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Sridevi show to debut on Sahara 5 Jan ’04
MUMBAI: The Sridevi starrer Humaari Bahu Malini Iyer (HBMI) is set to debut on Sahara Manoranjan on 5 January 2004.
Sahara, which urgently needs a hit series to make it to viewer consciousness, will debut the much awaited sitcom in the New Year.
HBMI went on the floors early in January 2003, and was scheduled to launch by mid 2003, but the legal hassles that held up the telecast of another mega show Karishma – The Miracles of Destiny, held up HBMI’s launch as well.
The show, produced by Boney Kapoor’s Sri Devi Productions and directed by Satish Kaushik, chronicles the life of a south Indian girl married into a north Indian family, and is expected to showcase the former cine star’s flair for comedy.
Although the Karisma Kapoor starrer Karishma has been unable to wean viewers to Sahara, the network is currently buoyed up on news that its thriller serial Parcchaiyaan has bagged the Gold Award in the Best Promo for Drama category at the Promax and BDA awards.
Meanwhile, one of Sahara’s leading serials, Zindagi Teri Meri Kahani (ZTMK) too has donned a new avatar, dumping several of the earlier leading characters in favour of a much younger set. Sources associated with the show say that ZTMK, which went in for the new look from 14 November, was begging for a younger, more vibrant look.
They opine that the earlier characters were getting ‘overgrown’ and that the series, which had turned into a daily after 60 episodes as a weekly, was begging for a younger, more vibrant look.
Consequently, a bunch of young artistes, Manmeet, Sucheta, Kunal, Sanjay Jog, Muskaan and Rupali Ganguly were brought in, while Mrinal Kulkarni, Salil Ankola, Arun Govil and Iravati were bowed out.
Sudesh Berry, one of the earlier protagonists, however stays and is paired opposite Rupali. Although the A V Telefilms produced series has not taken a ‘leap forward’ a la several Balaji Telefilms’ serials, it will incorporate a ‘thriller’ element too along with the ‘youthful’ angle.
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.
