Hindi
SOAS confers doctorate degree on Yash Chopra
MUMBAI: The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), affiliated to the University of London, honoured reputed filmmaker Yash Chopra with a honorary higher doctoral degree, a DLit, a Doctor of Letters honoris causa, in recognition for his outstanding contribution to the field of cinema in his six decades of work in the Hindi film industry.
The function opened with an impressive procession of Heads of Departments, Senior Management and the Presidents of the Students‘ Union, entering the Hall to a musical accompaniment. The Director and Principal of SOAS, Professor Paul Webley and The President of SOAS, Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, welcomed the graduates and their guests.
While public orator Professor Rachel Dwyer read a citation in tribute to Chopra, the President, Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, presented the degree.
Praising Chopra, Professor Dwyer pointed out that the filmmaker continues to innovate with every film he makes and remains young at heart, always interested in how people think, feel and behave. She further said that the graduates should be inspired by Chopra‘s success; learn his dedication, hard work, focus and his ways of rising above failure.
In his response, Chopra said, “I am humbled by this honour and would like to thank SOAS for this recognition. My film making has always been from the heart and I would like to pass on this same message to students all over the world”.
Chopra had previously been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by the Leeds Metropolitan University, UK, in 2007, the Punjab University, Chandigarh, in 2008 and The Guru Nanak University, Amritsar, in 2004, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
Hindi
Kayhan Entertainment shifts focus to original IP creation
New studio founded by VFX veterans aims to build globally scalable Indian stories.
MUMBAI: India’s VFX talent has long helped Hollywood create blockbusters now a new studio wants to write the stories as well as the special effects. Kayhan Entertainment Private Limited is entering its next phase of growth as a next-generation storytelling studio focused on creating original intellectual property for global audiences. Founded by Dalbir Singh and Arushi Govil, the studio blends strong storytelling with world-class VFX and CGI across films, television, advertising and digital platforms.
While India has established itself as a global hub for VFX and animation services, Kayhan is making a strategic shift from pure execution to IP ownership. The studio aims to move beyond project-based work and develop culturally rooted content designed to travel internationally, while remaining open to strategic collaborations.
Dalbir Singh, with over 15 years of experience in VFX and filmmaking, has contributed to major global productions including Avengers: Endgame, Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Venom. He leads creative direction at Kayhan. Arushi Govil brings deep production expertise from leading studios such as MPC, Framestore and DNEG, having worked on Tenet, Mission: Impossible – Fallout and Brahmastra.
A key milestone for the studio was the launch of its first IP, Chote Tara Ka Bada Gadar, on Kids Zee in 2025. Kayhan is now expanding its slate with FAB 5, an original animated series that combines action, humour and emotional storytelling while promoting teamwork, courage and kindness. The fast-paced episodic format is positioned for long-term franchise potential across platforms.
Dalbir Singh, Co-Founder, said the studio’s primary focus is building an IP-led creative enterprise, while remaining open to the right collaborations. Arushi Govil, Co-Founder, added: “As we scale, our focus is on building the right mix of talent and capability… At Kayhan, we are investing in people as much as we are in IP, bringing together global experience and emerging creators to build stories that can compete at an international level.”
Looking ahead, Kayhan plans to evolve into a broader IP-led ecosystem spanning media, consumer products, education, talent development and immersive experiences such as AR and VR. The studio also intends to establish an IP incubator and develop transmedia storytelling formats.
From blockbuster VFX credits to building its own story universe, Kayhan Entertainment is stepping into the spotlight with a clear ambition, to create Indian IP that doesn’t just shine on screen, it travels the world.
