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&TV’s Vikas Gupta heads for a new adventure
MUMBAI: Vikas Gupta has quit as the head of &TV programming. After serving a six-month notice, he has moved on. Gupta joined the channel on 1 September, 2015, and was reporting to &TV business head Rajesh Iyer.
Confirming the news to Indiantelevision.com, Gupta mentioned, “While there were rumours that I left all of a sudden, I served two months in addition to my notice period. I have had an amazing time working with &TV. We have done such wonderful shows such as Santoshi Maa, Badho Bahu and Gangaa together, which I am leaving behind. I wish &TV all the best!.” Gupta also posted on a social media platform: “& I pack my bags for my next adventure.”
Gupta started his career as a trainee with Balaji Telefilms and moved on to DJ’s Creative Unit as the associate creative head. He went back to Balaji Telefilms as the associate creative director and was involved with shows such as Kis Desh Main Hai Meraa Dil and Kitni Mohabbat Hai. He worked as MTV India programming head from February 2014 to December 2014.
Interestingly, the TV fraternity also recognises him as the youngest creative director of the industry. He entered the industry at a young age of 19. After gathering significant experience, he turned to production and started his own production house — Lost Boy Productions — almost four years ago. Over the last three years, Lost Boy has produced shows such as Channel [V]’s Gumrah and The Serial (co-produced with Balaji Telefilms); as well as Bindass’ Yeh Hai Aashiqui.
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.
