News Headline
Zee Telugu’s Muddha Mandaram bids adieu on 27 December
MUMBAI: Over the last half decade, Zee Telugu’s Muddha Mandaram has been among the top shows in the Telugu Television Industry and now the much-talked about show is all set to say goodbye to its viewers. The family drama starring Haritha, Pawan Sai and Thanuja Gowda in lead roles is set to go off air on 27 December 2019.
Produced by Annapurna studios, the first episode which premiered 5 years ago, garnered eyeballs with its compelling story line and strong characterization. The show encapsulates the story of a strong-willed and stubborn woman, Akhilandeshwari, her elder son Deva, and his love story with Parvati, their help. This popular show had reached a novel milestone earlier this year by completing 1500 episodes and has also been remade into various languages like Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada.
Since its launch, Muddha Mandaram has garnered a huge fan base in the Telugu market. Audiences have fondly adored and loved the on-screen chemistry between the lead characters Parvathi and Deva, who reincarnated as Soundarya and Abhinandan. The show was also widely popular among mothers, owing to their strong connect with Akhilandeshwari’s character and her compassion towards her son.
Speaking on the show’s wrap-up, an emotional Thanuja Gowda who plays the role of Soundarya shares, “Every fairy tale has a happy ending, so does mine! Muddha Mandaram has been nothing less than a dream come true for me, right from the very first promo to the entire journey of Parvathi and Soundarya on the show, everything has been totally outstanding. The show has given me immense recognition and love. My heartfelt thanks to my director to whom I presented the ‘Best Director’ award. I will definitely miss the show, entire cast and crew.”
Commenting on his stint on the show, her co-actor Pawan Sai says, “5 years, Over 1580 episodes, and Infinite love. It’s difficult to contain the myriad of emotion running inside me and yet words elude me. Muddha Mandaram for me is a pure sign of family attachments and emotional bonding followed by responsibilities. I take the liberty to say this on behalf of the entire cast and crew, that we gave it our all. There were no half measures. All I feel right now is overwhelming gratitude for all the lives who collaborated on this epic journey and the ones embraced this as your own.”
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.
