News Headline
Star Pravah adds new show to boost early primetime
MUMBAI: Popular among viewers for its fresh and unique concepts, Marathi general entertainment channel (GEC) Star Pravah is all set to launch a new show to strengthen its early primetime.
Christened Arre Vedya Mana, the show, which is a romantic journey of two young lovers, will go on air starting 20 April at 7 pm. The channel, in order to promote the show, has created hashtags #FirstLove and #StarPravah on social media websites. With the launch of this show, the existing programme Priti Pari Tujhvari has been moved to 6:30 pm.
A Star India official spokesperson said, “Star Pravah has always endeavoured to provide great stories and great characters to its viewers. We are crafting shows, which appeal to and engage today’s youth. In Arre Vedya Mana, we are presenting likeable and relatable characters backed by a gripping story. We are extremely confident that our young viewers will experience as much pleasure while watching this show as we had while creating this storyline.”
The show stars Abhijit Aamkar and Nupur Parulekar as the lead pair, and also features veteran actors Ravindra Mankani, Avinash Narkar, Ujwala Jog, Anuradha Rajadhyakash and Nilima Parandkar.
The title track of Arre Vedya Mana is sung by the duo Vaishali Samant and Hrishikesh Ranade. While the music has been composed by Nilesh Moharir, the lyrics are by Mandar Cholkar.
Plot:
Madhuri, like today’s young Maharashtrian girl, is pampered and free-spirited. She believes in enjoying every moment of her life to the fullest. Being her parents’ only child, every stated wish is fulfilled and she is never burdened with any responsibilities. She is a modern day girl who lives her life as per her own whims, and certainly not thinking of getting married soon.
Madhuri’s fun-filled care-free life changes when a Mumbai boy Swapnil falls in love with her at first sight. His love is unconditional, as he is ready to accept her the way she is. But they are poles apart as their families have brought them up very differently. Swapnil hails from a typical middle class joint family and imbibes that value system. He is a handsome young man and a fitness freak. He is matured but an introvert. An engineer by qualification, he is very loyal and devoted to his work. He always strives to keep his family happy and united.
In this soul stirring story, viewers will get to see whether ‘opposites attract’ is true. Will Madhuri ever fall in love with Swapnil? Will she be able to summit an everest of expectations and relationships? Will she ever understand Swapnil’s unconditional and pure love for her? Will these two individuals so different from each other end up together?
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.








