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VICE Studios shines beyond Filmfare Win; Spotlight on groundbreaking series “Rainbow Rishta”
Mumbai: Trailblazing production house Vice Studios, is making headlines not only for its recent Filmfare win for Best Non-fiction Original of 2023 ‘Cinema Marte Dum Tak’ but also for its groundbreaking show ‘Rainbow Rishta’, which has been receiving widespread acclaim for its bold exploration of the LGBTQI community. ‘Cinema Marte Dum Tak’ is Vice Studio’s first series created for Amazon Prime Video, the second of which, ‘Rainbow Rishta’, creatively led by filmmaker Jaydeep Sarkar, was released just last month to widespread critical acclaim.
While the Filmfare win has solidified Vice Studio’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the film industry, the studio aims to captivate audiences worldwide with a diverse range of compelling narratives. The expansion of the content library reinforces VICE Studios commitment to delivering high-quality, thought-provoking, and culturally relevant content across various platforms.
Vice Studios head Samira Kanwar said, “At VICE, our commitment to create unique and inclusive stories is resonating with the audience around the globe. This is great validation for the hard work that we as a team have been doing for the last five years and breaking ground in non-fiction storytelling and proving that it is not only important but there is also an audience for it in India. Winning a Filmfare award is a tremendous achievement, and we’re thrilled about it, we hope our success goes beyond that.”
Adding to this, Vice Media APAC managing director Nilesh Zaveri, said, “In five years, Vice Studios has become the frontrunner for documentary content in the Indian OTT space, with over 30 hours of content across major streamers like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Discovery+, with more in the pipeline, as it settles into the ever-changing Indian media landscape as the go-to studio for fact-based content. From hard-hitting true crime documentaries to character-focused, heartfelt docuseries about art, culture, and real stories about real people.”
As Vice Studios continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, it remains dedicated to its mission of creating content that reflects the richness and diversity of the human experience.
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.
