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UTV confirms departure of motion pictures head
MUMBAI: Media company UTV has confirmed
the report carried by indiantelevision.com (UTV) that Sanjay Bhattacharjee, the chief operating officer of its motion picture division, is indeed parting with the firm. An official release issued by UTV says “the departure was mutual and on cordial terms.”
The earlier indiantelevision.com report had quoted Bhattacharjee as saying “that UTV Motion Pictures – an independent company – will account for 30 to 50 per cent of the organisation’s revenues in the forthcoming year.”
UTV however disputes that and has issued a clarification saying that UTV’s motion pictures division forms “less than three per cent” of the company’s revenue.
“However, UTV plans to take that up to 15-20 per cent of the total company revenue mix in the next two to three years,” states the release.
It adds that while UTV has primarily concentrated on TV, animation, post production and its allied content, it now plans to shift focus to the motion picture business and multiple revenues ranging from production of domestic movies to international co-productions, distribution and formation of a film fund.
(updated at 4:45 pm, 2 May 2003)
Bhattacharjee has stood by his original statement stating that UTV Motion Pictures has two major films in 2003-04 – Shah Rukh Khan’s Chalte Chalte and JP Dutta’s multi-starrer LOC (Line of Control).
In 2004-05, he says that there is Ashutosh Gowariker’s Swadesh (with Shah Rukh Khan and music director AR Rahman) and Dil Chahta Hai fame Farhan Akhtar’s Lakshya (with Amitabh Bachchan and Preity Zinta).
Revenues from these four mega-budget films would definitely add to the topline and bottomline of UTV Motion Pictures, says Bhattacharjee. He refers to an article in prominent business daily dated 21 March 2003 in order to substantiate his claims.
Bhattacharjee, however, makes the point that revenues from these movies should not be confused with net realisations to the company.
See related story:
UTV Motion Pictures COO Bhattacharjee resigns
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.
