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Sony Marathi to launch on 19 August
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) is going to threaten the dominion of rivals Zee and Star in the regional space now. The network is all set to roll out its Marathi GEC Sony Marathi on 19 August.
The channel’s tagline is ‘Vinuya Atut Nati’, which translates to forming a strong bond. The broadcaster has started running promos informing viewers about the impending launch.
Sony’s current regional bet is Sony Aath (Bengali) a hybrid channel that offers a mix of fiction, cinema as well as locally produced animation programmes. The new channel will be SPNI’s first serious move in the regional entertainment space.
So far, the channel has unveiled three shows Saare Tuzhyach Sathi, Julta Julta Jultay Ki and Hum Bane Tum Bane. Julta Julta Jultay Ki, which will air every Monday-Saturday at 7 pm, is a love story of an odd couple. The existing social norms term it odd because the boy is short and the girl is tall. The couple still fall for each other breaking the social convention of physical aspect.
At the time of Ajay Bhalwankar’s appointment as the business head of the channel, SPNI MD and CEO NP Singh said, “The Marathi content viewers have a growing appetite for local content which resonates with their cultural fabric. By catering to this audience, SPN will expand its regional footprint. Ajay will play a vital role in delivering a channel experience that is relatable yet compelling. With extensive experience and in-depth understanding of the industry, I am confident that under Ajay’s leadership, SPN will make an impressive debut in the Marathi entertainment space.”
Saare Tuzhyach Sathi is another romantic story of an odd couple – a girl who is a boxer and a boy who is a classical singer. The story revolves around their lives which get tangled together in an arranged marriage. The show will air every Monday – Saturday at 8 pm. The show features Harshad Atkari and Gautami Deshpande in lead roles. Hum Bane Tum Bane is a light-hearted comedy revolving around three women (wives and mother-in-law). The show will air every Wednesday–Saturday at 10 pm.
The Marathi GEC market is led by Zee Marathi as well as others like Colors Marathi and Star Pravah. Sony is entering a tough market where channels have already caught the audience pulse.
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.
