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Chinese govt approves Warner Bros’ cinema multiplex in Shanghai
CALIFORNIA: The Chinese government has granted final approval for Paradise Warner Cinema City.
This is Warner Bros International Cinemas’ multiplex theatre in Shanghai, a joint venture with the Shanghai Paradise Co and Hong Kong’s Broadband Investment Limited.
The opening took place a few days ago with The Matrix Reloaded. The 1490-seat, nine-screen Paradise Warner Cinema City multiplex theatre will prominently feature the Warner Bros Cinemas logo as a design element and such internationally recognised icons as the Studio’s animated characters. An official release informs that this marks the first time that a major US theatrical company has been allowed to extensively brand an in-country venue in China.
Warner Bros Entertainment president and COO Alan Horn says, “Our goal is to bring the ultimate movie-going experience to the Chinese audience with a state-of-the-art facility and the finest American and ‘in-country’ films”.
For Warner Bros, this builds on the relationship with China. It recently become actively involved in Chinese-language film production. In December 2002, Warner Bros Pictures announced its first-ever Chinese-language film Turn Left, Turn Right written and directed by Johnnie To and Wai Ka-fai, one of Hong Kong’s leading writing and directing teams.
Also late last year, Warner Bros. Studios entered into an agreement with People’s Republic of China-based production company Century Heroes and a Hong Kong-based partner, Salon Films, for the joint development, production and distribution of Swordsmen of the Passes. This is a slate of 10 Mandarin-language made-for-television movies shot in high-definition digital video.
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.
