News Headline
Zee TV ropes in Rohini Singh as head of commissioning
MUMBAI: Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) Zee TV has appointed Rohini Singh as its new head of commissioning. In her new role, she will be responsible for developing fiction content for the channel.
She comes to Zee from Star Plus where she was heading the fiction content development division. She has also spearheaded several milestone projects on Indian television since 1998.
After completing her graduation in B A Hons (Political Science) from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi and a Comprehensive Television Course from Academy 18 (A division of Television 18 Networks, Delhi), Singh was working with TV 18 and was part of many projects including Bhanwar (Sony TV) and Haadsa (Sab TV) from 1998 to 2000.
She has previously also worked with many brands including BBC (Jasoos Vijay), Twenty Twenty TV Company (Kaajjal – Sabbki Aankhon Mein Basi, on Sony & Darna Mana Hai) and Cinevistaas (Dilll Mill Gayye on Star One). She then joined Star Network and handled shows on Star One (Dill Mil Gayye, Milley Jab Hum Tum, Geet- Hui Sabse Parayi amongst others.)
Singh was responsible for the concept development of shows like Geet, Pratigya and Maryada. As head of Star Plus, fiction content development division, she launched shows like Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon, Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna, Pyaar Ka Dard, Veera, Arjun, Kaali, Saraswati Chandra, Meri Bhabhi, Ek Ghar Banaounga and Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 2.
Zee TV business head Pradeep Hejmadi said, “Rohini has an exceptional track record for delivering outstanding drama. Her work speaks for itself and is driven by her passion for writing and storytelling. Her focus is always on recognizing and developing projects based around strong ideas with the potential to engage and entertain audiences. With her vast experience, Rohini will bring the very best from the established and emerging writers talent pool to Zee TV. Known for its original and differentiated dramatic range and quality, Zee TV has scored some notable successes recently and Rohini is the right person to take it on to a new level. She and Charu Singh (head- fiction) will make a formidable team.”
Singh added, “I look forward to steering Zee TV into the future and building on its success as it continues to be the home of the most original storytelling across a range of drama that is unique to it in the rapidly changing Indian television landscape. I am most excited to have this opportunity to commission and make entertaining, popular programmes for Zee TV audiences. We aim to make programmes that people watch and talk about in equal measure, and that’s a challenge I look forward to.”
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.
