Hindi
Marathi entertainment visionary Akshay Bardapurkar receives honorary doctorate
Mumbai: National Award winner, producer-entrepreneur Akshay Bardapurkar, has been conferred with an honoris causa (honorary doctorate) in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Indian cinema and Marathi culture. This prestigious accolade, bestowed upon him by a renowned American university, acknowledges Bardapurkar’s groundbreaking work and innovative strategies that have transformed the landscape of the Indian entertainment industry. He was presented the honoris causa (honorary doctorate) by Padmashree Dr. Kanubhai Tailor, India’s humanitarian and former cricketer Munaf Patel. Apart from Bardapurkar, actor Manoj Bajpayee was also recently presented with an honorary doctorate from the same university.
Bardapurkar’s approach and transformative tactics have revolutionised the Marathi industry, consistently delivering exceptional brands and experiences for Marathi content. He created history by establishing Planet Marathi OTT, the world’s only exclusively Marathi OTT platform. With its vast collection of meticulously curated content, Planet Marathi OTT has emerged as a powerful platform for showcasing Marathi entertainment on an international scale. Through his cinematic endeavours, such as the iconic film “Chandramukhi,” Bardapurkar introduced the concept of larger-than-life cinema and pioneered innovative marketing and branding strategies in Marathi cinema.
His unwavering commitment to excellence has garnered national recognition, with two films from the Planet Marathi stable, namely “Gosht Eka Paithanichi” and “June,” receiving recognition at the prestigious 68th National Film Awards. These achievements solidify Bardapurkar’s position as a distinguished national award winner. Continuing his mission to elevate regional entertainment, Bardapurkar announced Planet Goem, a platform dedicated to showcasing art, culture, and people of Goa along with announcing plans to establish a film institute and studio in the state.
Commenting on his honoris causa (honorary doctorate), Bardapurkar said, “Receiving this honorary doctorate is a profoundly humbling experience, as it acknowledges the relentless efforts undertaken behind the scenes to foster positive transformation within the industry. I am deeply honored to accept this esteemed recognition, and I consider it a privilege that propels me forward to continue creating transformative and landmark contributions to Indian cinema.”
Hindi
Marico founder Harsh Mariwala’s book Harsh Realities set for film adaptation
Almighty Motion Picture taps Karan Vyas to script Marico story
MUMBAI: Almighty Motion Picture is turning its lens on India Inc., with plans to adapt Harsh Realities: The Making of Marico into a screen project. The story charts the rise of Harsh Mariwala, the chairman and founder of Marico, and is currently in early development, according to a report by Variety.
Writer Karan Vyas, known for his work on Scam 1992, Scoop and Made in India – A Titan Story, is attached to pen the screenplay. The project continues the studio’s growing interest in real-life Indian narratives that blend business with human drama.
At the heart of the story lies a defining moment in 1987, when Mariwala chose to step away from the family-run Bombay Oil Industries and strike out on his own. What followed was not just the creation of a company, but the reinvention of a legacy. Marico would go on to become a global FMCG player, with brands like Parachute, Saffola, Set Wet and Livon becoming household names, reaching nearly one in three Indians.
The source material, co-authored by Mariwala and renowned business strategist Ram Charan, offers more than a boardroom chronicle. It captures the grit behind the growth, the risks behind the rewards and the leadership lessons forged along the way.
The adaptation aims to move beyond balance sheets and brand milestones, focusing instead on the person behind the enterprise. Expect a narrative that leans into the emotional stakes of entrepreneurship, where decisions are as personal as they are professional.
Today, Marico draws about a quarter of its revenue from international markets across Asia and Africa, reflecting its steady transformation from a domestic player into a multinational force. Yet, if the makers have their way, the screen version will remind audiences that every global success story begins with a leap of faith.
With development set to begin soon, this is one business story that may just trade spreadsheets for storytelling, and profit margins for moments that linger
