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Zee Telugu to launch new fiction show ‘Thoorpu Padamara’
MUMBAI: Zee Telugu, a Telugu General Entertainment Channel of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), is all set to launch its new fiction show Thoorpu Padamara on 24 February. The show, which will air in the early primetime slot at 6 PM, features Yamini, Vinay, Jaya Kavi and Pranay in lead roles.
Earlier this month, Superstar Mahesh Babu joined hands with Zee Telugu for a unique concept video that was widely loved and appreciated by the fans of the Prince as well as the ardent viewers of the channel. The video also featured Yamini and Jaya Kavi along with the famed anchor Pradeep Machiraju.
Produced by Palle Prema Sagar Reddy, Thoorpu Padamara chronicles the life of Shruti and Laya. Though they are best friends, Shruti and Laya are as different as chalk and cheese. Laya, played by Yamini, hails from a middle-class family and believes that positivity is the right approach to life. On the other hand, Shruti, played by Jaya Kavi, comes from an opulent background and has a very pessimistic outlook on life. The story unravels when Laya and Shruti are married off to two brothers who also have contrasting personalities. Over time, the show will trace the journey of four contrasting personalities who are joined in an unbreakable bond.
Commenting on her comeback with Zee Telugu, Yamini says: “Thoorpu Padamara is my fourth show with Zee Telugu, and the range of performance styles that I have been able to explore with this channel has been really vast and extraordinary. Which has made me do intensive behind-the-scene homework to show variations from each character that I've taken up. The unique concept of the show and the incredible experience of working with these teams, which feels like a family to me, has been the biggest driving force for me to agree to do this show, and me getting closer to the audience.”
How the two friends navigate through the hardships that befall them and find happiness in their marriages forms the crux of the story.
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.
