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Banijay Asia acquires format rights from Sony Pictures Television
Mumbai: Banijay Asia, part of Banijay Entertainment, has inked a deal with Sony Pictures Television, the global television production and distribution company, acquiring format rights to produce Indian remakes of five of its popular international scripted series. The international favourites by Sony Pictures Television which Banijay Asia will recreate for Indian viewers include:
1. Drop Dead Diva: A captivating blend of comedy and drama which follows the story of a fashion model who dies in a sudden car accident and reincarnates into the body of a brilliant, plus-sized lawyer.
2. La Prepago: This gripping Colombian telenovela centres around a woman living a double life: one as a beautiful university student with a normal love life from a traditional family; the other as a high-class escort who is paid for companionship to support her family.
3. Men At Work: A hilarious comedy series that chronicles the lives of four friends navigating the complexities of work, relationships, and friendship in the bustling city of New York.
4. Mob Doctor: Combining elements of medical drama and organised crime, Mob Doctor tells the story of a talented surgeon who works at an upscale Chicago hospital but finds herself entangled with the mafia when she is forced to treat their wounded.
5. Rosario Tijeras: The series follows the journey of a vengeance-obsessed, young woman from the slums of Colombia and her love affair with two best friends who come from wealthy families.
Expressing her enthusiasm about the partnership, Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India group chief development officer, Mrinalini Jain said, “This collaboration allows us to bring some of the world’s most iconic and celebrated series to India by reimagining them through an Indian lens and adding a cultural twist. Each of these shows has a rich history and a massive following, and we are committed to maintaining their essence while making them relatable to our Indian viewers. Our journey with Sony Pictures Television is driven by a shared passion for storytelling, and commitment to deliver captivating content, and we look forward to bringing the best of global entertainment to the Indian market while ensuring each adaptation creates an unforgettable experience for our audiences.”
Sony Pictures Television VP, distribution, India, Sonika Bhasin said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Banijay Asia to bring international favourites to Indian audiences in new and exciting ways. These shows have garnered immense popularity worldwide, and we are excited to see them adapted for Indian audiences. We believe Banijay Asia has the expertise to deliver high-quality adaptations that capture the essence of the original series while offering a fresh perspective that appeals to the local audience. This is an exciting opportunity to showcase the universal appeal of Sony’s rich content library while embracing the vibrant culture and storytelling techniques of India, which has emerged as a key market for the global entertainment sector. With our combined expertise and creative vision, these adaptations will achieve the same level of success and appreciation across South Asia.”
Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India have successfully delivered several hit scripted adaptations including The Night Manager, and The Trial alongside successful originals like Aarya, Dahan, Matsya Kaand, Bombay Begums and Trial By Fire. The companies are also behind strong non-scripted productions including MasterChef, Big Boss, Temptation Island and Into The Wild with Bear Grylls.
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.
