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Banijay Asia to create Indian adaptation of Canadian mini-series ‘Vertige’
Mumbai: Banijay Asia is collaborating with Armoza Formats, part of ITV Studios, to bring the official adaptation of the award-winning Canadian mini-series “Vertige” to the Indian audience.
The Canadian show, originally broadcast in French, deconstructs the alleged suicide of a young girl, Daphne Roussel. “Vertige” follows her as she miraculously wakes up from a three-month long coma with no memory of the 24 hours prior to her alleged suicide attempt.
“Our audience is developing a vast appetite for exciting and engaging content, making it increasingly important to bring innovative, catchy titles to screen,” said Banijay Asia CEO and Founder Deepak Dhar. “Armoza Format’s ‘Vertige’ is spellbindingly suspenseful, and the way the story catches you in the thrill-storm of the main character is extraordinary. Our audiences love strong narratives and solid characters, and Vertige is a series that fits the description seamlessly – it’s great to be collaborating to create our own, localised version of the show.”
“We are thrilled to see more of our scripted titles being adapted in India thanks to our great partners in the Indian market,” said Armoza Formats head of sales Salome Peillon. “Together with our partners at Banijay Asia, we are looking forward to bringing this thrilling drama series, ‘Vertige’, to the Indian viewers who have shown clear appetite for our scripted series.”
The six-episode thriller, originally produced by Pixcom, received multiple awards at the prestigious Prix Gémeaux in 2012 for categories such as ‘Best Direction,’ ‘Best Writing’ and ‘Best Original Music’ to name a few. Originally directed by Patrice Sauvé, “Vertige” features a stunning cast with Fanny Mallette, Normand Daneau, Marilyn, Castonguay, Noémie Godin-Vigneau, Monique Spaziani and Germain Houde in the pivotal roles.
Banijay Asia is behind hit shows such as “Call My Agent,” “Hostages,” “Survivor,” “The Voice,” “Into The Wild with Bear Grylls” and “The Big Picture.”
Armoza Formats is one of the top creators and distributors in the international content market and is known for its popular formats including primetime singing competition “The Four” and entertainment show “I Can Do That!” hit game show “Still Standing” and award-winning scripted drama “Hostages” which recently aired two seasons in India.
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.
