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Six new Balaji shows to launch by October
MUMBAI: Soap queen Ektaa Kapoor will launch six new shows within the next two months, across almost all mainstream channels.
For the first time in Balaji’s history, one of the shows has been slated to telecast on public broadcaster Doordarshan.
The six serials, scheduled between September and October, include Kuch Kehna Hai Mujhe for Sahara, Kulvadhu Is Ghar Ki for Sony, Karva Chauth for Zee, Kayamat for DD, Kahin To Hoga and Koi aa Raha Hai Waqt Badalne, both for Star.
Of these, Koi aa Raha Hai… has an offbeat theme — it revolves around the arrival of a super-hero. This show, earlier supposed to be named Kaalki, was slated for a release around December last year, but was delayed due to some unforeseen problems. Finally it will be out with a new name.
Kahin to Hoga will be the first to launch on 7 September. The serial, tentatively titled Kashish earlier, will replace Kaahin Kissii Roz in the 11 pm slot. Consequently, Kaahin Kissii Roz, also a long-running Balaji serial, will be pushed to the 11.30 pm slot.
Kahin to Hoga will be telecast from Monday to Thursday, but the first week will have five episodes starting Sunday. According to Ektaa herself, that’s because she believes that seven is a lucky date to start the show with.
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.
