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Sony SAB stars share their festive plans for Dhanteras 2024
Mumbai: As Dhanteras approaches, signalling the start of Diwali celebrations, Sony SAB’s leading actors reveal their preparations for this auspicious occasion. Traditionally marked by the purchase of new items during the favourable muhurat, Dhanteras is a time for spiritual victory and prosperity. Here’s how these beloved stars plan to celebrate this year:
Prachi Bansal, who portrays Sita in Shrimad Ramayan, shares, “On Dhanteras, my mom usually takes care of everything that needs to be bought. But since I’ve been living alone for some time now, I make sure to do the pooja. Whenever I have a break from shooting, I try to buy something for my mom and dad. I have never really bought anything for myself, and even this year, if I find the time, I would definitely like to buy new utensils and gold for my mom.”
Garima Parihar, who plays Deepti in Pushpa Impossible, states, “Every Dhanteras, we usually welcome prosperity by buying gold, but this year, I’ve decided to start my Diwali celebrations with something different and exciting—a new car! It’s a fresh beginning for the festive season, and I’m sure it’s going to be an amazing ride ahead, both literally and figuratively. Here’s to embracing new traditions and looking forward to all the joy and celebrations Diwali brings!”
Mansi Sharma, who stars as Shilpa Khanna in Badall Pe Paon Hai, notes, “On this Dhanteras, I believe it’s important to buy a silver plate for the pooja, as it brings purity and good luck. Silver has a special place in our traditions, and using it in the rituals is believed to invite blessings. This year, I’m excited to add something unique to my collection, something special that will not only be part of the celebrations but also remind me of the joy and positivity of this festive season.”
Shefali Rana, who plays Poonam Khanna in Badall Pe Paon Hai, emphasises, “Dhanteras marks the beginning of festivities as we welcome prosperity and happiness into our homes. The preparations, like creating vibrant rangolis to adorn the entrance, lighting diyas that bring warmth and light, and decorating the home with colourful torans, are filled with excitement and anticipation. We also indulge in purchasing new clothes and jewellery, especially precious gold, which is believed to attract good fortune. Every small act, from cleaning the house to arranging for the pooja, carries a deep sense of joy and positivity, setting the tone for the festive season ahead.”
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.
