News Headline
Wrangler ropes in John Abraham to launch co-branded denim label
BANGALORE: In a first of its kind venture within the Indian fashion arena, Bollywood actor John Abraham and clothing brand Wrangler have launched a premium pr?t denim line.
With this, John joins the select ranks of global celebrities like Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Jack Nicklaus, Eminem, 50 Cent, Kanye West, Bono, Justin Timberlake, Beouynce Knowles and Jennifer Lopez who either own or have partnered with well known fashion brands to launch their clothing lines.
Announcing the co-branding arrangement with Wrangler, Abraham said, “I have shared my vision for the brand with Wrangler and I am thrilled that an international design team will be working on this line. The first collection would be launched and retailed through select Wrangler stores this Fall 2006.”
Arvind Fashions Limited president Darshan Mehta said, “Wrangler embodies the spirit of the rugged metropolitan male with an individual sense of style. This is a strong and natural fit with John’s own personality and choice of fashion. In real life, I have yet to see him other than naturally sporting a pair of cool denims. The John Abraham Wrangler clothing will reflect the spirit of the young, urban cool that Wrangler and John have come to epitomize. John is very keen, committed and involved at every stage of the design and development process.”
The deal is structured and managed by Matrix, the celebrity management firm that manages John Abraham. Reshma Shetty, managing director, Matrix said “This is the first celebrity deal of its kind. It goes beyond endorsement and brings out a new dimension in celebrity management.”
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.
