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Vipul Nagar appointed as Colors Gujarati business head
Mumbai: Viacom18 has announced the appointment of Vipul Nagar as business head for Colors Gujarati.
In his new role, Nagar will be responsible for managing the overall business and operations for Colors Gujarati and Colors Gujarati Cinema and report to Viacom18 head of regional entertainment (Bangla, Odia, Tamil and Gujarati clusters) Rajesh Iyer, said the company in a statement on Wednesday.
Nagar comes with over two decades of industry experience, bringing in extensive knowledge and understanding of the Gujarati content ecosystem, having led programming for Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot at Radio Mirchi. In his most recent role, he was associated with Mirchi Brewery as senior vice president and national solutions director.
“Gujarat has a vibrant culture which is reflected in the variety of its entertainment landscape. The market has, of late, demonstrated an increasing appetite for homegrown content in the broadcast entertainment space and this provides us with a significant opportunity,” said Rajesh Iyer. “As we look to build our presence amidst both our viewers and advertisers, with Vipul’s rich experience across the media and entertainment value chain, he is well poised to tap into the full potential of the market.”
In his previous role, Nagar has led teams at Radio Mirchi, Dcube and EAI Education. He has been conferred with the prestigious New York Radio Award, Asia Consumer Engagement Forum Award, India Radio Forum Award, and Golden Mikes for his work. He was also awarded with Safdar Hashmi National Award from UP Sangeet Natak Academy for his contribution in theatre.
“The Gujarati cinema and entertainment market provides a plethora of opportunities and is known for its creative prowess for producing content that is engaging, fun and entertaining,” said Nagar. “Colors Gujarati and Colors Gujarati Cinema have an interesting legacy and I am excited to embark on the journey to take them to even greater heights.”
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.
