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Malaysian director to shoot new Bajaj Pulsar TVC next month
NEW DELHI: Malaysian television commercial director Farouk Al Jouffrey is currently touring India to work on a new Bajaj Pulsar TVC, in conjunction with Ogilvy & Mather, Mumbai team.
On his visit, Jouffrey, who represents production house Planet Films, says, “Things are being finalised for the final stage. We will be having meetings with clients in Pune soon and then bikes will be going to Malaysia for a shoot. This is expected to take place next month.”
Jouffrey, who had recently worked on CEAT Tyres campaign with the same agency (team included Piyush Pandey), feels sharing of expertise is quite common in the particular region.
Says Jouffrey, “I have worked on commercial for clients in China, Singapore and Indonesia as well. Even Indian producers and directors such as Corcoise team has been working abroad. Its always fun to work with agency such as O&M. The team is very focused.”
On his profession, Jouffrey says he peeved with the way the intelligence of consumer is underestimated. He feels it happens a lot in South East Asia.
“There has been a departure from visual based spots towards more humorous narrative structures, especially in Malaysia. I like the transition as it shows depth and maturity in the thinking. The worst crime for any marketing director is underestimating the intelligence of the consumer,” he says.
On his source of inspiration, he says, “Books, lots of book, movies and of course the web. I’m constantly mining for new data, ideas and directions on the net. There is so much groundbreaking stuff in all areas to be found. I’m a techno freak as well so breakthrough technology drives me.”
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.
