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‘Tele Prime Time’ magazine explores the world of television
MUMBAI: One has heard about the Stardusts, Filmfares and the Cine Blitzs of India, which extensively keep us abreast on the lives of the movie stars and all the other happenings of Bollywood. But until now, except for one magazine (Gr8), there were no niche magazines dedicated to the booming world of television.
A new player – Israni Networking – has entered this rather unexplored area in the print medium and has launched a monthly magazine – Tele Prime Time (TPT), entirely focused on television.
The brainchild of Raj Israni, TPT aims to cover the serious business of television and as a policy refrain from juicy gossip and scoops. The first issue went on stands today (10 January).
Speaking to indiantelevision.com about the new magazine and its inception, Israni says, “Before plunging into this, we did a research on what was available in print on the business of television. We found that except for one magazine, there were no other players in this space. Every sector needs coverage and hence we decided to roll out a magazine dedicated to the television industry.”
Israni has made a conscious effort to make the magazine reader friendly by including interactive columns with Sony’s Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahi protagonist – “Jassi” (Mona Singh) and Star Plus’ Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhie Bahu Thi star – “Tulsi” (Smriti Z Iraani). These interactive columns will be a regular feature in the magazine. Readers can have their questions answered by these television icons, which will be published in the magazine. This, Israni informs, has been done in consent with the respective channels.
TPT has advertisers like NDTV, Provogue, Cartoon Network, Pogo, Sony Entertainment Television, Vijay Karnataka, Bright Advertising, Tata and Kores Kino.
Guest columns from Anil Dharkar and ad guru Jagdeep Kapoor will also feature regularly in the magazine, wherein the veterans will write touch upon various industry issues. A couple of other senior industry professionals will also be roped in to write similar columns for the magazine.
Talking about his target audience, Israni says, “Our magazine is going to informative and tell people about how television is affecting society. I am targeting this magazine to the television industry, the ad agencies and the common man, which also includes housewives and college student.”
The core editorial team of TPT comprises Raj Israni (publisher and editor-in-chief), Sudipto Chattopadhyay and Ira Flynn (executive editor). The magazine also has a few freelance journalists who contribute to the content.
“Initial jitters are felt when any new product is launched. There are initial hiccups and pressures, but I’m sure it will be a smooth sailing,” says Israni.
Almost 45,000 copies of TPT, which is priced at Rs 40, will be published every month. Readers can get their complimentary copies of the first edition by mailing their contact details to info@teleprimetime.com.
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.
