News Headline
SET acquires ‘K3G’, ‘Deewange’, 8 other movies
MUMBAI: For both Sony Entertainment Television (SET) and Zee TV, movies appear to be the safest bet to make some impact on the ratings listings overwhelmingly dominated by Star Plus.
Today SET announced the acquisition of 10 Hindi films with the really big ticket one being producer Yash Johar’s multi-starrer blockbuster Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Other acquisitions include the recently released Akshaye Khanna-Ajay Devgan-Urmila Matondkar starrer Deewangee, Awara Pagal Deewana, Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, Na Tum Jano Na Hum and Chor Machaye Shor.
Multi-starrer K3G has Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan as the male leads with Jaya Bachchan, Kajol and Kareena Kapoor on the distaff side. K3G is planned as the SET’s New Year’s Eve offering to be aired on 31 December.
The film purchases come as no surprise since SET channel head Sunil Lulla had indicated such a move was on the cards after the superb ratings showing of blockbuster Lagaan . Ashustosh Gowarikar’s critically acclaimed box-office success had a full five hours of air time when it was telecast on 17 October but still managed to hit the Top 10.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of reports that both K3G and this year’s mega movie Devdas (at least in costing terms though the verdict on whether it is really a hit is still not fully out) were not finding buyers for the TV telecast rights. The high cost the producers were demanding was the stumbling block. Industry sources say that Rs 80 million was what the Johars were seeking for the film but that SET is likely to have paid somewhere in the region of Rs 60 million.
“Karan Johar is a gifted and sensitive director, and his films have always been extremely popular. So his Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham – along with Deewangee, Awara Pagal Deewana and the other hits we have acquired – will provide our viewers the biggest and best of film entertainment,” SET India CEO Kunal Dasgupta was quoted as saying in an official release.
Johar was quoted in the release as saying: “It’s a relationship that goes back to when Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was aired on Sony. I think our relationship with the Sony Entertainment Television network has grown very beautifully. I’m so happy that Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham has been bought by Sony again – I’m glad it’s Sony and nobody else! I believe in loyalty and consistency, and this is a step in just that direction.”
“This is not all, we are in discussions for some other titles too, and I hope we shall be able to make an announcement soon, Dasgupta has been quoted as saying.
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.
