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Star Plus switching production on two UTV shows
MUMBAI: Star Plus is trying out a completely new treatment for two of its shows, which are not doing too brightly (by its standards) on the TRP scales.
Children’s serial Shaka Laka Boom Boom is being taken from UTV and given to fledgling TV software producer Rose Movies for a trial 30-episode run.
The Goldie Behl – Shrishti Arya promoted Rose Movies has thus far produced only one serial, Lipstick, for Zee. The serial has obviously worked for the channel which has recently granted it a 100-episode extension. Now Star Plus seems to have extended its confidence to the production house by entrusting it with SLBB. The kids’ serial is hovering at a TVR of 3.2 (TAM data for the week ended 12 July), while rival Sonpari , also on Star Plus, is well ahead with a TVR of 5.6.
Arya is understandably excited about SLBB, the first time the production house is dealing with kids. Shooting commenced some days ago, and the first of Rose Movies’ efforts will be seen by the middle of next month. Arya restricts herself to saying that Star has assigned her a certain number of episodes of SLBB so far and that her company will also be doing Jeet, the next big serial to launch on the channel after the forthcoming Saara Akash.
Star Plus, it is learnt, has also decided to pull out Shagun from UTV’s care and take it under its own wing. While the other UTV afternoon soap on Star Plus, Bhabhi rakes in ratings of the likes of 5.9 (TAM data for the week ended 12 July ), Shagun has garnered 3.6 for the same period. Star, it is learnt, plans to make future episodes of the serial in-house. The new arrangement takes effect from 18 August, according to informed sources.
“It is an arrangement we are discussing with UTV,” is all Star India vice president, content and communications Tarun Katial would say when contacted. Attempts to contact UTV director Zarina Mehta for her comment were unsuccessful.
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.
