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TV actor Ajit Vachhani dies at 52
MUMBAI: Film and television artiste Ajit Vachhani passed away at a private hospital in the city today, following a prolonged illness. He was 52. The nature of his illness is not known yet.
Ajit Vachhani with wife Charusheela at the Indian Telly Awards 2002 function
Vachhani was a popular television figure. He started his TV career with Samvaad Video’s Bante Bigadte in 1985. Rakesh Chaudhary, producer of the serial, who debuted with Vachhani says, “Vachhani was a really different man — someone you can call a kind soul. He was a very helpful, accommodative and understanding guy.”
Chaudhary and Vachhani worked in six serials together. Bazaar and Aaisa Bhi Hota Hai were some well-known ones. “I wish we could have done a couple of more serials together,” Chaudhary laments.
Vachhani has acted in over 50 Hindi films, three Sindhi films and was a regular in Gujarati and Marathi plays. He acted in Sooraj Barjatya’s Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun… a nd Hum Saath-Saath Hai. His other films include Mr India, Aankhen, Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani and Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa.
Vachhani’s last serial, Ek Mahal Ho Sapnon Ka, ran for 1,000 episodes in Gujarati, Hindi and Marathi. He made a name in the industry as a character artiste.
Vachhani’s body has been taken to his Yari Road residence. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
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.
