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BARC ex-CEO Sunil Lulla announces new venture ‘The Linus Adventures’
Mumbai: Sunil Lulla, the ex-CEO of Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) who recently stepped down from his position at the TV measurement company to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions, has announced his new venture ‘The Linus Adverntures’, along with a gamut of other career and personal interests that he will be undertaking.
The Linus Adventures will assist promoters and CXOs scale their business and become leader brands. Additionally, Lulla will be starting a new chapter as a co-founder of a UAE-based edtech start-up focussed on India and MENA region, the purpose of which will be to nurture the next generations by providing them holistic development opportunities from an early stage in life.
Besides, Lulla will continue to remain an active angel investor in early-stage start-ups across multiple domains.
On a more personal front, going forward, he will vigorously support Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness (CMCA) which transforms the attitudes and behaviour of children to ensure a sustainable future. Also interested in learning a new way of running known as Maximum Aerobic Function/Low Heart Rate which helps to breathe smarter, Lulla hopes to ‘Run-Jog-Sprint-Recover’ to successfully complete many marathons and stay more refreshed.
“After four decades of a fulfilling and an exciting ‘employee life’, I now embark on a ‘portfolio career’; an entrepreneurial journey which not only brings to the fore my diverse experiences but also creates meaningful opportunities to make a difference to those around me,” said Sunil Lulla. “I am grateful for the privilege of working with some of the finest people and professionals without whom none of the successes would have been possible. My roller-coaster ride will continue with the good wishes and affection of my family, friends, and well-wishers. I celebrate my new beginning on a new stage with a new play.”
A media industry veteran, Lulla began his career with HMV/Sa Re Ga Ma and worked with leading brands including Grey Group, Times Television Network, SET, MTV, J Walter Thompson, and most recently BARC, India.
Lulla had taken over the reins as the CEO of BARC, India from Partho Dasgupta in 2019. He is succeeded by Nakul Chopra.
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.
