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Sumanta Bose assumes expanded leadership role as business head for Star Plus and Star Utsav
Mumbai: Disney Star, an entertainment conglomerate, has announced the expanded role of Sumanta Bose, who has been appointed as the business head for Star Plus and Star Utsav. In a significant development, Sumanta Bose has also been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the content for Disney+ Hotstar Hindi specials, further enhancing Disney Star’s position in the Indian entertainment industry. This strategic move comes as Kevin Vaz, former head of network entertainment channels, decides to pursue an exciting opportunity outside Disney Star. The organisational changes have paved the way for the next generation of leaders to step up and take on larger roles within the company.
With a remarkable decade-long career in the entertainment industry, Bose possesses a wealth of expertise and a profound understanding of the ever-evolving content landscape. Having previously played a pivotal role within the organisation, Sumanta Bose is exceptionally well-prepared to lead Star Plus and Star Utsav into an era defined by unprecedented growth and innovation.
Reporting directly to Disney+Hotstar Content Studio & TV head Gaurav Banerjee, Bose will leverage his expertise to propel the success of Star Plus and Star Utsav. Additionally, he will assume the responsibility of leading content development for Star Plus, Star Jalsha, and Disney+Hotstar Hindi Specials, further solidifying Disney+Hotstar’s position as a dominant player in the Indian entertainment industry. In his new role, Bose will play a pivotal role in shaping the content strategy, driving innovation, and fostering creative excellence across Star Plus, Star Utsav, Star Jalsha, and Disney+Hotstar Hindi Specials. His exemplary leadership skills, combined with his extensive experience in the industry, will enable him to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver compelling content that resonates with audiences.
Bose will report directly to Banerjee, while also maintaining an additional line of reporting to Disney+Hotstar head Sajith Sivanandan. This collaborative reporting structure will foster synergy across platforms and ensure a seamless integration of content offerings, thereby maximising the audience’s entertainment experience. With Bose at the helm, Disney Star is poised to reinforce its position as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, delivering captivating content to millions of viewers across various platforms.
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.
