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Shweta Keswani opts out of ‘Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii’
MUMBAI: Looks like the Balaji telefilms would be stocking up on the glycerine supply. While the season for marriage is done with, the latest fad in telly land seems to be the mourning period.
Following the footsteps of Mandira Bedi in Kyunkii…, Shweta Keswani aka Avantika of Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii has dropped out voluntarily of the show, albeit for different reasons.
While Mandira has said she was unhappy with the negative role, Shweta’s decision to call it quits is linked to fatigue.
According to Shweta, “I was doing Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii. It was becoming hectic to handle both the projects. I need a break. If I don’t take one now, I will soon collapse. I thought that the logic thing would be to drop Kahaani….”
Obviously, since she has a meatier role in Des…, it would be smarter to quit Kahaani… But Shweta argues: “It is simply because I have killed my husband in the serial. So it would be easier to get eliminated in this one. I told Ektaa about it nearly five-six months ago. You saw me getting caught last week. Now, they would probably show that I have been sentenced to life imprisonment. Please note, there is no friction between Ekta and me.”
When asked about her future plans she said: “There is no dearth of work. Aroonaji has offered me a few roles in the serials she is planning for Sahara and Sony. Let’s see. But nothing for some time at least. Leave me alone. I am exhausted.”
With Deepak Kazir AKA Babuji of Kahaani… also planning to call it quits, is it Kahaani…’s turn for a double dose of sorrow?
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.
