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Padmalaya to sign co-production deal with European studio
NEW DELHI: Padmalaya Telefilms Limited (PTL) is on the verge of signing a major co-production deal with an European studio, for production of four episodes and two movies to be made over the next five to seven years.
The deal is expected to finalise by this month-end, however, PTL has not yet announced the name of the studio.
On the development, PTL vice-president and head of Zee Institute of Creative Animation (ZICA) Rajiv Sangari says, “We are on the final stages of signing the memorandum of understanding with the associates. The deal is for 2-D animation projects and the overall revenue/ project projection is about US$15 million. By far, it may be the biggest deal in animation industry in India.”
Sangari adds that the project would entail production and marketing through co-production format. The production will be done in PTL studios in Mumbai and Hyderabad.
“We also intend to open up an office in Germany to support the European company,” Sangari explains.
In the past year, Indian animation studios have showed signs of moving from service-oriented projects to co-productions. Sangari expects this trend to continue.
“I predict a lot of co-production deals between US and India as well as Europe and India. People abroad have started seeing India as a favoured destination for doing not only service jobs but also developing properties with them by being their partners. Of course, 3-D animation is gaining grounds and will continue to do so in 2004, but the traditional style is also getting inroads in India,” Sangari explains.
PTL had recently announced that they plan to produce 52-episode, 22-minute flash animation series for Zee TV, scheduled for early 2004. The serial, titled Bheema Keema, is being targeted at the urban and semi-urban Hinglish language speaking kids of the country. The series is being planned for Sundays during the primetime slot.
For its new projects, PTL is also upgrading its facilities. It has acquired a new 3-D animation studio which will soon launch in Mumbai. “We have also taken up a place in Andheri, Mumbai, for a special effects division which should be up and running by about January 2004,” said Sangari.
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.
