Mumbai: Marking World Unani Day, Unani Ki Kahaani, a new documentary narrated by actor Jim Sarbh, premiered exclusively on the Discovery Channel. The film presents Unani medicine not merely as a traditional healing system, but as a holistic philosophy of health that continues to resonate in a world facing rising chronic illnesses, lifestyle disorders, and fragmented approaches to care.
Produced in collaboration with Hamdard Laboratories, the documentary traces the journey of Unani medicine from its roots in ancient Greece to its evolution and practice in India. Along the way, the film poses fundamental questions about modern wellbeing: What does it really mean to be healthy? and Why are symptoms being managed but not cured?
At its core, Unani Ki Kahaani explores Unani’s foundational belief in maintaining balance across the body, mind, spirit, and environment, rather than treating disease in isolation. The narrative also reflects on moments such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when healthcare conversations in India expanded to include not only modern medicine but also long-standing traditional systems and preventive wisdom.
Jim Sarbh’s narration adds a contemporary voice to the documentary, helping simplify complex ideas while maintaining depth and authenticity.
Speaking on the documentary, Abdul Majeed, Chairman and Managing Trustee, Hamdard Laboratories, said, “Unani Ki Kahaani is an attempt to reflect on healing as a larger idea that looks beyond symptoms to balance, prevention, and long-term wellbeing. On World Unani Day, the documentary invites viewers to revisit a system of medicine that has quietly evolved with time, while staying rooted in nature and human understanding. Through Unani medicine, we are committed to help everyone improve their overall health and understand that healing is not just about fixing what is broken, but restoring harmony.”
Talking about his experience, Actor Jim Sarbh said, “Narrating Unani Ki Kahaani was a learning experience. I was struck by how this system of medicine connects history, culture, and the idea of living in balance.”
The documentary weaves together the contributions of historical figures such as Hippocrates and Ibn Sina, along with Indian pioneers including Hakim Ajmal Khan, Hafiz Abdul Majeed, and Hakeem Abdul Hameed. It highlights how Unani developed as a living, adaptive system shaped by diverse civilizations and cultures over centuries.
Featuring voices from modern medicine, Ayurveda, Unani practitioners, academic researchers, and public health institutions of national importance, the film brings together diverse perspectives to explore how traditional knowledge and contemporary healthcare can coexist. Through an accessible storytelling approach, the documentary aims to engage today’s audiences—especially younger viewers seeking context, depth, and a more holistic understanding of health and healing.
