The new Star Khanya channel went live on DStv 160 and Openview 114 on Monday 18 August, with a line-up that we've detailed
here.
Ithemba Alibulali (Hope Does Not Kill) airs in the 20h30 timeslot, Mondays to Sundays, with an isiZulu-dub and English subtitles.
Heads-up!
A rebroadcast airs on e.tv at 16h00, Mondays to Fridays.
Here's a refresh of what it's about, followed by the teasers:
After marrying the emotionally distant surgeon, Rani discovers she’s pregnant - but refuses to give up her aspirations.
The show blends personal struggles with societal expectations, celebrating resilience, ambition and the balance between motherhood and career.
Monday 18 August 2025
Episode 1
Rani dreams of becoming a doctor and tops her exam. Dr Digvijay faces public confrontation on his way to an operation. What does fate have in store for them?
Tuesday 19 August 2025
Episode 2
Rani is shocked to learn that her father has arranged a marriage proposal for her. Digvijay reflects on his past and defends himself during a family dinner.
Wednesday 20 August 2025
Episode 3
Rani sneaks out of the house and pleads with Digvijay to help the injured in the Basti, but when her brother catches her, he burns her books, leaving her heartbroken.
Thursday 21 August 2025
Episode 4
Rani recalls her childhood memories at school, aspiring to be a doctor. Later, Ishaan is overjoyed as his family approves his marriage to Divyani.
Friday 22 August 2025
Episode 5
Rani boldly challenges Digvijay, expressing her desire to become a doctor. She asks her father if she can continue her studies to pursue her dream, even after marriage.
Saturday 23 August 2025
Episode 6
Ishaan asks Digvijay to help pick a saree for Rani. Rani stands up for her dreams of studying after marriage, causing the groom's family to leave in refusal.
Sunday 24 August 2025
Episode 7
Rani's father intends to arrange her marriage while she is at Divyani's wedding. Meanwhile, Divyani's father welcomes Ishaan's family to the wedding.
Monday 25 August 2025
Episode 8
Rani overhears a heated discussion within Digvijay's family, leading to tension. Digvijay takes Rani to a hospital, where she shares her dream of becoming a doctor.
Tuesday 26 August 2025
Episode 9
Narayani worries as Digvijay hasn't returned home, and his father apologises to Rani for Narayani's harsh behaviour. Rani arrives as the Mehndi artist for the ceremony.
Wednesday 27 August 2025
Episode 10
Rani disguises herself as the Mehndi artist but slips, accidentally revealing her identity. Divyani playfully teases Rani, suggesting that Digvijay has feelings for her.
Thursday 28 August 2025
Episode 11
Ishaan and Divyani's ceremony begins joyfully with a grand dance performance. Dhananjay is threatened by the men who were arrested because of him.
Friday 29 August 2025
Episode 12
Rani secretly attacks the goons and blinds them by putting chilli powder in their eyes. Digvijay grows furious as he recalls his memories with Anisha.
Saturday 30 August 2025
Episode 13
Rani prevents Digvijay from harming himself. She feels doubtful of her family as Digvijay hints that they might be planning her marriage.
Sunday 31 August 2025
Episode 14
Pinky secretly steals exam papers from Gayatri's room. As Gayatri grows anxious about the missing papers, Pinky exposes a video of Rani and Digvijay to Narayani.
Premiere episodes of Ithemba Alibulali air on Star Khanya from Mondays to Sundays at 20h30, with a repeat on e.tv from Mondays to Fridays at 16h00.