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Zoom acquires show on Playboy founder Hugh Hefner
MUMBAI: Indian lifestyle channel Zoom has acquired from E! the rights for the 15 episode show Girls of the Playboy Mansion.
The show follows Playboy founder Hugh Hefner and the three women he lives with. E! Networks VP intl sales Duccio Donati says, “Entertainment fans around the globe are fascinated by Hugh Hefner and the world of Playboy. We’ve had amazing interest from international buyers in all major territories and hope to announce additional deals soon. We’re excited to give world audiences a behind the scenes look into the life of this self-made magnate from a truly new vantage point—through the eyes of the three young women he loves.”
The series kicks off as viewers get to know Hef’s three girlfriends–Holly, Bridget and Kendra–and how life works at the world’s most famous Mansion. The group is off to the American Film Institute salute to Star Wars creator George Lucas, and naturally Kendra is running late. After the event, Kendra wants to watch a movie from Hef’s extensive collection and continues to ruffle Holly’s feathers–and gets her dogs all worked up, too–while looking for it in the master bedroom. Holly reveals that she’d like to get rid of the other girls. But Kendra’s not going anywhere.
In another episode Hefner and the girls travel to Las Vegas. The aim is to promote the new Playboy Club at the Palms Hotel & Casino and to preview designer Roberto Cavalli’s sexy bunny couture. The Palms’ new Playboy tower is stunning, housing Playboy-themed casinos, suites and the first official Playboy Club in decades. During their stay, the gang embraces the rest of Sin City, too, checking out a wax replica of Hef at Madame Tussaud’s, partying with hotelier George Maloof and playing some B-ball inside a hotel room’s full-size basketball court. Then it’s off to dinner with Cavalli and a fashion show for the new Playboy Club’s bunny costumes–starring Holly.
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.
