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Sun TV, Astro Malaysia in $ 25 million JV; to launch Bengali channel
MUMBAI: Sun TV and Malaysia’s Astro All Asia Network have entered into a $ 25 million agreement for the establishment of a joint venture to originate, aggregate and distribute television programming and channels for a global audience.
Both parties in the $ 25 million (Rs 1125 million) JV aim to collaborate in content creation for filmed and other entertainment products in Indian languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and Bengali for distribution to international markets, informs an official release.
The agreement proposes to launch a Bengali channel for distribution in India, South East Asia and other markets within the Bengali diaspora. In India at least, the Sun-Astro combine will face stiff competition in a market that already has five channels fighting for viewer attention — ntional broadcaster Doordarshan’s DD Bangla, ETV bangla, Alpha Bangla, Tara Bangla and ATN.
The cooperation shall also include a Tamil language channel to be developed by the JV exclusively for distribution on the Astro Direct-To-Home satellite multi-channel television platform in Malaysia and other South East Asian markets, adds the release.
Astro chairman Dato’ Haji Badri bin Haji Masri has been quoted in the release as saying, “We are very excited with the opportunities provided by this collaboration. This partnership presents us with an excellent channel for the exchange of cultural and intellectual assets between India and Malaysia. We look forward to contribute in creating and aggregating Indian-language original programmes and help promote the export of Indian creative assets globally.”
Sun Network chairman and MD Kalanithi Maran said: “We believe that this association between Sun TV & Astro presents a unique opportunity to leverage the strengths of two major media players of the region. This venture will help to better address the needs of television viewers of various Indian languages worldwide.”
An indication of how significant the deal is as far as Malaysia is concerned can be gauged from the fact that the signing ceremony was witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Yab Dato’ Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi.
Sun TV content reaches more than 100 million Indian-speaking viewers, covering Asia, North America, Europe, Middle East, North Africa and recently, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, the release informs. Astro is a cross-media operator specialising in the origination, aggregation and distribution of content across multiple platforms. It is the sole provider of Direct-To-Home satellite multi-channel television services in Malaysia, and houses television program production facilities as well.
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.
