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‘CBGB’ film to premiere on DirecTV ahead of theatrical release
MUMBAI: CBGB, a film about the New York nightclub where US punk rock music was born, is to premiere on DirecTV, the satellite company announced recently.
Directed by Randall Miller and starring Alan Rickman, Malin Akerman, Ashley Greene and Rupert Grint, the film will debut 5 September and air through 2 October, prior to its theatrical release set for 11 October.
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“By providing exclusive, premium content in an earlier window we can offer our customers an entertainment experience they can‘t find anywhere else,” said DirecTV VP marketing Alex Kaplan. “At the same time filmmakers have a new platform with 20 million viewers to distribute their work. We‘re excited to work with XLrator Media to give our customers an exclusive look atCBGB before it hits theaters.”
“We are delighted to be working with DirecTV and applaud them for putting forth this innovative program for top independent films,” said XLrator Media CEO Barry Gordon.
“Movie-watching habits have evolved, and consumers will always drive the market. DirecTV’s exclusive program is both consumer and filmmaker friendly. CBGB will have access to an enormous national platform coupled with massive marketing and promotional support, and consumers will have an opportunity to see a great movie before it hits theaters.”
“This is totally punk,” Miller said. “We are excited to get the movie out in the most exciting way! 20 million people getting to talk about the film and enjoy it at home… I have one word, ‘awesome!‘”
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.
