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Zee Kannada to premiere first episode of ‘Gruhalakshmi’ online
MUMBAI: In a first of sorts, Zee Kannada will premiere the first episode of its new show Gruhalakshmi on the digital platform for its audience.
On 8 June at 4.30 pm, Zee Kannada will showcase the first episode of Gruhalakshmi on its website (www.zeekannadatv.com), which is two hours prior to the telecast of the show on the channel. Zee Kannada will air Gruhalakshmi from Monday – Saturday at 6.30 pm.
Gruhalakshmi revolves around Lakshmi – a simple girl – who finished her degree from a small town and has entered the rich household of Bangalore as Raghav’s wife, a construction company owner. After being brought up in a rural middle class background, educated in a Kannada medium school, she is constantly trying to adjust and adapt to her husband’s elite class, her children’s English medium education, their love of English movies, entertainment, burgers and pizzas. She has enrolled herself in cooking, driving, spoken English classes to please her family. All is well until Lakshmi is diagnosed with blood cancer. The story takes a surprise in every step taken by Lakshmi.
Sanathini essays the role of Lakshmi. The show is produced and directed by Krishna, who is a cinematographer and director in the Kannada film industry. Selvam has written the story and screenplay.
For the first time in south Indian TV industry, the serial will be completely shot in Red Epic camera.
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.
