18 years ago and is still going strong. Rakesh Chowdhary’s Samvaad, the production house which has come up with serials such as Bante Bigadte, Chunauti, Mujrim Haazir, is gearing up to provide a variety of shows on Doordarshan.
Samvaad Video director marketing Anirudh Chowdhary states: “We are attempting something very different and unique on Doordarshan’s metro channel with our travel show Duniya Ki Saire Kar Lo in the 9 pm Saturday slot. The programme will commence airing on DD metro from April end onwards.” The Samvaad show is hosted by model Parinita Seth and the show’s unit has travelled to several international locations. Chowdhary adds that the travel show is similar to Yatra, produced by Deepti Bhatnagar for Star Plus.
Samvaad is also seeking approval for its new projects and has already presented five pilots related to different genres – comedy, daily soaps, family drama, social sitcoms, classics and programmes with social relevance. Samvaad has also bagged the mandate for a commissioned programme Kahaani Junction which will be based on folk tales such as Panchtantra.
Currently, Samvaad has the following serials on air: Shikwa on DD 1 at 1 pm from Monday to Friday; Intezar Aur Sahi – rerun on DD metro at 2 pm – starring Gracy Singh of Amaanat and Lagaan fame; Aisa Bhi Hota Hai – a comedy on Wednesday at 7:30 pm.
“Our serials have been appreciated not just in India but also in Indonesia, Nepal, Mauritius, South Africa, UK, USA and Canada. Samvaad is now poised for further growth with many projects in the pipeline including a mega international joint venture. We have with us our loyal team of creative people many of who have made their debut with our production house,” says MD Rakesh Chowdhary.
Chowdhary recently visited several areas in the northern and central belts of India to examine the possibility of sourcing content and producing serials for the upcountry DD channels.
Starting as a theatre group in 1982, Samvaad took its plunge into television programming in 1985 with its first sitcom Bante Bigadte. Seeing the need of the emerging television industry in India, Samvaad established its own professional video studio with its next venture Chunauti.
Mujrim Haazir was an attempt to translate a complex classic of the literary genius Bimal Mitra into a television serial. Its multi-starrer powerful drama Virasat, was appreciated when it was aired on Doordarshan’s newly launched DD Metro channel some years back.
Anirudh Chowdhary, who oversees all marketing functions, says: “Samvaad has over 100 top advertisers in India on its client list. We have received support from Godrej Soaps, Hindustan Lever, Marico’s Parachute, Johnson & Johnson, Reckitt Benckiser’s Dettol amongst others.”
Samvaad certainly seems to have got the right backing for its creative output!
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.
