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Zee TV programming head Namit Sharma quits
MUMBAI: Zee TV programming head Namit Sharma has called it a day at the organisation after a stint that lasted a little more than a year.
According to information available, Sharma put in his papers earlier this week and his last day at the organisation will be 8 May, 2015.
In the interim,Zee TV business head Pradeep Hejmadi will be overseeing the programming at the channel till such time that a replacement is found.
Confirming the development to Indiantelevision.com, Sharma says, “I’ve decided to move on from Zee TV and explore other opportunities. I am happy that during my stint at Zee TV we have seen significant success with distinctive programming concepts in an extremely competitive genre. The last 14 months have been an incredible experience working with some of the best talent in the television business.”
He further adds, “I am happy that our audience has reacted well to innovative content like Kumkum Bhagya, Jamai Raja, Neeli Chatri Waale and the recent DID Super Moms Season 2. I have worked with a great team here and am confident that they’ll continue to lead the channel to even greater heights. As I complete 20 years in the entertainment business, it’s time to look forward to newer challenges.”
Prior to joining Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) in February 2014, Sharma was Wizcraft Television and Films business head and chief creative officer. He had replaced Ajay Bhalwankar at Zee, who had quit to join Sony Entertainment Television (SET) as chief creative officer.
As yet undecided on his next career move, Sharma will be taking a small mid-career break. “Honestly there are no plans as of now. But I will definitely be in the television business,” he informs.
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.
