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TV producer Asit Modi plans to make a feature film
MUMBAI: Television producer Asit Modi of Neela Telefilms is planning to make a feature film. However, he insists that TV serials and shows will be the primary area of focus for his production house.
While speaking to indiantelevision.com, Modi says that the feature film is in the conceptualisation stage. Modi, however, confirms that he is in talks with his close friend – writer Prakash Ranjit Kapadia. Kapadia made his Bollywood debut in 2002 by writing the screenplay and dialogues for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas. Kapadia has been attached to the much watched Gujarati theatre as a writer since 1984 and has also written television serials and telefilms.
Modi claims that he is contemplating whether he should make a comedy film or try out other subjects. “I have done different subjects but the majority of Neela Telefilms’ programmes have been comedy shows. But, I believe that a producer, who has successfully made comedy shows can handle other subjects with equal ease because comedy is a very difficult subject,” he adds.
In 1995, Modi co-produced Kabhi Yeh Kabhi Woh for DD Metro; went on to make Miyaa Phuski for DD Ahmedabad. Sony show Hum Sab Ek Hain was his first independent work as producer and it came on air in 1998. He has also produced Yeh Duniya Hai Rangeen and Meri Biwi Wonderful for the same channel.
Literally starting from a scratch, Modi has earned a reputation for being a specialist comedy-show producer who has delivered a string of consistent successes. However, he modestly claims: “Making comedy shows is a God’s gift. No one can claim to have a successful formula for making successful comedy shows. Making viewers laugh is very difficult task and one has to be highly committed. The producer cannot take anything for granted and has to constantly innovate. A successful comedy show is a team effort and everyone from the producer to the actors to the spot boys has to have belief and commitment in the project.”
Talking about his show Meri Biwi Wonderful, that is currently airing on Sony Entertainment Television (SET), Modi says: “The success of the comedy show can be attributed to the novelty factor in it. For the first time on Indian TV, a sitcom is laced with magic and the supernatural. However, the one year contract will expire in September 2003,” Modi adds.
When asked about his future comedy shows, Modi is tight-lipped and says that everything is in the planning stage. “Finding the right subject that has a universal appeal is a difficult and time consuming task. After all, the show has to appeal to people in different socio-economic classes; metro audiences as well as those who live in the interiors,” he says while promising to share the details as soon as plans are firmed up.
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.
