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Hallmark tugs at heartstrings with the mother connection in new promo
Using the theme of Where Great Stories Come to Life, Hallmark has commenced an advertising promotion celebrating the mother child relationship with a Bollywood touch.
On-air promos showcase children of entertainment icons, including actors Kajol, Pooja Bedi, Esha and Abhishek Bachhan, speaking about the influence their mothers have had on their lives.
Pooja Bedi, daughter of danseuse Protima Bedi says her mother was all over the place, touching every aspect of her life. Kajol says she couldn’t remember the big moments in life without her mother Tanuja being there for her. Hema Malini’s daughter Esha Deol says in the promo that her mother had been her source of strength right from the start. She has played a major role in the direction of the aspiring actress’ career. Jaya Bachchan’s son Abhishek speaks of wanting to take care of his parents but he did not think that would happen as his mother is not willing to relinquish her role. “My mother has never allowed me to mother her. She still calls me up four times a day,” he says.
Speaking on the initiative MD Hallmark Asia Laxmi Hariharan says: “In India, nothing sells like Bollywood power. Everyone identifies and relates to stars. More often than not they even emulate them. Using stars and getting them to talk about their relationships creates an immediate connect for the viewers and therefore engages eyeballs. A niche channel with a niche audience, Hallmark aims to tug at the emotional strings of women at large with these promos.”
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.
