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International Art Machine ropes in Karishma Naina Sharma to head international TV
Mumbai: Global entertainment studio International Art Machine has appointed film and TV executive Karishma Naina Sharma to head international television.
In her new role, Sharma will “bring her vast experience in the Indian and global marketplace to help curate a creative vision with an international perspective,” said the statement. She previously worked at Balaji Motion Pictures as the head of development and creative vice president where she developed and produced over 20 feature films under Ekta Kapoor and Sameer Nair.
Sharma, who will be based globally and in Mumbai, will be steering the studio in Asia and “take International Art Machine to its next phase of growth,” the statement said.
“To be a part of a truly international studio, headed by an innovator like Roy Price whose vision has carved out a legacy of award-winning shows and cutting-edge technology is both exciting and invigorating,” said International Art Machine head of international television Karishma Naina Sharma. “Our visions are aligned in recognizing that content is key and nurturing story tellers and story makers across the globe is at the very core of what we aim to cultivate at International Art Machine. I look forward to the journey ahead. I look forward to absorbing India’s myriad of talent and I look very much forward to curating a brand for International Art Machine that carry’s powerful, entertaining stories across borders that prove to be high in quality, innovative, relevant and commercially viable.”
“Karishma is a world class executive with a talent for story and strong talent relationships. We look forward to having her spearhead efforts from Mumbai,” said International Art Machine CEO and founder Roy Price.
International Art Machines recently announced its foray into India picking up the rights to Amish Tripathi’s Shiva Trilogy and partnering with talent such as Shekhar Kapur, Preity G Zinta, Dibakar Banerjee and Suparn S Varma.
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.
