News Headline
PVR Cinemas launches movie mag
NEW DELHI: PVR Cinemas, a leader in India’s movie exhibition business, has now come out with a film magazine. PVR Movies First, as the magazine is called is the latest addition to PVR’s big bouquet of offerings in the movie entertainment business.
PVR Cinemas, with its stated aim of providing complete movie entertainment to its patrons, has many firsts to its credit including superior exhibition systems and other firsts in customer-centric endeavours.
PVR Movies First, a monthly, is expected to fulfill the information needs of the die-hard movie fans. Beginning with New Delhi, the magazine will be available in all multiplexes and cineplexes operated and managed by PVR across the country.
The magazine has a distinct personality in terms of concept, properties and pages. The editorial content of the magazine is being managed by the India Today Group, which publishes magazines like Business Today, India Today, India Today Plus and also the Indian edition of the Cosmopolitan.
Announcing the launch of the Movie’s First, PVR Cinemas MD Ajjay Bijli said; “This monthly magazine will prove to be a one-stop read for all those mad about movies. It will be our endeavor to bring to the Indian cinema audiences an exciting mix of all that is happening in the world of movies and the entertainment industry.”
Incidentally, Bijli’s company is launching the magazine ahead of another magazine planned on the movie industry by Foursome Productions, promoted by Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan, Suniel Shetty and producer Nitin Manmohan. The proposed magazine is christened Movies & More.
Coming back to PVR Movies First, it will be a mix of Hollywood and Bollywood news, views, gossip and happenings and will also feature promotions, events and contests running across all PVRs.
It offers a basket of choices where the reader has the option of flipping through the new releases of the month in its Quick Look section; The Juice, section gives the flavour of behind the scenes chemistry between the stars, while The Colour of Money provides an insight into the blockbusters of the month both in Hollywood and Bollywood.
The Sound of Music showcases the latest trends in the music industry with glimpses on the new releases. Another unique section is ‘The Ten Commandments, which identifies 10 different movies that have changed the cinema industry over the decades. Sections like The Star of the Month and the Introducing help fans to know more about their favourite performers
PVR’s Movies First, a 20-page magazine, will initially be available for free at all PVR Cinemas across Delhi and NCR and can be subscribed to as well.
PVR has been a pioneer in the field of cinema exhibition in India. The
company had a turnover of Rs 630 million in 2003-04, which is expected to rise to over Rs. 1 billion in 2003-04, and with the growth envisaged, the turnover over the next three years is expected to be over Rs. 3.5 billion.
In 2003-2004 with 19 operational screens, the company recorded 3.5 million footfalls in its cinemas in Delhi and Gurgaon (in the state of Haryana). The company is presently implementing new multiplex projects in Delhi, NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Indore, among other places, that will take its screen count to 55 by December 2004.
This expansion would mean an investment of over Rs 1.2 billion, undoubtedly a big investment for a single company in the film entertainment industry.
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.
