News Broadcasting
Walt Disney acquires rights to air Sahara’s ‘Hanuman’
MUMBAI: Adding another leg to their localisation drive, The Walt Disney Company (India) has acquired the rights from Sahara One Motion Pictures through their assignee Percept Picture Company (PPC) to showcase Hanuman.
The exact amount paid for the movie could not be ascertained. However, according to industry sources, the rights were bought by Walt Disney for “something in the region of Rs 5 – Rs 10 million.”
The movie, which released late last year, will be shown on the Disney Channel in eight episodes. The deal is for a period of three years and is not for a single airing. Hence the channel will be having multiple airings through the three year time span.
This tie-up marks the first-ever mini-series presentation of this trend-setting local animation feature on any TV channel.
Walt Disney Television-International India director programming and production Nachiket Pantvaidya said, “Showcasing great local content is an important pillar of our localisation strategy. Hanuman boasts of a truly superlative story with splendid animation featuring an Indian superhero from mythological tales that every Indian kid has been brought up on. The title showcases values like friendship, family, fun and righteousness, demonstrating a perfect match with Disney brand values. We are extremely excited to bring Hanuman as a mini-series for the first time ever on Indian television screens exclusively for Disney Channel viewers.”
“The title is an inspirational yet action packed treat that contemporary Indian kids can enjoy with their parents. Showcasing the title as episodes on Disney Channel will propel our strong local content offerings to the next level,” he added.
Pantvaidya also informed that in the future, Disney was looking at acquiring at least a couple of local blockbusters every year.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
