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Zing brings an emotionally intense K-drama ‘Pinocchio’
Mumbai: India’s leading youth entertainment channel, Zing, announced a new K-drama, Pinocchio, in its super-popular Hallyu time slot. The show will air beginning 2 January 2023, weekdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Pinocchio is the story of a girl named Choi In-ha and a young boy named Ki Ha-myung, whose lives undergo dramatic twists and turns throughout. The former is a journalist who suffers from Pinocchio syndrome, meaning she gets hiccups whenever she lies. The struggles Choi In-ha faces in pursuing her dream and the efforts Ki Ha-myung makes while dealing with his tragedy take the audience on an engrossing, emotional ride. The rich storyline and character portrayals in the show’s politically charged backdrop hook viewers instantly.
Directed by Jo Soo-won and Shin Seung-woo, Pinocchio stars Lee Jong-suk, Park Shin-hye, Kim Young-kwang, Yoon Kyun-sang, Lee Yu-bi, and Jin Kyung, among others.
Talking about Pinocchio, Zing chief channel officer Arghya Roy Chowdhury shared, “Pinocchio is the perfect blend of a sensitive depiction of a serious drama and the aftermath of a ruthless conspiracy. The two lead characters undergo their respective challenges in their personal and professional lives to come out successful in the unforgiving news industry. The show is filled with tribulations and sacrifices, bringing out the indomitable power of friendship and love. Pinocchio makes us think and inspires us to never give up; therefore, it is a must-watch show. We hope that Pinocchio delights our audiences as our previous K-dramas have done till now.”
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.
