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Prashant Bhatt to launch production outfit – Studio B&M
MUMBAI: It might come as a surprise to many but the brain behind unconventional shows like Madhubala and Udaan on Colors, Prashant Bhatt is now starting his own TV production company. Bhatt’s new venture, christened – Studio B&M will launch by end of this month.
Confirming the news to Indiantelevision.com, former Colors weekday programming head Bhatt says, “I was getting offers to start up my own production company even before I joined Colors. But, then Colors happened and after three years serving with Colors, I wanted to venture out in something new and setting my own production company was there in the pipeline and in my thought process for a very long time.”
Bhatt will launch the new production house along with his business partner and cinematographer Sanjay Memane, best known for the Marathi movie Lai Bhaari.
In the company’s name – Studio B&M – B stands for Bhatt and M stands for Memane. The idea was germinating in his head for quite some time and the two were in talks even before Bhatt joined Colors.
Studio B&M’s team comprises people Bhatt has worked with over the past 18 years. As of now the company has 12 writers, six directors, five editors and seven music composers on-board.
Bhatt realised that in order to have a very strong production company, one needs to have a very strong technical people on-board. “As far as creative part of the company is concerned, I know I can very well take care of it, but one area where I thought I might need input and advice is from technical aspects to run an efficient production house,” he informs.
Getting well-versed people on-board was Bhatt’s main aim so that visually the product from his company can look different compared to other shows on television.
While the duo has not yet started approaching the broadcasters on the same, they have begun their research on the kind of content that each channel requires.
“I really want to be in a position where I can turnaround the entire concept in a maximum of three days,” says Bhatt.
Talking about his past experiences, Bhatt says that being with a channel as a programming head for three years, he realised what it takes to tailor make content as per the channel’s briefs and requirements.
“In the last three years I had production companies landing up with 10 concepts and surprisingly I had turned all of them down saying that presently Colors is not looking for such kind of content,” he says.
“It’s very easy for me to say that like any other production house we will make and create things differently, but different and new doesn’t necessarily work always. On the other hand, chances are that if we dish out something that has been seen before but with a different story-telling style, it will work,” he concludes.
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.
