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Zoom launches its first reality show – ‘Banungi Main Miss India’
MUMBAI: Zoom and Pond’s have come together to bring a reality show titled – Banungi Main Miss India (BMMI), a 12 – part reality series on the Pond’s Femina Miss India contest.
With BMMI, the Indian audience will, for the first time in the history of the competition, have the opportunity to vote for ‘their Miss India’.
At the same time, the series will also showcase the emotions and challenges, which the girls face to win the crown.
From perfect skin to million dollar smiles, from looking good to feeling good, BMMI will present a candid view of it all, as the grooming team works on masking and removing flaws and accentuating their beauty.
The behind-the-scenes drama, jealousies in addition to insecurities, highs as well as lows and all the hard work and fun, that goes into the training for the D-day, will be captured by BMMI on Zoom.
Zoom programming head Aparnaa Pande says, “We are delighted to present a reality show that brings out the diverse aspects of an exceedingly celebrated event like Miss India. Additionally, for the first time it gives the viewers an opportunity of voting for a Miss India, whom they believe should truly, vie for the definitive call to fame and fortune – the title of Ponds Femina Miss India 2006. BMMI is bound to strike a cord with audiences across India.”
BMMI will shortly also unveil the secret on how India’s leading model turned actresses – Aishwarya Rai, Sushmita Sen, Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta made it to the top.
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.
