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Saregama TV launches Telugu musical socio-mythological
MUMBAI: The television arm of music company Saregama is moving into Telugu after having launched popular Tamil serials earlier. Saregama TV has launched its serial Namo Venkatesha in a unique first along with the music release.
The prime time serial will be aired on Gemini TV every Sunday morning at 9:30 am.
According to Saregama officials,Namo Venkatesha is a Telugu musical socio-mythological. Namo Venkatesha has been produced on a grand scale.
The announcement of the serial was accompanied by the formal launch of the serial’s music album by Saregama India MD Abhik Mitra.
According to a press release, Mitra was quoted as saying: “With successes in Tamil television and our entry into Andhra Pradesh, Saregama will also explore other regions and genres with a focus on providing wholesome entertainment targeted at the family audiences.”
Commenting on the launch of the music album, Mitra said: “The launch of the music album with the serial is a pioneering step taken by Saregama which we are sure will captivate the audiences. Saregama is the first entertainment company which is leveraging its vast music repertoire to bring synergies across its various businesses.”
Buoyed by the succes of its two Tamil serials currently on air, Velan and Soolam,, Saregama hopes the new show will further leverage its expertise in the production of socio-mythologicals.
Cine actress Ravali makes her debut on the small screen with Namo Venkatesha. A stellar cast that includes the evergreen Sarath Babu; veteran actors Kantha Rao and Kota Shankar Rao, along with a stars from the Telugu film and television world is what the serial boasts.
Distinguishing Namo Venkatesha from other productions, Saregama Television business head KR Kumar stated: “Namo Venkatesha is produced on a grand scale and will treat the Telegu audience to a whole new small screen experience.”
Directed by BR Vijayalakshmi – India’s first women cinematographer – and scripted by Vietnam Veedu Sundaram, Namo Venkatesh will present the grandeur of the Mahabharata combined with the fantasies of Krishna Leela in a Telugu context, says the release.
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.
