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Smriti may have to go off TV serials
NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party’s candidate from the Chandni Chowk constituency in Delhi, Tulsi Virani aka Smriti Z Iraani may find herself in a tight spot if the election commission and its officials rule that she cannot continue to appear in television serials as it may amount to flouting of model code of conduct.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com today, Iraani said that she and her party would abide by EC rules, but added that the rules should be applicable on everybody uniformly, including her Congress rival from the area, Kapil Sibal.
“The party’s senior leaders are seized of the matter and we’d abide whatever EC says,” Iraani said, adding, “But by that logic, Mr.Sibal should also stop appearing on TV regularly as the spokesperson of Congress. His regular appearance would mean he too is using the medium of TV for campaigning.”
However, what can give some margin of an escape route to Iraani is the fact that it is not clear whether EC’s diktat also applies on private satellite channels, which may not have stopped airing films and serials of those people who are contesting elections. Pubcaster Doordarshan, of course, has stopped airing serials and films of those persons who are fighting elections this time, including people like Govinda and Dharmendra.
A resident of Chandni Chowk, Jai Prakash Aggarwal, formally lodged a complaint with the EC that the serial featuring Smriti should be stopped as it would mean using the medium of serial as a campaign tool, which is against the poll code.
Asked whether Tulsi Virani would vanish from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhie Bahu Thi on Star Plus for the duration of the election (till 13 May), Iraani said both she and the serial makers are law abiding citizens and “would do nothing that goes against the grain of democratic norms.”
Still, taking a swipe at Sibal, Iraani said, “If I am an inconsequential actor, as Mr. Sibal is describing me as, then why’s he so afraid of my TV appearance?”
Till the time of writing this report, EC had not taken a final view on Agawam’s complaint involving Iraani.
Making Tulsi vanish for a short duration should not be a problem for Balaji telefilms, producers of the KSKBT. The scriptwriters had done that earlier too when Smriti was pregnant and had to take a short maternity sabbatical.
Incidentally, Dharmendra can be seen in an oil company’s advertisement, which is aired on some of the private satellite channels. Has EC or anybody taken note of this fact too?
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.
