News Headline
Tara wins accolades for its telefilms
MUMBAI: Broadcast Worldwide’s Bangla television network Tara is making a mark through its telefilms.
The films produced by Tara have collected three prominent awards in the circuit – one each from the regional, national and international segments.
Tara bagged the best telefilm of the year for Roop Kathar Jibon in the Indo Bangladesh Kala Music Award (KMP) held in the USA. The telefilm directed by Sourav SArengi is based on Nabanita Deb Sen’s short story about two lovers who go their separate ways and meet again years later in their middle age.
Dui Purush, directed by John, won the best Bangla telefilm award at the recently concluded Radio & TV Practitioners’ Association of India (RAPA) awards. The telefilm, also screened at the 2nd Bangla Telefilm Festival 2004, Nandan, Kolkata, is the story of the unique relationship that builds up between two actors, one a present day superstar, the other, a forgotten hero but a veteran actor.
This month, Sunfest Telly Samman Award honoured the Tara telefilm Sumitra Online, directed by Atanu Ghosh, as Best Bangla Telefilm of the Year. At this Award ceremony, the best telefilm actor award was bagged by actor Kharaj Mukherjee for his performance in Dui Purush. Sumitra Online tells the story of a happy, well to do family where the mother starts chatting online and develops an online friendship with a younger man by assuming a younger identity. Her life changes, as she seems to broaden her horizons.
Telefilm properties are considered as one of the channel drivers for Bangla channels. Tara Bangla had been telecasting telefilms on Sundays in the afternoon slot. Tara Bangla became Tara Newz and Tara Muzik on 21 February, 2005. The Telefilms were maintained in the same time slot, now on Tara Muzik.
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.
