News Headline
Paramount signs distribution agreement with John Wayne’s Batjac Productions
MUMBAI: Paramount Home Entertainment and Paramount’s television distribution entities have signed an agreement with Batjac Productions, the company founded by John Wayne, for worldwide DVD and television distribution.
This agreement will see Paramount distributing a number of classic John Wayne movies, including certain hitherto unreleased flicks. Movies like The High and the Mighty (1954) and Island in the Sky (1953), which have never been released on VHS or DVD, will be restored to their glorious original 35mm film and presented in Stereo 5.1, states an official release.
Other movies like “Hondo” (1953) and “McLintock!” (1962), will also make their DVD debuts, and the DVDs will include bonus features, including commentaries with filmmakers and cast. Other features will include the making of the films, their subjects and their eras, and other memorabilia from the Wayne archives.
Paramount Pictures president Thomas Lesinski said, “Paramount has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with John Wayne and his family for more than half a century. With the addition of these timeless treasures to our existing John Wayne library, Paramount has truly become the home of John Wayne’s films.”
Apart from Wayne starrers, Paramount will also release five films for basic cable, international markets and DVD that were produced by Batjac in which John Wayne did not appear: Man in the Vault (1956), Plunder of the Sun (1953), Ring of Fear (1953), Seven Men from Now (1956) and Track of the Cat (1954).
Gretchen Wayne, president of Batjac and wife of the actor’s late son, Michael, added, “In recent years there has been growing demand by fans of my late father-in-law to see these films released on DVD and on television. We are excited to have found the perfect partner in Paramount to accomplish this.”
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.
