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Leoarts to sell animation series rights to broadcasters
NEW DELHI: Leoarts Communication, a Delhi-based animation, documentary and film production house, is working on animation series, Neelu Peelu Dheelu, targeted at kids. The production company has already completed three episodes and intends to sell the rights of the series to a satellite channel in India.
“We have marked a budget of Rs 300,000-Rs 350,000 for one episode. The cell animation series, which is about three ants, has won various awards in the international festivals including the Cairo International Film Festival this year. Besides India, the series will also be marketed in the international market,” says Leoarts’ director Vinay Rai, who didn’t specify the timeframe for the screening of the animation series.
The production house, which conducts workshops on animation in various schools in Delhi, involved kids in scripting and the screenplay of Neelu Peelu Dheelu.
“We teach kids basics about animation and accordingly encourage them to work on story ideas. In a way, kids are directly involved in our series as we associate them to our series,” points out Rai, who hasn’t finalised the number of episodes for new series.
Leoarts’ had earlier worked on two animation series, Taana Baana Zindagi Ka and Be practical yaar, aired on Doordarshan. “I focused on two universal themes – career and love in Be practical yaar. Taana Baana Zindagi Ka is about the lives of Indian families, mainly dwelling in the rural areas,” adds Rai.
Leoarts’ latest movie Kashish, a 32-minute on the lives of two lesbian women, is currently being screened in the Indo-British digital film festival at the British Council in the capital city.
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.
