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Sony to launch Balaji blockbuster ‘Kahani Terri Merri’ as ‘Kutumb’ replacement
MUMBAI: While Star, Zee and Sahara are looking beyond the soap as far as their blockbuster offerings for the new year are concerned, Sony Entertainment is sticking with the family drama. Kahani Terri Merri, the latest “and biggest” serial from the Balaji Telefilms stable, is ready for launch.
Kahani…, which will commence airing on 20 January in the 9:30 pm slot currently held by another Balaji soap Kutumb, is much larger and far more lavish than any serial currently airing on television, according to a Balaji spokesperson.
Kahani… is said to be Balaji creative inspiration Ektaa Kapoor’s dream project and some industry sources even claim it to be a Devdas on television. What carpers call director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ode to the lavish set, Devdas is the most expensive Indian film ever made and cost producer Bharat Shah a cool Rs 500 million.
The main protagonist of the story is Tara, played by Tina Parekh of Khichdi fame and staring opposite her is Manav Gohil playing Dhruv. The other cast members include Saibalal, Shama Despande, Sumukhi Pendse, Urvashi Dholakia, Manoramaji and Rupa Sengupta.
In true Balaji tradition, it is a story about a rich joint family with many parallel story lines running alongside the central plot. The main one being the love story of the patriarch’s son and a girl from a not so well-to-do family. The twist in the tale is that the male lead has a split personality.
Both Balaji and Sony are tight-lipped about the costs involved in the making of the ‘most lavish’ and ‘extravagant’ show on Indian television.
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.
