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ZEE Ganga brings regions popular folktale on screen – Tikuli : Suhagin Ya Abhagin
Mumbai: Redefining Bhojpuri content in India, Zee Ganga, a GEC channel by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, is all set to roll out its latest original family entertainment series- “Tikuli-Suhagin Ya Abhagin”. As the only channel in the Bhojpuri category to cater original Bhojpuri shows, Zee Ganga brings a first of its kind curated storyline that promises to captivate audiences from the pilot episode. The show will premiere on 14 March at 8:30 PM primetime.
Following the phenomenal success of the Bhojpuri show ‘Acharva Chhathi Maayi Ke,’ the channel brings another curated offering inspired by one of the most popular folktales from Bihar’s Darbhanga region. The show is centred around the village of Nehra (Madhubani, Bihar), the only place in India with people’s kitchens facing the South direction, purposefully defying Vastu Shastra as they were blessed by a Chudail as per the popular folktale which is still revered in the region. The story revolves around a family who discovers their bahu (daughter-in-law) to be a Chudail (witch) and her special boons which benefit not only the family but the entire village as well. Tikuli, inspired this popular folktale, creates a journey where The conflict arises as to how she will survive in society, within her own family, and with her husband where labelling is done easily, and the real positive character is not given a chance to thrive. The show captures the journey of how a bahu (daughter-in-law) becomes a beti (daughter) and depicts every woman’s struggle with stereotyped gender-biased tagging in her daily life. The core values and takeaways of the story will be emotions, love, uniqueness, and curiosity, making it an engaging watch for viewers.
ZEEL chief cluster officer east Samrat Ghosh said, “We are excited to bring ‘Tikuli’ to our audience, and with the launch of ‘Tikuli’, Zee Ganga is yet again taking a step forward in bringing the best of Bhojpuri entertainment to our viewers. This unique and refreshing family drama is not just a show, but a journey of emotions that promises to intrigue audiences from the very first episode. Meenakshi is a character that will stay with you long after the show ends, and we can’t wait for viewers to embark on this unforgettable journey with us.”
ZEEL Ganga chief channel officer Amarpreet Singh Saini said, “Inspired by one of the most popular folktales from Bihar’s Darbhanga region, ‘Tikuli’ is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Through this show, we aim to break stereotypes and depict every woman’s struggle with gender-biased tagging in her daily life, making it an engaging watch for viewers across all age groups and we would want to bring in positivity, determination, hope, and resilience to our audiences. The show has a clutter-breaking storyline, and we are confident that given its high familiarity and relevance in the region, audiences across all demographics will enjoy our narrative through the perspective of our protagonist.”
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.
